Difference between revisions of "Type 74 (E)"

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−
{{Specs-Card|code=jp_type_74}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Japanese medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = the premium version
+
| usage = other versions
−
| link = Type 74G
+
| link = Type 74 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=jp_type_74
 +
|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}}''' ({{Annotation|74式戦車E型|Nanayon Shiki Sensha, 'E' Gata}}) is a variant on the [[Type 74 (Family)|Type 74 MBT series]] featuring an enhanced fire control system that allows it to fire Type 91 HEAT-MP rounds instead of Type 75 HESH rounds. It also has a thermal sleeve for the [[L7A3 (105 mm)]] rifled gun, which was added in the Type 74 (D) upgrade. Moreover, it can mount a dozer blade to create a hull-down position.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
+
It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]] as the '''Type 74''', and updated to the '''Type 74 (E)''' in [[Update "Direct Hit"]]. It's the first of the Japanese MBTs to be able to equip APFSDS ammunition, which on top of its LWS/LR and hydropneumatic suspension system that allows it to adjust its hull height and angle, provides a decent sniping vehicle.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 22: Line 26:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Hull || 40 mm (74°), 80 mm (65°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 80 mm (57°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm (44°) ''Top'' <br> 30 mm, 10 mm (55-56°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (47-48°) ''Bottom'' || 25 mm
 
| Hull || 40 mm (74°), 80 mm (65°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 80 mm (57°) ''Lower glacis'' || 35 mm (44°) ''Top'' <br> 30 mm, 10 mm (55-56°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (47-48°) ''Bottom'' || 25 mm
Line 28: Line 32:
 
| Turret || 132 mm (27-53°) ''Turret front'' <br> 200 mm (34-73°) , 150 + 170 mm (0-44°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 132 mm (5-57°) ''Front'' <br> 67 mm (37-47°) ''Rear'' || 37 mm (17-39°) || 67 mm ''Front'' <br> 37 mm ''Rear''
 
| Turret || 132 mm (27-53°) ''Turret front'' <br> 200 mm (34-73°) , 150 + 170 mm (0-44°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 132 mm (5-57°) ''Front'' <br> 67 mm (37-47°) ''Rear'' || 37 mm (17-39°) || 67 mm ''Front'' <br> 37 mm ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 80 mm || 80 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 80 mm || 80 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
As with most medium tanks of the rank, the hull of Type 74 is only capable of stopping some autocannon fire and has very vulnerable sides, however, the turret armour of Type 74 is closer to American and British turret armour level. While it's unlikely to stop most APFSDS, it is very likely to deflect stray APDS and APHE. Light tanks will likely have to get close and personal to penetrate it, as penetrating cupola even with APDS belt is a challenge due to its size.
 
−
 
−
The advantage can be kept even when creeping onto the enemy high ground by using hydropneumatic suspension before driving uphill to not allow the enemy to fire at the roof. In rare cases, the tank can "duck" behind cover to hide at least a portion of the turret from enemy fire.
 
  
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
Line 43: Line 41:
 
* The Type 74's hydropneumatic suspension means it could vary the sloped angle of its armour towards the enemy.
 
* The Type 74's hydropneumatic suspension means it could vary the sloped angle of its armour towards the enemy.
 
* Hull roof is rated to be 25 mm effective against HE.
 
* Hull roof is rated to be 25 mm effective against HE.
 +
 +
As with most medium tanks of the rank, the hull of the {{PAGENAME}} is only capable of stopping some autocannon fire and has very vulnerable sides, however, the turret armour of the {{PAGENAME}} is closer to US and British turret armour level. While it's unlikely to stop most APFSDS, it is very likely to deflect stray APDS and APHE. Light tanks will likely have to get close and personal to penetrate it, as penetrating cupola even with APDS belt is a challenge due to its size.
 +
 +
The advantage can be kept even when creeping onto the enemy high ground by using hydropneumatic suspension before driving uphill to not allow the enemy to fire at the roof. In rare cases, the tank can "duck" behind cover to hide at least a portion of the turret from enemy fire.
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1116|rbMinHp= 637}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,348|rbMinHp=769}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
<!-- ''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.'' -->
+
{{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.'' -->
 
{{main|L7A3 (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|L7A3 (105 mm)}}
  
