Tag: tank gun

The Japanese Type I (1941) 47 mm tank gun is mounted in the Type 97 Improved Medium Tank, replacing the 57 mm tank gun, a weapon of much lower velocity. The 47 mm tank model is very similar to the Type I, 47 mm antitank gun described on page 106. The breech mechanism, however, is of the semi-automatic, vertical sliding block type instead of the horizontal sliding block type. The barrel, 7 feet, 11 1/2 inches long, is of built-up construction. The firing mechanism is of the percussion hammer type, the recoil mechanism is a hydro-spring type.

The piece is free mounted in a mantlet in the turret which permits a total traverse of approximately 15 degrees. Elevation and depression of from 8 to 10 degrees may be obtained. The gun fires high explosive and armor-piercing high explosive ammunition.

Two types of telescopic sights for this gun have been recovered. Although different in size and design, they are both 4 power by 14 degrees.

Firing tests on this gun reveal that A.P.H.E. ammunition at 500 yards will penetrate 2.7 inches of homogeneous armor at normal, and 2.2 inches of homogeneous armor at 30° from normal.

SPECIFICATIONS

Japanese: p. 106.1 (August 1, 1945)

This gun, manufactured at Osaka Arsenal in 1939, is mounted on the Japanese Medium Tank Type 97. The tube, of monobloc construction, is fastened to the breech ring by twelve interrupted threads and secured by a lock on the right side of the tube. The breech ring is box-shaped. The breechblock of the vertical sliding type rides in two dovetailed slots in each side of the breech ring, and may be operated manually or semi-automatically.

The firing pin is automatically cocked when the breech is opened. The trigger, on the left side of the gunner’s shield, is protected by a trigger guard with a pistol grip. The recoil mechanism is a hydro-spring type.

The gun is mounted in the turret of the tank, and has a 360° traverse. It may also be freely elevated or traversed independently of the turret by means of two sets of trunnions. The inner vertical trunnions are set in a heavy steel bracket fitted to the cradle and permit a 5° left and right traverse. The bracket has a sighting window which may be closed for the gunner’s protection. The outer horizontal trunnions fit into another steel bracket and give approximately 11° elevation and 9° depression.

Although no sighting equipment was recovered with the gun, the appearance and location of the head rest, shoulder rest, and sight bracket indicate that a straight tube telescope is used.

SPECIFICATIONS

Japanese: p. 106.2 (August 1, 1945)