FM24 IJA TANK DESTROYER TYPE 2 HO-I

The Type 2 Ho-I was a Japanese WWII self-propelled gun or tank destroyer. The first prototypes were built in 1941 or 1942, and serial production continued in 1942-1943. In total, about 30-40 copies of this vehicle were built. The Type 2 Ho-I was powered by an engine Mitsubishi type 100 with 240 hp. It was armed with a single 75mm Type 99 gun and one 7.7mm Type 97 machine gun. Design work on a self-propelled gun The Type 2 Ho-I began as early as 1937 after the first experience of fighting with Chinese troops. They showed the need to support their own infantry units with mobile artillery that could support its attack. Despite the use of a modified Type 1 Chi-He chassis and hull, the design work was delayed due to problems with finding the appropriate main armament and the turret structure. Only the use of the Type 99 gun turned out to be the right decision. The Type 2 Ho-I resembled the German Pz.Kpfw IV Ausf. D, but it was supposed to play the role of vehicles like the Stug III or the Brummbar on the battlefield. Serial production of the Type 2 Ho-I vehicle turned out to be very low, which resulted from problems with obtaining raw materials for their production, as well as the low priority given to the development of this type of weapon. All produced copies of this vehicle were grouped together in the Japanese Islands and never took part in combat.