SWA-3 JGSDF TYPE 90 TANK

The Type 90 is a modern 3rd generation Japanese Main Battle Tank manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first prototypes of the vehicle were created at the end of the 1980s, and serial production started in the period 1990-2009 and resulted in the creation of 341 tanks of this type. The Type 90 is powered by a 1500hp Mitsubishi 10 ZG engine. The vehicle is armed with a single 120mm Rheinmetall L44 tank gun, 1 7.62mm Type 74 machine gun and 1 12.7mm M2HB machine gun. In the 1980s, the command of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces decided to develop a completely new Main Battle Tank to replace the Type 61 and Type 74 vehicles. It was also decided to adopt as many modern technologies as possible, which increased the costs of developing a new tank. Undoubtedly, however, when it was introduced to the line, the Type 90 tank was a very advanced structure, distinguished by a very well-developed composite armor and a high rate of fire. The latter was achieved through the development of an automatic cannon loader by Japanese companies The Rheinmetall L44 cal. 120 mm, which is unique and made it possible to reduce the crew of the Type 90 to three people. The Type 90 is not currently exported.