The field howitzer has evolved considerably since the days of World War II (1939-1945) and, in its current forms, is fielded on both tracked and wheeled chassis to improve mobility. In the latter, the 8x8 heavy truck component has proven an increasingly popular approach to the solution of shooting a large, potent, and utterly lethal projectile round and quickly relocating the entire platform to repeat the function once more - therefore frustrating warplanners and ground commanders on the receiving end.
Against this backdrop, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has followed the lead of other global powers like the French and Swedes who have elected to focus such efforts on wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) forms.
The "Type 19" 155mm represents the product of work begun in 2011 with at least seven prototypes having been completed to date (2022) by Japan Steel Works. The design combines the versatility of a modular, highly-functional 8x8 RMMV (from German-based Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles) HX tactical truck chassis with cab-over arrangement with the hard-hitting firepower of a 155mm field howitzer (the same as used in the Type 99 155mm SPH detailed elsewhere on the Military Factory). Coupled to this is a fully-networked onboard system for seamless integration into the modern battlefield, reciprocating target data and firing results to allied forces in real-time. The result is an inherently mobile, indirect-fire solution intended to replace the current stock of FH70 towed guns in same battlefield role (detailed elsewhere on MilitaryFactory.com). The complete system was showcased at the East Fuji Maneuver Area training grounds 2019 for the first time.
As completed, the vehicle component of the Type 19 stands at a height of 3.4 meters and has a running length of 11.4 meters with a beam measuring 2.5 meters. The system is completely crewed by five personnel. The armament component is the proven, long-ranged 155mm/52-caliber field howitzer firing one of the most common large-class battlefield projectile today. Warheads are variable (from conventional to nuclear and biological) and range can be enhanced by Rocket-Assisted Projectiles (RAPs) as needed.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Fire Support / Assault / Breaching
Support allied forces through direct / in-direct fire, assault forward positions, and / or breach fortified areas of the battlefield.
Wheeled Arrangement
Wheeled arrangement gives this system an inherent road-running capability, enhancing mobility.
Recoil Enhancement
Main weapon has an integral recoil mechanism, allowing the system to remain trained-on-target after firing.
Cross-Country Capability
Design includes such features as a track-link system or high ground clearance to better traverse offroad.
NBC Protection
Crew is provided (either as standard or optional) protection against Nuclear-Biological-Chemical agents for enhanced survivability in contaminated zones.
Nightvision
Crew has access to night-vision equipment, allowing for low-light or night time operations.
In-Direct Fire Capable
This system's capability is such that it can engage targets / target areas without Line-of-Sight attained.
Psychological Effect
Ability to provide lethal, in-direct firepower at range for area saturation; can include nuclear, biological, and chemical agents.
Length
37.4 ft 11.4 m
Width
8.2 ft 2.5 m
Height
11.2 ft 3.4 m
Weight
77,162 lb 35,000 kg
Tonnage
38.6 tons MEDIUM
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Type 19 production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)
Powerplant:
1 x MAN D2066 6-cylinder inline water-cooled diesel engine developing 440 horsepower at 1,900rpm to conventional 8x8 all-wheeled arrangement.
Transmission:
1 x ZF 12AS23010D AS-Tronica automatic transmission with 12-forward and 2-reverse speeds.
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Japan (procured)
