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List of Japanese military equipment of World War II

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The following is a list of Japanese military equipment of World War II which includes artillery, vehicles and vessels, and other support equipment of both the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), and Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) from operations conducted from start of Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 to the end of World War II in 1945.[1]

The Empire of Japan forces conducted operations over a variety of geographical areas and climates from the frozen North of China bordering Russia during the Battle of Khalkin Gol (Nomonhan) to the tropical jungles of Indonesia. Japanese military equipment was researched and developed along two separate procurement processes, one for the IJA and one for the IJN. Until 1943, the IJN usually received a greater budget allocation, which allowed for the enormous Yamato-class battleships, advanced aircraft such as the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" series, and the world's largest submarines. In addition, the IJN was given a higher priority as to the allocation of steel and raw materials for warship construction and airplane construction. It changed to a degree in 1944/45, when the Japanese home islands became increasingly under direct threat, but it was too late. Therefore, during the prior years the Imperial Japanese Army suffered by having a lower budget allocation and being given a lower priority as to raw materials, which eventually affected its use of equipment and tactics in engagements during World War II.

A majority of the materials used were cotton, wool, and silk for the fabrics, wood for weapon stocks, leather for ammunition pouches, belts, etc. But by 1943 material shortages caused much of the leather to be switched to cotton straps as a substitute.

Swords and bayonets

More information Model, Type ...
Model Type Role Blade length (cm) From (year) Notes
GuntōCeremonial swordCeremonial purpose/Close combatvariable1875Collective term for military swords
Type 30 bayonetCombat knife/bayonetClose combat401897Fitted on rifles from Type 30 to Type 99
Type 4 bayonetCombat knife/bayonetClose combat?1911Integrated with Type 44 Cavalry Carbine
Type 2 bayonetCombat knife/bayonetClose combat19.51942Fitted on Type 2 TERA Rifle and Type 100 SMG
Pole bayonetCombat knife/bayonetClose combat38.61945Last-ditch weapon
Bamboo Spear Spear Close combat 170-200 As late as 1942-1945 Primary weapon when low on supplies
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Small arms

Pistols and Revolvers (manual and semi-automatic)

More information Image, Name ...
General sources: [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Image Name Type Role/s Action Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s Effective firing range (m) From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Unloaded wt (kg) Notes
Type 26 revolver[9] Revolver Sidearm Double-action Empire of Japan Koishi­kawa Arsenal 9×22mmR Type 26[9] 100 1893[9] ~59,900[9] 0.880[9]
Type 94 8mm Nambu pistol[10] Pistol Sidearm[11] Recoil operated, locked breech Empire of Japan Nambu 8x22mm Nambu[12] 50–100[11] 1935[12] ~71,000[12] 0.765[12]
Type A 8 mm Nambu pistol[13] Pistol Sidearm Recoil operated, locked breech Empire of Japan Type 94 8mm Nambu pistol Nambu 8×22mm Nambu 50 1903[13] ~10,300 0.900
Type 14 8 mm Nambu pistol[14] Pistol Sidearm[15] Recoil operated Empire of Japan Type A 8 mm Nambu pistol Nambu 8×22mm Nambu 50[15] 1925[14] ~400,000[16] 0.900 Reduced-cost version of Type A
- Nambu Type 19 "North China" pistol[17] Pistol Sidearm Short recoil, locked breech Empire of Japan Type 14 8 mm Nambu pistol Nambu 8×22mm Nambu 1944[18] ~100 1.106 Reliability improve­ments of Type 14, occupied Chinese production
- Type B 7 mm Nambu pistol[13] Pistol Sidearm Short recoil, locked breech Empire of Japan Type A 8 mm Nambu pistol Nambu 7×20mm Nambu 1909[13] ~6,000[19] 0.650 3/4 size of Type A
- Hino–Komuro pistol[20] Pistol Sidearm Blow-forward Empire of Japan Komuro 8×22mm Nambu
.25 ACP
.32 ACP
1908 ~1,200 ?
Sugiura pistol[21] Pistol Sidearm Blow-back Empire of Japan Colt M1903 Sugiura 8×22mm Nambu
.25 ACP
.32 ACP
1945 ~6,000 ? Occupied Chinese production
- Inagaki pistol[22] Pistol Sidearm Blow-back Empire of Japan Koishi­kawa Arsenal 8×22mm Nambu
.32 ACP[23]
1941 ~50 ?
Hamada Type pistol[24] Pistol Sidearm Recoil operated, locked breech Empire of Japan FN Model 1910 Nippon Firearms 8×22mm Nambu
.32 ACP
1941 ~5,000 (Type I)[25]
~1500+2500 unassembled (Type II)[26]
0.650
Smith & Wesson Model 3RevolverSidearmSingle-action United States of AmericaSmith & Wesson.44 Russian
.44 S&W American
.38 S&W
.44 Henry
.44-40 Winchester
.45 S&W
.32 S&W
1870?1.300
Colt Model 1903 Pocket HammerlessPistolSidearmSingle-action blow-back United States of AmericaColt Patent Firearms.32 ACP
.380 ACP
1903?0.680
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Automatic pistols and submachine guns

