Miyake, Koji/Arthur, Gordon Japanese Type 74 Main Battle Tank

The Type 74 tank (74TK) is a main battle tank used by the modern Japanese Army (JGSDF). It was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a replacement for the earlier Type 61 tank. The first prototype was delivered in 1968. It was a second-generation main battle tank equipped with a 105 mm L7A1 gun. The 74TK was designed to be as small and inconspicuous as possible. When it was introduced, it was unique in that it could change its stance using hydropneumatic suspension to raise or lower the hull. This also provided a stable firing platform, which increased firing accuracy. The Type 74 was considered obsolete even before it entered service. Since 2019, the Type 74 has been phased out and replaced by the eight-wheeled Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicle, which is the subject of another Trackpad title. This book presents the recovery, anti-aircraft and bridge-laying versions of the Type 74, all of which are based on the same chassis.