Main Menu
Japan's Type 92 Light Tank
Type 92 Cavalry Tank2
Design
After a disappointing demonstration of a Christie tank at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in 1932 the Japanese decided to design their own fast cavalry tank.2
The design was undertaken by the Ishikawajima Motor Works (now Isuzu).2
Was called a combat car to get around restrictions that the cavalry couldn't have tanks.1 Also issued to tank units as a light tank.1
Combat performance was poor and its hull welding was weak.2 The poor suspension was redesigned three times.2
Prototype
Production
First produced in 1932.1
- Type 92:
- Production: 19332
- Manufacturer: Ishikawajima Motor Works2
Variants
- Type 92:
- A-I-GO: Amphibious version.
Usage
Was used for reconnaissance in Inner Mongolia in 1933 as part of the Jehol Operation.1
Was used in China.2
| Type 92 Light Tank Type 92 Cavalry Tank2 |
|
|---|---|
| Crew | 31 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 3.4 tons1, 3.9 tons2 3.5 metric tons2 7,000 lb |
| Length w/gun | 12' 7", 13' 1"1 |
| Length w/o gun | |
| Height | 6' 3"1 |
| Width | 5' 3"1 |
| Ground clearance | |
| Ground contact length | |
| Ground pressure | |
| Turret ring diameter | |
| Armament | |
| Main | 13 mm MG, hull 12.7 mm MG, hull1 |
| Secondary | |
| MG | 6.5 mm, turret1 |
| Side arms | |
| Quantity | |
| Main | |
| Secondary | |
| MG | |
| Side arms | |
| Armor Thickness (mm) | 61,2 0.5"2 |
| 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 cooled1 |
| Cylinders | 61 |
| Net HP | 451 |
| Transmission | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline1 |
| Octane | |
| Capacity | |
| Performance | |
| Traverse | |
| Max Speed | 21.6 mph, 25 mph1 |
| Cross Country | |
| Road radius | |
| Turning Radius | |
| Elevation Limits | |
| Fording depth | |
| Trench crossing | |
| Vertical Obstacle | |
| Suspension (Type) | Bell crank |
| Wheels each side | 6 |
| Return rollers each side | |
| Track length | |
| Tires | |
| Track width | |
| Track centers/tread | |
| Production | 1931-32 |
Sources:
- Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
- Japanese Tanks 1939-45, Steven J. Zaloga, 2007
