Exposure to foreign "tankette" types led the Empire of Japan in design and production of its first local tankette product - the Type 92 "Jyu-sokosha". Design work began in 1931 which led to production spanning 1932 into 1939. Some 167 of the vehicle were produced in time for World War 2 (1939-1945).
As built, the vehicle showcased a weight of 3.5 tons and a crew of three. Dimensions included a length of 13 feet, a width of 5 feet, 4 inches and a height of 6 feet. Armor protection ranged from 6mm to 12mm which would prove suitable against small arms fire. Main armament was a 13mm Type 92 series heavy machine gun coupled with a 7.7mm Type 97 light machine gun. Power was served from an Ishikawajima (Franklin) Sumida C6 model air-cooled, inline 6-cylinder, gasoline-fueled engine developing 45 horsepower. Operational range was limited to 120 miles with a top road speed of 25 miles per hour. The hull was suspended atop a Bell crank suspension system. The superstructure showcased both flat and angled panels with a traversing turret affixed on the superstructure roof. The track-over-wheel arrangement exhibited six, double-tired road wheels, a forward-mounted drive sprocket and a rear-mounted track idler. Three track return rollers were used along each hull side. The engine was fitted to the rear of the hull.
The Type 92 appeared at a time in military history when many cavalry-based components were entering a period of modernization, essentially brought about by more viable mechanized vehicles stemming from actions in World War 1 (1914-1918). The Interwar period saw many designs emerge which intended to bring about protection, speed and firepower through wheeled and tracked designs. Light tanks and "tankettes" initially proved the norm, their speed becoming vital to any fast-moving offensive alongside infantry elements. One of the most influential of the tankette designs emerged from Britain under the Carden-Loyd Brand label.
After years of experimentation, the Type 92 emerged from testing and research as a viable end-product for the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). As can be expected with any first locally-designed and produced product, the Type 92 was initially fraught with mechanical problems which limited the type in service and popularity. With the relatively few built, these were pressed into military action in Manchuria with adequate results - mechanical issues continued and both armament and armor protection proved light. Additionally, as a fast tankette, the vehicle's top speed left something to be desired when compared to her contemporaries. As time soon passed the design by, a more modern tank system was adopted in the Type94 Te Ke series. In comparison, 823 of these vehicles were built to the Type 92's 167 units.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Infantry Support
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.
✓Armored Car
Design, of typically lightweight nature, providing onroad/offroad capabilities for the scouting or general security roles.
✓Tank-vs-Tank
Engage armored vehicles of similar form and function.
Length
12.9 ft 3.94 m
Width
5.3 ft 1.63 m
Height
6.1 ft 1.86 m
Weight
7,760 lb 3,520 kg
Tonnage
3.9 tons LIGHT
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Type 92 Jyu-Sokosha production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base Type 92 Jyu-Sokosha production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)
1 x 13.2mm Type 92 heavy machine gun
1 x 7.7mm Type 91 general purpose machine gun
Supported Types
(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)
Not Available.
Type 92 - Base Series Designation
Type 92 A-I-Go - Experimental Amphibious Tank
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Imperial Japan
