Chi-Ha is the main Japanese tank of World War II. Combat use Tactical and technical characteristics of tanks of the "Chi-ha" family

Official designation: Type 1 "Chi-ha"
Alternative notation: ?
Start of design: 1936
Date of construction of the first prototype: 1937
Stage of completion: mass-produced in 1938-1945, used by the Japanese army until the early 1960s.

The prolonged hostilities in China and the general world trends in tank building, implemented in the mid-1930s, made it very clear to the General Staff of the Japanese army that the Type 89 \ Type 94 tanks did not meet modern requirements. In this regard, in 1936 a new specification was developed, which provided for the creation of a medium tank with increased combat qualities.

During this period, relations between the two military-industrial groups within the Japanese army became most pronounced. Representatives of the first of them, which consisted of General Staff officials and specialists from the arsenal in Osaka, argued that the ground forces needed as many inexpensive and easy-to-use painful machines as possible. The second group, which included front-line officers and arsenal specialists in Sagami, was convinced that "herds of tankettes" would not solve the problem and it would be better to develop more powerful tanks, even if in smaller numbers. Thus, the discussion about what a medium tank should be deadlocked, although the General Staff then played a dominant role. As a result, it was decided to order two prototypes of two different tanks for comparative tests. The arsenal in Osaka began to develop a tank under the designation "Chi-ni"("fourth medium"), which was distinguished by a rather modest mass. In parallel, Mitsubishi began designing a heavier machine, later known as Type 97 "Chi-ha"("third middle").

The first, at the end of 1936, entered the tests "Chi-ni". Structurally, this tank combined both foreign and domestic experience in tank building. Osaka arsenal specialists chose a chassis layout partially borrowed from the British Vickers Mk.E (6-ton) tank, which saved a little weight and made the ride smoother. The armament, although not quite up to the mark (one 37 mm cannon and one 7.7 mm machine gun), was considered quite sufficient. The security of the tank was also acceptable - the frontal armor of the hull and turret were up to 25 mm thick. On paved roads, a maximum speed of up to 34 km / h was shown.

Since at that time Mitsubishi was just completing work on its own project, the Japanese command gave a clear preference to “Chi-ni. However, after the outbreak of another war with China in the summer of 1937, opinions regarding the Osaka arsenal project changed. It turned out that the army needed a slightly different tank, equipped with enhanced weapons and better protection. It was not possible to modify the Chi-ni according to the changed requirements - the turret was not designed to install guns of a larger caliber, and an increase in the thickness of the armor inevitably led to an increase in mass and deterioration driving performance tank. In addition, the Chi-ni crew consisted of only three people, and the commander had to combine the duties of a gunner and loader.

Thus, the Mitsubishi project was now considered more promising. However, one should not think that "Chi-ha" was innovative in a constructive sense. Rather, on the contrary, Japanese engineers actively used the developments on the Ha-go light tank, borrowing a number of elements from it both in the design of the hull and chassis.

The layout of the "Chi-ha" did not differ much from the original light tank. The hull had a mixed design, but almost all armor plates were fastened to a steel frame with bolts and rivets, which was an obvious anachronism, but allowed the replacement of individual components in the field. Booking was differentiated and ranged from 8.5 to 27 mm - in this respect, "Chi-ha" practically did not differ from "Chi-ni". In front of the case, which had a stepped shape, transmission units were installed (consisting of a 4-speed gearbox, a multi-plate main clutch, a planetary rotation mechanism, single-stage final drives and final drives) behind which there were places for the driver (in the protruding wheelhouse on the right side) and the machine gunner. The upper gable armor plate, with two hatches for servicing the transmission, had an inclination of 80 °, the lower one - 62 °.

The middle part of the body was occupied by the fighting compartment. The sides were vertical and made of armor plates with a thickness of 20-25 mm, however, the turret box took the form of a truncated pyramid and had an armor thickness of 20 mm and a slope of the sides of 40 °. The frontal sheet of the fighting compartment was set at an angle of only 10 °. A conical tower was installed on the roof of the box with a stern niche shifted to the left and a squat commander's cupola with mushroom cap. An escape hatch was made in the rear wall of the tower. A rectangular cutout was made in front of the turret for mounting a 57 mm Type 97 gun with a barrel length of 18.5 calibers. Its guidance sector turned out to be very modest - from -9 ° to + 15 ° in the vertical plane and 5 ° in the horizontal plane. Despite the insufficient armor penetration characteristics, the 57-mm gun had a small mass and a short barrel recoil, which was critically important in the conditions of limited turret space. The place of the tank commander was on the right side of the gun, the place of the loader was on the left. The thickness of the walls of the tower was 25 mm at angles of installation of 10°-12°. Additional armament included forward and turret 7.7 mm Type 97 machine guns.

The Chi-ha tank was equipped with a Mitsubishi V-shaped diesel engine with an HP 170 power. The cooling system is air, with an oil air cleaner. The engine was started from an electric starter. Fuel tanks of 120 and 115 liters were located along the sides of the engine compartment. The exhaust pipes were brought out on both sides and equipped with mufflers, protected in front by armored shields. Also, blinds were installed on the sides, closed in a combat position with armored covers, which rose on the march and were fixed in a horizontal position.

The chassis of the Chi-ha tank was not very original. As applied to one side, it consisted of the following elements:

- six double rubber-coated rollers; four medium ones were blocked in pairs and equipped with a Hara-type suspension, and the outer rollers were equipped with an individual spring suspension;

- three supporting rollers;

— the directing wheel of a back arrangement;

- drive wheel front location;

- small-link caterpillar: 96 tracks with one crest 330 mm wide and 120 mm pitch.