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Role/s Action Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s Effective firing range (m) Cyclic rate of fire (round/min) From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Unloaded mass (kg) Notes
Type 100 SMGSubmachine gunClose-quartersBlow-back Empire of JapanMP34Nambu8×22mm Nambu150450–8001939~10,000~3.70
Model 1 submachine gunSubmachine gunClose-quartersBlow-back Empire of JapanNambu8×22mm Nambu8001935?3.37
Model 2 submachine gunSubmachine gunClose-quartersBlow-back Empire of JapanNambu8×22mm Nambu5008001935120-2003.37
Mauser C96 (Type MO Large pistol)Machine pistolClose-quarters / SidearmShort recoil German EmpireMauser7.63×25mm Mauser150-200900–1000 (M712 Schnellfeuer)1896?1.130
Type BeSubmachine gunClose-quartersOpen-bolt blow-back  SwitzerlandMP18Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft7.63×25mm Mauser1001920~445~[27]4.18Designation for the Swiss SIG M1920.

Used in limited numbers by the Special Naval Landing Forces.

Type SuSubmachine gunClose-quartersOpen-bolt blow-back AustriaS1-100Steyr-Solothurn A.G.7.63×25mm Mauser2006001929~6,000~4.48Used in limited numbers by the Special Naval Landing Forces in Shanghai and Hainan Island.
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Rifles

More information Tree chart of Japanese rifles of World War II ...
Tree chart of Japanese rifles of World War II
Type 30 rifle
Type 35 rifleType 30 carbineExport variants or licensed copies, e.g. Manchu Arisaka.
Type I Rifle Kingdom of ItalyType 38 rifle
Type 38 short rifleType 38 carbineExport variants or licensed copies, e.g. Estonian KL .303, Mexican Model 1913, Siamese Type 66, Thai Type 83, etc.
M1 Garand United StatesPedersen rifle United StatesType 44 carbine
Type 97 sniper rifleType 1 TERA rifleType Mo rifle I, II (Karabiner 98k) Nazi Germany
Experimental Type 4 rifleExperimental Type Hei RifleType 99 rifleType 100 TERA rifleType Mo rifle III (vz. 24) Czechoslovakia
Type 99 long rifleType 99 sniper rifleType 2 TERA rifle
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More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Role/s Action Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s Effective firing range
(m)
From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Unloaded weight
(kg)
Notes
Type 30 rifle[28] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Empire of Japan Arisaka 6.5×50mm Arisaka 450 1897 ~599,000 3.95 Limited distribution in 1945
Type 35 rifle[29] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Empire of Japan Arisaka 6.5×50mm Arisaka 1902 ~38,200[30] 4.20
Type 38 rifle[31] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Empire of Japan Arisaka 6.5×50mm Arisaka 457 1905 ~3,400,000 3.95
Type 38 carbine[32] Carbine Close-quarters Bolt-action Empire of Japan Type 38 Arisaka 6.5×50mm Arisaka 366 1905 ~517,800[32] 3.30 Main armament of IJA auxiliary troops
Type 44 carbine[33] Carbine Close-quarters Bolt-action Empire of Japan Type 38 Arisaka 6.5×50mm Arisaka 366 1911 ~91,900[33] 3.30 Foldable
Type 97 sniper rifle Sniper rifle Long-Range Precision Bolt-action Empire of Japan Type 38 Arisaka 6.5×50mm Arisaka 1,500 1937 ~22,500 3.95 2.5x telescopic sight
Type 99 (short) rifle[34] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Empire of Japan Arisaka 7.7×58mm Arisaka 656 1939 ~3,500,000[34] 3.70 Intended to replace Type 38
Type 99 (long) rifle[35] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Empire of Japan Arisaka 7.7×58mm Arisaka 656 1939 ~38,000[35] 4.09
Type 2 TERA rifleTakedown rifleFront-line / Close-quartersBolt-action Empire of JapanType 99Nagoya7.7×58mm Arisaka1943~21,2003.70Takedown variant for paratroopers
Type 99 sniper rifleSniper rifleLong-Range PrecisionBolt-action Empire of JapanType 99Arisaka7.7×58mm Arisaka1,7001939~8,0003.702.5x or 4x telescopic sight
Type 100 TERA rifleTakedown rifleFront-line / Close-quartersBolt-action Empire of JapanKarabiner 98kunknown7.7×58mm Arisaka1940~5003.90Experimental, detachable barrel for paratroopers
Type 1 TERA rifleTakedown rifleFront-line / Close-quartersBolt-action Empire of JapanType 38 carbineNagoya6.5×50mm Arisaka1941~2503.30Experimental, foldable for paratroopers
Type Hei RifleBattle rifleFront-line / AssaultGas-operated, toggle-action Empire of JapanNippon6.5×50mm Arisaka1935~503.90Experimental
Type 4 rifle / Type 5 Rifle[36] Battle rifle Front-line / Assault Gas-operated, rotating bolt Empire of Japan M1 Garand Yokosuka 7.7×58mm Arisaka 457 1945 ~250 4.14 Experimental
Karabiner 98k (Type Mo rifle I, II)[37] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Nazi Germany Mauser 7.92×57mm Mauser 500 1937 ~20,000[37] 3.90 Imported, version I for infantry and II for cavalry
vz. 24 (Type Mo rifle III)[38] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Czechoslovakia Karabiner 98AZ Považská Bystrica 7.92×57mm Mauser 1937 ~40,000[38] 4.20 Imported, for both infantry and cavalry
Type I rifle[39] Standard rifle Front-line Bolt-action Kingdom of Italy Type 38 Carcano 6.5×50mm Arisaka 1939 ~120,000 3.95 Built in Italy under contract to Type 38 specification
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Grenades and grenade launchers

