Difference between revisions of "Chi-Ha LG"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(Edits)
(→‎Description: Rework)
 
(32 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=jp_navy_120mm_spg}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Chi-Ha (Family)
 
| link = Chi-Ha (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=jp_navy_120mm_spg
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}} / Long 12 cm SPG''' ({{Annotation|長十二糎自走砲|Chō Jūni Senchi Jisōhō}}) was an obscure, one-off prototype discovered by US Marines at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, with little information available on its development. It was created by the {{Annotation|1st Section|Cannon & Artillery}} of the Imperial Japanese Navy Technical Department and assembled at Yokosuka. The vehicle was essentially a stripped-down Chi-Ha hull, modified with a metal platform extension to accommodate the gun crew, and fitted with a surplus 12 cm/45 10th Year Cannon, typically used on cruisers, carriers, or as coastal batteries. With little concrete development history, accounts from testing crews and US evaluations suggest the vehicle was at the limits of what the Chi-Ha hull could handle. All internal modules were removed except for the driver’s position, and the hull was reinforced with automotive steel to withstand the massive recoil of the gun—a force that would have otherwise destroyed a standard riveted Chi-Ha. The vehicle offered no real protection for the crew, leaving them entirely exposed.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].
+
It was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]]. Despite being built on the Chi-Ha hull, this vehicle was not truly considered a tank, even within its limited development circle. Instead, it should be regarded as a mobile gun emplacement. The crew is entirely exposed, and the mobility is compromised due to the heavy gun. Sniping is the only viable strategy, with the need to retreat into cover after each shot to maximize survivability. The powerful 120 mm SAPCBC-HE shell, with a velocity of 825 m/s and penetration of 100 mm at approximately 300 meters, defines the Chi-Ha Long Gun as the epitome of a "glass cannon." However, after firing, the gun's severe recoil will likely knock it off target, requiring readjustment if it hasn't already destroyed its target.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
While it shares the hull of a regular Chi-Ha, the gun crew is almost completely exposed as the turret got removed in replacement of a naval gun. The gunshield itself is quite small and offers only protection against rifle calibre fire.
 +
 +
The best way of protecting the gun and keeping it operational is angling the gun itself when taking MG fire so that the gunner is always behind the breech, this will expose other gun crew but when taking close-range MG fire, there's not much else to do other than attempt to retreat while keeping the gun operational.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
 
* Structural steel (Gun breech and mount)
 
* Structural steel (Gun breech and mount)
Line 22: Line 30:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 25 mm || 25 mm ''Top'' <br>25 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm
+
| Hull || 25 mm || 25 mm || 20 mm
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 10 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 10 mm ''Gun mantlet''
+
| Gun shield || 10 mm ''Gun shield'' <br> 10 mm ''Gun mantlet''
 +
!
 +
!
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 +
* Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
While the hull and engine are the same, most non-essentials were scrapped from the Chi-Ha 12cm to reduce weight so the main gun wouldn't weigh an additional toll to the hull. After removing the turret, radio equipment, MGs and cuts in the hull, the tank comes down to almost the same weight of a regular [[Chi-Ha]] and hence performs the same.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=241|rbMinHp=150}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=241|rbMinHp=150}}
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
As a glass-cannon sniper with hefty reload, modifications are down to personal preference, either get engine performance upgrades to get to a sniper spot sooner or get the gun upgraded so aiming it down on a target doesn't take too much time.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|10th Year Type (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|10th Year Type (120 mm)}}
  
 
This gun shouldn't be confused with the one on the [[Chi-Ha Short Gun]], while said Chi-Ha has a short gun meant for transport ships on anti submarine & close range fire range, the 12cm/45 10th Year was used as coastal emplacements and outfitted on early Japanese cruisers. It offers a high velocity gun to fling HE over the map with quite an ease.
 
