Chapter IX: Weapons

Section III: Artillery

2. FIELD ARTILLERY. a. Model 94 (1934) 75-mm mountain (pack) gun. (1) General description. This is the standard Japanese pack artillery piece (fig. 216) which replaced the model 41 mountain gun. Designed for rapid assembly and dismantling, it breaks down into 11 units, the heaviest of which weighs 210 pounds. The weapon is normally transported by 6 pack horses. It is characterized by a comparatively long split-trail, hydropneumatic recoil mechanism, and a horizontal sliding breechblock. The shield is 1/8-inch armor plate.

Figure 216. Model 94 (1934) mountain (pack) gun.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		75-mm (2.95 inch).
Maximum range		8,000 meters (8,750 yards).
Maximum elevation		+45°.
Maximum depression		-9°.
Traverse		40°.
Weight in firing position		1,200 pounds.
Sight		Panoramic.
Barrel length		5 feet 1 1/2 inches.
Muzzle velocity		1,300 feet per second.
Maximum rate of fire		10 to 12 rounds per minute.
Weight of high explosive projectile		13 pounds.

(3) Ammunition. HE, AP, shrapnel, chemical, star, and incendiary.

b. Model 38 (1905) 75-mm gun. (1) General description. One of the early weapons of the Japanese division artillery, this weapon (fig. 217) has been subject to considerable modification, and several versions are known to exist. There is no evidence that this parent model has been employed in recent operation; probably now it is regarded as obsolete. It may be readily identified by the single box trail which, by its design, considerably limits the elevation of the piece. Other characteristics are a hydrospring recoil system, interrupted screw type breechblock, and 1/16-inch shield.

Figure 217. Model 38 (1905) 75-mm gun with ammunition.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		75-mm (2.95 inch).
Maximum range		8,350 meters (9,025 yards).
Maximum elevation		+16° 30 minutes.
Maximum depression		-8°.
Traverse (total)		7°.
Weight in firing position		947 kg (2,083 pounds).
Sight		Panoramic.
Barrel length		7 feet 6 inches.
Maximum rate of fire		8 to 10 rounds per minute.
Weight of high explosive projectile		13 pounds.

(3) Ammunition. HE, AP.

c. Model 38 (1905) gun improved (possibly 4th year model). (1) General description. This is an improved version of the 75-mm model 38 (1905) field gun, which appears to have been entirely replaced. Modifications on the present model (fig. 218) consist of trunnioning the barrel further to the rear; the addition of two spring and cable equilibrators to compensate for muzzle overhang; replacement of the old box trail by a longer open-box type through which the barrel can recoil at high elevations; change of the breech to a horizontal sliding wedge mechanism. The most significant results of the above modifications are a much longer range and an increased rate of fire. Although reports have indicated that this weapon was to be replaced by model 90, the fact that the newer gun has not been encountered in any combat areas indicates that this plan has not yet been consummated.

Figure 218. Model 38 (1905) gun improved (inset shows breech mechanism).

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		75-mm (2.95 inch).
Maximum range		11,600 meters (12,565 yards).
Maximum elevation		+43°.
Maximum depression		-8°.
Traverse (total)		7°.
Weight in firing position		1,113 kg. (2,448.6 pounds).
Maximum rate of fire		10 to 12 rounds per minute.
Sight		Panoramic.
Barrel length		9.2 feet.

(3) Ammunition. HE, AP, shrapnel, smoke, star shell, and chemical.

d. Model 90 (1930) 75-mm gun. (1) General description. Surrounded with considerable secrecy by the Japanese, this gun (fig. 219) has been reported as the modern weapon of the division artillery. In 1936 it was believed to have been in process of issue to organizations, but to date it has not been encountered in any theater of war. The gun is equipped with either pneumatic tires for motorized towing or large, steel-rimmed wheels for horse draft. It is characterized by a split trail, a horizontal sliding breechblock, and a hydropneumatic recoil system. An unusual feature is the muzzle brake, which so far has not been found on any other Japanese artillery weapon.

Figure 219. Model 90 (1930) 75-mm gun (inset shows the weapon on a high-speed carriage with pneumatic type tires).

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		75-mm (2.95 inch).
Maximum range		15,000 meters (16,250 yards).
Maximum elevation		+43°.
Maximum depression		-8°.
Traverse (total)		43°.
Weight in firing position		3,300 pounds.
Sight		Panoramic.
Muzzle velocity		2,230 feet per second.
Maximum rate of fire		10 to 12 rounds per minute.