More information Grenade, Launcher ...
Grenade Launcher From (year) Type Filling Mass (kg) Notes
Type 10 grenadeType 101914FragmentationTNT0.530Inaccurate fuse timing
Type 91 grenadeType 891931FragmentationTNT0.530Improvement of Type 10
Type 92 grenadeType 101933ChemicalTNT0.590Green (skin irritant) and red (tear gas) versions, 30g bursting and 37-40g chemical charges
Type 97 grenadeNo1937FragmentationTNT0.450Evolution of Type 91 optimized for hand-throw
Type 98 grenadeNo1939FragmentationCast picric acid0.595Copy of Model 24 grenade, long handle
Type 99 grenadeType 1001939FragmentationCast picric acid0.300Variant of Type 97 for grenade launcher
Type 2 grenade (30mm)Type 21942Anti-tank50% TNT, 50% RDX0.230
Type 2 grenade (40mm)Type 21942Anti-tank50% TNT, 50% RDX0.36998mm RHA penetration
Type 3 grenadeNo1943Anti-tank50% TNT, 50% PETN0.830-1.270Shaped charge, fabric body
Type 4 grenadeNo1944FragmentationAmmonium perchlorate explosive0.480Ceramic (Pottery) grenade
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Flare guns

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Role/s Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Unloaded mass (kg) Notes
Type 10 signal pistol (35 mm)Flare gunDistress call / sidearm Empire of JapanKoishi­kawa Arsenal
Kokura Arsenal
1921?
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Recoilless rifles

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Role/s Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Unloaded mass (kg) Notes
Type 4 70 mm AT rocket launcherrocket launcherAnti-tank / Anti-material / Breaching Empire of Japan72x359mm1944~3,5008
Type 5 45 mm AT rocket launcherrocket launcherAnti-tank / Anti-material / Breaching Empire of Japan?
81mm recoilless rifle [ja]rocket launcherAnti-tank / Anti-material / Breaching Empire of Japan?300 produced in 1944 and used up in battle for Okinawa
10.5 cm recoilless riflerocket launcherAnti-tank / Anti-material / Breaching Empire of Japan?
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Flamethrowers

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Role/s Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Mass (kg) Notes
Type 93 flamethrowers Flamethrower Specialized role Empire of Japan 1933 ? 26 + 4.5
Type 100 flamethrowers Flamethrower Specialized role Empire of Japan 1940 ? 26 + 4
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Machine guns

