The
Type 74 (74式戦車, nana-yon-shiki-sensha?) is a
main battle tank (MBT) of the Japan Ground Self-
Defense Force (JGSDF). It was built by Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries as a replacement for the earlier
Type 61. It was based on the best features of a
number of contemporary designs, placing it in the
same class as the US M60 or German Leopard 1.
Like these designs, it mounts the Royal Ordnance
L7 105 mm gun. The design did not enter widespread
use until 1980, by which point other western forces
were starting the introduction of much more capable
designs.
I got to see this tank in action on a training exercise
with the JGSDF twice\in the late 80s, very small
target as tanks go.
I always rather liked the look of this. Quite like Leopard 1 and AMX-30 to look at but somehow sleeker. The Citroen-esque suspension is a winner too!
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