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+9° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 38.1 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 8.7 || rowspan="2" | 7.7 || rowspan="2" | 7.1 || rowspan="2" | 6.7
+
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+9° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 14.3 || 20.3 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
==== Ammunition ====
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| M735 || APFSDS || 353 || 350 || 342 || 333 || 322 || 312
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 75 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 91 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 93 || APFSDS || 405 || 403 || 396 || 388 || 378 || 370
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | 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)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M735 || APFSDS || 1,501 || 3.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 76° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 75 || HESH || 760 || 10.8 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 2,700 || +0.0° || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 91 || HEATFS || 1,150 || 10.5 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,271 || +0.0° || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 93 || APFSDS || 1,501 || 3.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || _._° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
While the 105 mm gun is relatively equal to one of other nations, the ammunition and optics of the {{PAGENAME}} are exceptional. It has all the same shell types of NATO tanks. The {{PAGENAME}} also has a laser rangefinder, which makes it really easy to check aim in RB, compared to tanks it fights in down-tiers and sometimes even in up-tier.
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
While gun is relatively equal to one of other nations, the ammunition and amount of supplement tools of type 74 is exceptional.  
+
The gun depression is somewhat limited, but the vehicle's hydropneumatic suspension can be used to compensate for this.
  
−
In general, it has all the same shell types of NATO tanks, but instead of APDS it's stock ammunition is APFSDS, which is superior to top shell of [[Leopard A1A1]], and top APFSDS of type 74 can put some rank VII APFSDS to shame in terms of penetration and damage, both flat and angled hit.
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
 
+
{{:L7A3 (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type 91, M735, M416, Type 93}}
−
Type 74 also has laser rangefinder, which makes it really easy to check aim in RB, compared to tanks it fights in down-tiers and sometimes even in up-tier.
 
−
 
 
−
The gun depression is the only real disadvantage, forcing operator to use hydropneumatic suspension. Main issue is that if chassis got damaged while tank was shifting, it will refuse to work and tank might get stuck in awkward pose, being unable to aim at opponents, however usually enemies aim to kill instead of just disabling type 74.
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Type_74_(C).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.70''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 147: Line 96:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''50''' || 15&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+44)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+50)'' || No
+
| '''50''' || 17&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+49)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Racks 2 and 3 are first stage ammo racks. They total 16 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
** These racks are also emptied early: the depletion order at full capacity is: 2 - 3 - 1.
 +
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-8 into rack 9. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
 +
* The visual discrepancy concerns racks 1 and 3.
 +
** Rack 1 has 3 shells which, while modelled in the rack, are never present (crossed out shells).
 +
** Rack 1 is modelled as 30 shells but contains 34 shells.
 +
** Rack 3 has a shell which remains in the rack even after having been shot.
  
 
==== Optics and night vision ====
 
==== Optics and night vision ====
Line 168: Line 127:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Gunner's Sight
 
! Gunner's Sight
−
| X8 - X16 || 800X600? || ? || high || Not Fitted || Only useable with an upgrade
+
| X8 - X16 || 800X600 || 8.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Commander's View
 
! Commander's View
−
| X6 || 800X600? || ? || high || Not Fitted || Only useable with an upgrade
+
| X6 || 800X600 || 8.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Driver's View
 
! Driver's View
−
| X1 / 3PV || 800X600 || ? || high || Not Fitted || Only useable with an upgrade
+
| X1 / 3PV || 800X600 || 5.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|Type 74 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|Type 74 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
−
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 576 || -10°/+40° || ±120°
+
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 575 || -10°/+60° || -180°/+80°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[Type 74 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 74]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[Type 74 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 74]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 
−
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 
−
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
−
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 5,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 4,500 (250) || 701 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
While it's not recommended, it's still possible to use 12.7 mm to fight light tanks like [[AUBL/74 HVG]] or [[Rooikat Mk.1D]] and most SPAA tanks at <100 m range.  
+
While it's not recommended, it's still possible to use 12.7 mm to fight light tanks like [[AUBL/74 HVG]] or [[Rooikat Mk.1D]] and most SPAA tanks at <100 m range.
  
−
Do not charge them with just the MG, especially at long range, as even poorly armored rank V light tanks can survive frontal MG fire long enough to disarm and explode Type 74 - let them come to you, hit them with the main gun and ensure they never move again by firing at their sides or flat parts, while hiding yours.
+
Do not charge them with just the MG, especially at long range, as even poorly armoured rank V light tanks can survive frontal MG fire long enough to disarm and explode Type 74 - let them come to you, hit them with the main gun and ensure they never move again by firing at their sides or flat parts, while hiding yours.
  