Thus, the process of unification of individual elements, which began with the light tank "Ha-go", was continued on the medium tank "Chi-ha". In general, this process made rational sense, since the mass production of tanks of various types was greatly facilitated.

Both tank prototypes were built in early 1937. The first of them was equipped with a standard undercarriage, and the second received a running gear. The number of support wheels was increased to eight, which had a positive effect on the smoothness of the ride. At the same time, the outer wheels retained their individual suspension, and the six middle wheels were blocked in pairs in a checkerboard pattern (front spoked on the left, rear with an alloy wheel on the right). Also, instead of three supporting rollers, four were installed. Certain advantages in such a scheme were undoubtedly present, but from an operational point of view, the Hara-type suspension was still more acceptable.

Comparing the technical characteristics obtained during the testing of prototypes "Chi-ha" and "Chi-ni", the choice was made in favor of the first. The Mitsubishi tank did not have unconditional advantages, but more powerful weapons and a better distribution of responsibilities between crew members affected. In addition, the disembarkation and landing of tankers could be carried out through the tower hatch or through the hatch above the machine gunner's head. At the same time, the fighting compartment turned out to be too cramped, because of which it was necessary to use fender niches like those of the Hago tank, and the armor remained bulletproof. In addition, the tank did not have any means of external communication.

Despite the apparent inconsistency with the current world requirements, the Chi-ha were adopted by the Japanese army. Production began in 1938, when 110 pre-series and serial tanks were assembled at Mitsubishi enterprises. Further, the release of "Chi-ha" continued in larger series:

1938 - 110

1939 - 202

1940 - 315

1941 - 507 (part of the tanks were equipped with a 47-mm gun)

1942 - 28.

Thus, medium tanks "Chi-ha" became one of the most massive in the history of Japanese tank building. However, their release did not end there.

Having received new tanks, the General Staff demanded to improve their tactical and technical characteristics. Minimal changes were made to the design of serial Chi-ha tanks. In particular, they began to equip command vehicles with radio stations with a handrail antenna, but they did not begin to fully radio all the tanks. A more serious modernization was to be carried out, which was largely accelerated by the battles at Khalkhin Gol, where the advantage of Soviet tanks and armored vehicles equipped with 45-mm 20K guns was revealed in a very sharp form. The three-month battle more than convincingly showed that the Japanese medium tanks were less effective than the light Soviet BT-7 and T-26. The most urgent was the issue of equipping the "Chi-ha" with a more powerful tank artillery system. The 47 mm Type 97 cannon was chosen as a replacement, with much better performance. So, with a barrel length of 48 calibers, an armor-piercing projectile weighing 1.4 kg received initial speed 825 m/s. At a distance of up to 500 meters, he pierced a vertically mounted sheet of armor 50 mm thick, which was considered a good indicator. The gun was installed in a mask with a wall thickness of 30 mm. The ammunition included 120 armor-piercing and armor-piercing fragmentation shots. Ammunition for machine guns has been increased from 3825 to 4025 rounds.

In connection with the installation of new weapons, the design of the tower had to be changed. It became noticeably higher and wider, and also received a developed aft niche. The commander's turret and the upper hatch (on the left side) were left in the roof of the tower and a periscope observation device was installed in front of it. There was also a stern hatch for loading ammunition and dismantling the gun. Next to him, with an offset to the port side, a 7.7-mm machine gun was installed. The rest of the tank has not changed.
The first prototype of an improved tank, known as Type 97 Kai or "Shinhoto Chi-ha"("third medium with a new artillery turret"), was presented for testing in 1940. The success of the updated design was obvious, and from the following year, the serial Chi-ha tanks began to be re-equipped with new turrets with 47-mm guns. A full-fledged production of "Shinhoto Chi-ha" was launched only in 1942, when 503 cars were assembled. In 1943, the Mitsubishi factories produced another 427 tanks, after which the assembly of the Shinhoto Chi-ha was discontinued.

Newly built vehicles received a modernized engine compartment ventilation system, full-fledged armored muffler boxes were installed, and a box of spare parts was attached to the rear of the hull. A 12-button light alarm was also introduced for communication inside the tank. Later production tanks began to be equipped with smoke grenade launchers. Initially, a four-barreled grenade launcher was mounted on a frame on the side of the turret, but their installation above the gun's max turned out to be more successful.

Despite the rather mediocre fighting qualities, the Chi-ha tank became a good base for tracked vehicles, which can be divided into two categories: special and maintenance.

Special armored vehicles:

– a unique modification of the line destruction machine wired connection, which has the name in foreign sources High-Voltage Dynamo Vehicle "Ka-Ha". Improvements to the tank were reduced to the dismantling of the gun and the installation of a dynamo with a DC generator with a voltage of 10,000 volts. As conceived by the creators, the electrical impulse sent through the telegraph wire was supposed to destroy the means of communication and enemy signalmen who had the misfortune to carry out negotiations on these devices at the same time. In total, four Ka-Khas were built, which were placed at the disposal of the 27th Independent Engineer Regiment stationed in Manchuria. No data could be found on their use.

"Ka-so"- an armored vehicle of artillery observers without weapons in the tower.

- armored logging machine, a limited series was produced for use in Siberia, but in the end they found use in the jungles of New Guinea.

