Type 87 RCV explained

Type 87 RCV
Origin:Japan
Type:Armoured Fighting Vehicle
Service:1987 – present
Used By:Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces
Design Date:1983
Manufacturer:Komatsu
Unit Cost:About 300 million Yen
Production Date:1987
Number:at least 95
Is Vehicle:yes
Length:5.99 m
Width:2.48 m
Height:2.8 m
Weight:15 tonnes
Suspension:coil springs
Speed:100 km/h
Vehicle Range:500 km
Primary Armament:25mm Oerlikon Autocannon
Secondary Armament:Type 74 7.62 mm Machinegun
Armour:10–20 mm Rolled homogeneous armour[1]
Engine:Isuzu 10PBI diesel engine
Crew:5 (driver, radio operator, gunner, observer and commander)
Engine Power:305 hp / 2,700 rpm[2]
Clearance:1.5 m

The Type 87 Reconnaissance Combat Vehicle, also simply known as "RCV" and nicknamed Black Eye (ブラックアイ), is a 6x6 wheeled reconnaissance vehicle designed and manufactured by Komatsu Limited and employed exclusively by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The JGSDF continued to commission new units up until as recently as 2013.[3]

History

After World War II, the United States provided the newly created Japan Ground Self-Defense Force with a number of variants of the M8 Greyhound armoured car. However, a relatively small number of these were employed due to concerns about the poor quality of roads in Japan, as many Japanese roads were unpaved and poorly maintained, limiting the feasibility of wheeled vehicles for military service. By 1982, Japanese infrastructure had greatly improved, motivating the development of the first armoured fighting vehicle developed and manufactured by Japanese industry for the Japanese armed forces, the successful Type 82 'Shikitsu' Command Vehicle. Tests for the Type 87 began in 1985 and the Type 87 would later finish developed by Komatsu based on the earlier Type 82.

Features

The Type 87 accommodates five crew members, two of which occupy the powered-traverse turret located in the center of the hull. The vehicle's door is on the left of the main body. The hull is made out of steel and is fully welded, and utilizes many of the same automotive components of the Type 82 and features power steering. The main armament is a Japanese version of the Oerlikon Contraves 25 millimeter autocannon produced under licence, which can fire various kinds of ammunition at up to 600 rounds per minute. Its armor, while sturdy enough to protect the vehicle and crew against small arms fire and grenade shrapnel, will not protect against heavier ordnance. It is well armed for its class but lacks truly amphibious capabilities, being only able to ford up to 1.5m (04.9feet) of water.

Comparison of Similar Platforms
Type 87BRDM-2VEC-M1Spähpanzer Luchs
Portrait100px100px100px100px
Length5.99m5.75m6.2m7.74m
Width2.48m2.35m2.5m2.98m
Height2.80m2.31m2.51m2.84m
Mass15.0t7.7t13.75t19.5t
Top speed100 km/h100 km/h99 km/h90 km/h
Amphibious?noyesyesyes
Crew5454
Weapons25mm Oerlikon auto-cannon
Type 74 7.62mm machine-gun
KPV 14.5mm heavy machine gun×1
PKT 7.62mm machine-gun
M242 auto-cannon
MG3 7.62mm machine-gun
Rheinmetall MK20 auto-cannon
MG3 7.62mm machine-gun

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Type 87 AFV. www.tanks-encyclopedia.com. 15 July 2014 .
  2. Web site: Type 87 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle - Military-Today.com. ARG. www.military-today.com.
  3. Web site: 防衛省・自衛隊:予算等の概要. www.mod.go.jp.