Type 75 130 mm Multiple Rocket Launcher

• Name — Type 75 130 mm multiple rocket launcher • Origin — Japan • Type — Multiple rocket launcher • Is Ranged — yes • Is Explosive — yes • Is Artillery — yes • Is Vehicle — yes • Service — 1978 –2005 • Design Date — 1965-1975 • Used By — Japan • Designer — Technical Research and Development Institute • Manufacturer — Komatsu (chassis), Nissan (rockets, rocket launcher) • Production Date — 1976–1985 • Number — 66 • Variants — see Variants • Weight — 16.5 t • Length — 5.78 m • Width — 2.80 m • Height — 2.67 m • Crew — 3 • Cartridge Weight — 43 kg • Caliber — 131.5 mm • Barrels — 30 • Velocity — 700 m/s • Max Range — 15000 m • Elevation — 0° to +50° • Traverse — 100° • Filling Weight — 15 kg • Armour — Aluminium • Primary Armament — 130 mm rocket launcher (30 rounds) • Secondary Armament — 12.7 mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun (600 rounds) • Engine — Mitsubishi 4ZF21WT V4 air-cooled diesel • Engine Power — 300 hp (2.200 rpm) • Fuel Capacity — 410 L • Pw Ratio — 18.18 hp/t • Suspension — Torsion bar • Clearance — 0.4 m • Vehicle Range — 300 km • Speed — 50 km/h

• Illustration — The Type 75 utilised components from the Type 73 armoured personnel carrier, including its engine. Research into developing rocket launchers for the Japan Ground Self-Defence started in 1955. Early efforts waned due to expected deliveries from the United States. After reluctance from the United States to supply long-range rockets to Japan, a domestic solution was pursued instead – the Type 67 Model 30 rocket launcher. The combination of the rocket launcher's comparatively short range, small warhead, low number of rockets, and inaccuracy prompted the development of a multiple rocket launcher. The Technical Research and Development Institute began developing the Type 75 in 1965. Initial performance specifications were drafted in 1966 and finalised in 1967. Further design objectives were defined in 1968, which led to prototyping the chassis and rocket launcher in 1969–1970. Komatsu developed the chassis, and Nissan was responsible for the rocket launcher and rockets. A second (full) prototype was constructed in 1971–1972 and underwent technical testing in 1972–1973. Of the two full-scale prototypes built, the first one used multiple components – notably the road wheels – from Komatsu's SUB 2 prototype for the Type 73 armoured personnel carrier. The second full-scale prototype diverged more from the SUB 2 configuration. Operational testing started in 1973 and lasted through 1974. Testing uncovered the need to improve the vehicle's gyrocompass, with the changes implemented and its performance validated in 1974. The Type 75 received its official designation in 1975.

• Illustration — The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System replaced the Type 75 in Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service. First four Type 75s were procured in 1976, followed by six in 1977, and then eight vehicles each year until procurement ended with 66 multiple rocket launchers produced. Deployment of the Type 75 to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's training units began in March 1978. In 2001, Japan reported to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs that 61 Type 75s were in service as well as 13 Type 75 wind measurement vehicles. As the license-built M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System began entering service in numbers in late 1990s and deliveries of the Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer progressed, Type 75s were gradually retired. According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms' 2005 report, 17 were still in service. A year later, Japan reported to the register that no Type 75 multiple rocket launchers nor Type 75 wind measurement vehicles were in service.

• The Type 75 wind measurement vehicle provided meteorological data for the multiple rocket launcher units. Its chassis bore greater semblance to the Type 73 armoured personnel carrier than the Type 75 multiple rocket launcher. Instead of the rocket launcher, a meteorological sensor suite was installed on top of the rear hull. Up to 15 were produced, although 13 remained in service by 2001. The last wind measurement vehicles were retired alongside multiple rocket launchers in 2005.

• Illustration — Left front view of the Type 75 • Illustration — Left rear view of the Type 75 • Illustration — Right rear view of the Type 75 • Illustration — Front right view of the Type 75 • Illustration — A Type 75 130 mm multiple rocket launcher (left) and a Type 75 wind measurement vehicle

• BM-21 Grad • K136 Kooryong • Kung Feng • Light Artillery Rocket System • M-77 Oganj * *