View source for Type 90 tank

{{short description|Japanese main battle tank}}
{{for|other tanks with similar names|Type 90 (disambiguation)}}
{{multiple issues|
{{No footnotes|date=June 2024}}
{{more citations needed|date=June 2024}}
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{{Infobox weapon
| is_vehicle         = yes
| name               = Type 90
| image              = File:Firing Type 90 tank.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = A JGSDF Type 90 MBT practice firing at Fuji Firepower Review 2009
| type               = [[Main battle tank]]
| origin             = Japan
| production_date    = 1990–2009
| unit_cost          = JPY¥800 Million (2009)
| designer           = [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]]/[[Japan Ministry of Defense Technology Research and Development Institute]]
| manufacturer       = [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]]
| number             = 341
| crew               = 3
| length             = 9.76 m
| width              = 3.43 m
| height             = 2.34 m
| weight             = 50.2 tonnes
| armour             = Modular ceramic composite armour
| primary_armament   = [[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun|Rheinmetall 120mm L/44 smoothbore gun]] with automatic loader
| secondary_armament = [[M2HB]] 12.7 mm machine gun<br />[[Sumitomo Type 62#Type 74|Type 74]] 7.62&nbsp;mm machine gun
| engine             = Mitsubishi 10ZG 10-cylinder, two-stroke cycle,<br>1,500 hp/2,400 rpm  [[Diesel engine|diesel]] 21.5 litre
| transmission       = Mitsubishi MT1500 automatic transmission (4 forward gears, 2 reverse gears )
| suspension         = [[hydropneumatic]]
| speed              = 70 km/h
| pw_ratio           = 30 hp/tonne
| vehicle_range      = 350 km
}}

The {{nihongo|'''Type 90 tank'''|90式戦車|Kyū-maru-shiki-sensha}} is a [[main battle tank]] (MBT) of the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] (JGSDF). It was designed and built by [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]] as a replacement for the [[Type 61 (tank)|Type 61]] and to supplement the then current fleet of [[Type 74 tank|Type 74]] tanks, and entered service in 1990.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

==History==
[[File:JGSDF MBT Type 90 at JGSDF PI center 3.jpg|right|thumb|The turret of the Type 90 at the JGSDF public information center. Note the large bustle area for the autoloader, as well as the configuration of the grenade launchers.]]
[[File:Japanese Type 90 Tank - 2.jpg|right|thumb|A Type 90 during a public demonstration at the JGSDF Ordnance School in Tsuchiura, Kanto, Japan.]]

After the adoption of the [[Type 74 tank|Type 74]], the Japanese High Command was already looking for a superior, completely indigenous tank design to defeat the Soviet [[T-72]]. As a result, development of a prototype Joint development was performed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TRDI (Japan Defense Agency's Technology Research and Development Institute). Major subcontractors included [[Japan Steel Works]], [[Daikin Industries]], [[Mitsubishi Electric]], [[Fujitsu]] and [[NEC]].{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

A first series of two prototypes of the Type 90 were developed, both armed with a Japanese 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun (produced by Japan Steel Works Limited) firing Japanese ammunition (produced by Daikin Industries Limited).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://senkankojiki.nce.buttobi.net/img147.gif |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040211/http://senkankojiki.nce.buttobi.net/img147.gif |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Type 90 Prototype (JGSDF Public Information Center).jpg|right|thumb|The second prototype of the Type 90 on display at the JGSDF Public Information Center. It was the last prototype to feature the Japan Steel Works 120mm main gun, with future prototypes (later official production) using the Rheinmetall 120mm main gun instead.]]

