Main Menu
Japan's Tankette Type 94 Te-Ke:
Type 94 Te-Ke.
Crossing a bridge in China. |
Type 94 Te-Ke |
Type 94 Te-Ke.
Destroyed on Pelelieu's airfield during the attack on September 15, 1944. |
Type 94 Te-Ke tankette: |
Design
In 1930 six Carden Loyd Mk VI tankettes were delivered to Japan.5 This tankette inspired the Tokushu Keninsha (special tractor) that was created by the Hiro Motor Company.5 The TK was larger than the Carden Loyd and similar to the Vickers light tanks.5
In the 1930s the Army requested a vehicle that could tow an armored trailer with ammunition to forward areas.
Hull was riveted. Front mounted engine, rear compartment with large access door.5
Turret was traversed by using shoulder against the MG. If turret was facing forward driver couldn't open hatch. Their was asbestos insulation in the turret to reduce the heat inside.
Suspension
Had a bell-crank which was invented by Major Tomio Hara.4 Often threw track on high speed turns.
Prototype
Production
- Type 94 Te-Ke:
- Production: 1934 -
- Cost: ¥50,0005
Variants
- Type 94 Te-Ke:
- Diesel Prototype: Had diesel engine installed. The driver was moved to the left.2 Led to design of the Type 97 tankette.2
Usage
Usually towed a tracked trailer that carried supplies. Used in China5, Malaya, and Burma. Each infantry division was given a company of six vehicles. Withdrawn after participating in early part of Burma campaign.
The Type 94 Te-Ke's role was to support the infantry and carry supplies in battle.5
| Type 94 Te-Ke | Late model | |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | Commander, driver 21,2 |
22 |
| Physical Characteristics | ||
| Weight | 3.5 tons1,2 3,400 kg1 7,500 lb |
3.5 tons2 8,600 lb |
| Length w/gun | 10'1, 10' 1", 10.08'2 3.08 m1 |
11.08'2, 11' 2" |
| Length w/o gun | ||
| Height | 5' 3.5", 5' 4"1, 5.33'2 1.62 m1 |
5' 6.75", 5.8' 2 |
| Width | 5' 3.5", 5' 4"1, 5.33'2 1.62 m1 |
5.33'2 |
| Ground clearance | ||
| Ground contact length | ||
| Ground pressure | ||
| Turret ring diameter | ||
| Armament | ||
| Main | 6.5 mm MG1 6.5 mm Model 91 MG 7.7 mm MG2 |
7.7 mm Model 97 MG 7.7 mm MG2 |
| Secondary | ||
| MG | ||
| Side arms | ||
| Quantity | ||
| Main | 1,980 | |
| Secondary | ||
| MG | ||
| Side arms | ||
| Armor Thickness (mm) | 4 - 122 121 |
4 - 122 |
| Hull Front, Upper | ||
| Hull Front, Lower | ||
| Hull Sides, Upper | ||
| Hull Sides, Lower | ||
| Hull Rear | ||
| Hull Top | ||
| Hull Bottom | ||
| Turret Front | ||
| Turret Sides | ||
| Turret Rear | ||
| Turret Top | ||
| Engine (Make / Model) | Air cooled, Mitsubishi Type 941 Type 942, air cooled2 |
Type 942, air cooled2 |
| Cylinders | 41,2 | 42 |
| Net HP | 321,2, 32-35 @ 2,500 rpm | 322 |
| Transmission | ||
| Fuel type | Gasoline2 | Gasoline2 |
| Octane | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Performance | ||
| Traverse | 360° | |
| Max Speed | 24.9 mph1, 25 mph2 40 kph1 |
25 mph2 |
| Cross Country | ||
| Road radius | 100 miles, 124 miles1, 130 miles 200 km1 |
|
| Turning Radius | ||
| Elevation Limits | ||
| Fording depth | 2', 1' 8" | |
| Trench crossing | 4' 6", 4' 7" | |
| Vertical Obstacle | ||
| Suspension (Type) | Bell crank4, rubber tires | |
| Wheels each side | 2 bogies with 2 wheels each | |
| Return rollers each side | 2 | |
| Track length | ||
| Tires | ||
| Track width | ||
| Track centers/tread |
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
- Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
- -
- Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
- Japanese Tanks 1939-45, Steven J. Zaloga, 2007
