Tankette Type 94 Te-Ke:

Crossing a bridge in China.
Japan's Type 94 Te-Ke

Japan's Type 94 Te-Ke

Destroyed on Pelelieu's airfield during the attack on September 15, 1944.
Japan's Type 94 Te-Ke

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.

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.

Usage

Usually towed a tracked trailer that carried supplies. Used in China, Malaya, and Burma. Each infantry division was given a company of 6 vehicles. Withdrawn after participating in early part of Burma campaign.

Diesel Prototype: Had diesel engine installed. The driver was moved to the left.2 Led to design of the Type 97 tankette.2

  Type 94 Te-Ke Late model
Crew Commander, driver
21,2
22
Physical Characteristics    
Weight 3.2 tons3, 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 m1,3
11.08'2, 11' 2"
Length w/o gun    
Height 5' 3.5", 5' 4"1, 5.33'2
1.62 m1,3
5' 6.75", 5.8' 2
Width 5' 3.5", 5' 4"1, 5.33'2
1.62 m1,3
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
Front: 123
Side: 103
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
353
322
Transmission    
Fuel type Gasoline2 Gasoline2
Octane    
Capacity    
Performance    
Traverse 360°  
Max Speed 24.9 mph1, 25 mph2
40 kph1,3
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    
Production 1934-  

Sources:

  1. 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
  2. Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
  3. Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles The Complete Guide, Leland Ness, 2002
  4. Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
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