Type 96 (APC)

History

The Type 96 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) is a modern locally produced version of the Canadian LAV-25 eight-wheeled vehicle. The Type 96 is currently in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and was introduced in 1995. At the time of writing (via heavy equipment group Komatsu) production and delivery of the vehicle is underway, including more than 300 examples.

The system is currently in JGSDF inventory with a total order of approximately 500 units. The Type 96 has already fought against a small Japanese Army contingent there as part of the joint Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Type 96 is the most basic design by Western standards - it retains much of the LAV-25's origins - the main exception being the driver's position on the right side of the power pack - and the engine on the left front fuselage. The Glacis plate dominates most of the front frame and adds some point defense against ballistics related to small arms fire and artillery jetting. The sides of the vehicle are nearly vertical panels, as is the roof. The design of the vehicle is characterized by its large wheels, four on one side of the vehicle. Rows of smoke grenade launchers can be seen in the rearmost corners of the top of the fuselage.

The driver's position is identified by a circular three-bay access hatch, while the commander's cupola and seating position are located directly aft of the driver and on top of the fuselage. The rear of the vehicle has a low profile design, dominated by a large square electric door that serves as a ramp for loading and unloading troops. The Type 96 is normally flown by two dedicated personnel (driver and vehicle commander), while the fighting compartment can accommodate up to eight combat readiness personnel. An ignition port in the passenger compartment area is assumed, although the images don't clearly show this standard feature.

In addition to the rear doors, rear passengers also have access to a roof hatch. Unlike other vehicles in this class, the Type 96 is not inherently amphibious, although its high ground clearance means it can still navigate low water sources with relative ease.

The Type 96 is powered by a Mitsubishi 6D40 series six-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine producing 360 hp. This gives the vehicle a top speed of over 300 mph on paved roads (less off-road).

Compared to other armoured vehicles with six or fewer wheels, the vehicle's eight-wheel nature improves off-road capability, and the suspension extends to all eight-wheel units.

As an armoured personnel carrier, the Type 96 was deployed more in self-defense, providing suppressive firepower to evacuating forces. This requires the installation of a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun or a 40mm Type 96 automatic grenade launcher.

Heavy machine guns can be used against low-flying aircraft (such as helicopters) and lightly armored vehicles (as well as infantry). The grenade launcher can throw high-explosive grenades at distant enemies.

The gun emplacements can be rotated 360 degrees, which means the commander (or gunner) can provide cover fire from all angles of the vehicle. Smoke grenade launchers are used to protect vehicles and their occupants with temporary smoke.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

1,000 x 12.7mm ammo

650 x 40mm shells

8 x Smoke Grenade

Changes