Type 19

   The Type 19 is a new Japanese self-propelled howitzer, that was recently adopted. It was first publicly revealed in 2019. In 2011 Japanese Ministry of Defense saw a need for a new mobile artillery system to replace the FH-70 field howitzer. Development commenced in 2013. In 2018 a total of 5 prototypes were completed by Japan Steel Works and delivered for military testing and evaluation. In 2019 a first batch of 7 production howitzers were delivered.

   The Type 19 can be seen as a less expensive alternative to the Type 99 howitzer, based on a tracked chassis. The Type 19 is among the most capable truck-mounted howitzers in the world in terms of performance.

   This artillery system is armed with a 155 mm/L52 ordnance. The same ordnance is used by the Japanese Type 99 self-propelled howitzer. It is a longer version of the FH-70 155 mm/L39 field howitzer, which is also used in Japan.

   Maximum range of fire is 30 km with a standard High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG) shell and approximately 38 km with rocket assisted shell. Maximum rate of fire is around 6 rounds per minute.

   This artillery system is operated by a crew of 5. The cab accommodates 3 crew members. Another 2 are seated in the middle of the vehicle, and are provided only with a simple canvas cover. Unfortunately the Type 19 offers no armor protection for its crew. Also this artillery system carries no defensive armament.

   A large spade is lowered to the ground prior to firing. This howitzer has a brief redeployment time. This allows to fire a couple of shells and leave the firing position in order to avoid counter-battery fire.

   The Type 19 howitzer is based on a MAN HX77 tactical military truck with 8x8 configuration. The original requirement was for an artillery system with an ordnance of the Type 99 howitzer, based on a readily available special wheeled chassis with 8x8 configuration, produced by Mitsubishi. It was already used for a number of applications, including as a base for Type 02 heavy wheeled recovery vehicle. However for some reason a foreign MAN chassis was chosen. Some modifications were made to the vehicle. Cab of the Type 19 has a more simple construction that that of the HX77. Interestingly many Japanese military trucks have simple spartan cabs.

   This artillery system is powered by a MAN DF2066 LF34 10.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine, developing 440 hp. The engine is located behind and under the cab. Engine is mated with a ZF 12-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle has good off road mobility and can travel over difficult terrain. Still though it is not as capable off road as the Type 99 with its tracked chassis. However due to its wheeled chassis the Type 19 can rapidly self-deploy over significant distances. Such wheeled howitzers are typically used by rapid deployment forces.

   The Type 19 receives target data from a centralized command and control system, which in turn receives data from artillery observers.