 
Any melee oriented light tanks like [[BMP-2]] or [[Warrior]] with add-on armour will have enough armour to absorb the MG fire and will greet Type 74 back with point blank ATGM attack, which machine guns will be unable to stop at such range.
 
Any melee oriented light tanks like [[BMP-2]] or [[Warrior]] with add-on armour will have enough armour to absorb the MG fire and will greet Type 74 back with point blank ATGM attack, which machine guns will be unable to stop at such range.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
−
As the Type 74 is very comparable to the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1 Series]], especially the [[Leopard A1A1]], it is recommended to play them in the same fashion as such. In a Hit & Run tactic.
+
As the {{PAGENAME}} is very comparable to the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1 Series]], especially the [[Leopard A1A1]], it is recommended to play them in the same fashion as such. In a Hit & Run tactic.
  
−
The additional benefits of the Type 74 over the [[Leopard A1A1]] are:
+
The additional benefits of the {{PAGENAME}} over the [[Leopard A1A1]] are:
  
 
* A top mounted .50 which can be used to deal with soft targets swiftly or damage gun barrels or track opponent tanks.
 
* A top mounted .50 which can be used to deal with soft targets swiftly or damage gun barrels or track opponent tanks.
−
* Hydropneumatic suspension to:  
+
* Hydropneumatic suspension to:
−
** Increase gun depression or elevation.  
+
** Increase gun depression or elevation.
 
** Improve traverse rate off- and on road.
 
** Improve traverse rate off- and on road.
 
** Could vary the sloped angle of its armour towards the enemy.
 
** Could vary the sloped angle of its armour towards the enemy.
−
* Stronger turret armor
+
* Stronger turret armour
 
* Night vision spotlight
 
* Night vision spotlight
−
* Stock APFSDS (M735)
+
* Better ammunition available:
−
** Which in its own right is stronger than the leopard's APFSDS (DM23)
+
** Stock HEAT shell for the 74F while the Leopard starts with an APDS shell.
−
** Strongest 105 mm APFSDS in-game (Type 93)
+
** APFSDS shell researchable at tier I while it is a tier IV modification for the A1A1.
  
−
With all the additional benefits out of the way, it shouldn't be negated it's still a gen 2 MBT with barely any armor to rely upon other than the strong turret which still will be defeated by most rounds that the Type 74 will face. It is advised to make use of the terrain to your advantage in combination with the hydropneumatic suspension. The stabilizer also allows for the Type 74 to shoot on the move and due lower top speed compared to the Leopard, should be even easier to shoot on the move.  
+
With all the additional benefits out of the way, it shouldn't be negated it's still a gen 2 MBT with barely any armour to rely upon other than the strong turret which still will be defeated by most rounds that the {{PAGENAME}} will face. It is advised to make use of the terrain to your advantage in combination with the hydropneumatic suspension. The stabilizer also allows for the {{PAGENAME}} to shoot on the move and due lower top speed compared to the Leopard, should be even easier to shoot on the move.
  
−
But even though armor isn't the strong suit of the Type 74, it gets an amazing choice of rounds to make use of. Even the strongest tanks should fear a stock Type 74 as it gets the M735 APFSDS, which is usually a tier IV modification for most [[L7A3 (105 mm)| 105 mm L7A3]] carrying tanks, this gives the Type 74 a lot of one shot potential on all its targets without the need to aim towards weak spots.
+
But even though armour isn't the strong suit of the {{PAGENAME}}, it gets an amazing choice of rounds to make use of. Even the strongest tanks shouldn't disregard a stock {{PAGENAME}} as it gets HEATFS as stock shell and has access to the M735 APFSDS shell as soon as tier I (with a second more potent Type 93 APFSDS shell as tier IV modification), while such a shell usually is a tier IV modification for most [[L7A3 (105 mm)| 105 mm L7A3]] carrying tanks, this improves the {{PAGENAME}}'s combat performance by a lot.
  
 
''In a nutshell:'' Use the mobility with the cannon's perfection to flank and spank enemies (But if you have to resolve to a frontal attack, the APFSDS still allows for such a playstyle). Wait and hunt for the perfect positions and kill the enemy tanks one by one, while always maintaining a good situational awareness. Patience is the key to success.
 
