Battle of Tokyo 1946
Tokyo, March 1945
American frag fly over downtown of Tokyo
Photo came from here:
I realized that many people are looking forward to the Pacific War at the end of World War II. So, I suggest to implement Tokyo campaign!
Why the “Battle of Tokyo”?
I think you have a question why I suggest a battle that didn’t actually happen in spite of there are lots of interesting battles in Pacific campaign.
Surely battle of Iwojima, Leyte, Okinawa etc are very interesting. But in such battles Japanese does not have a good weapons which is able to fought against allied forces: limited automatic weapons, anti-tank weapon, armored vehicles etc. However, in the Battle of Tokyo there will be various interesting and useful weapons because it is a “last-ditch” battle for the empire. They were preparing lots of powerful new weapons like anti-tank rocket launcher, new powerful tanks etc. Such weapons will make game more interesting!
Also, if create Tokyo map, we can play various unique battlefields like fortified coast, suburban paddy fields and central area of one of the largest city of the world.
About Battlefield
Generally, this campaign map will consisted with four type of battlefields.
- Fortified coastal area
- Suburban paddy fields around Tokyo
- Residential area around Tokyo
- Central area of Tokyo
Before the war, Tokyo was one of the largest city of the world. In 1945, most of buildings including Imperial Palace were burnt down, but still lots of buildings were left. Also, in center of urban area there are lots of wreck of burnt down concrete or brick building are existed. Because of it a fierce urban warfare will occur.
Above all, central area there are lots of interesting buildings were left. For example, Dai-ichi Life Building (Headquarter of Japanese Eastern District Army & GHQ/SCAP), Imperial Diet Building (its a translation of “Reichstag” in German), Tokyo Station (almost burnt down but symbol of Tokyo) etc. They will be very interesting battlefield.
Also, beaches where allied forces will land were strictly fortified. There will be bloody battles like Omaha Beach on the coastline. Especially, Japanese planned to occur melee state to make difficult the fire support of allied forces, and Japanese artilleries will attack enemy troops even though friendly troops are killed by their fire so there will be more casualties than before.
In case of Sagami bay (beach where main force of allied force will land), about 100,000 m of underpass was dug per each regiments. Also, there are lots of heavy fortress cannons, field cannons, howitzers and rockets were deployed. Additionally they dig lots of “spider hole” (Japanese called it “Takotsubo”: meant octopus pods) for suicide attack troops.
Around the outer edge of the city, there were forests and paddy fields were still left. Such area make tanks difficult to mobile speedy and it will be very good position for defenders. To make battles, including such places will make battle interesting, too.
For the game, area around Sagami-bay to center of Tokyo will be very interesting. There are fortified coast, Tokyo-bay fortress, widely spreading urban area, and core of the empire.
Japanese Forces
Generally, Japanese forces mobilized for Battle of Japan were separated two types of divisions: Coastal Deployment Division (沿岸配備師団) and Mobile Strike Division (機動打撃師団).
Coastal Deployment Division is garrison literary deployed to the coast for attacking enemies from pillboxes and caves and restraining them until the main force arrives. This division was separated two types. First is a type mobilized in the first mobilization of 1945 (第一次兵備) which were numbered 1xx. (eg. 140th Division) This type of divisions had four infantry regiments. Three were “defensive” regiment, and one was “counterattack” regiment which more horses were deployed to reinforce mobility. Second is a type mobilized in third mobilization of 1945 (第三次兵備) which were numbered 3xx. (eg. 303rd Division) This type of divisions had only three infantry regiments.
Mobile Strike Division was a well-armed division for counterattack to enemy landing forces which were numbered 2xx. (eg. 201st Division) This type of divisions had artillery regiment and mortar regiment for the infiltration tactics: even if the damage is not only to the enemy but also to the coastal deployment division, we will provide assault support fire to keep the enemy from getting out of the trenches and allow the assault troops to charge in and destroy the enemy.
However, divisions mobilized in third mobilization of 1945 was consisted with only three infantry regiments.
The 12th Area Army was in charge of defense operations in the Kanto area, including Tokyo. This area army was consisted with 6x coastal deployment divisions, 10x mobile strike divisions, 2x tank divisions, 2x anti-aircraft divisions, 7x mixed brigades, 3x tank brigades and 1x amphibious brigade.
