With the centralized engine placement, the internal seating arrangement of the Type 73 differed from competing designs of the period. The driver was seated at front-right with the bow machine gunner to his left. The vehicle commander then sat directly the bow gunner position. The primary gunner was seated at a station aft of the driver. As the engine then took up the space at center, the passenger cabin was at the rear. The primary gunner managed the heavy caliber machine gun with full 360-degree traversal of the weapon, able to cover all attack angled of incoming enemy aircraft, vehicles and infantry. The bow machine gunner, utilizing a machine gun held in a ball mounting, was offered only a limited firing arc, best suited for the infantry suppression role. Beyond its armament fitting, the Type 73 was also given six smoke grenade dischargers -fitted in two banks of three launchers each - and this used to help screen the vehicle during maneuvers.
The passenger compartment yielded firing ports along the sides of the hull. There were also additional firing ports at the twin entry/exit doors at the rear hull facing. The doors were hinged to open outwards, providing some ballistics protection for the exiting infantrymen. An NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) suite proved standard as did infrared equipment. While the designed to support amphibious operation, the Type 73 required preparation prior to entry of water sources. Additionally, it lacked any water jets, utilizing the moving action of its tracks as propulsion. However, this netted a maximum water-going speed of just 4 miles per hour.
Despite the arrival of the modern Mitsubishi Type 89 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the Type 73 remains in active service in strong numbers with the JGSDF. The Type 89 entered service in 1989 and has reached production numbers of around 70 vehicles - although it should be noted that both vehicles fill different battlefield roles in the Japanese Army.
The JGSDF also makes use of a command vehicle variant based on the Type 73 hull. This model is identified by its raised roof line as well as additional communications equipment carried. The chassis also makes up the automotive component of the Type 74 self-propelled gun (SPG) as well as the Type 75 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) in service with the JGSDF.
Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