Infantry and dual-purpose machine guns

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Role/s Action Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s Effective firing range (m) Cyclic rate of fire (round/min) From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Unloaded mass (kg) Note/s
Type 11 light machine gunLight machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanHotchkiss M1909 Benét–MerciéNambu6.5×50mm Arisaka8005001922~29,000 (Pacific Theater)10.2
Type 89 flexibleLight machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanType 11 light machine gunNambu7.7x58mmSR Type 891,4001929?28Twin Type 11
Type 89 (special)Light machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanType 89 flexibleNambu7.7x58mmSR Type 891,4001929?28Belt-fed version of Type 89 flexible
Type 89 (modified single)Light machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanType 89 (special)Nambu7.7x58mmSR Type 896701938?9.3Single-barrel version of Type 89 (special) to reduce weight
Type 96 light machine gunLight machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanZb-26Nambu6.5x50mm Arisaka800550193641,000~ (Pacific Theater)9
Type 97 light machine gunLight machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanType 96 light machine gunNagoya7.7x58mm Arisaka540500193718,000~ (Pacific Theater)12.47.7 mm version of Type 96, widely used on Japanese tanks
Type 99 light machine gunLight machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanType 97 light machine gunHitachi7.7×58mm Arisaka
7.62×54mmR (VPA converted)
2,0008001939~53,000 (Pacific Theater)10.4Reliability improvements of Type 96/97 (7.7 mm)
Type 21 light machine gunLight machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of Japan?
Type 3 heavy machine gunHeavy machine gunAnti-aircraft / Airspace denial / Fire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanHotchkiss M1914Nambu6.5x50mm Arisaka
7×57mm Mauser
1700400–4501914?55Also known as 6.5mm Taishō 14 machine gun
Type 92 heavy machine gunHeavy machine gunAnti-aircraft / Airspace denial / Fire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanType 3 heavy machine gunNambu7.7×58mm Type 92800450-5001934~45,000 (Pacific Theater)55.37.7mm version of Type 3
Type 1 heavy machine gunHeavy machine gunAnti-aircraft / Airspace denial / Fire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of JapanType 92 heavy machine gunHitachi7.7x58mm Arisaka1,400400–4501941?36.8Type 92 modified for weight reduction
Type 98 7.7mm water-cooled heavy machine gun [ja]Heavy machine gunAnti-aircraft / Airspace denial / Fire support / suppression / defenceRecoil-operated Empire of Japan7.7×58mm Type 925001940?55.5
Type 38 heavy machine gunHeavy machine gunAnti-aircraft / Airspace denial / Fire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated Empire of Japan?
Lewis gun (Type 92 machine gun)Light machine gunFire support / suppression / defenceGas-operated United States7.7x56R Type 87 IJN8006001932?8.5
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Vehicle and aircraft machine guns

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Action Application/s Origin Base model/s Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s From (year) Unloaded mass (kg) Note/s
Type 91 machine gunLight machine gunGas-operatedArmoured fighting ground vehicles Empire of JapanType 11 light machine gun6.5×50mm ArisakaType 11 light machine gun modified for automotive use
Type 92 Automotive 13 mm cannon [ja]AutocannonGas-operatedArmoured fighting ground vehicles Empire of Japan7.7×58mm Type 921932
Type 97 aircraft machine gunLight machine gunShort recoil, toggle lockNakajima B6N, Yokosuka K5Y,
Yokosuka D4Y, Aichi D3A,
Aichi E16A, Kawanishi E7K,
Kawanishi N1K and its land-based derivative,
the N1K-J, Mitsubishi J2M,
Mitsubishi F1M2, in addition to the Mitsubishi A6M Zero
and its floatplane derivative, the Nakajima A6M2-N.
Empire of JapanType 89 FIXED7.7x56mm R1937Modified Type 89 fixed
Type 4 heavy machine gun [ja]Heavy machine gunRecoil operated Empire of Japan1944Experimental, tested in 1942–1944, but was not accepted by army until surrender of Japan
Ho-103 machine gunHeavy machine gunRecoil operated

and various others.

Empire of JapanM1921 aircraft Browning machine gun12.7×81mmSR Breda1941
Ho-203 cannonAutocannonLong recoil Empire of Japan37x112mmR1940
Ho-5 cannonAutocannonShort recoil

and various others.

Empire of JapanHo-103 machine gun20×94mm
Type 99 cannonAutocannonAPI blowback Empire of JapanOerlikon FF20×72mmRB1937Modified Oerlikon FF.
MG15 (Type 98 turret machine gun [ja])Light machine gunRecoil operation

and various others.

Weimar Republic7.92×57mm Mauser1940Licensed production of MG15 7.62mm machine gun.
Vickers .303 (Type 89 fixed)Light machine gunShort recoilNakajima Ki-27, Ki-43,
early Ki-44 fighters, the Mitsubishi Ki-30,
Ki-51 light bombers, the Kawasaki Ki-32 light bomber
and various others.
United Kingdom7.7x58mmSR Type 89192912.7License-built Vickers .303 (7.7 mm).
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Training light machine guns

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type Role/s Action Origin Manu­facturer/s Cartridge/s From (year) Estimated wartime quantity Unloaded mass (kg) Note/s
Nambu-type training light machine gunTraining light machine gunTrainingSimple blowback Empire of JapanNambu6.5mm blanks1920sBlank-firing training light machine guns used paramilitary training in secondary school paramilitary training. Other variants existed, produced by various manufacturers.
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Artillery

Infantry mortars

Heavy mortars & rocket launchers

Field artillery

Fortress and siege guns

Infantry guns

Anti-tank guns

Anti-tank weapons (besides anti-tank guns)

