Type 60 Self-propelled 106 mm Recoilless Gun

The Type 60 Self-propelled 106 mm Recoilless Gun (60式自走無反動砲) is a light anti-tank vehicle developed by Japan in the late 1950s. It mounts two M40 106 mm recoilless rifles as its main armament.

Development
In the mid-1950s the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force contracted for one prototype from Komatsu (SS1) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (SS2) powered by a 110 hp six-cylinder diesel engine and fitted with two 105 mm recoilless rifles. They were delivered in 1956. A second series of prototypes was built with 4 recoilless rifles, but adoption of the American M40 forced the reversion to two weapons. A third series of three prototypes was built by Komatsu as the SS4 that were heavier with a more powerful engine, a new transmission and clutch and a two-speed auxiliary transmission. They were accepted into service in September 1960.

Starting in 1974 a 150 hp Komatsu SA4D105 air-cooled, 4-cylinder diesel engine was fitted.

Operation


The commander is seated to the left of the two weapons and his position is attached to their mounting so that he remains at the same height when they are elevated for firing. The M40s can be fired from the lowered position, but their traverse is limited to 20°, elevation to +10° and depression to -5°. The elevation mechanism is manually operated. The loader is seated to the left of the commander and must exit through his rear-opening hatch to reload the recoilless rifles while on top of the engine deck or behind the vehicle.

Only 6 rounds of ammunition are stowed on board.

As of 2001, Japan reported to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs that 140 Type 60s were in service.

Similar vehicles
M50 Ontos