Weapons of Japanese forces
Rifle
Simple Rifle / 簡易小銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Magazine: 1 (magazine is not exist)
- Weight: no data
- Bayonet: N/A
This is single-shot bolt-action rifle produced for the mainland decisive battle at the end of World War II. It was deployed for coastal deployment division mobilized in third mobilization.
Compare to National Simple Rifle (国民簡易小銃) for militia, it had decent rifle’s ammunition same as Type 99 rifle etc. National Simple Rifle is separated two types: one is single-shot rifle with rifled barrel which is using 8 mm pistol cartridge and another is primitive matchlock. Both rifles are interesting but they are too useless in game so I did not selected them for rifle for Japanese forces.
Type 38 Infantry Rifle Warfare Production/ 三八式歩兵銃戦時型
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 6.5 mm
- Ammo: 6.5x50mmSR, Type 38 cartridge
- Velocity: 762 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 3.73 kg (with bayonet: 4.1 kg)
- Length: 1,276 mm (with bayonet: 1,663 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
This is the most mass-produced infantry rifle in Japan. During the war, quality has deteriorated significantly.
Compare to other rifles, its length is very long. When equip 30th Year Type bayonet, total length was 1.6 m.
If Simple Rifle is unacceptable for game, this rifle is suitable for initial rifle of all troops.
Type 44 Carbine / 四四式騎銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 6.5x50mmSR, Type 38 cartridge
- Velocity: 708 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 3.9 kg
- Length: 955 mm (with bayonet: 1,309 mm)
- Bayonet: Foldable Spike Bayonet
Japanese standard carbine rifle. It was improved variant of Type 38 Carbine equipped with spike bayonet.
Type 2 Rifle/ 二式小銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 720 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 4.03 kg
- Length: 1,118 mm (with bayonet: 1,502 mm)
- Bayonet: Type 2 Bayonet
Paratrooper variant of Type 99 Short Rifle with foldable stock. It is also called Type 2 Te-Ra Gun (二式テラ銃).
It was based upon Type 99 short rifle, but by the folding stock accuracy was inferior to it.
Production was started since 1942, but airborne operations were almost completed and the need was gone. Because of it, this rifle was deployed to normal infantry unit with other rifles.
Type 99 Short Rifle/ 九九式短小銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 730 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 3.8 kg
- Length: 1,118 mm (with bayonet: 1,502 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
Short carbine version of Type 99 rifle. However, actually they decided to replace Type 38 infantry rifle by this carbine rifle.
Warfare production type had multiple simplified parts and quality was deteriorated.
Type 4 Automatic Rifle / 四式自動小銃
- Type: Semi-Auto Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 689 m/s
- Magazine: 10
- Weight: 4.1 kg
- Length: 1074 mm
- Bayonet: ?
A copy of Garland by Imperial Japanese Navy.
Ammunition was changed, and capacity of magazine was increased to 10 ammo.
Experimental Automatic Rifle Ko (Long barrel) / 試製自動小銃甲号 (長銃身)
- Type: Semi-Auto Rifle
- Caliber: 6.5 mm
- Ammo: 6.5x50mmSR, Type 38 cartridge
- Velocity: 750 m/s
- Magazine: 10
- Weight: 4.3 kg
- Length: 1,160 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
An experimental prototype of Japanese semi-auto rifle designed in 1930s. In the project of semi-auto rifle, they designed three different prototypes: Ko, Otsu and Hei. Otsu was based upon ZH-29, but Ko and Otsu were original domestic design. (Some people say Ko is a copy of Pedersen but it is incorrect.)
Development was completed in 1938, but by the start of war, mass-production of semi-auto rifle was cancelled. About dozens of rifles was manufactured.
Note: about the name
試製 (Shisei) = Experimental
自動小銃 (Jidō Shōjū) = Automatic Rifle
甲号 (Kō Gō) = Mk. A
Premium Rifles
Type 99 Rifle / 九九式小銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 740 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 4.1 kg
- Length: 1,258 mm (with bayonet: 1,642 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
An infantry rifle variant of Type 99 short rifle. But weight of the gun become too heavy because caliber was expanded from 6.5 mm to 7.7 mm.
