Type 96 120 mm self-propelled mortar explained

Type 96 120 mm self-propelled mortar
Origin:Japan
Is Ranged:yes
Is Artillery:yes
Is Vehicle:yes
Service:1996 – present
Used By:Japan
Designer:Hitachi
Design Date:1993
Manufacturer:Hitachi/Howa
Production Date:1996
Number:24
Weight:23.5t
Length:6.7m (22feet)
Width:2.99m (09.81feet)
Height:2.95m (09.68feet)
Crew:5
Caliber:120mm
Elevation:left: 45° right:45°
Armour:rolled homogeneous armour
Primary Armament:1x MO-120-RT 120 mm mortar, made under license by Howa
Secondary Armament:1x M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun
Engine:Mitsubishi 4ZF air-cooled V-type 4-cylinder diesel 300 horsepower
Engine Power:300hp
Suspension:torsion bar
Vehicle Range:300km (200miles)
Speed:50km/h

The is a tracked armored mortar carrier that has been in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) since 1996. The official abbreviation for the vehicle is 120MSP and the common name is Jisou RT or Jisou 120 mota in JGSDF. It is nicknamed God Hammer.

Its chassis is based on the Type 73 armored personnel carrier and fields a licensed domestically produced version of the Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1.

See also

Further reading