(3) Ammunition. HE, AP, shrapnel, incendiary, smoke, star shell.

e. Model 95 (1935) 75-mm gun. (1) General description. The 75-mm model 95 gun is horse-drawn (fig. 220) with split trails, hydropneumatic recoil mechanism, and horizontal, sliding-wedge type breechblock. A comparison with the Model 90, designed five years earlier, reveals that this later weapon has only the apparent advantage of reduced weight. On the other hand, it suffers from loss of range and lower muzzle velocity. It is seemingly more rugged in construction than the model 94 mountain gun and yet gives a lower performance than the model 90 field gun. The possibility therefore suggests itself that the model 95 was not designed to replace either of these guns, but was to be used by some unit other than the field or pack artillery. It is possible therefore that it may be the new weapon of the horse artillery, replacing the old adaptation of the model 38 with which such units previously had been equipped.

Figure 220. Model 95 (1935) 75-mm gun.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		75-mm. (2.95 inch).
Maximum range		11,000 meters (12,000 yards).*
Maximum elevation		+43°.
Maximum depression		-8°.
Traverse (total)		50°.
Muzzle velocity		500 meters per second (1,640 feet per second).
Weight		2,438 pounds.
Sight		Panoramic.
Maximum rate of fire		10 to 12 rounds per minute.
*Also reported as 9,000 meters (9,850 yards).

(3) Ammunition. HE, AP, shrapnel, smoke star and chemical.

f. Model 14 (1925) 105-mm gun. (1) General description. The 105-mm model 14 (1925) gun (fig. 221) is used for long-range fire. There is no information to show that this gun is still in production, and it is felt that in all probability it has been superseded by the more modern model 92 (1932). Mounted on heavy wooden wheels, the weapon is normally tractor drawn, and is capable of being moved at a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour. As an alternative it may be drawn by 8 horses. The weapon possesses an interrupted screw breechblock, a hydropneumatic recoil mechanism, and a split trail.

Figure 221. Model 14 (1925) 105-mm gun.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		105-mm. (4.13 inch).
Maximum range (with long pointed projectile)		14,500 yards (also reported as 15,000 meters (16,500 yards)).
Maximum elevation		+43°.
Maximum depression		-5°.
Traverse (total)		30°.
Weight in firing position		6,850 pounds.
Muzzle velocity		2,040 feet per second.
Sight		Panoramic.
Tube length		11 feet 9 inches.
Maximum rate of fire		6 to 8 rounds per minute.
Weight of HE projectile (long pointed shells)		33 pounds.

(3) Ammunition. Ammunition is semifixed. The following types of projectiles have been reported: High explosive (long pointed shell); high explosive; shrapnel; chemical; and armor piercing. Time fuzes are provided for the smoke, incendiary, and shrapnel projectiles. The standard model 88 point detonating (instantaneous or delay) fuzes are used with the HE and chemical shells.

g. Model 91 (1931) 105-mm howitzer. (1) General description. A light weight modern field piece (fig. 222) possessing a hydropneumatic recoil mechanism, split trail, and interrupted screw breech mechanism. The weapon can be readily identified by the short barrel and long sleigh. Normally it is towed by six horses.

Figure 222. Model 91 (1931) 105-mm howitzer.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		105-mm (4.13 inch).
Maximum range		11,500 yards.
Maximum elevation		+45° (also reported as +65°).
Maximum depression		-7°.
Traverse (total)		45° (also reported as 56°).
Weight in firing position		4,250 pounds.
Muzzle velocity		1,790 feet per second.
Sight		Panoramic.
Tube length		8 feet 4 inches.
Maximum rate of fire		6 to 8 rounds per minute.
Weight of HE projectile		33 pounds.

(3) Ammunition. Ammunition is semifixed. The following types of projectiles have been reported; high explosive (long pointed shell); high explosive; armor piercing; shrapnel; and chemical.

h. Model 92 (1932) 105-mm gun. (1) General description. It is considered that this weapon (fig. 223) has superseded the model 14 (1925) 105-mm gun. Readily recognized by its long slender barrel and trail, it has been designed particularly for long-range fire. Other distinctive features are the pronounced length of the sleigh and the three step interrupted thread breechblock. The recoil system is hydropneumatic. Mounted on heavily constructed wooden wheels with solid rubber tires, the weapon is normally tractor drawn, but may be drawn by a 5-ton truck.

Figure 223. Model 92 (1932) 105-mm gun.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		105-mm (4.13 inch).
Maximum range (with long pointed shell)		18,700 meters (20,100 yards) (also reported as 16,400 yards).
Maximum elevation		+48°.
Maximum depression		-10°.
Traverse (total)		30°.
Weight in firing position		6,600 pounds.
Muzzle velocity		2,500 feet per second.
Sight		Panoramic.
Tube length		15 feet 6 inches.
Maximum rate of fire		6 to 8 rounds per minute.
Weight of HE projectile (long pointed shell).		33 pounds.