By this reason, Type 99 Short Rifle be a next-gen standard rifle of Japanese army.
Finally, only about 38,000 guns was produced.
It will be suitable for premium squads.
Type 99 Short Rifle with 30 Ammo Magazine
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 730 m/s
- Magazine: 30
- Weight: no data
- Length: 1,118 mm (with bayonet: 1,502 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
Unknown experimental prototype of Type 99 Short Rifle with 30 ammo magazine of Type 96 Light Machine Gun.
It will be suitable for battle pass weapon.
http://www.horae.dti.ne.jp/~fuwe1a/newpage71.html
Rifle Grenade
Type 99 Short Rifle with Type 100 Grenade Launcher / 一〇〇式擲弾機付き九九式短小銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 730 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 3.8 kg
- Length: 1,118 mm (with bayonet: 1,502 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
- Grenade: Type 99 Hand Grenade
- Explosive: Picric Acid, 57 g
- Fuse delay: 4-5 sec
Type 100 grenade launcher is rifle grenade launcher for Type 38 infantry rifle, Type 38 carbine, Type 99 rifle and Type 99 short rifle.
It can use Type 99 hand grenade.
Sniper Rifle
Type 97 Sniper Rifle / 九七式狙撃銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
- Caliber: 6.5 mm
- Ammo: 6.5x50mmSR, Type 38 cartridge, Decreased Powder
- Velocity: 762.1 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 4.45 kg
- Length: 1,276 mm (with bayonet: 1,663 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
- Scope: Type 97 Sniper Scope (x2.5)
Type 99 Sniper Short Rifle / 九九式短狙撃銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 730 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 3.8 kg
- Length: 1,118 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
- Scope: Type 97 Sniper Scope (x2.5) or Type 99 Sniper Scope (x4.0)
Sniper rifle variant of Type 99 Short Rifle. It could use not only Type 97 scope but also Type 99 scope.
Premium Sniper Rifle
Type 99 Sniper Short Rifle / 九九式短狙撃銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 740 m/s
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 4.1 kg
- Length: 1,258 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
- Scope: Type 97 Sniper Scope (x2.5) or Type 99 Sniper Scope (x4.0)
Sniper rifle variant of Type 99 Rifle. Compare to Type 99 Short rifle, velocity is increased.
Of the Type 99 series, most of the production is short version, so the long version sniper rifle type is very rare.
It will be suitable for premium sniper rifle squad.
Sub Machine Gun
Bergman-type Automatic Pistol (MP18) / ベ式自動拳銃
- Type: Submachine gun
- Caliber: 7.65 mm
- Ammo: 7.65×21mm Parabellum
- Velocity: 380 m/s
- Fire rate: 350-500 rpm
- Magazine: 50
- Weight: 4.18 kg
- Length: 818 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
Submachineguns for Japanese navy land forces.
Bergmann MP18 was imported by Japanese Navy since 1931 and used by several SNLFs. Also, Japanese Army was not adopted it, but MP18 was used for reference to develop Type 100 submachinegun.
Bergman-type Automatic Pistol (MP28) / ベ式自動拳銃
- Type: Submachine gun
- Caliber: 7.65 mm
- Ammo: 7.65×21mm Parabellum
- Velocity: 380 m/s
- Fire rate: 500-600 rpm
- Magazine: 50
- Weight: 4.18 kg
- Length: 813 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
This is Haenel MP28. Japanese navy imported this gun for navy land forces and called Bergman-type automatic pistol (ベ式自動拳銃).
Steyr-type Automatic Pistol (S1-100) / ス式自動拳銃
- Type: Submachine gun
- Caliber: 7.65 mm
- Ammo: 7.65×21mm Parabellum
- Velocity: 380 m/s
- Fire rate: 500 rpm
- Magazine: 20
- Weight: 4.25 kg
- Length: 850 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type Bayonet
This is Steyr-Solothurn S1-100, aka MP-34(o). Japanese navy imported this gun for navy land forces and called Steyr-type automatic pistol (ス式自動拳銃).
