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Komatsu Type 82

1982 COLD WAR MODERN

History of the Komatsu Type 82

The command and communications vehicle (or "C2") provides critical situational awareness to ground commanders and accompanying forces, so most modern militaries around the world employ some form of this type. For this reason, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) authorities commissioned the vehicle in the 1970s. Although 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles were tried, the 6x6 form was the preferred model.

Further work resulted in the "Type 82" command and communications vehicle, which is still in service with the JGSDF today (2017).

The 6x6 wheeled character of the design provides the off-road capability required for this role. The wheels selected are large and provide excellent ground clearance. On top of the frame is a simple lightly armored superstructure that houses a standard three-person operator. Defense was a simple arrangement of 1 x 12.7mm heavy machine gun (later models provided this weapon with long-range capabilities) and 1 x 7.62mm medium machine gun.

Dimensions include overall length 5.72m, width 2.48m and height 2.37m (excluding roof mounted weapons). The combat weight is 13,500 kg.

The fuselage layout is complete, with a cab at the front (sitting right forward) and large windows with built-in folding protective panels (viewing slots exist in this mode). Various hatches for the rest of the crew were installed above the roof. The superstructure features sloping fairings that provide basic ballistic protection against small arms fire and artillery jets. An oversized portion of the fuselage structure located at the rear of the vehicle.

The engine is located on the left side of the fuselage, and there is a tunnel allowing the crew to enter fore and aft. A door is installed on the rear surface of the fuselage for quick entry and exit, and there is another entry and exit point on the left side of the fuselage. Various locations on the hull have viewing ports that double as firing ports if the crew needs to protect their vehicles.

There's no NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) system as standard, although drivers do have the ability to operate in low-light conditions using night vision goggles.

Power for the design comes from a water-cooled Izuzu 10PBI diesel engine that produces 305 hp at 2,700 rpm. The top speed is 100 km/h and the range is up to 500 km. The vehicle can wade through water up to 1 meter deep and through obstacles up to 0.6 meters.

The width of the ditch intersection is limited to 1.5m and vehicles can climb up to 60% gradient (30% roll angle).

The first 10 vehicles were delivered to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in 1982, with the service seeking up to 250 in total. A total of 231 vehicles were built by Komatsu.