Z100-135 TYPE 2 KA-MI (W. PONTOONS) JAPANESE AMFIBIOUS TANK

The Type 2 Ka-Mi was a Japanese amphibious tank from the Second World War. The first prototypes were built in the early 1940s, and serial production continued in 1943-1945. In total, about 180 examples of this tank were built. The Type 2 Ka-Mi was powered by an engine Mitsubishi with 115 HP. The vehicle was armed with a single 37mm tank gun in the turret and two 7.7mm Type 97 machine guns. The Type 2 Ka-Mi was created in connection with the need to develop a floating tank for units of Japanese marines attacking or defending themselves on numerous islands in the Pacific Ocean. From the outset, the Type 2 Ka-Mi was designed as an infantry support tank with the greatest possible mobility. Many components of the Type 95 Ha-Go tank were used in its construction, mainly the engine, suspension and, in fact, the entire chassis. On the other hand, a new turret and metal pontoons - in the front and rear of the hull - were added, which improved the buoyancy of the vehicle and could be thrown very quickly when leaving the water. Type 2 Ka-Mi tanks were used in combat mainly during the fighting in the Philippines in 1944 and in the battles for the Marian archipelagos and the Marshall Island.