Type 100 Submachine Gun (Early) / 百式機関短銃(前期型)
- Type: Submachine gun
- Caliber: 8 mm
- Ammo: 8×22mm 14th Year Type Pistol Cartridge
- Velocity: 334 m/s
- Fire rate: 450 rpm
- Magazine: 30
- Weight: 3.7 kg
- Length: 872 mm (with bayonet: 1,260 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type or Type 2 Bayonet
This is the only submachine gun that was adopted during the war in Japanese army.
Development of Japanese submachine guns was started in 1935. In 1935, Nambu Mk.1 SMG (南部式機関短銃一号) and Nambu Mk.2 SMG (南部式機関短銃二号) was built. Among them, Mk.2 was evolved to Experimental Model 1 SMG (試製一型機関短銃) in 1936 and Experimental Model 2 SMG (試製二型機関短銃) in 1937. As a result of test, Model 2 did not had enough specification, but the performance of Model 1 was good, and they judged that it is adoptable with some improvement.
Experimental Model 3 SMG (試製三型機関短銃) completed 1939 had improvement based on test results. Afterword it took several modifications (Mod.3 Ko / Mod.3 Otsu), and finally it was adopted as Type 100 Submachine Gun in 1941.
Design was affected from Bergman SMGs (MP18/28), but different to them it had long-range sight (1,500m) and bayonets. Early type was produced about 1,000.
Type 100 Submachine Gun (Late) / 百式機関短銃(後期型)
- Type: Submachine gun
- Caliber: 8 mm
- Ammo: 8×22mm 14th Year Type Pistol Cartridge
- Velocity: 334 m/s
- Fire rate: 700-800 rpm
- Magazine: 30
- Weight: 3.7 kg
- Length: 872 mm (with bayonet: 1,260 mm)
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type or Type 2 Bayonet
Late production type of Type 100 SMG omitted rate reducer, simplified bayonet socket, and changed sight etc. By this change, production efficiency and fire rate was increased but quality was deteriorated.
Most of the production was late production type.
Premium SMG
Experimental Model 2 Submachine Gun, Vehicle-Mounted Type / 試製二型機関短銃改良車載型
- Type: Submachine gun
- Caliber: 8 mm
- Ammo: 8×22mm 14th Year Type Pistol Cartridge
- Velocity: 335 m/s
- Fire rate: 600 rpm
- Magazine: 30
- Weight: 2.9 kg
- Length: 648 mm
- Bayonet: foldable spike bayonet (same as Type 44 carbine)
This is a submachine gun for crew of AFVs developed in 1945 because it was smaller than Type 100 SMG. Compare to original, length was shortened and stock was reinforced by steel plates.
Japan was surrendered before it was adopted, but some this guns were captured in Okinawa.
Shotgun
Murata Hunting Gun / 村田式猟銃
- Type: Bolt-Action Shotgun
- Caliber: various (Navy commandeered 12 gauge)
- Magazine: 1 (not exist)
- Weight: 4.6 kg (13th Year Type Rifle)
- Length: 1,294 mm (13th Year Type Rifle)
- Bayonet: removed
After various Murata rifles were retired, they are modified to shotgun and sold to civilians. Also, some manufactures built shotguns with license of Murata.
In 1930-40s, Murata hunting gun was the most popular shotgun in Japan.
During WW2, Japanese navy commandeered various hunting rifles(=shotgun) as a substitute for a rifles. Additionally, for the battle of mainland of Japan, home guards will be used it, too.
For game, modified version of 13th Year Type Rifle will be suitable for game.
Browning Auto-5
- Type: Semi-Auto Shotgun
- Caliber: 12, 16, 20 gauge (Navy commandeered 12 gauge)
- Magazine: 5
- Weight: 4.1 kg
- Length: 1,270 mm
- Bayonet: N/A
Browning Auto-5 was the most popular semi-auto shotgun in Japan.
During WW2, Japanese navy commandeered various shotguns as a substitute for a rifles. A significant proportion of them were semi-automatic shotguns.
Light Machine Gun
Different to other countries, all Japanese light machine guns had a bayonet. Perhaps it will be advantage in the game.