This gun shouldn't be confused with the one on the [[Chi-Ha Short Gun]], while said Chi-Ha has a short gun meant for transport ships on anti submarine & close range fire range, the 12cm/45 10th Year was used as coastal emplacements and outfitted on early Japanese cruisers. It offers a high velocity gun to fling HE over the map with quite an ease.
 +
 +
The 120mm cannon offers two ammunition types: a normal HE and an SAPCBC shot. It is highly recommended to only carry maximum SAPCBC, since you will need to make the 10 rounds count. besides, the SAPCBC has nearly the same equivalent of TNT in explosive filler, meaning that it will react the same way as HE upon hitting the groung or failing to pen.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 59: Line 86:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:10th Year Type (120 mm)/Ammunition|Ordinary Mod.1, C.P.(BF)}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Ordinary, Mod.1 || HE || 25 || 25 || 25 || 25 || 25 || 25
 
−
|-
 
−
| C.P.(BF) || SAPCBC || 103 || 102 || 95 || 87 || 80 || 74
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Ordinary, Mod.1 || HE || 825 || 20.4 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 1,970 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| C.P.(BF) || SAPCBC || 825 || 20.4 || 1.2 || 19 || 1,870 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.85''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 101: Line 97:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''10''' || 1 ''(+9)'' || Yes
+
| '''10''' || 1&nbsp;''(+9)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Note''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
With its powerful gun but lacking protection, the Chi-Ha LG should be played as a sniper. The good muzzle velocity and powerful shells (with up 1.7 kg of explosive filler) make it a threat for every vehicle. However, being able to carry only 10 shells is a disadvantage. Staying near captured points is ideal to refill your ammunition storage when necessary but it will expose you to artillery strikes. With its massive gun and gun breech, enemy tanks will likely target you first, so stay behind bushes or cover. Also, staying near buildings or trees will give the enemy planes a harder time to see you. Avoid open fields. With its open gun shield, armour is non existent. Even 7,92 mm machine guns can knock out the whole crew (only the driver is protected). When no machine guns or autocannons are used by the enemy, the Chi-Ha LG can get very survivable. If the enemy fires a shell at you, they will most likely hit the driver or one of the two loaders, leaving the rest of the crew alive. Despite having a 120 mm gun with good muzzle velocity, it only has 103 mm of penetration: that means the "point and click" option won't always work, you have to aim shots precisely.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! Tier
+
* [[M4A3 (105)]]: This low-rank Sherman has strong enough frontal armour, to withstand a 120 mm shell. Try shooting at the turret around the gun mantlet. It won't be easy, but a successful hit will reward you with a knock out.
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
+
* [[KV-1 (L-11)]]: This heavy tank could be a hard nut to crack for the LG if faced frontally. When the KV-1 is unangled, try to shoot the driver's port or the armour on the gun mantlet. When angled, shoot the armour near the gun mantlet only.
−
! Protection
 
−
! Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 147: Line 118:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* High velocity
+
* High shell velocity
 +
* Quick reload for a gun of its size
 +
* The C.P.(BF) combines the penetration of APHE and the splash-damage capability of HE. The explosion of a non-penetrating hit to a cupola can wreck the roof armour of a tank
 
* Versatile Chi-Ha chassis
 
* Versatile Chi-Ha chassis
 
** Quite fast (up to {{Annotation|44 km/h|Arcade battles}} | {{Annotation|39 km/h|Realistic / Simulator battles}}), allowing it to get to certain spots in time
 
** Quite fast (up to {{Annotation|44 km/h|Arcade battles}} | {{Annotation|39 km/h|Realistic / Simulator battles}}), allowing it to get to certain spots in time
Line 161: Line 134:
 
* 10 shells max
 
* 10 shells max
 
* Ammunition is very exposed, one lucky shot can destroy the vehicle
 
* Ammunition is very exposed, one lucky shot can destroy the vehicle
−
* Shells might have some trouble penetrating the front armor of some tanks, especially in uptiers
+
* Shells might have some trouble penetrating the front armour of some tanks, especially in uptiers
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 167: Line 140:
 
{{main|Chi-Ha (Family)|l1=History of the Type 97 Chi-Ha}}
 
{{main|Chi-Ha (Family)|l1=History of the Type 97 Chi-Ha}}
  
−
As the Chi-Ha was very structurally sound and is able to withstand high amounts of additional weights while maintaining stable stress-levels and speed. This made it a great testbed for heavier weapons and equipement.
+
As the Chi-Ha was very structurally sound and is able to withstand high amounts of additional weights while maintaining stable stress-levels and speed. This made it a great testbed for heavier weapons and equipment.
 +
 