"Chi-ki"- a commander's tank, distinguished by a modernized turret with a modified commander's turret and a second hatch in the roof, as well as an improved radio station, navigation devices, and additional signaling devices. In addition to the absence of a 57-mm gun, the command tanks were distinguished by a handrail antenna on the turret. At the same time, to compensate for the weakened armament, instead of a course machine gun, a 37-mm or 57-mm framed gun was installed in the frontal hull plate. Later, they still had to return to the turret gun mount, and a horizontal antenna was mounted on two high rods. Work on the modification of the "Chi-ki" was carried out in parallel with the design of a medium tank, with the first prototype equipped with an experimental undercarriage with three two-stroke bogies. Only after testing was unification carried out and the tank began to be equipped with a standard suspension.

"Chi-yu"- modification of an armored mine trawl. The turret and armament were not dismantled, but a frame was attached to the front of the hull, in front of which a mine trawl was installed. The number of samples collected is unknown.

Repair and technical armored vehicles:

"Se-ri"- armored recovery vehicle. Instead of a standard turret, a small conical turret with a 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun was installed, and a crane boom with a lifting capacity of 5 tons was installed in the aft. The boosted Mitsubishi Type 100 engine installed on the ARV developed a power of 240 hp, which, in combination with a winch, made it possible to repair and evacuate medium tanks in the field. This machine did not become serial - the release was limited to 2 or 3 copies.

- a fairly original modification of the armored bridgelayer. In order to reduce laying time, a unique bridge drop design was developed using two missiles. In fact, the bridge flew several meters forward, causing the whole process to take several seconds. Another positive side, oddly enough, was its small carrying capacity. The bridge could easily withstand any Japanese light tank, but not an American one. However, serial production of T-g bridgelayers was not launched.

"S-K"- Accurate data are not available. Presumably, the designation Experimental Trench Excavator S-K meant a trencher equipped with a steel plow fixed in the bow of the hull.

In addition, on the basis of the Chi-ha tanks of various series, many models of improved medium tanks and self-propelled guns, which is beyond the scope of this article.

Sources:
P. Sergeev "Tanks of Japan in the Second World War." 2000
S. Fedoseev "Medium tank Chi-ha" (Armored collection MK 1998-05)
S. Fedoseev "Armored vehicles of Japan 1939-1945" ("Historical series", supplement to the journal "Technology-youth"). 2003
Steven Zaloga, Tony Bryan "Japanese Tanks 1939-45"
Axis History Forum: Knocked out Japanese tanks

PERFORMANCE AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A MEDIUM TANK
"Chi-ha" sample 1938

Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai

Main characteristics

Briefly

in detail

2.0 / 2.0 / 2.0 BR

5 people Crew

Mobility

15.0 tons Weight

4 forward
1 ago checkpoint

Armament

104 shells ammo

15° / 20° UVN

single plane
vertical stabilizer

3,000 rounds of ammunition

20 rounds clip size

499 rounds/min rate of fire

Economy

Description

The Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai is a Japanese World War II medium tank based on the Chi-Ha tank from 1939-1941. Partially replaced the base tank in production; in addition, a significant part of the "Chi-Ha Kai" was obtained by alteration from the usual "Chi-Ha". The name of the tank translates as "Chi-Ha (middle third) with a new artillery turret".

In the game, it also differs from the original Chi-Ha with a new turret and a different 47mm gun.

Main characteristics

Armor protection and survivability

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Mobility

Armament

main gun

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Describe the ammunition available for the main gun. Give recommendations on their use and on filling the ammo rack.

Additional weapon

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Machine gun armament

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Use in combat

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Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Flaws:

History reference

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Media

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see also

• reference to the family of technology;
• links to approximate analogues in other nations and branches.

• topic at game forum;
• page on Wikipedia;
• page on Aviarmor.net;
• other literature.

16-05-2017, 15:24

Good day to all and welcome to the site! Our guest today is an unusual vehicle for its class of vehicles, a Chinese light tank of the third level, in front of you Type 2597 Chi-Ha guide.

As you understand, this unit is at the origins of the Chinese tree of development of light tanks, but looking ahead I will say that it has little in common with the classical understanding of "fireflies". Nevertheless, it is a fairly powerful machine with a number of its advantages and disadvantages, which are important to be aware of if you want to show yourself worthy in battle.

TTX Type 2597 Chi-Ha

We will start our acquaintance with this unit with the fact that it has a fairly standard margin of safety for its level and a very decent base viewing radius of 330 meters, which will help you more than once in battle.

Like most light tanks, our Type 2597 Chi-Ha characteristics the armor is frankly weak, because even in the frontal projection in most areas the thickness of the metal is equal to the declared 25 millimeters, which is easily penetrated by almost every enemy encountered.

The only place where we can tank at least some classmates is the upper frontal part. This area in case Type 2597 Chi-Ha WoT has a good slope, the armor here smoothly flows from 47 to 58 millimeters of reduction, this gives a chance to withstand hits from machine guns and periodically catch ricochets from other guns of classmates.

The lateral projection does not differ in any strength, so that even at an angle, everything is pierced into the side, what can we say about cases when the enemy was able to go around you and shoot at the side at a right angle.

Not very encouraging and indicators of invisibility of the machine. The fact is that the Chinese has impressive dimensions both in height and in length. For this reason Type 2597 Chi-Ha World of Tanks not only "shines" at impressive distances, but it will not always be possible to hide behind some kind of obstacle.