''In a nutshell:'' Use the mobility with the cannon's perfection to flank and spank enemies (But if you have to resolve to a frontal attack, the APFSDS still allows for such a playstyle). Wait and hunt for the perfect positions and kill the enemy tanks one by one, while always maintaining a good situational awareness. Patience is the key to success.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
| Type 75
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| Type 91
 
−
| Laser rangefinder
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| M416
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Type 93
 
−
| NVD
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 286: Line 198:
  
 
* Same gun and general ammo choices as the NATO tanks
 
* Same gun and general ammo choices as the NATO tanks
−
* M735 APFSDS comes stock, is free, and is better than top shell of [[Leopard A1A1]]
 
 
* Gets improved Type 93 APFSDS, which can deal frontally with anything the tank will see from any range
 
* Gets improved Type 93 APFSDS, which can deal frontally with anything the tank will see from any range
 
* A little bit more agile than the [[Leopard A1A1]]
 
* A little bit more agile than the [[Leopard A1A1]]
Line 295: Line 206:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* [[hydropneumatic suspension|Hydropneumatic suspension system]] takes time to deploy and undeploy
+
* [[Hydropneumatic suspension]] system takes time to deploy and undeploy
−
* Only -5° of gun depression without deploying the suspension
+
* Only -6° of gun depression without deploying the suspension
 
* 53 km/h top speed compared to [[Leopard A1A1]]'s 65 km/h (however, both tanks rarely reach this speed)
 
* 53 km/h top speed compared to [[Leopard A1A1]]'s 65 km/h (however, both tanks rarely reach this speed)
  
Line 304: Line 215:
 
A year after the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) issued out their first post-war main battle tank, the [[Type 61]], development started on its successor, recognizing that the Type 61 was already becoming obsolete in terms of the new Soviet tanks being produced such as the [[T-62]]. Working alongside Mitsubishi once more, they looked for a new tank design incorporating many new features introduced in tank technology. This resulted in the tank having the hydropneumatic suspension system from the U.S.-German project MBT-70, a hull shape similar to Germany's [[Leopard I]], and the powerful [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm L7 gun]] for its main armament. Other planned features for the tank was a rotatable commander's cupola and an autoloader system for the main gun.
 
A year after the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) issued out their first post-war main battle tank, the [[Type 61]], development started on its successor, recognizing that the Type 61 was already becoming obsolete in terms of the new Soviet tanks being produced such as the [[T-62]]. Working alongside Mitsubishi once more, they looked for a new tank design incorporating many new features introduced in tank technology. This resulted in the tank having the hydropneumatic suspension system from the U.S.-German project MBT-70, a hull shape similar to Germany's [[Leopard I]], and the powerful [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm L7 gun]] for its main armament. Other planned features for the tank was a rotatable commander's cupola and an autoloader system for the main gun.
  
−
The first prototype arrived for testing in 1968 as the ''[[STB-1]]''. Modifications to the design started in 1969, which saw the autoloader removed for being too complex and expensive, as well as the removal of a proposed remote-controlled anti-aircraft machine gun for the same reason. The turret design was also elongated for various design purposes. The modified prototype was labelled ''STB-3'' and was delivered in 1971. The final prototype, ''STB-6'', was then delivered in 1973. The tank was then accepted for service in 1974 as the '''Type 74''' tank. Production would start in September 1975 all the way to 1989, producing 893 tanks.
+
The first prototype arrived for testing in 1968 as the [[STB-1]]. Modifications to the design started in 1969, which saw the autoloader removed for being too complex and expensive, as well as the removal of a proposed remote-controlled anti-aircraft machine gun for the same reason. The turret design was also elongated for various design purposes. The modified prototype was labelled ''STB-3'' and was delivered in 1971. The final prototype, ''STB-6'', was then delivered in 1973. The tank was then accepted for service in 1974 as the '''Type 74''' tank. Production would start in September 1975 all the way to 1989, producing 893 tanks.
  
