The Type 87 Chū-MAT (87式対戦車誘導弾, 87-shiki tai-sensha yūdō-dan) Chū-MAT is a Japanese laser guided anti-tank missile in service with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces. Intended as a front-line replacement for the Type 64 MAT, it has entered into service alongside the SACLOS guided Type 79 Jyu-MAT.
| Type 87 Chu-MAT | |
|---|---|
 The Type 87 launcher and laser designator on a single tripod. | |
| Type | Laser guided anti-tank missile |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1989 - present |
| Used by | Japan |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defense Agency Technical Research and Development Institute |
| Designed | Late 1970s |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries[1] Mitsubishi Motors |
| Produced | 1987 to present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Missile 12 kg System 140 kg[2] |
| Length | 1 m |
| Crew | 3 |
| Caliber | 110 mm[3] |
| Effective firing range | 2,000 m |
| Sights | Laser assisted sights |
Guidance system | Laser guidance |
History
editDevelopment of the system began in 1976, missile trials were conducted in 1982, and a complete prototype system delivered in 1985.[4] The first units entered service with the JGSDF in 1989.[4] The system consists of a launcher, and a laser designator mounted on a heavy tripod.
Description
editThe unit is situated on a tripod unit with the missile launcher and laser designator on it. The designator and launcher can be separated from each other by up to 200 meters, or can be mounted together on the same tripod, although Jane's notes that the exhaust gas from the missile may interrupt the designator laser.[3]
Like the Type 64 MAT and the Type 79 Jyu-MAT, it can be mounted onto a Mitsubishi Type 73 jeep or the Komatsu LAV for anti-armor roles.
Future Plans
editThe Defense Agency's Technical Research and Developmental Institute has begun conducting tests on a new anti-tank missile that will eventually replace the Type 87 in front-line service. The project's code name is known in the JSDF as the Shin Chu-MAT.[5]
See also
edit- Type 64 MAT – (Japan)
- Type 79 Jyu-MAT – (Japan)
- Type 01 LMAT – (Japan)
References
edit- ^ Type-87 Chu-MAT anti-tank missile. Retrieved on April 13, 2008.
- ^ Designator, launcher and six missiles
- ^ a b Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005-2006.
- ^ a b "Type 87 Chu-MAT anti-tank missile system (Japan), Anti-tank weapons". Jane's. Archived from the original on February 15, 2019. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Japanese Military Aircraft Designations (after 1945). Retrieved on November 26, 2007.
- Kenkyusha's New Japanese-English Dictionary, Kenkyusha Limited, Tokyo 1991, ISBN 4-7674-2015-6
External links
edit