The last thing worth mentioning in terms of general specifications- average mobility. Type 2597 Chi-Ha tank received at his disposal Low by the standards of LT-3 top speed, but our maneuverability and dynamics are completely terrible, the car is very sluggish and clumsy.

gun

If, according to the general characteristics, this device is very difficult to call at least somewhat strong or comfortable, then with the armament the situation is fundamentally different, the gun is indeed the dignity of the Chinese.

First of all, at Type 2597 Chi-Ha gun has a powerful alpha strike for the third level and at the same time has a good rate of fire, thanks to which you will be able to deal about 1400 damage per minute.

It is even more pleasant to realize the fact that Chinese light tank Type 2597 Chi-Ha has excellent penetration rates, thanks to which he can easily deal damage to most of the opponents he encounters. As for the wonderful sub-calibers, you also need to have them with you, but only in case of collisions with armored vehicles of the fifth level.

Of course, it’s somewhat frustrating that you have to pay with accuracy indicators for powerful damage and excellent penetration. scatter Type 2597 Chi-Ha WoT got a big one, our cannon comes down slowly and its stabilization is bad, but we have to put up with it.

But we have another trump card up our sleeve, I would even say a joker - these are excellent vertical aiming angles. Cannon Type 2597 Chi-Ha tank capable of as much as 15 degrees down, so that the game from the relief turns into a real fairy tale.

Advantages and disadvantages

The most important role in the battle is played by how well you have studied the tank you are playing. Of course, an analysis of the general characteristics and parameters of weapons allows you to get a lot of information, but an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses Type 2597 Chi-Ha World of Tanks will allow you to get to know the car even better and succeed on the battlefield.
Pros:
Good basic overview;
High one-time damage;
Decent rate of fire and DPM;
Excellent penetration performance;
Excellent vertical aiming angles.
Minuses:
Large silhouette and weak disguise;
Weak booking in all projections;
Mediocre mobility (dynamics, maneuverability, maximum speed);
Poor accuracy (reduction, stabilization, dispersion).

Equipment for Type 2597 Chi-Ha

The advantages of this unit are undeniable, playing correctly, you can seriously influence the outcome of the battle. But there is no limit to perfection, besides, among the shortcomings there are points that also need to be adjusted. additional modules, so for maximum effect it is worth putting on Type 2597 Chi-Ha equipment in this form:
1. - as you know, this module provides a comprehensive boost of characteristics, that is, this is a good opportunity to improve several important parameters at once.
2. - our gun has serious problems with accuracy, they can only be compensated by accelerating aiming.
3. - despite a very good viewing range, this parameter also needs to be improved.

However, given the features of our car, there is a good alternative to the third point -. With this kit change, you can achieve maximum vision and gain a serious advantage over the enemy, but you will have to sacrifice mobility.

Crew training

The correct prioritization in the study of skills for crew members, as well as the sequence of their pumping, is another extremely important and crucial moment. When choosing, try to take into account the features of the tank, it is better not to make mistakes here, because it will take a lot of time to correct them, but in general for Type 2597 Chi-Ha perks it is better to download according to the following principle:
Commander - , , , .
Gunner (loader) - , , , .
Driver mechanic - , , , .
Radio operator - , , , .

Equipment for Type 2597 Chi-Ha

In the acquisition of consumables, things are much simpler, but this does not mean that this aspect should be neglected. Of course, if you do not have extra silver or you are saving up for some kind of tank, it is better to buy , , . But in cases where there is no need for savings and you can afford to install on Type 2597 Chi-Ha equipment premium, better take , , . In addition, our Chinese rarely burns, and the performance boost has never bothered anyone, so the fire extinguisher can be replaced with .

Game tactics on the Type 2597 Chi-Ha

Let's move on to the tactical side of the guide and when playing on this device, the first thing you should remember is light tank Type 2597 Chi-Ha has large dimensions, that is, it is a desirable target for all enemies, but it is devoid of armor that could protect you from losing precious strength points.

Add to this the fact that we have a powerful and very penetrating weapon, which, despite poor accuracy, is capable of doing excellent damage. This leads to the conclusion that the machine is not suitable for close combat, moreover, for Type 2597 Chi-Ha tactics involves firing at long distances.

Thus, at the beginning of the battle, we take a comfortable position on the second line, from which a good cross will open, but it will be more difficult for the enemy to detect you, and because of the distance, it will also hit you. Under such conditions Type 2597 Chi-Ha World of Tanks he will be able to deal damage relatively safely and unhindered, realizing his powerful DPM, and the problem in the form of mediocre mobility will make itself felt less.

It is only important to understand that in case of difficulties Type 2597 Chi-Ha tank should be able to retreat, so think about ways to retreat, or at least that you have a reliable cover that can protect not only from the ground enemy, but also artillery shots.

The rest of the mechanics of the game is not that hard, try not to engage in close combat, do not let yourself go around and keep an eye on the mini-map in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also, standing in one place for the entire fight is inefficient, so Type 2597 Chi-Ha WoT try to move as needed and look for firing bridgeheads, positioning on which you can bring maximum benefit to your team.

Combat use

In the battles at Khalkhin Gol in the spring - summer of 1939, "Chi-ha" were not used, but it was after the defeat suffered there from Soviet troops, the implementation of the program for the construction of medium tanks received a new impetus, and three companies of the 4th tank regiment, which were then armed with light "Ha-go", were soon re-equipped with medium "Chi-ha".