Anti-aircraft weapons

Occasional anti-aircraft guns

Light anti-aircraft guns

Medium & heavy anti-aircraft guns

More information Name, Caliber (mm) ...
Name Caliber (mm) Eff. alt. From (year) Estimated quantity Mass (kg) Fire rate (RPM) Note/s
QF 3.7-inch AA gun Mk1947,300194109,31715captured from British
Type 11756,6501922442,061~5used as railroad gun and in home islands fortresses
Type 1410010,5001925705,194~5civil defense in Kyushu only
Type 1012010,06519272,0007,80011cheap coastal defense tool, dual-purpose
Type 88757,25019282,0002,74018based on QF 3-inch 20 cwt design, mainstay of civil defense
Type 89 naval gun1279,43919321,30620,30011standard heavy AA gun of IJN
Type 998810,42019381,0006,500152nd most produced after Type 88 for civil defense
8 cm/40 3rd Year Type naval gun76.25,4001914692,60013dual-purpose naval gun, during World War II used on gunboats and for civil air defense
Type 3 12cm12013,000194412019,80020the only mass-produced Japanese weapon effective against B-29
Type 47510,0001944705,85010reverse-engineered Bofors gun captured from Chinese, intended to replace Type 88, modified as Type 5 75 mm Tank Gun
Type 5149.116,000194529,20010had a fire-control electronic computer
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Vehicles

Tankettes

Amphibious tanks

Note: Amphibious tanks were used by the IJN.

Self-propelled guns

Tank-based

More information Name, Chassis ...
Name Chassis Gun From (year) Estimated quantity Role/s
Ji-RoType 95 heavy tank10 cm?1self-propelled anti-tank gun
Hi-Ro ShaType 95 heavy tank10 cm?1self-propelled anti-tank gun
Type 4 Ho-ToType 95 Ha-GoType 38 12 cm howitzer19441SPG
Type 5 Ho-RuType 95 Ha-GoType 1 47 mm anti-tank gun19451SP ATG
Type 1 Ho-Ni IType 97 Chi-HaType 90 75 mm field gun194126SP ATG
Type 1 Ho-Ni IIType 97 Chi-HaType 91 10 cm howitzer194154SPG
Type 3 Ho-Ni IIIType 97 Chi-HaType 3 75 mm tank gun194331–41SP ATG
Type 2 Ho-IType 97 Chi-HaType 41 75 mm mountain gun194231SPG
Type 4 Ho-RoType 97 Chi-HaType 38 15 cm howitzer194412SPG
Short barrel 120 mm gun tankType 97 Chi-Ha120 mm naval gun194512SPG
Type 5 Ho-ChiType 97 Chi-HaType 96 15 cm howitzer19451SPG
Type 98 Ta-SeType 98 Ke-NiType 98 20 mm AA machine cannon19411self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Type 98 20 mm AAG tankType 98 Ke-Nitwin Type 2 20 mm AA machine cannon19441self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Ta-HaType 1 Chi-Hetwin 37 mm high-angle gun19420self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Type 5 Na-ToType 4 Chi-So medium tracked carrierType 5 75 mm tank gun19452SP ATG
Type 5 Ho-RiType 5 Chi-Ri1x105mm, 1x37mm, 2x20mm (AA)19450SP ATG/AAG
Type 5 Ka-ToType 4 Chi-To1x105mm19450SP ATG
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Other

More information Name, Chassis ...
Name Chassis Gun From (year) Estimated quantity Role/s
Type 97 Ki-To SPAAGType 97 Te-KeType 98 20 mm AA machine cannon19381self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Type 98 Ko-Hihalf-track prime moverunarmed1938unknown numbertowing a Type 4 75 mm AA gun
Type 98 20 mm AA half-track vehicleType 98 Ko-Hi half-trackType 98 20 mm AA machine cannon19421self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Type 4 Ha-ToType 4 Chi-SoType 3 30 cm mortar19444self-propelled mortar/rocket launcher
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Armored cars

More information Name, Armament/s ...
Name Armament/s Rail wheels? Maker/s From (year) Estimated quantity Comment/s
Austin armoured carnoneNoAustin Motor Company/Nissan1920s?
Vickers Crossley armoured car2× 7.7mm Vickers .303 MGNoCrossley1925?
Wolseley armoured car1× 6.5mm Type 3 MGNoSumida (Isuzu) under license from Wolseley Motors1928?
Type 2592 Chiyoda3x6.5mm Type 11 MGNoSumida(Isuzu)1931200Also known as "Chiysda" (misspelled). The version used by the Imperial Japanese Navy was known as the Type 2592
(Chiyoda QSW) "Aikoku"3x6.5mm Type 11 MGNoSumida(Isuzu)19312
(Chiyoda) "Kokusan"3x6.5mm Type 11 MGNoSumida(Isuzu)1931?
Sumida M.25931x 7.7mm machine gunYesSumida(Isuzu)19311,000Also known as Type 91 armored railroad car So-Mo and a variant produced was known as the Sumida Model P armored car
Type 95 So-Ki armored APC and railroad carnoneYesMitsubishi1935121–135
Type 93 armoured car1× 7.7mm Vickers .303 MG & 4x 6.5mm MGYesOsaka Naval arsenal19335Also known as Type 2593 "Hokoku" or Type 93 "Kokusan" or "Type 92" naval armored car
Manchukyo Type 93 armored car[47]Type 11 37mm gun, Type 11 MGNoDaidou (Manchu) automobiles1933?
Type 2598 railroad carnoneYes?1938?
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Armored carriers