 +
;Design
 +
 
 +
One of these additions/variants was a Japanese Navy Construction Headquarters refit of the Chi-Ha to carry the [[120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)|12 cm/45 10th Year naval cannon]] at the end of the war. Information of the development of the Chi-Ha Long Gun is scarce but what is certain is that they were to be constructed in defence of the homeland in-case of the highly probable American invasion, target allied armour and reposition after being shown.
 +
 
 +
Very slight changes took place with the most notable being the addition of a muzzle brake. The Chi-Ha would be simply used as a moving platform and hence all the default equipment from turret, hull machine gun, radio equipment and other interior pieces were stripped in exchange for ammo storage. The 12cm cannon was bolted on the hull and used similarly to the [[Archer]] in practice, firing from the rear to maintain recoil levels while firing.
 +
 
 +
The crew consisted out of 5 people; the driver, tank commander, two gun crew, and an ammunition carrier. The cannon could elevate 20° and decline to -10°. Operating the cannon wasn't an easy task either due to the set-up of the gun on the plain back of the Chi-Ha. On top of the fire rate of 2 shells per minute, this would take a massive toll once in actual combat.
 +
 
 +
;Usage
 +
 
 +
The first test took place in April of 1945 on mobility and firing. 30 shots were fired at varying distances with upgraded cannon sights, with the longest shot during the test being around 3 km. No discrete information about penetration capabilities were recorded or made it to the post-war reports.
 +
 
 +
While production plans were approved, no further vehicles beyond the prototype were recorded as being built or near completion by the end of the war.
  
−
One of these additions / variants was an IJN refit of the Chi-Ha to be made in a 12cm Self-propelled gun carrying the [[120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)|12 cm/45 10th Year Naval Cannon]] outfitted on early cruisers before they were replaced by 127 mm's.
+
The prototype recorded by the US was found with the Yokosuka 15th unit and is the only footage on said vehicle.
  
−
A dozen of these 12cm SPG's were constructed in defense of the homeland in-case of the high probable American invasion.
+
=== [[wt:en/news/6840-development-chi-ha-long-gun-the-last-chance-gun-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
This curious prototype of a self-propelled gun was discovered in the territory of the Yokosuka naval base after Imperial Japan surrendered in WWII. The 120 mm naval gun was installed on a turntable mounted to the chassis of a Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank. It was obvious, that the self-propelled gun was assembled in a rush - the high losses of Japan in the final stages of WWII and a shortage of military production forced the army and naval commands to look for any way to protect the island metropolia of the Empire from the threat of an Allied landing.
  
−
The gun was bolted on the hull and used similar to the Archer in performance, firing from the rear to maintain recoil levels while firing.
+
The self-propelled gun did not have any protection, the large calibre of the cannon and the weak platform of the medium tank presupposed firing mainly direct fire and in the rather limited arcs of forward and backward to avoid overturning due to the heavy recoil. Despite all these shortcomings, such vehicles were supposed to go into series for rapid deployment in dangerous sectors of the coastal defense line for the Japanese islands and firing at a line-of-sight distance at approaching enemy forces.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
{{main|Chi-Ha (Family)#Media|l1=Media of the Type 97 Chi-Ha}}
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=jp_navy_120mm_spg Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_navy_120mm_spg Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:Chi-Ha Long Gun (1).png|
 +
File:Chi-Ha Long Gun (3).png|
 +
File:Chi-Ha Long Gun (2).png|
 +
</gallery>
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|GpCq7QDEjBk|'''The Shooting Range #220''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|GpCq7QDEjBk|'''The Shooting Range #220''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|-wIA6AuMBYo|Captured Experimental ''Long 12cm Chi-Ha''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 188: Line 185:
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Related Development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Chi-Ha (Family)]] <small>(base hull)</small>
 +
** [[Chi-Ha Short Gun|Type 97 Chi-Ha Short Gun]] <small>(another navy variant)</small>
 +
 