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese invaded the Philippines and Malaya. On December 10, the landing of the advanced units of the 14th Army of General Homme on the island of Luzon began, and on December 22 - 24, the main forces of the army landed. In the Philippines, Japanese tanks first encountered American tanks - since November 1941, a tank group of 180 Stuart M3s and 50 75-mm T12 self-propelled guns was stationed in Luzon. The Japanese landed units of the 4th and 7th tank regiments and several tank companies here. Tanks were delivered to the shore on landing barges and immediately went ashore. From the first clashes on December 22 and 31, 1941, until the last battle on April 7, 1942, the light "Ha-go" played the main role here, although the medium "Chi-ha" also participated in the hostilities. Usually the tanks led the attacks of the infantry, sometimes they made quick throws to objects already captured by paratroopers for the final break of the enemy's resistance. Units of the 7th Panzer Regiment captured several light Stuarts. The T12 self-propelled guns (on the chassis of half-tracked armored personnel carriers), which they used in the Philippines against the Americans in 1944-1945, also became Japanese trophies. The withdrawal of the US-Philippine group of troops to the fortifications on the Bataan Peninsula reduced the actions of the Japanese to the assault on the peninsula and the island-fortress of Corregidor. In the battles on Bataan, the Chi-ha were already more active, sometimes using smoke grenade launchers. After the capture of Bataan, a landing party was formed to land on Corregidor. Previous battles have shown the low effectiveness of the 57-mm Chi-ha guns in tank battles with highly mobile, maneuverable "Stuarts", moreover, capable of firing from long distances. Therefore, in addition to the Chi-ha company, the detachment included two Shinhoto Chiha, which were previously delivered to Bataan and introduced into the 7th Tank Regiment. It is curious to note that the commander of this tank company, Major Matsuoka, acted on the captured Stuart. The landing on May 5, 1942 on Corregidor was the combat debut of the Shinhoto Chi-ha.

A column of tanks "Chi-ha" before the march.

The Japanese 25th Army of Lieutenant General Yamashita, which invaded Malaya and had 211 tanks as part of the 1st, 6th and 14th tank regiments, quickly advanced towards Singapore Island. The attack on the island from the north, that is, from the land, the British considered it impossible, especially with the use of tanks. The Japanese thought differently. The rugged, jungle-covered terrain really made it very difficult for the machines to move, they had to move mainly in columns along rare roads. Under these conditions, tanks were also used as vehicle to transport property. As a disguise, the crews used "skirts" made of palm leaves or other vegetation, strengthening them on the hulls and towers.

Tank losses were insignificant, which was greatly facilitated by the lack of anti-tank weapons from the enemy and the dominance of Japanese aircraft in the air.

The operation began on December 7, and already on the 11th, the 1st Tank Regiment successfully attacked the Jitra defense line. According to the British, the appearance of Japanese medium tanks of the 6th Panzer Regiment on January 7, 1942 near Kuala Lumpur in Silanogre "brought indescribable confusion." Japanese tanks crossed the river and not only broke through the British defenses, but also captured rich trophies, including serviceable armored cars and light armored personnel carriers. To support the units that crossed on February 9 to Singapore, the Japanese led tanks through the Strait of Johor along the railway dam. On February 15, Singapore was captured by Japanese troops, and tanks played a big role in this.

In the battles in Burma (January 21 - May 20, 1942), General Ida's 15th Japanese Army used tanks of the 1st, 2nd and 14th tank regiments. On April 29, they cut the Burmese road, and on April 30 they entered the city of Lashio, an important communications hub. In Burma, Japanese tankers fought with the Stuarts of the British 7th Hussars. In addition, the T-26s of the Chinese 200th mechanized division also operated here, but they did not participate in tank battles with the Japanese.

After the landing on August 7, 1942, the 1st division marines USA on about. Guadalcanal (in the group of the Solomon Islands) and moving it deep into the island, on October 16, the Japanese landed Sumimoshi troops on the island, reinforced by the 1st separate tank company, which was equipped with veterans of the 4th company of the 2nd tank regiment. After a series of local skirmishes on October 26, the Japanese tried to cross the Matenika River and attack the positions of the American Marines on the opposite bank. Of the 12 "Chi-ha" who tried to ford the river, most were lost to the fire of 37-mm anti-tank guns. Actually on this tank battles ended. The Japanese did not have time to transfer reinforcements from Rabaul, and on February 1-7, 1943, they secretly evacuated from Guadalcanal.

1943 was a turning point - both Germany in Europe and Japan in Asia and the Pacific were forced to switch to strategic defense. The Japanese garrisons on the Mariana Islands, which were part of the inner defense belt of the Land of the Rising Sun and were of strategic importance, were reinforced by units of the 9th Tank Regiment of Colonel Hideki Goto: the 1st and 2nd companies (29 tanks "Hago" and " Chi-ha") were on about. Guam, 3rd, 5th and 6th - on Saipan. In addition, the Hago of a separate tank company of the landing detachment was stationed on the latter, and the 24th separate tank company (9 tanks) was stationed on Guam. There were also floating Ka-mi, and 47-mm Type 1 guns were used in the anti-tank system.

Medium tanks "Chi-nu" in the assembly shop of the plant.

