Type 98 (Ko-Hi)

History

The Type 98 "Ko-Hi" half-track was a self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system developed by Isuzu for use by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. In summary, the Type 98 air defense system consists of two main components designed to work together - the Type 98 half-track drive system and the Type 2 anti-aircraft gun system. The purpose of the system is to provide mobile fire support vehicles to protect columns and critical areas from low altitude flight available to enemy aircraft.

When networked and operated correctly, such systems can provide a protective barrier against incoming airborne threats. The Type 98 Ko-Hi remained "experimental" during its brief tenure.

The Type 98 half-track consists of a two-wheeled front axle with a tracked rear system. Halftracks typically allow for increased payload capacity on rough or soft terrain while maintaining the speed of the primary mechanized power. In fact, the IJA considers the Type 98 in its basic form a high-speed prime mover capable of sustaining speeds of up to 25 mph under ideal conditions when fully loaded. The cab and front passenger's cab are located directly behind the engine bay and can be seen through the open front windshield. A canvas canopy is often added for protection from the elements, but the crew has little point of defense.

The rear area of ??the cabin is a flat bed designed for the Type 2 artillery system. Power is provided by a single air-cooled V8 petrol engine with over 130 hp and a drive chain layout via a drive sprocket with integrated wheels. The landing gear is mounted on a toggle link system and measures 12.4 feet long and 6 feet wide.

The Type 98 is designated as a 4-ton vehicle in the IJA classification.

The Type 2 20mm anti-aircraft gun was nothing more than a single-barreled cannon (the Japanese called it a "machine gun") designed to fire timed fuze projectiles to destroy enemy aircraft. The weapon's designed attack altitude is limited to -15 to +95 degrees. On the gun mount at the rear of the Type 98 Halftrack, the Type 2 can deploy a 360-degree arc of fire, allowing it to engage enemy aircraft at any angle, regardless of the orientation of the halftrack itself. Firepower remains at 300 rounds per minute and has a range of up to 11,500 feet - although a maximum range of 18,000 feet is possible, with reduced effectiveness. The weapon itself was derived from the German FlaK 38 series due to the working relationship between the German and Japanese governments during the war.

The Type 2 weighed 1,200 pounds, and it was logical to use half-tracks for transport. The weapon system has been in use since 1942.

Specification

Basic

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

Depends on the ammunition carrier.

Changes