 +
;Tanks of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Pvkv II]]
 +
* [[File:IJA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ro-Go Exp.]]
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZiS-30]]
 +
* [[File:China flag.png|30px|link=]] [[LVT(A)(4) (ZiS-2)]]
 +
* [[File:Germany flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Dicker Max]]
 +
* [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[M10 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/6840-development-chi-ha-long-gun-the-last-chance-gun-en|[Devblog] Chi-Ha Long Gun: The Last Chance Gun]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6840-development-chi-ha-long-gun-the-last-chance-gun-en|[Devblog] Chi-Ha Long Gun: The Last Chance Gun]]
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Yokosuka Naval Arsenal}}
 
{{Japan tank destroyers}}
 
{{Japan tank destroyers}}

Latest revision as of 17:29, 28 August 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the Japanese medium tank Chi-Ha LG. For other versions, see Chi-Ha (Family).
Chi-Ha LG
jp_navy_120mm_spg.png
GarageImage Chi-Ha LG.jpg
ArtImage Chi-Ha LG.png
Chi-Ha LG
Japan flag.png Japan
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Type 97 Chi-Ha Long Gun / Long 12 cm SPG (長十二糎自走砲) was an obscure, one-off prototype discovered by US Marines at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal, with little information available on its development. It was created by the 1st Section of the Imperial Japanese Navy Technical Department and assembled at Yokosuka. The vehicle was essentially a stripped-down Chi-Ha hull, modified with a metal platform extension to accommodate the gun crew, and fitted with a surplus 12 cm/45 10th Year Cannon, typically used on cruisers, carriers, or as coastal batteries. With little concrete development history, accounts from testing crews and US evaluations suggest the vehicle was at the limits of what the Chi-Ha hull could handle. All internal modules were removed except for the driver’s position, and the hull was reinforced with automotive steel to withstand the massive recoil of the gun—a force that would have otherwise destroyed a standard riveted Chi-Ha. The vehicle offered no real protection for the crew, leaving them entirely exposed.

It was introduced in Update "Raining Fire". Despite being built on the Chi-Ha hull, this vehicle was not truly considered a tank, even within its limited development circle. Instead, it should be regarded as a mobile gun emplacement. The crew is entirely exposed, and the mobility is compromised due to the heavy gun. Sniping is the only viable strategy, with the need to retreat into cover after each shot to maximize survivability. The powerful 120 mm SAPCBC-HE shell, with a velocity of 825 m/s and penetration of 100 mm at approximately 300 meters, defines the Chi-Ha Long Gun as the epitome of a "glass cannon." However, after firing, the gun's severe recoil will likely knock it off target, requiring readjustment if it hasn't already destroyed its target.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull25 / 25 / 20
Turret10 / 0 / 0
Crew5 people
Visibility107 %

While it shares the hull of a regular Chi-Ha, the gun crew is almost completely exposed as the turret got removed in replacement of a naval gun. The gunshield itself is quite small and offers only protection against rifle calibre fire.

The best way of protecting the gun and keeping it operational is angling the gun itself when taking MG fire so that the gunner is always behind the breech, this will expose other gun crew but when taking close-range MG fire, there's not much else to do other than attempt to retreat while keeping the gun operational.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
  • Structural steel (Gun breech and mount)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 25 mm 25 mm 20 mm
Gun shield 10 mm Gun shield
10 mm Gun mantlet

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 15 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB44 / 21 km/h
RB and SB40 / 19 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight14.8 t
Engine power
AB324 hp
RB and SB170 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB21.9 hp/t
RB and SB11.5 hp/t

While the hull and engine are the same, most non-essentials were scrapped from the Chi-Ha 12cm to reduce weight so the main gun wouldn't weigh an additional toll to the hull. After removing the turret, radio equipment, MGs and cuts in the hull, the tank comes down to almost the same weight of a regular Chi-Ha and hence performs the same.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 44 21 14.8 241 324 16.28 21.89
Realistic 40 19 150 170 10.14 11.49

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB622 → 769 Sl icon.png
RB692 → 856 Sl icon.png
SB808 → 999 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 460 Rp icon.png
9 580 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces160 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 60 / 70 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
630 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png

As a glass-cannon sniper with hefty reload, modifications are down to personal preference, either get engine performance upgrades to get to a sniper spot sooner or get the gun upgraded so aiming it down on a target doesn't take too much time.