On June 15, 1944, American troops landed on Saipan as part of the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions with amphibious tanks, and on June 16, the 27th Infantry Division. The Japanese used their tanks to counterattack in conjunction with the infantry, but suffered heavy losses from the fire of infantry anti-tank weapons and M4 Sherman tanks. On June 16, Vice Admiral Nagumo ordered another counterattack. Under the command of Colonel Goto, 44 ​​tanks were sent to the island along with the 136th Infantry Regiment: "Ha-go", "Chi-ha", "Shinhoto Chi-ha" from the 9th Tank Regiment and "Ka-mi" from the landing tank company. Tanks landed covertly in the rear of the American Marines entrenched on the west coast, but on the pebbly beaches of Garapan they made a lot of noise with their tracks. The Marines managed to call in a platoon of Shermans and several M3 self-propelled anti-tank guns. The Japanese lost 11 tanks already on the beach. Nevertheless, at 2 am on June 17, 40 Japanese tanks with armored infantry (a rare tactic for the Japanese) went on the attack. They had to move across open areas. Some of the tanks reached the positions of the Marine Corps, but in the light of illuminating shells fired from the ships, the Americans knocked out several tanks with fire from Bazooka rocket launchers and 37-mm anti-tank guns. The rest, trying to get around the wrecked cars, got stuck in swampy places and weak ground and turned out to be motionless targets. After the counterattack of the American marines with tanks and self-propelled guns, the Japanese had only 12 tanks left - 6 "Chi-ha" and "Ha-go" each. Some of them died on June 24 in an unequal battle with the "Shermans" (company "C" of the 2nd Tank Battalion of the Marine Corps), the rest - a little later in clashes with the M5A1 "Stuart" of army units (according to other sources - from 37-mm fire anti-tank guns). Saipan was captured by the Americans only by July 9 and cost both sides heavy losses.

Commander's version of "Chi-ha" with an imitation of a gun in the tower.

"Shinhoto Chi-ha", captured by the Americans on one of the islands of the Pacific Ocean.

When the US 3rd Marine Division and the US 77th Infantry Division landed on Guam on June 21, Japanese forces on the island included 38 Ha-Go and Chi-Ha tanks, concentrated along the western coast, where the Americans landed. In the first clashes, only Hago participated, although Chiha would have been more useful - light tanks were quickly knocked out. 11 "Chi-ha" of the 2nd company of the 9th regiment, which was at the beginning of the landing as part of the 48th separate mixed brigade near Agana, was pulled to Taraga on the northern coast. They were used to support infantry in night attacks. A successful attack was carried out, for example, by five "Chi-ha" on the night of August 8-9 on the positions of the Marines, whose "Bazookas" were put out of action due to rain. But the very next day, the American "Shermans" attacked the Japanese stronghold, knocked out two tanks and captured seven - those were either out of order or did not have fuel. On August 10, the Japanese stopped resistance on Guam.

Saipan and Guam became the place of the most intensive use of Japanese tanks in the Pacific theater of operations. On June 16, they also carried out their last massive attack on Saipan. The fighting here also demonstrated the complete inconsistency of the Chi-ha with the requirements of the time - these tanks were easily knocked out by the fire of American bazookas, tank and anti-tank guns, there were cases of these vehicles being hit by heavy machine guns and rifle grenades.

The Chi-ha and Shinhoto Chi-ha medium tanks arrived in the Philippines at the disposal of the 14th Army (14th Front) from Manchuria in January 1944 as part of the 2nd Panzer Division. Soon, the 11th Tank Regiment was reinforced by the Shinhoto Chi-ha, renamed the 27th Separate Tank Regiment, and sent to Okinawa. Thus, three tank regiments remained on Luzon Island (each with one company of light and one company of medium tanks) - a total of 220 tanks, including Shinhoto Chi-ha, as well as self-propelled guns Ho-ni and Ho -ro". On Leyte Island there were light "Ha-go" and several obsolete medium "Type 94" of the 7th separate tank company. These forces were to meet with more than 500 American tanks and self-propelled guns.

October 20, 1944 four infantry divisions of the 6th american army landed on the island of Leyte, and by December 28 the fighting there had already ended. Medium "Type 94" were lost while trying to recapture the runways. It is worth noting here that the struggle for the Pacific Islands was not so much an attempt to seize control over the key points of sea communications as to seize airfields. After the Japanese tanks on Leyte Island could not carry out a single more or less successful counterattack and were mostly hit, General Yamashita decided to use them on Luzon as stationary firing points, distributing infantry units among the strongholds and setting the task of delaying the advance American parts. The tanks were dug in and carefully camouflaged, and several reserve positions were prepared for them. For camouflage, the crews pulled wire mesh over the hull and turret, on which branches, leaves, and grass were attached. The protection of the frontal part of the turret was increased by attaching spare tracks, which, in principle, was uncharacteristic for Japanese tankers. The vehicles prepared in this way served as the core of strongholds, which differed from each other in size and strength. Thus, the point at Urdanet had 9 combat units, the Shigemi detachment at San Manuel - 45 (7th tank regiment, mainly Shinhoto Chi-ha), the Ida detachment at Munoz - 52 (6th tank regiment).

Lined "Chi-ha". Noteworthy is the characteristic shape of the turret hatch cover.

Japanese "Ferdinand" - self-propelled gun "Ho-ri".

The landing of the 1st and 14th Corps of the 6th American Army on Luzon began on January 9, 1945. January 17 happened tank battle at Linmangansen - "Shermans" of company "C" of the 716th American tank battalion knocked out 4 "Shinhoto Chi-ha" of the 7th tank regiment of the Japanese. On January 24, the same American tank company attacked the Shigemi detachment at San Manuel, supported by 105-mm M7 self-propelled howitzers.

In the early morning of January 28, the 30 remaining vehicles of this detachment, accompanied by infantry, launched a counterattack, but for the most part they were hit by tank and self-propelled gun fire, and the Americans themselves lost only three Shermans and one M7. On January 30, a convoy of 8 "Chi-ha" and 30 cars breaking through from the encirclement was shot at Umungan.