 
===Service===
 
===Service===
Line 313: Line 224:
 
== 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.'' -->
−
{{Youtube-gallery|lFnDj29Pw6U|'''Type 74 MBT Super Unicorn Review''' - ''Many Miles Away''<br>(Coarse language present)|tmKtl0WGdxA|'''Type 74 tanks in a public demonstration - 2014''' - ''JP&#8209;SWAT''|C1HCuRbl9lw|'''Real Sound Recording: Type 74 Edition''' - ''DMM GAMES Official Channel''|TZEt-V6V2WQ|'''JGSDF Type 74: 360° Video''' - ''DMM GAMES Official Channel''}}
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_type_74 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
{{Skin-gallery
 +
|market|Type 74 of the 1st Sensha Daitai|Type 74 of the 1st Sensha Daitai.png|Camo "1st Sensha Daitai"
 +
|market|ugcitem_1000551|Type 74 of the 1st Sensha-gun 304th Chutai.png|Camo "1st Sensha-gun, 304th Chutai"
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|tmKtl0WGdxA|'''Type 74 tanks in a public demonstration - 2014''' - ''JP&#8209;SWAT''|C1HCuRbl9lw|'''Real Sound Recording: Type 74 Edition''' - ''DMM GAMES Official Channel''|TZEt-V6V2WQ|'''JGSDF Type 74: 360° Video''' - ''DMM GAMES Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Related Development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[STB-1]] - <small>(Prototype Stage)</small>
 +
* [[Type 74 (Family)]]
 +
* [[Type 87]] - <small>(SPAAG built on a modified Type 74 Hull)</small>
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[Leopard 1 (Family)]]
 +
** [[Leopard A1A1]]
 +
* [[AMX-30 (Family)]]
 +
** [[AMX-30 Super]]
 +
* [[OF-40 (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.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 03:07, 10 September 2023

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Japanese medium tank Type 74 (E). For other versions, see Type 74 (Family).
Type 74 (E)
jp_type_74.png
GarageImage Type 74 (E).jpg
ArtImage Type 74 (E).png
Type 74 (E)
Japan flag.png Japan
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 9.0 9.0
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Type 74 (E) (74式戦車E型) is a variant on the Type 74 MBT series featuring an enhanced fire control system that allows it to fire Type 91 HEAT-MP rounds instead of Type 75 HESH rounds. It also has a thermal sleeve for the L7A3 (105 mm) rifled gun, which was added in the Type 74 (D) upgrade. Moreover, it can mount a dozer blade to create a hull-down position.

It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai" as the Type 74, and updated to the Type 74 (E) in Update "Direct Hit". It's the first of the Japanese MBTs to be able to equip APFSDS ammunition, which on top of its LWS/LR and hydropneumatic suspension system that allows it to adjust its hull height and angle, provides a decent sniping vehicle.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 30 / 20
Turret132 / 67 / 37
Crew4 people
Visibility96 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40 mm (74°), 80 mm (65°) Front glacis
80 mm (57°) Lower glacis 		35 mm (44°) Top
30 mm, 10 mm (55-56°) Bottom 		20 mm Top
25 mm (47-48°) Bottom 		25 mm
Turret 132 mm (27-53°) Turret front
200 mm (34-73°) , 150 + 170 mm (0-44°) Gun mantlet 		132 mm (5-57°) Front
67 mm (37-47°) Rear 		37 mm (17-39°) 67 mm Front
37 mm Rear
Cupola 80 mm 80 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are both 20 mm thick.
  • The Type 74's hydropneumatic suspension means it could vary the sloped angle of its armour towards the enemy.
  • Hull roof is rated to be 25 mm effective against HE.

As with most medium tanks of the rank, the hull of the Type 74 (E) is only capable of stopping some autocannon fire and has very vulnerable sides, however, the turret armour of the Type 74 (E) is closer to US and British turret armour level. While it's unlikely to stop most APFSDS, it is very likely to deflect stray APDS and APHE. Light tanks will likely have to get close and personal to penetrate it, as penetrating cupola even with APDS belt is a challenge due to its size.

The advantage can be kept even when creeping onto the enemy high ground by using hydropneumatic suspension before driving uphill to not allow the enemy to fire at the roof. In rare cases, the tank can "duck" behind cover to hide at least a portion of the turret from enemy fire.

