Type 87 Chu-MAT
{{Short description|Japanese laser-guided anti-tank missile}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name=Type 87 Chu-MAT
| image= JGSDF Type87 ATM.jpg
| image_size = 300
|caption=The Type 87 launcher and laser designator on a single tripod.
|origin= Japan
|type=Laser guided anti-tank missile
|is_ranged=yes
|is_explosive=
|is_missile=yes
|service= 1989 - present
|used_by=Japan
|wars=
|designer= Defense Agency Technical Research and Development Institute
|design_date=Late 1970s
|manufacturer=Kawasaki Heavy Industries[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/type-87.htm Type-87 Chu-MAT anti-tank missile.] Retrieved on April 13, 2008.
Mitsubishi Motors
|unit_cost=
|production_date= 1987 to present
|number=
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|spec_label=
|weight=Missile 12 kg
System 140 kgDesignator, launcher and six missiles
|length=1 m
|part_length=
|width=
|height=
|diameter=
|crew=3
|cartridge=
|caliber= 110 mm{{cite book|title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005-2006}}
|barrels=
|action=
|rate=
|velocity=
|range=2,000 m
|max_range=
|feed=
|sights= Laser assisted sights
|filling=
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|yield=
|armour=
|primary_armament=
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|engine=
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|guidance= Laser guidance
}}
Image:Japanese Type 87 MAT missile - 01.jpg
The {{nihongo|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.
History
Development of the system began in 1976, missile trials were conducted in 1982, and a complete prototype system delivered in 1985.{{cite web|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/Type-87-Chu-MAT-anti-tank-missile-system-Japan.html |title=Type 87 Chu-MAT anti-tank missile system (Japan), Anti-tank weapons |accessdate=2011-06-08 |publisher=Jane's |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215084017/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/Type-87-Chu-MAT-anti-tank-missile-system-Japan.html |archivedate=February 15, 2019 }} The first units entered service with the JGSDF in 1989. The system consists of a launcher, and a laser designator mounted on a heavy tripod.
Description
The 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.
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
The 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.[http://www.designation-systems.net/non-us/japan.html Japanese Military Aircraft Designations (after 1945).] Retrieved on November 26, 2007.
See also
- {{lwc|Type 64 MAT}}
- {{lwc|Type 79 Jyu-MAT}}
- {{lwc|Type 01 LMAT}}
References
{{reflist}}
- Kenkyusha's New Japanese-English Dictionary, Kenkyusha Limited, Tokyo 1991, {{ISBN|4-7674-2015-6}}
External links
{{Commons category|JGSDF Type 87 (ATGM)|Type 87 Chu-MAT}}
- [https://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/equipment/index.html#/detail/0/0_9/ Official JGSDF Page]
{{Japanese missiles}}
Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of the Cold War