The Type 98 Ko-Hi a/k/a Type 98 half-tracked prime mover "Ko-Hi" was a half-track used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). There were two versions produced, beginning in 1938. The Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) and the Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version). They were used during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.

History

Front angle view of Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) with canvas cover

During the 1920s, the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) used several types of trucks to transport Anti-aircraft guns. In 1936 the Type 96 AA gun prime mover (a/k/a "gun tractor") was developed from the Type 94 6-wheeled truck. The Type-94 prime mover on which it was based had shown to be a reliable vehicle.[2][3]

Additional efforts were made by the Imperial Japanese Army to produce greater anti-aircraft mobilization. This effort included the Type 98 half-tracks, which were introduced into service in 1938. They were considered "high speed" prime movers, capable of 48 km/h (30 mph) when loaded. The half-track was given the official designation of the Type 98 half-tracked prime mover Ko-Hi.[1] It had a diesel engine and a crew of 15.[1] The Type 98 Ko-Hi was used to tow a Type 4 75 mm AA gun.[4] The 20 mm AA machine cannon carrier truck was also produced and a prototype variant known as the Type 98 20 mm AA half-track vehicle was made. This Type 98 prototype had a single 20 mm Type 98 AA cannon mounted on the back section of a Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track.[5] The prototype did not enter mass production.

Versions

Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version)

Two versions of the Type 98 Ko−Hi half-track prime mover were produced. The Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) and the Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version). The main differences were in the dimensions of the vehicles and chassis of the vehicles. The "long version" specifications:

  • length:5.67 m (18.6 ft)[6]
  • width:1.9 m (6.2 ft)[6]
  • height:2.3 m (7.5 ft)[6]
  • weight:6 ton[6]

The total number of half-tracks built in relation to each of the two versions produced is unknown.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover "Ko-Hi"
  2. ^ Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 96 AA gun Prime Mover
  3. ^ Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 94 6-wheeled truck
  4. ^ Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 4 75mm AA gun
  5. ^ Ness 2014, pp. xi, 169.
  6. ^ a b c d Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover large model

References

Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_98_Ko-Hi
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