Armaments

Main armament

120 mm 10th Year Type cannon
Ammunition10 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 15°
Horizontal guidance-60° / 60°
Main article: 10th Year Type (120 mm)

This gun shouldn't be confused with the one on the Chi-Ha Short Gun, while said Chi-Ha has a short gun meant for transport ships on anti submarine & close range fire range, the 12cm/45 10th Year was used as coastal emplacements and outfitted on early Japanese cruisers. It offers a high velocity gun to fling HE over the map with quite an ease.

The 120mm cannon offers two ammunition types: a normal HE and an SAPCBC shot. It is highly recommended to only carry maximum SAPCBC, since you will need to make the 10 rounds count. besides, the SAPCBC has nearly the same equivalent of TNT in explosive filler, meaning that it will react the same way as HE upon hitting the groung or failing to pen.

120 mm 10th Year Type Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 10 -10°/+15° ±60° N/A 8.80 12.19 14.80 16.37 17.41 13.00 11.50 10.60 10.00
Realistic 5.95 7.00 8.50 9.40 10.00

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Ordinary, Mod.1 HE 25 25 25 25 25 25
C.P.(BF) SAPCBC 103 102 95 87 80 74
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Ordinary, Mod.1 HE 825 20.4 0.3 0.1 1.97 79° 80° 81°
C.P.(BF) SAPCBC 825 20.4 1.2 19 1.87 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Chi-Ha LG
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
10 1 (+9) No

Note:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.

Usage in battles

With its powerful gun but lacking protection, the Chi-Ha LG should be played as a sniper. The good muzzle velocity and powerful shells (with up 1.7 kg of explosive filler) make it a threat for every vehicle. However, being able to carry only 10 shells is a disadvantage. Staying near captured points is ideal to refill your ammunition storage when necessary but it will expose you to artillery strikes. With its massive gun and gun breech, enemy tanks will likely target you first, so stay behind bushes or cover. Also, staying near buildings or trees will give the enemy planes a harder time to see you. Avoid open fields. With its open gun shield, armour is non existent. Even 7,92 mm machine guns can knock out the whole crew (only the driver is protected). When no machine guns or autocannons are used by the enemy, the Chi-Ha LG can get very survivable. If the enemy fires a shell at you, they will most likely hit the driver or one of the two loaders, leaving the rest of the crew alive. Despite having a 120 mm gun with good muzzle velocity, it only has 103 mm of penetration: that means the "point and click" option won't always work, you have to aim shots precisely.

Enemies worth noting:

  • M4A3 (105): This low-rank Sherman has strong enough frontal armour, to withstand a 120 mm shell. Try shooting at the turret around the gun mantlet. It won't be easy, but a successful hit will reward you with a knock out.
  • KV-1 (L-11): This heavy tank could be a hard nut to crack for the LG if faced frontally. When the KV-1 is unangled, try to shoot the driver's port or the armour on the gun mantlet. When angled, shoot the armour near the gun mantlet only.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High shell velocity
  • Quick reload for a gun of its size
  • The C.P.(BF) combines the penetration of APHE and the splash-damage capability of HE. The explosion of a non-penetrating hit to a cupola can wreck the roof armour of a tank
  • Versatile Chi-Ha chassis
    • Quite fast (up to 44 km/h | 39 km/h), allowing it to get to certain spots in time
    • Great turning ability in low gear
    • Lovely climbing ability, Good to get in sniper locations

Cons:

  • Gun shield is small and thin, doesn't provide too much cover
  • Only one crew member is inside the tank
    • Vehicle can be destroyed due low caliber MG fire even with full crew
    • Two loader crew in the back of the tank have no direct cover
  • 10 shells max
  • Ammunition is very exposed, one lucky shot can destroy the vehicle
  • Shells might have some trouble penetrating the front armour of some tanks, especially in uptiers

History

Main article: History of the Type 97 Chi-Ha

As the Chi-Ha was very structurally sound and is able to withstand high amounts of additional weights while maintaining stable stress-levels and speed. This made it a great testbed for heavier weapons and equipment.

