1/48 Japanese Chi-Ha Type 97 Medium Tank

Overview

Japanese Medium Tank Type 97 Chi-Ha The Type 97 Chi-Ha was a medium tank used by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Battles of Khalkhin Gol against the Soviet Union, and the Second World War. It was the most widely produced Japanese medium tank of World War II. A total of 1,162 units were produced from 1938 through 1942. It was equipped with a 57mm main gun, a short-barreled weapon with a relatively low muzzle velocity, designed for infantry support. The main gun had no elevation gear, therefore, the gunner used his shoulder to elevate it! The 170 hp Mitsubishi air-cooled diesel engine was a capable but slow tank engine in 1938. The Type 97's low silhouette and semicircular radio antenna on the turret distinguished the tank from its contemporaries. After 1941, the tank was less effective than most Allied tank designs. In 1942, a new improved version of the Chi-Ha was produced with a larger three-man turret, and a high-velocity Type-1 47mm tank gun. It was designated the Type 97-Kai or Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha. After World War II the Type 97 tanks captured by the Soviets were turned over to the Communists Chinese army. They remained in use under the new ownership, during the Chinese Civil War. After victory, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) continued to use them in their inventory.