11th Year Type Light Machine Gun / 十一年式軽機関銃
- Type: Light machine gun
- Caliber: 6.5 mm
- Ammo: 6.5x50mmSR, Type 38 cartridge, Decreased Powder
- Velocity: 736 m/s
- Fire rate: 500 rpm
- Magazine: 30
- Weight: 10.2 kg
- Length: 1,100 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type bayonet
This is the first light machine gun adopted by Japanese army.
Type 96 Light Machine Gun / 九六式軽機関銃
- Type: Light machine gun
- Caliber: 6.5 mm
- Ammo: 6.5x50mmSR, Type 38 cartridge
- Velocity: 735 m/s
- Fire rate: 550 rpm
- Magazine: 30
- Weight: 10.2 kg
- Length: 1,075 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type bayonet
This is a successor of 11th Year Type LMG. The defect of the predecessor has been improved and the reliability has been improved.
Type 99 Light Machine Gun / 九九式軽機関銃
- Type: Light machine gun
- Caliber: 7.7 mm
- Ammo: 7.7x58mmR, Type 99 cartridge
- Velocity: 670 - 715m/s
- Fire rate: 700 - 800 rpm
- Magazine: 30
- Weight: 11.4 kg
- Length: 1,190 mm
- Bayonet: 30th Year Type bayonet
This is a successor of Type 96 LMG. Caliber was expanded to 7.7 mm and fire power was increased.
Pistol
14th Year Type Pistol / 十四年式拳銃
- Type: Semi-Auto Pistol
- Caliber: 8 mm
- Ammo: 8×22mm 14th Year Type Pistol Cartridge
- Velocity: 325 m/s
- Magazine: 8
- Weight: 890 g
- Length: 230 mm
Japanese army’s standard pistol during the Asia-Pacific War. It was equipped by gunner of machine guns, military police, tank crew, bike driver, pilot and paratrooper etc.
It was based upon Nambu Large Pistol (Otsu). It was adopted by Japanese navy in 1924, and Army adopted it with improvement in 1925 as 14th Year Type.
Type 94 Pistol / 九四式拳銃
- Type: Semi-Auto Pistol
- Caliber: 8 mm
- Ammo: 8×22mm 14th Year Type Pistol Cartridge
- Velocity: 284 m/s
- Magazine: 6
- Weight: 720 g
- Length: 187 mm
This is a pistol for officers. In Japan, officer’s pistol was supposed to be procured at your own expense. Because of it, they used dozens of various pistols: FN Browning M1910, Colt M1903, Luger P08, Mauser C96, Bergmann, Astra, Union, Star, Bayard, Simson, Danton, Continental, Regina, Vickers, Mannlicher, Hino, Hamada Type 1, Inagaki etc. This occurred heavy burden on the logistics, so Japanese tried to unify officer pistol and they developed Type 94 Pistol.
For uses of officers, it had very small size. It was preferable for not only officers but also tank crew, pilots and paratroopers so they also used this pistol.
Type 2 Pistol / 二式拳銃
- Type: Semi-Auto Pistol
- Caliber: 8 mm
- Ammo: 8×22mm 14th Year Type Pistol Cartridge
- Velocity: no data
- Magazine: 6
- Weight: no data
- Length: 176.5 mm
It was the last Japanese pistol adopted by Japanese army. It was based upon Hamada Type 1 Pistol (sold for civilians and officers).
This pistol was developed for officers because the start of war, import of pistols from America and Europa were stopped. Different to Hamada Type 1, ammunition was changed from .32ACP to 8x22mm 14th Year Type pistol cartridge.
It was adopted in October 12, 1943 and deployed for officers and paratroopers.
Type 4 Double-Barrel Shotgun-Pistol / 四式二連装霞弾拳銃
- Type: Double-Barrel Shotgun / Pistol
- Caliber: 12 gauge
- Velocity: no data
- Magazine: 2 (no magazine)
- Weight: 1.3 kg
- Length: 246 mm
It is very unique handy-size shotgun of the Japanese navy. It was deployed for substitutes of pistol or submachine gun.
Photo:
https://japaneseweapons.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-3688.html
Hand Grenade
Type 97 Hand Grenade / 九七式手榴弾
- Weight: 455 g
- Explosive: TNT 65 g
- Fuse delay: 4-5 sec.