Design

One of these additions/variants was a Japanese Navy Construction Headquarters refit of the Chi-Ha to carry the 12 cm/45 10th Year naval cannon at the end of the war. Information of the development of the Chi-Ha Long Gun is scarce but what is certain is that they were to be constructed in defence of the homeland in-case of the highly probable American invasion, target allied armour and reposition after being shown.

Very slight changes took place with the most notable being the addition of a muzzle brake. The Chi-Ha would be simply used as a moving platform and hence all the default equipment from turret, hull machine gun, radio equipment and other interior pieces were stripped in exchange for ammo storage. The 12cm cannon was bolted on the hull and used similarly to the Archer in practice, firing from the rear to maintain recoil levels while firing.

The crew consisted out of 5 people; the driver, tank commander, two gun crew, and an ammunition carrier. The cannon could elevate 20° and decline to -10°. Operating the cannon wasn't an easy task either due to the set-up of the gun on the plain back of the Chi-Ha. On top of the fire rate of 2 shells per minute, this would take a massive toll once in actual combat.

Usage

The first test took place in April of 1945 on mobility and firing. 30 shots were fired at varying distances with upgraded cannon sights, with the longest shot during the test being around 3 km. No discrete information about penetration capabilities were recorded or made it to the post-war reports.

While production plans were approved, no further vehicles beyond the prototype were recorded as being built or near completion by the end of the war.

The prototype recorded by the US was found with the Yokosuka 15th unit and is the only footage on said vehicle.

Devblog

This curious prototype of a self-propelled gun was discovered in the territory of the Yokosuka naval base after Imperial Japan surrendered in WWII. The 120 mm naval gun was installed on a turntable mounted to the chassis of a Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank. It was obvious, that the self-propelled gun was assembled in a rush - the high losses of Japan in the final stages of WWII and a shortage of military production forced the army and naval commands to look for any way to protect the island metropolia of the Empire from the threat of an Allied landing.

The self-propelled gun did not have any protection, the large calibre of the cannon and the weak platform of the medium tank presupposed firing mainly direct fire and in the rather limited arcs of forward and backward to avoid overturning due to the heavy recoil. Despite all these shortcomings, such vehicles were supposed to go into series for rapid deployment in dangerous sectors of the coastal defense line for the Japanese islands and firing at a line-of-sight distance at approaching enemy forces.

Media

Main article: Media of the Type 97 Chi-Ha
Skins
Images
  • Chi-Ha Long Gun (1).png
  • Chi-Ha Long Gun (3).png
  • Chi-Ha Long Gun (2).png
Videos
The Shooting Range #220 - Metal Beasts section at 00:28 discusses the Chi-Ha LG.
Captured Experimental Long 12cm Chi-Ha

See also

Related Development
Tanks of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Yokosuka Naval Arsenal (横須賀海軍工廠)
Destroyers (DD) 
Momi-class  IJN Momi
Light Cruisers (CL) 
Mogami-class  IJN Suzuya
Heavy Cruisers (CA) 
Myōkō-class  IJN Myoko
Battlecruisers (BC) 
Kurama-class  IJN Kurama
Amagi-class  IJN Amagi
Battleships (BB) 
Fusō-class  IJN Yamashiro
Nagato-class  IJN Mutsu
Tanks  Ka-Mi · Ka-Chi · Chi-Ha LG
See also  Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal

Japan tank destroyers
Ro-Go Derivatives  Ro-Go Exp.
Chi-Ha Derivatives  Ho-Ni I · Ho-Ni III · Ho-Ro · Chi-Ha LG
Ho-Ri  Ho-Ri Prototype · Ho-Ri Production
Other  Na-To
JGSDF 
SPRG  Type 60 (C)
SPH  Type 75 · Type 99
ATGM  Type 60 ATM
Rocket  Type 75 MLRS
USA  ▅M36

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Chi-Ha_LG&oldid=191575"