The Type 98 So-Da (九八式装甲運搬車 ソダ, Kyūhachi-shiki Sōkounpansha So-Da) was an armored personnel and ammunition carrier used by the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II.

History and development

Type 98 So-Da captured by 6th Rajputana Rifles in Burma, February 1945

Type 98 So-Da was designed in 1937, with a chassis based on the Type 97 Te-Ke tankette. However, its engine compartment was moved to the front of the chassis.[1] The fully tracked vehicle was first produced in 1941. The Type 98 So-Da was used as a personnel and ammunition carrier in forward-line areas. In addition, it was also used as an "artillery tractor" to tow a gun trailer.[1]

Its hull had an open top and the "flatbed" in back had a double door at the rear. The flatbed could be covered with a tarp over the three rail supports. The towing coupling was secured to the frame of the hull on a "semi-elliptical spring". This protected the frame while hauling heavy equipment[1] The total number of Type 98 So-Da vehicles produced is unknown.[2]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Tomczyk 2003, p. 57.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 "So-Da"

References

  • Foss, Christopher F (2002). The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles: The Comprehensive Guide to over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles from 1915 to the Present Day. Thunder Bay Press. ISBN 1-57145-806-9.
  • Tomczyk, Andrzej (2003). Japanese Armor Vol. 3. AJ Press. ISBN 978-8372371287.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_98_So-Da
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