The Type 75 Multiple Rocket Launch System (MLRS) is a tracked, rocket-projecting vehicle once in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). It fitted a powered and positional multi-tube rocket launcher unit atop a modified hull of the Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). The Type 75 saw service from 1975 to 2005 to which only some 66 were produced, these from 1973 to 1975. It has since been given up in favor of the American M270 MLRS system - a move mimicked by other world powers seeking a capable and versatile MLRS for the modern battlefield.
The Type 75 was a 16-ton vehicle with five road wheels to a hull side. The drive sprocket was forward with the track idler at rear. The engine was also at rear, housed under the launcher component. This set the driver to the front-left of the hull and the commander to the front-right (the complete crew numbered three). The launcher component managed 30 x 130mm rockets and local defense was through a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Power was served through a Mitsubishi 4ZF diesel engine of 300 horsepower and the torsion bar suspension of the Type 73 APC was retained for its cross-country support. Road speeds reached 33 miles per hour with a range out to 186 miles. The chassis was developed by Komatsu.
The 130mm rockets were 95lb weapons and the launcher allowed for elevation from +50 to 0 degrees and traverse up to 100-degrees from center. Effective range of the weapon system reached out to 16,400 yards away, giving the Type 75 an appropriate reach as an artillery-minded solution. The launcher could execute a full launch of all tubes in seconds or, at the direction of the operator, launch each of its tubes individually for a more staggered effect at the target area. The launcher was the development of IHI Aerospace (Nissan).
In addition to fielding the rocket projecting vehicles, the JGSDF also made use of specialized weather vehicles which included equipment for analyzing weather specifics at play for rocket attacks.
(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.
Length
19.0 ft 5.8 m
Width
9.2 ft 2.8 m
Height
8.8 ft 2.67 m
Weight
36,376 lb 16,500 kg
Tonnage
18.2 tons LIGHT
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Type 75 MLRS production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)
Powerplant:
1 x Mitsubishi 4ZF diesel engine developing 300 horsepower.
Speed
32.9 mph (53.0 kph)
Range
186.4 mi (300.0 km)
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base Type 75 MLRS production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)
30 x 130mm rockets
Supported Types
(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)
30 x 130mm rockets
Type 75 - Base Series Designation
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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