Type 96 multi-purpose missile system explained

Type 96 MPMS
Origin:Japan
Type:Anti-tank/anti-Landing craft missile
Is Missile:yes
Service:1996-present
Used By:Japan
Designer:JGSDF Ground Research and Development Command:GRD
Manufacturer:Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Unit Cost:2.4 billion yen (2007)
Weight:60 kg
Length:about 2.0 m
Diameter:about 16 cm
Engine:Solid fuel rocket
Vehicle Range:>over 10 km / 25 km estimate
Guidance:Infrared homing based on optical fibre imaging infrared (IIR)

The is an anti-tank/landing craft missile used by the JGSDF. It is the first Japanese missile system to use a complete digitally controlled interface.

History

Development of the Type 96 system began in 1986 by the JGSDF Ground Research and Development Command.

Description

The Type 96 missile has a large warhead which can destroy tanks with a direct hit from the top, but it can also be used in an anti-helicopter role. The missile is guided by an operator with an infrared image monitor in the launch vehicle. An optical fibre connects the flying missile's infrared camera and its guidance system. It can also be fired vertically and the fibre-optic cable is paid out from the back of the missile as it flies.

The warhead is unnecessarily large for attacking tanks because it is also designed to destroy landing craft (LCAC). Japanese officers estimate that no tank can survive a direct hit to the weak point of its top armor by the Type 96 multi-purpose missile system. This is a result of the missile striking the tank from the top, which is not so heavily armoured as the front and side sections.

It is designed to destroy remote targets before a landing, such as armoured fighting vehicles or small landing ships.[1] The gunner carries out target selection and acquisition and the automatic tracker locks onto the image of the target. Tracking commands are relayed to the ground station computer, which sends steering command data up the fibre-optic cable to guide the missile. The gunner can also carry out manual tracking.

Operators

37 sets (2012)

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Japan, Toward a More Vigorous and Professional SDF in the 21st Century, 157