Type 3 Ho-Ni III

The Type 3 Ho-Ni III was a Japanese tank destroyer and self-propelled gun produced by mounting a 75mm gun on the chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank. The Ho-Ni I and Ho-Ni II had been pure self-propelled artillery, with only a partly enclosed casement for the gun, making them very vulnerable in close combat.

In contrast the Type 3 Ho-Ni III carried a Type 90 75mm gun in a fully enclosed armoured casemate. This allowed it to be used as either a tank destroyer or in the same way as the Ho-Ni I and II as self-propelled artillery. Fifty seven Ho-Ni IIIs were ordered from Hitachi, of which either 31 or 41 were completed

Although the Type 3 Ho-Ni III were assigned to various combat units, most were stationed within the Japanese home islands to defend against the projected Allied Invasion. As the surrender of Japan occurred before that invasion, there is no record of the Type 3 Ho-Ni III ever being used in actual combat.

Type 3 (1943) Ho-Ni III (Gun fourth III)

Specifications

Number produced:  31 or 41

Produced: 1944-45

Length: 5.52m

Hull Width: 2.33m

Height: 2.39m

Crew: 5

Weight: 17 tons

Engine: 170hp Diesel

Max Speed: 38km/hr

Armament: Type 90 75mm gun

Armour: 25mm thickest

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