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Komatsu Type 87

1987 COLD WAR MODERN

History of the Komatsu Type 87

Mobility is at the heart of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), so their fleet of fast-moving crawler-wheeled aircraft such as the Type 87 6x6. Fulfilling the battlefield role of armored reconnaissance, the vehicle can operate independently or as part of a fast-moving armored force, performing critical reconnaissance, fire support, and escort defense missions as needed.

The series was developed by Komatsu Co., Ltd. in 1983 and tested in 1985. As the name suggests, the type entered service in 1987 and continues to have an active presence in the JGSDF.

Mechanically, the Type 87 shares auto parts with the similarly-looking Type 82 six-wheeled command and communications vehicle (CCV), also developed by Komatsu, and 231 examples were built. Overall, it is comparable to the Soviet-era BRDM-2 family of armoured personnel carriers as well as the multi-wheeled light armoured solutions of the competing Spanish VEC-M1 and German Spahpanzer "Luchs" families in terms of performance, protection and firepower.

Type 87 weighs 16.5 tons, has a total length of 6 meters, a height of 2.8 meters and a width of 2.48 meters. The welded steel hull is angled on all of its key panels to provide basic ballistic protection and the ability to protect the occupant from small-caliber fire and artillery jets. The top wings are well sloping, and the fuselage topline is relatively flat, only the tail where the engine nacelles are located is slightly raised (offset to the right fuselage wall). There are hinged access doors on the sides of the fuselage and a similar opening in the rear (the door is offset to the left due to engine placement). The storage rack frame can be bolted to the rear behind the engine wall.

The engine exits through the right rear side of the fuselage.

The driver sits forward left of the hull, the radio operator is to his right, both are under the armored access hatch in the glacis panel with chunky sights. The crew consists of a vehicle commander (to the right of the turret), a dedicated gunner (to the left of the turret) and an observer (to the rear of the hull, on the left).

The forward midship is a two-man powered, fully mobile turret armed with a 25mm Oerlikon automatic cannon and associated 7.62mm Type 74 coaxial machine gun. This provides the vehicle with an acceptable engagement solution against "soft" targets such as light armored vehicles and infantry.

Four smoke grenade launchers flank the turret, allowing the vehicle to protect itself from enemies if necessary.

The vehicle is powered by an Isuzu 10PBI series diesel engine that produces 305 horsepower and drives a three-axle six-wheel arrangement. Oversized and well-spaced wheels give the chassis excellent ground clearance, traction and balance, while power steering helps the driver navigate corners. Performance includes road speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and a range of up to 500 kilometers - in line with other vehicles in its class and role on the battlefield. In order to obtain the necessary off-road maneuverability, the chassis is suspended by a coil spring system.

Unlike other types, however, the Type 87 is not amphibious.