Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer

The Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (75式自走155mm榴弾砲, nana-go-shiki-jisou-155mm-ryuudan-hou) is an armored artillery vehicle in the exclusive use of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Self-propelled howitzers are employed to provide mobile heavy fire support to army units in the field.

Type 75 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
Type 75 of the JGSDF displayed at Camp Higasichitose
Type	Self-propelled gun
Place of origin	Japan
Service history
In service	1975–2016
Used by	Japan
Production history
Designed	1969–1975
Produced	1975–1988
No. built	201
Specifications
Mass	25,300 kilograms (24.9 long tons; 27.9 short tons)
Length	21 ft 9 in (6.63 m) (hull)
Barrel length	4.65 metres (183 in) L/30
Width	10 ft 1 in (3.07 m)
Height	8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)
Crew	6 (commander, driver, two gunners, layer and radio operator)
Shell	separate-loading, bagged charge
Caliber	155 millimetres (6.1 in)
Elevation	−5° to +65°
Traverse	360°
Rate of fire	6 rpm
Effective firing range	19,000 metres (21,000 yd) (HE)
Maximum firing range	24,000 metres (26,000 yd) (rocket-assisted)
Armor	aluminum
Main armament	1x Japan Steel Works, 155 mm L30 howitzer
Secondary armament	1x 12.7 mm M-2HB machine gun
Engine	Mitsubishi 6ZF 6-cylinder diesel 450 bhp
Suspension	torsion bar
Ground clearance	40 centimetres (16 in)
Fuel capacity	650 liters (143 Imp. gallons)
Operational range	300 km (190 mi)
Maximum speed	47 km/h (29 mph)

The Type 75 shares a number of automotive components with the Type 74 105 mm self-propelled howitzer, which was developed during the same time and is essentially a variant of. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries developed the chassis, while the howitzer and turret were designed by Japan Steel Works. Two prototypes were completed in 1971–72 and differed only in their loading systems. Trials were conducted 1973–74 and the howitzer was accepted for service in October 1975. It carries 28 rounds of ammunition on board.

As of 2001 Japan reported to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs that 201 Type 75s were in service.[1] It is being gradually replaced by the Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. As of December 2008 it still equips the 5th, 11th, 171st and 172nd Field Artillery Battalions.[2]

All Type 75s were decommissioned by 2016.