Type 64 MAT explained

Type 64 MAT
Origin:Japan
Is Explosive:yes
Is Missile:yes
Service:1964 - present[1]
Used By:Japan
Designer:Defense Agency Technical Research and Development Institute[2]
Design Date:1957
Manufacturer:Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Production Date:1964
Number:220[3]
Weight:15.7 kg
Length:1.02 m
Diameter:0.12 m
Crew:3
Velocity:85 m/s
Range:350 to 1,800 m
Filling:Hollow charge
Engine:Two-stage solid rocket motor - first stage rated at 130 kg static thrust, second stage rated at 15 kg static thrust.
Speed:306 km/h
Guidance:MCLOS system

The is a Japanese wire-guided anti-tank missile developed during the late 1950s. Within the JGSDF, it is also known as 64MAT and KAM-3.[4]

History

Development of the missile began in 1957, and was adopted as standard equipment for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces with the official designation Type 64 ATM in 1964. Kawasaki Heavy Industries had been responsible for manufacturing the Type 64.[5]

Though the Type 64 MAT had been largely phased out and replaced by the Type 79 Jyu-MAT and Type 87 Chu-MAT as front-line anti-tank missiles in the 1970s to the 1990s, a small number are being held as reserve missiles.

Description

The missile is cruciform in cross-section with four large wings. It is powered by a dual thrust rocket motor, which accelerates the missile to its cruising speed in 0.8 seconds.

Operational use

The missile is launched from an open framed launcher at an angle of 15 degrees. The operator steers the missile using a control box, which sends commands down a wire that is trailed from the missile. A gyroscope in the missile compensates for pitch and yaw.[2]

The Type 64 is typically operated by a three-man crew. It can also be deployed from a Mitsubishi Type 73 jeep, which can carry four missiles[2] and a Type 60 armoured personnel carrier.

References

Biography

Notes and References

  1. The missile has gradually phased out, although is still kept in reserve
  2. Web site: ja:64式 対戦車誘導弾 . http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jgsdf/firearms/type64mat/type64mat.html. 2009-11-04 . Japanese. dead . January 7, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090107143459/http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jgsdf/infantry/type64mat/type64mat.html.
  3. Web site: Index of Japanese Military Equipment - Index des équipements militaires japonais. English, French. 2009-01-12. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090121051745/http://armyreco.ifrance.com/asie/japon/japon_index_materiel.htm. 2009-01-21.
  4. Web site: Japanese Military Aircraft Designations (after 1945). 2009-01-12. 2004-03-16. Andreas Parsch.
  5. Web site: Type-87 anti-tank missile. 2009-01-12. 1999-08-10. Federation of American Scientists.