Type 97 Te-Ke

In Chunking area of central China.
Japan's Tankette Type 97 Te-Ke

Japan's Type 97 Te-Ke

Tokyo Motor Industry (later Hino Motors) built 2 prototypes in 1937. The 1st model had the engine and driver at the front and the turret in the rear. It was later moved to the front so that the crew could better communicate.

Riveted construction and a rear mounted engine. The driver sat on the left of the commander. Interior was lined with heat absorbing asbestos sheets. Sometimes a 7.7mm MG was shipped instead of 37mm gun.

The turret had a hinged access door at the rear for the commander.

Used in all fronts. Initially designed for reconnaissance they were often employed as infantry support.4 In some instances they were used for observation posts. Also used as an ammunition carrier that could tow an ammunition trailer. A company was anywhere from 10 to 17 vehicles.

  Type 97 Te Ke
Crew Commander/gunner, driver
21,2
Physical Characteristics  
Weight 4.2 tons3,4, 4.67 tons1, 4.7 tons2
4,750 kg1
9,900 lb, 10,469 lb
Length w/gun 12'4, 12.17'2, 12' 1"1
3.68 m1, 3.7 m3
Length w/o gun  
Height 5.83'2, 5' 9.5", 5' 10"1,4
1.77 m1, 1.79 m3
Width 5' 11"1,4, 6.25'2
1.8 m1, 1.9 m3
Ground clearance  
Ground contact length  
Ground pressure  
Turret ring diameter  
Armament  
Main 37 mm1,4
37 mm Type 94
37 mm2 OR 7.7 mm MG2
Secondary  
MG 7.7 mm
Side arms  
Quantity  
Main 961
Secondary  
MG  
Side arms  
Armor Thickness (mm) 4 - 162
161
Front: 123
Side: 103
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) Ikega1 air-cooled2
Cylinders 41,2
Net HP 651,2 @ 2,300 rpm
653,4
Transmission  
Fuel type Diesel1,2,4
Octane  
Capacity  
Performance  
Traverse 360°
Max Speed 25 mph2, 26 mph1,4, 28 mph
40 kph3, 42 kph1
Cross Country  
Road radius 155 miles1, 250 km1
Turning Radius  
Elevation Limits  
Fording depth 2' 6"
Trench crossing 5' 3", 5' 7"
Vertical Obstacle  
Suspension (Type)  
Wheels each side 2 bogies with 2 wheels each
Return rollers each side 2
Track length  
Tires  
Track width  
Track centers/tread  
Production 1937-

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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