Type 98 Ko-Hi

Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version)
Place of origin	Empire of Japan
Specifications
Mass	5.281 ton [1]
Length	5.3 m (17 ft) [1]
Width	2.0 m (6.6 ft) [1]
Height	2.2 m (7.2 ft) [1]
Crew	15 [1]
Engine	Air-cooled diesel 110 PS (81 kW) [1]
Power/weight	32.5 HP/tonne
Suspension	Bell crank
Operational range	200 km
Maximum speed	30 mph (48 km/h) [1]

The Type 98 Ko-Hi a/k/a Type 98 half-tracked prime mover "Ko-Hi" was a half-track used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). There were two versions produced, beginning in 1938. The Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) and the Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version). They were used during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.

History

Front angle view of Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) with canvas cover

During the 1920s, the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) used several types of trucks to transport Anti-aircraft guns. In 1936 the Type 96 AA gun prime mover (a/k/a "gun tractor") was developed from the Type 94 6-wheeled truck. The Type-94 prime mover on which it was based had shown to be a reliable vehicle. ^{[2] [3]}

Additional efforts were made by the Imperial Japanese Army to produce greater anti-aircraft mobilization. This effort included the Type 98 half-tracks, which were introduced into service in 1938. They were considered "high speed" prime movers, capable of 48 km/h (30 mph) when loaded. The half-track was given the official designation of the Type 98 half-tracked prime mover Ko-Hi. ^[1] It had a diesel engine and a crew of 15. ^[1] The Type 98 Ko-Hi was used to tow a Type 4 75 mm AA gun. ^[4] The 20 mm AA machine cannon carrier truck was also produced and a prototype variant known as the Type 98 20 mm AA half-track vehicle was made. This Type 98 prototype had a single 20 mm Type 98 AA cannon mounted on the back section of a Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track. ^[5] The prototype did not enter mass production.

Versions

Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version)

Two versions of the Type 98 Ko−Hi half-track prime mover were produced. The Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) and the Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version). The main differences were in the dimensions of the vehicles and chassis of the vehicles. The "long version" specifications:

• length:5.67 m (18.6 ft) ^[6]
• width:1.9 m (6.2 ft) ^[6]
• height:2.3 m (7.5 ft) ^[6]
• weight:6 ton ^[6]

The total number of half-tracks built in relation to each of the two versions produced is unknown.

See also

• Type 1 Ho-Ki
• Type 1 Ho-Ha

Notes

1. Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover "Ko-Hi"
2. Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 96 AA gun Prime Mover
3. Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 94 6-wheeled truck
4. Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 4 75mm AA gun
5. Ness 2014, pp. xi, 169.
6. Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover large model

References

• Ness, Leland (2014). Rikugun: Guide to Japanese Ground Forces, 1937-1945. Volume 2, Weapons of the Imperial Japanese Army & Navy Ground Force. Helion and Company. ISBN   978-1909982758.
• Imperial Japanese Army Page - Akira Takizawa