Type 99 SPH

1999 MODERN SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY

• 1 Enter 99 SPH history
• 2 Type 99 SPH Specification
  • 2.1 Basic
  • 2.2 Roles
  • 2.3 Dimensions
  • 2.4 Performance
  • 2.5 Performance
  • 2.6 Armor
  • 2.7 Changes

Enter 99 SPH history

The ongoing modernization of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) includes the introduction of a new self-propelled howitzer (SPH) system in the Type 99. The vehicle was used as the successor to the older 75 SPH system (201 built) adopted in 1975.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (hull) and Nippon Steel Works (main gun) collaborated to produce the Type 99, with a total of 111 produced by 2015.

At the heart of the Style 99 is the traditional design philosophy of the SPH system. It was a 40 ton vehicle with a crew of four - the commander, gunner and loader were housed in the boxy turret structure, while the driver was located in the front right of the fuselage with the powerplant in his left. The 155mm L52 main gun (manufactured by Nippon Steel Works) is located on the front plate of the turret, closed by a muzzle brake with multiple baffles. The turret provides gun elevation range and 360 degree rotation to engage almost any indirect fire angle without needing to flip the hull to hit the target/area. A rate of six rounds per minute can be achieved for a limited time (supply available from the Type 99 Ammunition Carrier).

A 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is mounted on top of the turret for local defense, as are the smoke grenade launchers. The hull features aluminum alloy armor protection against small arms fire and artillery jets, based on the Mitsubishi Type 89 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) (120 built) that entered service in 1989.

The vehicle is powered by a Mitsubishi 6SY31WA 6-cylinder diesel engine with 600 hp. As a result, the Type 99 has a top speed of 50 km/h on the road and a range of up to 300 km on the road. A torsion bar suspension system aids off-road travel.

The landing gear adopts a typical track-on-wheel approach, with seven twin-tire wheels mounted on both sides of the fuselage. The drive sprocket is in the front and the chain idler is in the back.

Type 99 SPH Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Not available.

Changes