Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
The is a self-propelled howitzer of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, which was developed as successor of the Type 75 155 mm Self-propelled howitzer. History. The development of Type 99 self-propelled howitzer began in 1985 in order to replace the old Type 75 self-propelled howitzer. The new self-propelled artillery would use a L52 155 mm gun instead of the old L30 155 mm gun and would also mount the latest Fire-control system. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was tasked to design the chassis and the gun would be  manufactured by Japan Steel Works. The designing stage cost 5 billion yen and was completed in 1992. After various technical and practical tests, the first vehicle was delivered to the training division of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in 1999. Overview. Research and development was started from 1985 as a successor for the older Type 75 self-propelled 155 mm howitzer. Japan Steel Works was the primary contractor, and developed the main gun and the turret. The Type 99 uses a modified chassis from the Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV, lengthened with an additional road wheel. The Type 99 uses a  52 caliber barrel compared to the 30 caliber barrel on the Type 75 self-propelled howitzer. The secondary armament of the Type 99 consists of a roof-mounted .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine gun, fitted with a shield. The armor of the Type 99 provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, providing 600 horsepower. A travel lock for the gun is mounted on the front of the hull, which folds back onto the glacis plate when not in use. The Type 99 self-propelled howitzer is resupplied from the  Type 99 ammunition resupply vehicle. Operators. Japan