page_title: Type 61 (tank)
section_title: Design
hierarchical_section_title: Type 61 (tank) / Design
context_page_description: The Type 61 tank is a main battle tank developed and used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
  Development started in 1955 and the vehicle was first deployed in April 1961. The type number follows the year of deployment. A total of 560 Type 61s were manufactured between 1961 and 1975, when production ceased. It was succeeded by the Type 74.
context_section_description: The Type 61 is conventionally laid out, with a central turret and the engine located at the rear of the hull. The tank has a crew of four: a commander, driver, gunner and loader. The hull is welded steel, with a cast steel turret. The maximum armour thickness is quoted as 64 millimeters. The driver sits at the front right of the hull, with a hatch immediately above him, and three vision periscopes covering the forward arc. To the driver's left is the transmission, which can be accessed for servicing by removing a large panel on the front of the hull. The commander and gunner sit in the turret on the right side, with the commander provided with a large domed cupola with a hatch on the rear of it. The gunner does not have a hatch and is seated forward of the commander.
  A tool storage box was normally mounted externally on the rear of the bustle, and three smoke grenade launchers were mounted on each side of the turret. Two large radio antenna were also attached to the rear of the bustle.
caption: Type 61 tanks on the move in 1985 as part of a joint US/Japanese exercise.
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