A second series of four prototypes was built between 1986 and 1988, incorporating changes resulting from trials with the first two prototypes. These were armed with the [[Rheinmetall 120 mm gun|Rheinmetall 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun]] also fitted to the German [[Leopard 2]] and, in a modified version,  the US [[M1 Abrams|M1A1/M1A2 Abrams]] main battle tanks. These second prototypes were used for development and then user trials, all of which were completed by December 1989, before Japan formally introduced the Type 90 in August 1990. Mass production began in 1990, and 30 vehicles were produced by the end of the year.<ref>[[:ja:90式戦車]]{{Circular reference|date=January 2024}}</ref>

With the exception of the 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore gun, which is made under license from [[Rheinmetall]] of [[Germany]], the Type 90 and its subsystems are all designed and built in Japan, leading to higher per unit costs than comparable models from NATO countries such as the [[M1 Abrams]] and the [[Challenger 2]]. Development of upgrades to the Type 90 suffered both as a result of limited budget, which caused procurement delays,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/top-in-category/view/ragtag-military-left-to-defend-japan-on-shoestring-budget |title=Ragtag military left to defend Japan on shoestring budget ‹ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion |access-date=2011-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926111647/http://www.japantoday.com/category/top-in-category/view/ragtag-military-left-to-defend-japan-on-shoestring-budget |archive-date=2012-09-26 |url-status=live }}</ref> and funding prioritization in favor of the [[Type 10]] [[main battle tank]]. Due to a perception that Type 90s are unsuited to operations in the tight confines of Japan's urban areas, they are preferentially assigned to the JGSDF Fuji School Brigade and the 7th Armored Division based in [[Hokkaido]], where there is sufficient room for maneuver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goinkyox.com/Gunji/Tank/JTank/Type90.htm|title=９０式戦車（Type90MBT）|website=goinkyox.com|access-date=2011-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324152359/http://goinkyox.com/Gunji/Tank/JTank/Type90.htm|archive-date=2012-03-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

With the exception of training exercises such as the annual Combined Live Fire Exercise hosted by the [[United States Army]] at [[Yakima Training Center]] in [[Washington (state)|Washington state]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.disam.dsca.mil/pubs/Vol%2019_2/Osmon.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005105553/http://www.disam.dsca.mil/pubs/Vol%2019_2/Osmon.pdf |archive-date=2011-10-05 |url-status=live }}</ref> the Type 90 has never been deployed overseas, and has never been tested in combat.

==Design==
===Armament===
The Type 90 mounts a [[Rheinmetall L44]] 120&nbsp;mm [[smoothbore]] cannon licensed produced by Japan Steel Works Limited. This is the same gun that is mounted on the German [[Leopard 2]], the American [[M1 Abrams|Abrams]], and the South Korean [[K1A1]] tank. Before Rheinmetall's gun was selected, Japan had successfully produced a domestic version of the 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore for testing, but the lower cost of the Rheinmetall gave it an advantage over the domestic version.{{Citation needed|date=December 2016}}.

Since its introduction there have been several upgrades to the [[fire-control system]], including the addition of a [[Yttrium aluminium garnet|Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet]] [[laser rangefinder]] with a range of 300 to 5,000 meters, a 32-bit [[ballistics]] analysis computer, improved thermal imaging and Automated-tracking systems, and improved gun stabilization. The FCS also has an automated tracking system, and is capable of engaging moving or stationary targets while moving in day or night. The automatic target tracking system uses a thermal image display which can be controlled by either the tank gunner or commander. It is capable of tracking soldiers, vehicles and helicopters. The targeting computer can also calculate lead on moving targets.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

The commander's sight consists of a 3× / 10× (day-only sight). The sight can track vertically from −29 to +29 degrees, as well as track horizontally through 180 degrees. The gunners sight has a 10 x magnification.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

The gun is armed and loaded by a mechanical bustle [[autoloader]] (conveyor-belt type) developed by Mitsubishi of Japan. As with autoloader-equipped Russian main battle tanks, the French [[Leclerc tank|Leclerc]], and the Swedish [[Strv 103]], the Type 90 achieves manpower savings by reducing the crew to three.<ref name="type9001">Type 90 Tank -GlobalSecurity.org <br>http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/type-90.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003045044/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/type-90.htm |date=2006-10-03 }}</ref> Its ability to operate without a loader also allows the use of a smaller turret. The practical auto-loading and firing cycle for one target is around 4–6 seconds.