Armored trains

Railroad vehicles

Wagons

  • Wagon-1 reconnaissance wagon
  • Wagon-1 protective wagon
  • Wagon-2 heavy canone wagon
  • Wagon-3 light canone wagon
  • Wagon-4 infantry wagon
  • Wagon-5 command wagon
  • Wagon-6 auxiliary tender
  • Wagon-7 materials wagon
  • Wagon-7 power supply wagon
  • Wagon-8 infantry wagon
  • Wagon-9 light canone wagon
  • Wagon-10 howitzer wagon
  • Wagon-11 protective wagon

Locomotives

  • Locomotives Type 97/98/100 [ja]

Railroad cars

Japanese has used routinely road-railroad convertible automobiles. These are covered in "Armoured cars" section

Engineering and command

See List of Japanese Army military engineer vehicles of World War II

Trucks

Tractors & prime movers

Type 98 6t prime mover Ro-Ke of 1939, towed either the Type 92 10 cm gun or Type 89 15 cm gun
Experimental 16 t prime mover Chi-Ke, developed in 1940/41
  • Type 92 5 t prime mover "I-Ke" – Ko model (gasoline engine), introduced in 1931 and weighted 4.6 ton. Otsu model (diesel engine), introduced in 1936 and weighted 5.3 ton. A total of 422 were produced.[48]
  • Type 92 8 t prime mover "Ni-Ku" – Ko model (gasoline engine), introduced in 1932 and weighted 8.0 ton. Otsu model (diesel engine), introduced in 1936 and weighted 8.35 ton. A total of 1,657 were produced.[49]
  • Type 94 4 t prime mover "Yo-Ke" – introduced in 1934 and weighted 3.55 ton. A total of 133 were produced.[50]
  • Type 95 13 t prime mover "Ho-Fu" – Ko model (gasoline engine), introduced in 1935 and weighted 13.0 ton. Otsu model (diesel engine), introduced in 1938 and weighted 13.64 ton. A total of 373 were produced.[51]
  • Type 98 4 t prime mover "Shi-Ke" – introduced in 1938 and weighted 4.3 ton. A total of 781 were produced.[52]
  • Type 98 6 t prime mover "Ro-Ke" – introduced in 1939 and designed successor of the Type 92 5 t prime mover "I-Ke". It weighted 6.9 ton and a total of 1,983 were produced.[53]
  • Experimental 16 t tractor "Chi-Ke" – developed in 1940/1941, it was a heavy prime mover and intended as the designed successor of the Type 95 13 t prime mover "Ho-Fu". It was powered by a diesel engine and had a crane at the backend for light loads. It did not go into production.
  • Type 96 AA gun prime mover
  • Type 98 20 mm AA machine cannon carrier truck
  • Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track prime mover

Passenger cars (not armoured)

Motorcycles

  • Type 97 motorcycle (licensed Harley-Davidson, Rikuo production)
  • Type 1 motorcycle with side car (trike)

Miscellaneous vehicles

  • Type 94 ambulance
  • Type 94 repair vehicle

Army vessels

River-crossing crafts

  • Type 95 collapsible boat
  • Type 99 pontoon bridge
  • Rubber rafts

Landing craft

Motorboats

  • Speedboat model Ko
  • Speedboat model Otsu
  • Suicide-Attack motorboat "Maru-Re"

Gun boats

  • Armored boat "AB-Tei"
  • Submarine-chaser "Karo-Tei"

IJA Landing craft/aircraft carriers

  • Hei-class landing craft carrier "Shinshu Maru"
  • Hei-class landing craft/aircraft carrier "Akitsu Maru"
  • Hei-class landing craft/aircraft carrier "Kumano Maru"
  • Ko-class landing craft carrier "Mayasan Maru"
  • Ko-class landing craft carrier "Kibitsu Maru"
  • Ko-class landing craft carrier "Tamatsu Maru"
  • Ko-class landing craft carrier "Hyuga Maru"
  • Ko-class landing craft carrier "Settsu Maru"
  • Otsu-class landing craft carrier "Takatsu Maru"