Mobility

 
Controlled suspension
It is possible to adjust the ground clearance or more complex suspension positions
Speedforward / back
AB59 / 9 km/h
RB and SB54 / 8 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight38.0 t
Engine power
AB1 660 hp
RB and SB870 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB43.7 hp/t
RB and SB22.9 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 59 9 38 1,348 1,660 35.47 43.68
Realistic 54 8 769 870 20.24 22.89

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 992 → 6 227 Sl icon.png
RB4 144 → 6 464 Sl icon.png
SB5 128 → 7 999 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications157 000 Rp icon.png
261 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 240 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_jp_Type93_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Main armament

105 mm L7A3 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition50 rounds
First-order16 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 9°
Main article: L7A3 (105 mm)
105 mm L7A3 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 50 -6°/+9° ±180° Two-plane 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

While the 105 mm gun is relatively equal to one of other nations, the ammunition and optics of the Type 74 (E) are exceptional. It has all the same shell types of NATO tanks. The Type 74 (E) also has a laser rangefinder, which makes it really easy to check aim in RB, compared to tanks it fights in down-tiers and sometimes even in up-tier.

The gun depression is somewhat limited, but the vehicle's hydropneumatic suspension can be used to compensate for this.

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
Type 91 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
M735 APFSDS 292 291 284 275 266 257
Type 93 APFSDS 405 403 396 388 378 370
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%
Type 91 HEATFS 1,150 9.4 0.05 0.1 1.57 65° 72° 77°
M735 APFSDS 1,501 3.72 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Type 93 APFSDS 1,501 3.4 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M416 732 11.6 16 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Type 74 (E)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
50 17 (+33) 10 (+40) 1 (+49) Yes

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 2 and 3 are first stage ammo racks. They total 16 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
    • These racks are also emptied early: the depletion order at full capacity is: 2 - 3 - 1.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-8 into rack 9. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  • The visual discrepancy concerns racks 1 and 3.
    • Rack 1 has 3 shells which, while modelled in the rack, are never present (crossed out shells).
    • Rack 1 is modelled as 30 shells but contains 34 shells.
    • Rack 3 has a shell which remains in the rack even after having been shot.

Optics and night vision

Type 74 (E) Optics
Type of optic Magnification Night Vision Devices
Image Intensifier Thermal Imager
Resolution 		Notes
Resolution Light Mult Noise Level
Gunner's Sight X8 - X16 800X600 8.0 High Not Fitted Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
Commander's View X6 800X600 8.0 High Not Fitted Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)
Driver's View X1 / 3PV 800X600 5.0 High Not Fitted Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" modification (tier 4)

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 60°
Horizontal guidance-180° / 80°
7.62 mm Type 74 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate701 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), Type 74 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 600 (200) 575 -10°/+60° -180°/+80°
7.62 mm Type 74
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (250) 701 - -

While it's not recommended, it's still possible to use 12.7 mm to fight light tanks like AUBL/74 HVG or Rooikat Mk.1D and most SPAA tanks at <100 m range.

Do not charge them with just the MG, especially at long range, as even poorly armoured rank V light tanks can survive frontal MG fire long enough to disarm and explode Type 74 - let them come to you, hit them with the main gun and ensure they never move again by firing at their sides or flat parts, while hiding yours.

Any melee oriented light tanks like BMP-2 or Warrior with add-on armour will have enough armour to absorb the MG fire and will greet Type 74 back with point blank ATGM attack, which machine guns will be unable to stop at such range.

Usage in battles

As the Type 74 (E) is very comparable to the Leopard 1 Series, especially the Leopard A1A1, it is recommended to play them in the same fashion as such. In a Hit & Run tactic.

The additional benefits of the Type 74 (E) over the Leopard A1A1 are:

  • A top mounted .50 which can be used to deal with soft targets swiftly or damage gun barrels or track opponent tanks.
  • Hydropneumatic suspension to:
    • Increase gun depression or elevation.
    • Improve traverse rate off- and on road.
    • Could vary the sloped angle of its armour towards the enemy.
  • Stronger turret armour
  • Night vision spotlight
  • Better ammunition available:
    • Stock HEAT shell for the 74F while the Leopard starts with an APDS shell.
    • APFSDS shell researchable at tier I while it is a tier IV modification for the A1A1.

With all the additional benefits out of the way, it shouldn't be negated it's still a gen 2 MBT with barely any armour to rely upon other than the strong turret which still will be defeated by most rounds that the Type 74 (E) will face. It is advised to make use of the terrain to your advantage in combination with the hydropneumatic suspension. The stabilizer also allows for the Type 74 (E) to shoot on the move and due lower top speed compared to the Leopard, should be even easier to shoot on the move.

