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The Type 4 Chi-To medium tank was the most powerful Japanese tank built during the Second World War, but by the time the war ended only two had been completed. Unlike most Japanese medium tanks of the war, the Chi-To was not based on the Type 97 Chi-Ha, and if it had entered service would have been much more effective than any other Japanese tank.
The Chi-To was much larger than the Chi-Ha, with a longer, wider, tall chassis, supported by seven road wheels. It was armed with a 75mm Type 5 gun, based on the Type 88 anti-aircraft gun, and mounted in a well armoured hexagonal turret with more than a passing resemblance to that of the Panther.
With 75mm of armour at the front, a powerful 75mm and a top speed of 28mph the Type 4 Chi-To, the Chi-To compared favourably to the significantly heavier Panther, but it was developed far too late to have any impact on the course of the war.
Names (see article on Japanese tank designations)
Type 4 Chi-To (medium seventh) medium tank
Stats
Number produced: 2 completed
Produced: 1945
Length: 20.75ft
Hull Width: 9.41ft
Height: 9.41ft
Crew: 5
Weight: 30 tons
Engine: 400hp V-12 diesel engine
Max Speed: 28mph
Armament: 75mm gun plus two 7.7mm machine guns
Armour: 12-75mm
Japanese Tanks, 1939-45, Steven J. Zaloga, Osprey New Vanguard 137. A well written and illustrated look at the tanks produced for the Japanese army from the late 1920s to the end of the Second World War. This is a good overview of this neglected subject, looking at both the development of their tanks and their use in combat. [see more]