Mounted in front of the gunner's hatch on the turret is the ubiquitous [[Browning Arms Company|Browning]] [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2 machine gun]], manufactured under license by [[Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.|Sumitomo Heavy Industries]], part of the [[Sumitomo Group]]. In addition to the .50-caliber machine gun, a Japanese-built [[7.62 × 51 mm NATO|7.62 mm]] machine gun is mounted [[coaxial gun|coaxially]] to the left of the main gun.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

===Armor===

The profile of the Type 90 is similar to the [[Germans|German]] [[Leopard 2A4]] and it uses modular ceramic and steel [[composite armor]], common in contemporary tank designs. The adoption of modular [[composite armor]] design facilitates the upgrading and exchange of the armor.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

The Type 90 is smaller than most main battle tanks with a height of {{convert|2.33|m|ft}}, a width of {{convert|3.33|m|ft}}, and a weight of {{convert|50.2|MT|ST}}. It was designed with a distinctive low-slung turret with boxy, vertical sides and a long overhanging [[bustle rack|bustle]].{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} In comparison, the Leopard 2A4's dimensions are {{convert|2.48|m|ft}} high and {{convert|3.70|m|ft}} wide with a weight of {{convert|55.2|MT|ST}}.

===Mobility===
The powerpack of the Type 90 tank has the Mitsubishi 10ZG32WT 10-cylinder two-stroke cycle diesel engine providing 1500&nbsp;hp, coupled with Mitsubishi MT1500 automatic transmission with four forward and two reverse gears, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (designated 10ZG32WT, MT1500). The development of the 10ZG32WT prototype was started in 1972 and was finished in 1982.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} It can attain a top output of 1,120&nbsp;kW (1,500 [[horsepower]] @15min).

The [[hydropneumatic suspension]] units are mounted on the front and rear pair of road wheels, which can be adjusted on-the-fly to deal with uneven terrain, a requirement on Japan's rough, mountainous terrain.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense official data report, the acceleration of the type is 0–200 m in 20 seconds.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

===Manufacture===
The Type 90 has an approximate unit cost of 790 million [[Japanese yen]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/library/archives/yosan/2007/19gaiyou.pdf|title=Based on the production of nine Type 90 tanks during FY2007)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701033315/http://www.mod.go.jp/j/library/archives/yosan/2007/19gaiyou.pdf|archive-date=2007-07-01}}</ref> or approximately 7.4 million [[US dollar]]s at 2007 exchange rates.

341 Type 90 tanks were produced between 1990 and 2009 with an average annual production number of 19 vehicles. The original procurement plan was established in the 1980s while Japan was experiencing asset price bubble. After the asset price bubble burst in 1991 and the collapse of Soviet Union in 1992, Japan started to cut its defense budget. In order to save budget for [[Kongo-class destroyer|Kongo-class destroyers]] and other new weapons, Japan made a plan to reduce the size of its tank force. The production of Type 90 therefore slowed down and part of its budget was shifted to the research and development of the new Type 10 main battle tank.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/hakusho_web/|title=防衛白書の検索画面|website=www.clearing.mod.go.jp|access-date=2018-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115022611/http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/hakusho_web/|archive-date=2018-11-15|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Transportation===
Being 12 tonnes heavier than its predecessor, the Type 74, the Type 90 was found to be more challenging to operate around Japan, with the exception of Hokkaido. Some politicians therefore criticized the effectiveness of Type 90 due to difficulty in transportation. In fact, more than 65% of major bridges in Japan were still considered passable for the Type 90, while overseas main battle tanks, such as Challenger 2 and Leopard 2, could only use 40% of bridges in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/shin-ampobouei2010/dai5/siryou1.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063832/http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/shin-ampobouei2010/dai5/siryou1.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Operators==
{{JPN}}: 341 (2014)

