Type 73

   The requirement for a new APC to supplement the Type 60 APC was first issued in early 1967. A lengthy process of test rig and other development then commenced until a Mitsubishi design was selected to become the Type 73 tracked APC for the Japanese Self-Defense Force.

   Production commenced in 1973 with a total of 225 being made, the only users have been the Japanese Self-Defense Force.

   The Type 73 is an entirely conventional tracked armored personnel carrier with a few features all its own not the least of which is the retention of a forward-firing 7.62-mm bow MG which is operated by a dedicated gunner, seated next to the driver. There is also a roof-mounted 12.7-mm Browning MG next to the commander's cupola which is normally manned by one of the nine troops carried; if required the MG can be aimed and fired from within the cover provided by the vehicle's welded aluminum armor. Most of the troops carried have access to firing ports for their personal weapon, two of the ports being in the two outward-opening entry doors in the hull rear wall.

   Passive night vision equipment is provided as is a collective NBC protection system for all occupants.

   The Type 73 is not normally amphibious unless a special kit, including a trim vane on the front hull and side-slung buoyancy units, has been fitted but not all vehicles have this kit.

   The only known direct variant of the Type 73 is a command vehicle which can be recognized by its raised roof level.

   A special variant, the Type 73 self-propelled wind measuring station provides meteorological data for 130-mm multiple-launch rocket batteries.

   The Type 73 APC was replaced with the Type 89 IFV which has a turret-mounted 35-mm cannon. Surviving Type 73s became either artillery tractors or converted to the Type 87 tracked ammunition carriers for artillery battalions.