But even though armour isn't the strong suit of the Type 74 (E), it gets an amazing choice of rounds to make use of. Even the strongest tanks shouldn't disregard a stock Type 74 (E) as it gets HEATFS as stock shell and has access to the M735 APFSDS shell as soon as tier I (with a second more potent Type 93 APFSDS shell as tier IV modification), while such a shell usually is a tier IV modification for most 105 mm L7A3 carrying tanks, this improves the Type 74 (E)'s combat performance by a lot.

In a nutshell: Use the mobility with the cannon's perfection to flank and spank enemies (But if you have to resolve to a frontal attack, the APFSDS still allows for such a playstyle). Wait and hunt for the perfect positions and kill the enemy tanks one by one, while always maintaining a good situational awareness. Patience is the key to success.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Same gun and general ammo choices as the NATO tanks
  • Gets improved Type 93 APFSDS, which can deal frontally with anything the tank will see from any range
  • A little bit more agile than the Leopard A1A1
  • .50 cal machine gun proves useful against SPAAGs, as well as strafing aircraft
  • Better frontal armour overall than the Leopards, ZSU-57-2 will have a much harder time defeating it from the front, can also bounce some medium tank APDS
  • Hydropneumatic suspension system can give up to -12° of gun depression as well as more compatibility for terrain

Cons:

  • Hydropneumatic suspension system takes time to deploy and undeploy
  • Only -6° of gun depression without deploying the suspension
  • 53 km/h top speed compared to Leopard A1A1's 65 km/h (however, both tanks rarely reach this speed)

History

Development

A year after the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) issued out their first post-war main battle tank, the Type 61, development started on its successor, recognizing that the Type 61 was already becoming obsolete in terms of the new Soviet tanks being produced such as the T-62. Working alongside Mitsubishi once more, they looked for a new tank design incorporating many new features introduced in tank technology. This resulted in the tank having the hydropneumatic suspension system from the U.S.-German project MBT-70, a hull shape similar to Germany's Leopard I, and the powerful 105 mm L7 gun for its main armament. Other planned features for the tank was a rotatable commander's cupola and an autoloader system for the main gun.

The first prototype arrived for testing in 1968 as the STB-1. Modifications to the design started in 1969, which saw the autoloader removed for being too complex and expensive, as well as the removal of a proposed remote-controlled anti-aircraft machine gun for the same reason. The turret design was also elongated for various design purposes. The modified prototype was labelled STB-3 and was delivered in 1971. The final prototype, STB-6, was then delivered in 1973. The tank was then accepted for service in 1974 as the Type 74 tank. Production would start in September 1975 all the way to 1989, producing 893 tanks.

Service

Due to the defensive nature of the JSDF and the absence of any hostility rising out of the Cold War, the Type 74 spent its service life in the JGSDF with no battle service. During its service life however, it was upgraded with new hardware such as infra-red imagers for night fighting and a laser rangefinder for the commander. Despite all that, the Type 74 was generally outdated in terms of specifications even before entering service, as second-generation main battle tanks like the Chieftain and T-72 outclass it and development for third-generation main battle tanks like the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams were already underway.

The tank was to be replaced by the newer Type 90 main battle tank, but the collapse of the Soviet Union and the official end of the Cold War caused the replacement program to be halted. Today, the Type 74 still sees limited service in Japan and it was reported that 700 units were still in use in 2006.

Media

Skins
Skin icon market.pngMarket
Type 74 of the 1st Sensha Daitai.png
Camo "1st Sensha Daitai"
Skin icon market.pngMarket
Type 74 of the 1st Sensha-gun 304th Chutai.png
Camo "1st Sensha-gun, 304th Chutai"
Videos
Type 74 tanks in a public demonstration - 2014 - JP‑SWAT
Real Sound Recording: Type 74 Edition - DMM GAMES Official Channel
JGSDF Type 74: 360° Video - DMM GAMES Official Channel

See also

Related Development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Japan medium tanks
Type 97  Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai · Chi-Ha Kai TD · Chi-Ha Short Gun
Type 1  Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment) · Ho-I
Type 3  Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II
Type 4  Chi-To · Chi-To Late
Type 5  Chi-Ri II
Type 61 MBT  ST-A1* · ST-A2* · ST-A3* · Type 61
Type 74 MBT  ST-B2* · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90 MBT  Type 90 · Type 90 (B) · Type 90B "Fuji"
Type 10 MBT  TKX (P)* · TKX* · Type 10
Other  Ka-Chi
USA  ▅M4A3 (76) W · ▅M47
  *Prototype

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