This is popular hand grenade for Japanese army.
Hand Grenade Model 4 / 手榴弾四型
- Weight: 450 g
- Explosive: Type 88, 99-130 g
- Fuse delay: 4-5 sec.
Also known Type 4 Grenade or Ceramic Grenade. It is a fragmentation hand grenade made of ceramics.
This is one of a “last-ditch” weapon made by Japanese navy to cope with metal shortage.
Smoke Grenade
Unfortunately, I can’t find smoke grenade of Japanese Army.
At least, white smoke is listed in Japanese chemical weapon and it was called “White Mk.1 / しろ1号”.
But, according to Japanese cabinet office’s website, “In the disposal of abandoned chemical weapons, smoke agents (white agents / しろ剤) have not been identified as a single weapon, but “Blue-White munitions /あをしろ弾” (manufactured as a mixture with blue agents) have been identified”. (“Blue/あを” = phosgene)
Heavy Weapons
Type 4 7 cm Rocket Cannon / 四式七糎噴進砲
- Caliber: 74 mm
- Length: 1.5 m
- Weight: 8 kg
- Velocity: 100 m/s
- Penetration: 80 mm
This is Japanese anti-tank rocket launcher produced since 1944.
About 3,500 launchers are manufactured and deployed in mainland of Japan.
Type 89 Heavy Grenade Launcher / 八九式重擲弾筒
- Caliber: 50 mm
- Velocity: - m/s
- Weight: 4.7 kg
- Number of shell: 18 ammo per one troop
- Type 89 HE (range 670 m)
- Weight: 800 g
- Explosive: TNT 150g
- 10th Year Type Grenade (range 200 m)
- Type 91 Grenade (range 200 m)
Japanese standard light infantry motor/grenade launcher. This gun can use not only 50 mm Type 89 HE but also able to use normal grenades. Normally it was placed on the ground at a fixed firing angle of 45 degrees, but in an emergency it could fire grenades or shells at point targets while braced horizontally against a tree or building.
Grenade squadron consisted with 3 troops. Each troops bring 18 shells, total 54 ammo.
Type 100 Flamethrower
- Fuel: 26 kg
- Weight: 21 kg
- Range: 25 m
This is as Japanese standard flamethrower during WW2.
Armored Vehicles
As well known, Japanese armored vehicles was inferior to American tanks due to weak Japanese industries and undeveloped infrastructure. However, they still had a little better tanks in mainland of Japan for their final battle.
Type 2 Gun Tank “Ho-I” / 二式砲戦車 ｢ホイ車｣
- Weapon
- Main gun: Type 99 7.5 cm Tank Gun
- Machine gun: 7.7 mm Type 97 vehicle-mounted machine gun
- Length: 5.73 m
- Width: 2.33 m
- Height: 2.58 m
- Weight: 16.7 t
- Speed: 44 km/h
- Armor (front / side / back)
- Hull: 50 mm / 25 mm / 20 mm
- Turret: 50 mm / 25 mm / 25 mm
- Penetration (War Thunder’s data) (100 m)
- Type 95 APHE: 41 mm
- Type 2 HEAT: 90 mm
This is fire-support tank of the Japanese army. It have a hull same as Type 1 Medium tank and equipped with short-barrel 75 mm tank gun.
It can use Type 2 HEAT shell and it will possible to penetrate American tank’s armor.
Type 3 Gun Tank “Ho-Ni III” / 三式砲戦車 ｢ホニIII車｣
- Weapon
- Main gun: Type 3 7.5 cm Tank Gun
- Machine gun: N/A
- Length: 5.55 m
- Width: 2.33 m
- Height: 2.23 m
- Weight: 15 t
- Speed: 38 km/h
- Armor (front / side / back)
- Hull: 25 mm / 25 mm / 20 mm
- Turret: 25 mm / 25 mm / 25 mm
- Penetration (War Thunder’s data) (100 m)
- Type 1 APHE: 98 mm
A Japanese SPG with 7.5 cm L/38 tank gun.
Compare to predecessor, Type 1 Gun Tank “Ho-Ni I”, combat room is fully surrounded by armor plate and survivability is increased.