Transport vessels

Aircraft

Secret weapons

Army secret weapons

  • Remote-control special vehicle "I-Go"
  • Unmanned miniature special vehicle "Ya-I"
  • Remote-control special working cable car
  • Experimental mortar weapon "Ite-Go"
  • Remote-control boat "Isu-Go"
  • Rocket cannon "Ro-Go"
  • Nuclear project "Mishina"
  • Engine stopcock "Ha-Go"
  • Radio signal jamming device "Ho-Go"
  • Electromagnetic anti-tank weapon "To-Go"
  • VHF wave application research "Chi-Go"
  • High voltage weapon "Ka-Go"
  • High voltage obstacle-destroying weapon "Kaha-Go"
  • High voltage conductive wire obstacles "Kake-Go"
  • High voltage conductive wire net launching rocket "Kate-Go"
  • Infrared ray detecting device "Ne-Go"
  • Mine-detecting sonar for landing operations "Ra-Go"
  • Remote radio-control device "Mu-Go"
  • Radio-controlled boat with remote sonar and depth charge deployment device "Musu-Go"
  • Device to cause artificial lightning flashes through ray-scattering "U-Go"
  • Night vision system "No-Go"
  • Microwave heat ray "Ku-Go" (developed at the No. 9 Special Warfare Army Laboratory)
  • Infrared homing bomb "Ke-Go"
  • Intercontinental balloon bomb "Fu-Go"
  • Optical communication device "Ko-Go"
  • Rope-launching rocket system "Te-Go"
  • Blinding light ray device "Ki-Go"
  • Propaganda transmission device "Se-Go"
  • Advanced sonar system "Su-Go"
  • Anti-tank explosive spear suicide weapon "Shitotsubakurai"
  • Experimental armour for machine gunner
  • Experimental reconnaissance aircraft "Te-Go"
  • Reconnaissance autogyro "Ka-Go"
  • Defoliant bacteria bomb
  • Ceramic flea-dispersal bomb for plague propagation
  • Plan to collapse Chinese economy through introduction of counterfeit yuan
  • I-Go 14 Type Ko-Kai 2 modified A Type 2 I-Go 14 aircraft submarine
  • I-Go 15 Type Otsu Type B I-Go 26 aircraft submarine
  • I-Go 54 Type Otsu-Kai 2 modified B Type 2 I-Go 54 aircraft submarine
  • I-Go 400 Type I-Go 402 aircraft submarine
  • Aichi M6A1 Seiran torpedo-bomber (carried in submarines)
  • Suicide Attack Diver "Fukuryu"
  • "Kaiten" Type 1 suicide attack midget submarine
  • "Kairyu" midget submarine
  • Nuclear project "F-Go"
  • Aircraft battleship class "Ise"

Radars

Imperial Japanese Army radars

Ground-based radar

  • Ta-Chi 1 ground-based target tracking radar Model 1
  • Ta-Chi 2 ground-based target tracking radar Model 2
  • Ta-Chi 3 ground-based target tracking radar Model 3
  • Ta-Chi 4 ground-based target tracking radar Model 4
  • TypeA Bi-static doppler interface detector (high frequency warning device "Ko")
  • Ta-Chi 6 Type B fixed early warning device (fixed early warning device "Otsu")
  • Ta-Chi 7 Type B mobile early warning device (mobile early warning device "Otsu")
  • Ta-Chi 13 aircraft guidance system
  • Ta-Chi 18 Type B portable early warning device (portable early warning device "Otsu")
  • Ta-Chi 20 fixed early warning device receiver (for Ta-Chi 6)
  • Ta-Chi 24 mobile anti-aircraft radar (Japanese Wurzburg radar)
  • Ta-Chi 28 aircraft guidance device
  • Ta-Chi 31 ground-based target tracking radar Model 4 modified

Airborne radar

  • Ta-Ki 1 Model 1 airborne surveillance radar
  • Ta-Ki 1 Model 2 airborne surveillance radar
  • Ta-Ki 1 Model 3 airborne surveillance radar
  • Ta-Ki 11 ECM device
  • Ta-Ki 15 aircraft guidance device receiver (for Tachi 13)

Shipborne radar

  • Ta-Se 1 anti-surface radar
  • Ta-Se 2 anti-surface radar

Imperial Japanese Navy radars

Land-based radar

  • Type 2 Mark 1 Model 1 early warning radar ("11-Go" early warning radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 1 Model 1 modify 1 early warning radar ("11-Go" Model 1 early warning radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 1 Model 1 modify 2 early warning radar ("11-Go" Model 2 early warning radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 1 Model 1 modify 3 early warning radar ("11-Go" Model 3 early warning radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 1 Model 2 mobile early warning radar ("12-Go" mobile early warning radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 1 Model 2 modify 2 mobile early warning radar ("12-Go" modify 2 mobile early warning radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 1 Model 2 modify 3 mobile early warning radar ("12-Go" modify 3 mobile early warning radar)
  • Type 3 Mark 1 Model 1 early warning radar ("11-Go" modified early warning radar)
  • Type 3 Mark 1 Model 3 small size early warning radar ("13-Go" small size early warning radar)
  • Type 3 Mark 1 Model 4 long-range air search radar ("14-Go" long-range air search radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 4 Model 1 anti-aircraft fire-control radar (Japanese SCR-268)
  • Type 2 Mark 4 Model 2 anti-aircraft fire-control radar (Japanese SCR-268) (S24 anti-aircraft fire-control radar)