The Ida detachment also fought in encirclement from 1 February. An attempt to break through was stopped by the fire of American artillery and light tanks - "Stuarts". All Japanese tanks were knocked out. The 10th tank regiment was also unlucky - on January 29, its column came under fire self-propelled units M10 of the 637th American anti-tank battalion, which knocked out four Shinhoto Chi-ha.

By May 5, the Americans destroyed 203 "Chi-ha" and "Shinhoto Chi-ha", 19 "Ha-go", 2 "Ho-ro" in the Philippines. 2nd tank division complied with the order, delaying the advance of the Americans into the interior of the island, but paid too much for it - it simply ceased to exist.

After the capture of the Philippines, the focus of the American command moved to the islands of Formosa, Okinawa and Iwo Jima, which could serve as air bases for a direct attack on the Japanese islands. On February 19, 1945, the 5th American amphibious corps, supported by 200 amphibious tanks, began landing on Iwo Jima. The 27th was deployed here. japanese tank The new regiment, which had 28 tanks - mainly "Chi-ha" and "Shinhoto Chiha". Lieutenant Colonel Nishi, who commanded them, intended to use the Shinhoto Chi-ha as nomadic anti-tank guns, which generally corresponded to the situation and the capabilities of the tanks. However, more often they were used in dug-in stationary positions. Unable to retreat, these tanks were soon hit by artillery fire or US Marine bazookas. However, at least one strong point, in which there were three Shinhoto Chi-ha, put up very stubborn resistance. No coincidence the fights are on small island went until March 26th. Following this, on April 1, the Americans landed four divisions of the 3rd Airborne and 24th Corps on the western coast of Okinawa. The landing force included more than 800 tanks and self-propelled guns, as well as a large number of amphibious tanks and armored personnel carriers. The Japanese 32nd Army, on the other hand, had only units of the 27th Tank Regiment already mentioned above, stationed in the northern part of the island - a total of 13 "Hago" and 14 "Shinhoto Chi-ha". Almost all of these vehicles were lost during an attempted counterattack on 5 May. The battles on Okinawa went on until June 21, but tanks no longer took part in the most fierce battles.

"Chi-ha" of the 1st separate tank company, lined up on the island of Guadalcanal in October 1942. Most of the combat vehicles of this unit fell victim to the fire of 37-mm American anti-tank guns.

"Ha something."

After the defeat of the 2nd Panzer Division in the Philippines, the Japanese command did not risk the remaining units and transfer additional tanks to Okinawa (and the very possibility of this, due to the complete dominance of the Americans at sea, was more than doubtful), although the island was considered ethnically Japanese territory. Thus ended the fighting of the Japanese tank forces in the Pacific.

On the continent, fighting took place in Burma and China. In Burma, after several "trial" operations in 1943, the Allies went on the offensive early the following year. By the beginning of the fighting with the British-Indian and American-Chinese troops, the Japanese tank forces consisted of only the 14th Tank Regiment. Moreover, his 4th company was armed with captured Stuarts, but after fighting with British tanks the company was reinforced by Shinhoto Chi-ha. In this composition, this unit participated in the battles with the Americans near Myitkin in the first days of August 1944. In March 1945, the last Japanese tanks in Burma were lost in clashes with Shermans on the Myitkina-Mandalay road. By May 6, the Allies had completely retook Burma.

The 3rd Japanese Panzer Division was based in China, which included the 5th (8th and 12th regiments) and 6th (13th and newly formed 17th regiment) tank brigades. In 1942 - 1943, the Japanese used tanks occasionally in counterguerrilla operations, in private attacks on the 8th People's Liberation Army of China in the Border Region, against the Kuomintang troops in the Yichang region. The 8th regiment in 1942 was transferred to the island of New Britain.

During the autumn offensive of 1943 in China, units of the 3rd Panzer Division were used to capture airfields, from which B-29 bombers began raids on industrial facilities in Manchuria and Kyushu at that time. In 1944, the 6th tank brigade was withdrawn from the division and sent to the Mongolian border, so that the 3rd division retained only the 12th regiment from the actual tank units. In this form, it was attached to the 12th Army. After the inclusion of two more motorized infantry regiments in its composition, the division turned into a mechanized or reinforced motorized rather than a tank division. But it was at this time that decisive tasks began to be set before the tank units.

At least six Chi-has of the 9th Panzer Regiment were hit during a night attack on June 16, 1944 in Saipan. The armor of this tank shows numerous holes from 37-mm shells fired from the cannons of M5A1 light tanks of the 762nd American tank battalion.

Another "Chi-ha", shot down on Saipan. Attention is drawn to the folding frame with a grid at the stern of the hull, intended for the transport of infantrymen.

