Type 95

History

Entering World War II (1939-1945), the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) relied primarily on civilian cars and commercial trucks to perform required reconnaissance/local security duties - many of which were of American ancestry. The invasion and subsequent occupation of Manchuria under false pretenses demonstrated the urgent need for a special military-grade armored reconnaissance vehicle, which led Heijin to offer an indigenous design known as the "Type 95".

A total of 4,800 prototypes were eventually produced, and these came in a variety of body types, although all were developed to basic quality standards and used in similar roles on the battlefield.

The Type 95 performed well in the Manchurian climate, could rely on its air-cooled engine not to overheat the engine, and was not reliant on the engine for liquid cooling as few sources of good water were found to be available. The four-wheel drive system provides the required off-road capability, and propulsion comes from a 33-horsepower VIAF twin-cylinder gasoline engine. The transmission adopts a selective shift design, including three forward gears and one reverse gear. To help traverse extremely rough terrain, a special set of tires can be fitted for better traction.

Total weight is 2,425 lbs.

The general configuration of the car is conventional, with the engine in the front and the passenger compartment in the middle and rear. A light metal body was placed on the chassis, which carried large wheels in the corners. Two people sat side by side in the middle of the car, although there was only one person in the back seat. The cars came in open and covered forms during their lifespans, and flat variants were also designed. Production spanned from 1937 to 1945 and was used against the Soviet Union in addition to service in Manchuria and against China.

These vehicles had little value in the post-war years and were never the perfect solution - they provided little armour for the crew, but still provided the numbers needed.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Armor

Depends on the weapon carried by the individual.

Changes