*[[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]]
** [[File:JGSDF_Northern_Army.svg|27x27px]] '''[[Northern Army (Japan)|Northern Army]]'''
*** [[File:JGSDF_2nd_Division.svg|27x27px]] '''[[2nd Division (Japan)|2nd Division]]'''
**** 2nd Tank Regiment
*** [[File:JGSDF_7th_Division.svg|27x27px]] '''[[7th Division (Japan)|7th Division]]'''
**** 71st Tank Regiment
**** 72nd Tank Regiment
**** 73rd Tank Regiment
**** 7th Reconnaissance Unit
*** [[File:JGSDF_5th_Brigade.svg|27x27px]] '''[[5th Brigade (Japan)|5th Brigade]]'''
**** 5th Tank Battalion
*** [[File:JGSDF_11th_Brigade.svg|27x27px]] '''[[11th Brigade (Japan)|11th Brigade]]'''
**** 11th Tank Unit
** [[File:JGSDF_Director_Directly_Controled_Unit.svg|27x27px]] '''[[JGSDF Camp Takigahara|JGSDF Fuji School]]'''
*** Armor Department
*** JGSDF Fuji School (Combined Training) Brigade 
**** Armored Guidance Corps
*** Training Evaluation Unit
** [[File:JGSDF_Director_Directly_Controled_Unit.svg|27x27px]] '''JGSDF Ordnance School (JGSDF Camp Tsuchiura)'''

==References==
{{reflist}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www15.tok2.com/home/lttom/military-powers_jgsdf/90/military-powers_90tankframe.html|title=90式戦車|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218072903/http://www15.tok2.com/home/lttom/military-powers_jgsdf/90/military-powers_90tankframe.html|archive-date=2010-02-18}}
* Christopher F. Foss (ed)., ''Jane's Armour and Artillery,'' [[Jane's Information Group]], c1988
* {{cite book  |last=Foss  |first=Christopher F.  |title=Jane's Main Battle Tanks  |edition=Second |publisher=Jane's Publishing Company Limited |place=City Road, London   |year=1986 |isbn=0-7106-0372-X}}

==External links==
{{commons|Type 90 (Japan)}}
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/type-90.htm Type 90 tank] at the Federation of American Scientists
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/type-90.htm Type 90 Tank] at Globalsecurity.org
* [http://www.enemyforces.com/tanks/type90.htm Main Battle Tank Type 90] at ArmsWorld
* [http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_type90japan.html Type 90 Main Battle Tank] at Historyofwar
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070701033315/http://www.mod.go.jp/j/library/archives/yosan/2007/19gaiyou.pdf Official unit cost data of Type 90 Main Battle Tank] at Japan Ministry of Defense pdf file
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927190424/http://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/index.php?fid=1448&lang=3&pdb=1 120&nbsp;mm L44 Tank Gun] at Rheinmetall AG
* [http://www.channelj.co.jp/meta/anpobo_sensha_j_113006.asx Official Video -Type90 Tank-] at Channel J (product cooperation:JGSDF)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070701033315/http://www.centcom.mil/sites/uscentcom2/Video/Calflex%202006.wmv Official Video -Calflex 2006–] at United States Central Command (U.S.CENTCOM)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDQu0LevrcA YouTube Video1] at YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQN6CXfGT4Y YouTube Video2] at YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYBWb4UbP6A YouTube Video3] at YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dupnqSjnW4 YouTube Video4] at YouTube

{{Mitsubishi Heavy Industries}}
{{ModernJapaneseAFVs}}
{{Cold War tanks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Type 90 Kyu-maru}}
[[Category:Main battle tanks of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of Japan]]
[[Category:Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]]
[[Category:Tanks with autoloaders]]
[[Category:Mitsubishi Heavy Industries armored vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1990s]]