In April 1944, an offensive began against the Kuomintang troops in the direction of Luoyang, Xin'an and along railway Hankou - Changsha - Henyang - Canton. His task was to capture the highway leading to the Korean coast and in the direction of Hanoi, the subsequent defeat of the Chinese troops and the connection of the Northern, Central and Southern fronts of the Japanese expeditionary forces. As part of this "Operation No. 1", the 12th Army operated. The 3rd Panzer Division, following the infantry along with the 4th Cavalry Brigade, took part in a number of battles. At the same time, tanks, motorized infantry and cavalry carried out maneuvering operations, carried out envelopments, long-range (up to 60 km per day) bypass marches. With their active participation, Linzhou was captured on May 5, and Loiang on May 25. By mid-autumn, the Japanese occupied more than 40 cities, including Changsha, Henyang, Guilin, Shaozhou, Nanying, airfields near Henyang, Liuzhou, Gangxiang. This success was largely due to the weakness of the anti-tank defense of the enemy. During the assault on settlements, tanks were used to fire at gates or breaches in the walls surrounding most Chinese cities from machine-gun range. After the infantry entered the city, part of the tanks acted ahead of it, while others went around to cut off the enemy's escape route. 3rd Panzer Division and 4th cavalry brigade they also took part in the attack on the American air base near the Laohahe River in the spring of 1945. In the operation that began on March 22 and the capture of airfields, the 3rd Panzer Division solved rather auxiliary tasks, but the tankers played an important role in consolidating success and repulsing Chinese counterattacks (for example, in April in Sichuan). After that, the 3rd division with the rest of the forces was pulled north, to Peiping (future Beijing). Interestingly, after the surrender of Japan, the 3rd Panzer Division was not completely disarmed - the Americans and the Kuomintang used it to protect Beiping from being captured by the People's Liberation Army, until it was replaced by the 109th Kuomintang Division in November 1945. Quite characteristic of the then situation in China - the disarmament of the Japanese troops here ended only in February 1946.

To the beginning of the Manchurian offensive operation Soviet troops in 1945, the Kwantung Army under the command of General Yamada, numbering more than 1 million people, included the 1st and 9th separate tank brigades, based respectively in the areas of the cities of Shahe (south of Mukden) and Tieling (north-west of Mukden), the 35th Tank Regiment, together with the 39th Infantry Division, was located near the city of Sypingai. The 9th Brigade served as the tank reserve of the Kwantung Army. These areas were in the zone of the 3rd West Manchurian Front. Japanese tank forces were significantly weakened by losses in the autumn offensive of 1944 in China and the transfer of part of the units and equipment to the Japanese islands.

Tanks "Chi-ha" of the 34th tank regiment, captured in Manchuria by the Red Army. 1945

Soviet soldiers and officers inspecting Japanese tanks at the exhibition of Red Army trophies at the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Culture in Moscow in 1945. In the foreground are two "Chi-ha", in the background - three "Ha-go".

In total, the Kwantung grouping, together with the 17th Korean Front, had 1215 tanks by August 1945. Soviet troops numbered 1.7 million people and 5200 tanks and self-propelled guns.

On August 9, the Soviet troops of the Trans-Baikal, 1st Far Eastern and part of the forces of the 2nd Far Eastern Fronts went on the offensive. In the battles with the Red Army in August - September, Japanese tanks practically did not show themselves in any way and were captured mainly in the parks. The troops of the Trans-Baikal and 1st Far Eastern fronts, for example, got up to 600 serviceable Japanese tanks in this way.

"Chi-ha" and "Shinhoto Chi-ha" of the 11th Tank Regiment, along with units of the 91st Infantry Division, were on the Shumshu and Paramushir Islands of the Kuril Ridge, occupied by the troops of the 5th Japanese Front. They took part in the battles with the Soviet troops of the 2nd Far Eastern Front, who carried out the Kuril landing operation. In addition, the Japanese had two separate tank companies in the Kuriles. To counter the Soviet landing (the 101st rifle division with a battalion of marines) on the island of Shumshu on August 18 - 20, 1945, the Japanese additionally transferred tanks from the island of Paramushir. Artillery support for the Soviet landing was provided by ships of the Pacific Fleet. The fierceness of the fighting is evidenced by the remains of the Shinhoto Chi-ha, which are still rusting on the island. Shumshu and Paramushir were cleared of the Japanese on August 23, and all the Kuril Islands - by September 1. On September 2, Japan surrendered.

A few words about the tanks intended for the defense of the Japanese islands. In the spring of 1945, the United National Defense Army had 2970 tanks, consisting of two divisions, six brigades and several individual companies. The 1st and 4th Panzer Divisions formed a mobile reserve stationed north of Tokyo. The American-British landing on Kyushu was planned for November 1945, on Honshu - for the spring of 1946. It was to include three armored divisions, as well as a significant number of independent tank battalions. Surely, the superiority would again be on the side of the Americans, but the Japanese tank units located in the mother country, fully manned and well equipped, apparently, would have put up more serious resistance than in other places. However, these are pure assumptions - the surrender prevented these battles. Japanese tanks were handed over intact to the American occupying forces.

After the surrender of Japan, "Chi-ha" and "Shinhoto Chi-ha" continued their military service- during the Third Civil War in China (1945 - 1949). Serviceable vehicles taken from the Kwantung Army, including 350 "Chi-ha", the Soviet troops handed over to the People's Liberation Army. On the other hand, a significant number of Japanese tanks, with the assistance of the Americans, received the Kuomintang troops of Chiang Kai-shek. The limited number of combat vehicles on both sides led to their use for direct support of the infantry when attacking individual strongholds. In Beiping (Beijing) on ​​January 31, 1949 and in Nanjing on April 23, the People's Liberation Army of China entered on Japanese tanks - including the Chi-ha.

In Japan itself, the surviving "Chiha" and "Chi-he" remained in service until the 60s. However, during these years they played rather the role of training vehicles, since the basis of the armament of the “security corps”, and then the “self-defense forces” of Japan, then were American-made tanks.

Combat use Combat use of the He 177 aircraft began with two prototypes sent to KG 40. Also, the He 177A-0 aircraft sporadically participated in reconnaissance flights, including as part of the squadron of Lieutenant Colonel Theo Rovel. The first serial He 177A-3