(3) Ammunition. Ammunition is semifixed. The following types of projectiles have been recovered: High explosive (Long pointed shell); high explosive; chemical; armor piercing. Time fuzes are provided for the smoke, incendiary, and chemical shells. The standard model 88 point detonating (Instantaneous or delay) fuzes are used with the HE and chemical shells.

i. Model 4 (1915) 150-mm howitzer. (1) General description. One of the older type horse-drawn weapons (fig. 224) which nevertheless is still in service. For purposes of transportation the trail breaks in the middle. The barrel is removed from the cradle and placed on the rear portion of the trail, to which has been attached an extra pair of wheels. A limber is attached to each section, and each load may then be towed by six horses. The weapon possesses a vertical sliding breechblock, a hydropneumatic recoil mechanism, and a box type trail.

Figure 224. Two views of model 4 (1915) 150-mm howitzer.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		150-mm (5.9 inch).
Maximum range		7,000 meters (7,560 yards) (also reported 10,500 yards).
Maximum elevation		+65°.
Maximum depression		-5°.
Traverse (total)		6°.
Weight in firing position		6,100 pounds.
Muzzle velocity		1,350 feet per second.
Sight		Panoramic.
Tube length		7 feet 3 inches.
Maximum rate of fire		3 to 4 rounds per minute.
Weight of HE projectile		80 pounds.

(3) Ammunition. Ammunition is semifixed. The following types of projectiles have been reported: High explosive; armor piercing; shrapnel; and chemical. Time fuzes are provided for the smoke, incendiary, and shrapnel projectiles. The standard point detonating (Instantaneous and delay) fuzes are used with the HE and chemical shells.

j. Model 89 (1929) 150-mm gun. (1) General description. A tractor-drawn weapon (fig. 225) of improved design employed for long range fire. It is designated by the Japanese Army as a heavy field artillery piece. Although manufacture was commenced in 1929, it is believed that issue was not completed until 1937. For purposes of transportation the barrel is removed from the cradle and placed on a separate carriage. The weapon has a split trail, hydropneumatic recoil mechanism, and an interrupted thread block.

Figure 225. Two views of Model 89 (1929) 150-mm gun in action.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		150-mm (5.9 inch).
Maximum range		22,000 yards (also reported as 27,000 yards).
Maximum traverse		47°.
Weight in firing position		7,500 kg (16,500 pounds).
Maximum rate of fire		1 to 2 rounds per minute.

(3) Ammunition. AP, HE, shrapnel, HE (long pointed shell).

k. Model 96 (1936) 150-mm howitzer. (1) General description. A well designed and effective weapon (fig. 226) which is, to date, the most modern of its type known to be possessed by the Japanese. It is reported that three modifications exist. Variations, however, are believed to be extremely slight. Mounted on sturdy, rubber-shod, wooden wheels, the weapon is normally tractor drawn. One of the outstanding characteristics is the extreme elevation of 75° which can be obtained. This, however, can be used only when a deep loading pit is dug beneath the breech. It is probable that the weapon could not be fired at an elevation greater than 45° without construction of such a pit. Other features are a long split trail, interrupted thread breechblock, and a hydropneumatic recoil mechanism.

Figure 226. Model 96 (1936) 150-mm howitzer at maximum elevation.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber		150-mm (5.9 inch).
Maximum range		10,000 meters (11,000 yards) (also reported 15,000 yards).
Maximum elevation		+75°.
Maximum depression.		-7°.
Traverse (total)		30°.
Weight in firing position		8,765 pounds.
Sight		Panoramic.
Tube length		11.57 feet.
Rate of fire		6 to 8 rounds per minute.
Weight of HE projectile		80 pounds.

(3) Ammunition. Semifixed; HE, AP, shrapnel, smoke, incendiary tracer.

l. Model 45 (1912) 240-mm howitzer. It is reported that this piece has a maximum range of 11,000 yards, firing a semifixed round weighing approximately 400 pounds. It is broken down and transported on 10 vehicles.

Figure 227. A possible 240-mm howitzer (model number unknown).

m. Miscellaneous heavy artillery. In recent years the Japanese have bought 17-cm, 21-cm and 24-cm weapons from Germany and therefore Japanese copies of these may be expected. In addition to the above, the following heavy artillery pieces have been reported, but none have been captured, therefore the characteristics given below have not been confirmed.

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