For battle of Japan, this SPG was deployed as substitute of Type 3 Medium Tank “Chi-Nu” in Tank Divisions. Also, there are a plan to deploy them to Separated Self-Propelled Gun Battalions with Type 4 Self-Propelled Gun “Ho-Ro”.
Type 3 Medium Tank “Chi-Nu” / 三式中戦車 ｢チヌ車｣
- Weapon
- Main gun: Type 3 7.5 cm Tank Gun
- Machine gun: 1~2x 7.7 mm Type 97 vehicle-mounted machine gun
- Length: 5.73 m
- Width: 2.33 m
- Height: 2.61 m
- Weight: 19 t
- Speed: 38 km/h
- Armor (front / side / back)
- Hull: 50 mm / 25 mm / 20 mm
- Turret: 50 mm / 35 mm / 25 mm
- Penetration (War Thunder’s data) (100 m)
- Type 1 APHE: 98 mm
Type 3 Medium Tank “Chi-Nu” is the last mass-produced Japanese tank during the World War Two. Since Pacific War begins, projects of next-gen tank “Chi-To” (1941~ ) and “Chi-Ri” (1943~ ) was started. However, both project was delayed in spite of frontline troops needs decent tank which is able to fought against huge monster, M4 Sherman tanks so they decided to start new project, Chi-Nu. In this project, they used conventional Type 90 Field Gun for the main gun, and it was not optimized for tanks. The project was progressed rapidly, and first prototype was completed in September 1944.
Until the end of war, 166 tanks was completed and deployed to mainland of Japan.
Type 4 Medium Tank “Chi-To” / 四式中戦車 ｢チト車｣
- Weapon
- Main gun: Type 5 7.5 cm Tank Gun
- Machine gun: 1~2x 7.7 mm Type 97 vehicle-mounted machine gun
- Length: 5.73 m
- Width: 2.33 m
- Height: 2.61 m
- Weight: 19 t
- Speed: 45 km/h
- Armor (front / side / back)
- Hull: 75 mm / 35 mm / 35 mm
- Turret: 75 mm / 50 mm / 50 mm
- Penetration (War Thunder’s data) (100 m)
- Type 1 APHE: 146 mm
- Type 4 Kou APHE: 148 mm
Type 4 Medium Tank “Chi-To” is Japanese medium tank project started in 1941. By the delay of project and change of requirements, only two prototype was completed until the end of war.
It equipped long-barrel 7.5 cm tank gun based upon captured Bofors 75 mm AA gun in Chinese front. It had excellent performance that was incomparable to that of existing Japanese tank guns.
Type 5 Medium Tank “Chi-Ri” / 四式中戦車 ｢チリ車｣
- Weapon
- Main gun: Experimental 7.5 cm Tank Gun
- Auxiliary gun: Type 1 37 mm Tank Gun
- Machine gun: 2x 7.7 mm Type 97 vehicle-mounted machine gun
- Length: 8.47 m
- Width: 3.07 m
- Height: 3.05 m
- Weight: 36 t
- Speed: 45 km/h
- Armor (front / side / back)
- Hull: 75 mm / 35 mm / 35 mm
- Turret: 75 mm / 50 mm / 50 mm
- Penetration (War Thunder’s data) (100 m)
- Type 1 APHE: 146 mm
- Type 4 Kou APHE: 148 mm
Type 5 Medium Tank “Chi-Ri” is Japanese final medium tank. Project was started since 1943, but at the end of war, only one uncompleted prototype was left. Also, mass-production was cancelled due to there are Chi-To which have similar main gun.
The main gun was similar to Chi-To, but it had semi-auto loader and it will provide more faster reloading speed. Also, it had 37 mm auxiliary gun in the front of hull. 37mm AP cannot penetrate enemy tank, but perhaps it is useful for attack enemy infantry.