Airborne radar

  • Type 3 air Mark 6 Model 4 airborne ship-search radar (H6 airborne ship-search radar) (N6 airborne ship-search radar)
  • Type 5 Model 1 radio location night vision device

Shipborne radar

  • Type 2 Mark 2 Model 1 air search radar ("21-Go" air search radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 2 Model 2 modify 3 anti-surface, fire assisting radar for submarine ("21-Go" modify 3 anti-surface, fire-assisting Radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 2 Model 2 modify 4 Anti-Surface, Fire-assisting Radar for Ship ("21-Go" Modify 4 Anti-Surface, Fire-assisting Radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 3 Model 1 anti-surface fire-control radar ("31-Go" anti-surface fire-control radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 3 Model 2 anti-surface fire-control radar ("32-Go" anti-surface fire-control radar)
  • Type 2 Mark 3 Model 3 anti-surface fire-control radar ("33-Go" anti-surface fire-control radar)

Missiles & bombs

More information Name, Type ...
Name Type From (year) Mass (kg) Role/s User/s Comment/s
Kawasaki Ki-147 I-Go Type1 – Koguided missile19441,400air-to-surfaceIJARadio-guided, also known as I-Go-1A
Mitsubishi I-Go-1Bguided missile1944680air-to-surfaceIJARadio-guided, also known as Ki-148 or I-Go Type 1-Hei
Ke-Goguided missile1944680air-to-surfaceIJAIR homing version of Ki-148
Funshin-danunguided missile194340surface-to-airIJNused in battle of Iwo Jima
Funryuguided missile19431,900surface-to-airIJNRadio-guided, models Funryu-1 to Funryu-4
Yokosuka MXY7 Ohkaguided missile19452,140surface-to-airIJNguided by suicide pilot
Type 92 No. 1bomb193215air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 92 No. 25bomb1932250air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 92 No. 50bomb1932500air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 94 No. 5bomb193450air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 94 Mod. No. 5bomb193450air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 94 No. 10bomb1934100air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 94 No. 10 Mod.bomb1934100air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 97 No. 6bomb193760air-to-surfaceIJNused in Pearl Harbor attack
Type 98 No. 25bomb193830air-to-surfaceIJNused in Pearl Harbor attack
Type 99 No. 3 Mod.bomb193930air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 99 No. 80bomb1939800anti-shipIJNused in Pearl Harbor attack
Type 99 No. 25bomb193930anti-shipIJNused in Pearl Harbor attack
Type 1 No. 5bomb194150air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 1 No. 10bomb1941100air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 1 No. 25bomb1941250air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 3 No. 10bomb1943100air-to-surfaceIJA
Type 3 No. 25bomb1943250air-to-surfaceIJASkipping bomb
Type 4 No. 10bomb1944100anti-shipIJA
Type 4 No. 25bomb1944250anti-shipIJA
Type 4 No. 50bomb1944500anti-shipIJA
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Unclear IJA bombs

  • Type Ro-3
  • Type Ro-5
  • Type Ro-7

Unclear IJN bombs

  • Type 3 No.1 28-go bomb Type 2
  • Type 3 No.1 28-go bomb Type 2 modify 1
  • Type 3 No.1 28-go bomb Type 2 modify 2
  • Type 3 No.1 28-go bomb "Maru-Sen"
  • No. 6 27-go bomb
  • Type 3 No.25 4-go bomb Type 1
  • Type 3 No.50 4-go bomb

Unclear bomb

  • Type 4456 100 kg Skipping bomb

Cartridges and shells

Cartridges

More information Name, Bullet mass (g) ...
Name Bullet mass (g) Bullet type Velocity (m/s) Energy (J)
7×20mm Nambu4FMJ240108
8×22mm Nambu7FMJ290274
9×22mmR Japanese9.7LRN229252
6.5×50mmSR Arisaka (9g Ball)9FMJ7702,666
7.7×56mmR (10g SP)10SP8443,463
7.7×56mmR (12g SP)12SP7833,574
7.7×56mmR (11g HPBT)11HPBT7613,265
7.7×58mm Arisaka (11g Ball)11FMJ7403,136
7.7x58mmSR (13g Ball)13FMJ6703,190
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High explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shells

More information Gun, Caliber (mm) ...
Gun Caliber (mm) Mass (kg) Length (mm) Penetration (mm)
Type 90/97 tank gun571.8018955
Type 92 infantry gun703.3828190
Type 41 75 mm mountain gun753.95297100
Type 38 12 cm howitzer12013.03387140
Type 4 15 cm howitzer14921.04524150
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Among them, the HEAT of Type 41 mountain gun was used in action and destroyed several Allied tanks in Burma and other places. The use of the HEAT for other guns is not known.

Other HEAT shell was the projectile of Type 94 mountain gun. The HEAT of Type 94 mountain gun was not produced though it was developed.

See also

References

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