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Type 75 MLRS

1975 COLD WAR

History

The Type 75 Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MLRS) is a tracked rocket launcher formerly in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). It has multiple powered and locatable rocket launchers mounted on a modified Type 73 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) hull. The Type 75 was in use from 1975 to 2005, of which only about 66 were produced, these were from 1973 to 1975. It has since been abandoned in favor of the American M270 MLRS system - a move that other world powers have followed on a strong and powerful footing.

A multifunctional system, the MLRS aspires to the modern battlefield.

The Type 75 was a 16-ton vehicle with five wheels on one side of the hull. The drive sprocket is at the front and the chain idler is at the rear. The engine is also located at the rear, below the launch vehicle components. This places the driver on the front left of the hull and the commander on the front right (all crew members are three). The launcher assembly manages 30x130mm rockets, and local defense is provided by 12.7mm heavy machine guns.

Power is provided by a 300-horsepower Mitsubishi 4ZF diesel engine, while the Type 73 APC's torsion-bar suspension is reserved for off-road assistance. Road speeds reach 33 mph and range is up to 186 miles. The chassis was developed by Komatsu.

The 130mm rocket is a 95lb gun, the launcher allows elevation from +50 degrees to 0 degrees and lateral movement from center to 100 degrees. The weapon system has an effective range of up to 16,400 yards, giving the Type 75 a reasonable range as a gun-oriented solution. The launcher can complete a full launch of all tubes in seconds, or at the operator's command, launch each of his tubes individually for a more staggered effect on the target area.

The launch vehicle is a development of IHI Aerospace (Nissan).

In addition to using missile projection vehicles, the JGSDF also used specialized weather vehicles with equipment to analyze weather details during missile strikes.