Premium Tank
Short 12-cm Self-Propelled Gun / 短十二糎自走砲
- Weapon
- Main gun: Short 12 cm Gun
- Machine gun: uncertain (two mount for 7.7 mm machine guns)
- Length: 5.55 m
- Width: 2.33 m
- Height: 2.23 m
- Weight: 15 t
- Speed: 38 km/h
- Armor (front / side / back)
- Hull: 25 mm / 25 mm / 20 mm
- Turret: 32 mm / 25 mm / 25 mm
- Penetration (War Thunder’s data)
- Ordinary: 31 mm
Japanese SPG based upon Type 97 medium tank “Chi-Ha” built by Japanese Navy. They called it “十二糎砲戦車/12 cm Gun Tank”. This SPG had 12 cm L/12 cannon for self-defense weapon of cargo ships. This cannon had only HE shell, but its fire power was very high. If you hit the weak points, you can destroy any tank with a single blow in the campaign. Even if you hit the front of M4 tanks, it will take serious damage and combat ability will be greatly reduced.
In Tokyo area, Yokosuka 16th Special Naval Landing Force equipped 10x Short 12cm SPG.
Aircraft (Fighter)
Type 0 Carrier-Based Fighter Model 64 [A6M8] / 零式艦上戦闘機六四型
- Weapon:
- MG: 2x Type 99 Mk.2 20 mm machine gun (wing) & 2x Type 3 13.2 mm machine gun (wing)
- Bomb: 1x250 kg, 1x 500 kg or 4x rockets
- Engine: Kinsei mod.62, (take off 1,560 hp)
- Speed: 572.3 km/h
A final production model of the famous “Zero” fighter.
It had heavy weapon, armor and new high-power engine.
Prototypes were completed in April 1945, and production was started in July 1945, but by the end of war production model was not completed.
Type 4 Fighter Model 1 Hei “Hayate” [Ki-84 Hei]/ 四式戦闘機一型丙「疾風」
- Weapon:
- MG: 2x Type 2 20 mm autocannon “Ho-5” (nose) & 2x 30 mm “Ho-155-II” autocannon (wing)
- Bomb: 2x 50 kg or 2x 250 kg
- Engine: Ha-45-21, (take off 2,000hp)
- Speed: 660 km/h
It was the best Japanese army’s fighter and called “大東亜決戦機”, meant “Aircraft for the Decisive Battle of Greater East Asia”.
Model Hei is heavy-armed prototype variant to replace two 20 mm cannon of model Otsu to mighty 30 mm cannon.
Aircraft (Attacker)
Ki-102 Otsu / キ102乙
- Weapon:
- MG: 2x Type 2 20 mm autocannon “Ho-5” (nose), 1x 57 mm “Ho-401” autocannon (nose) & 1x Type 12.7 mm machine gun “Ho-103” (rear gunner)
- Bomb: 4x 50 kg or 2x 250 kg
- Engine: 2x Ha-112-II
- Speed: 580 km/h
An attacker variant of Ki-102. Because of end of the war, it was not named but probably it will be called Type 5 twin-engine attacker.
It have 2x 20 mm and 1x 57 mm autocannon. They will be very useful to attack ground troops. Additionally, it can equip 2x 250 kg bombs.
Type 4 Heavy Bomber Model 1 Otsu [Ki-67-I Otsu] / 四式重爆撃機一型乙
- Weapon:
- MG: 1x 20 mm Ho-5, 3x 12.7 mm Ho-103 single and 1x 12.7 mm Ho-103 twin
- Bomb: 15x 50 kg, 8x 100 kg, 3x 250 kg or 1x 800 kg
- Engine: 2x Ha-104
- Speed: 537 km/h
It is the Japanese last heavy bomber. Japanese classified it as “heavy bomber”, but it should be treated as medium bomber or attacker.
It does not have any fixed machine gun, and defensive weapons are not a good. However it have decent bomb loads as a Japanese bombers and useful for support ground forces.
For game, “8x 100 kg bomb” loadout will be useful.
Kikka Kai / 試製橘花改
- Weapon:
- MG: N/A
- Bomb: 2x 250 kg, 1x 500 kg or 1x 800 kg
- Engine: 2x Ne-20
- Speed: 677 km/h
This is Japanese first jet-propelled aircraft. Because of it have very early-era jet engine, it is slower than some reciprocating-engine fighters. However, in spite of gasoline engines for conventional aircrafts require high-grade gasoline, jet engine can use any oil like Pine Oil (松根油) and it was very attractive for Japanese.
It was designed for attack enemy fleet approaching to mainland of Japan.
