The Type 87 Self-propelled Anti-aircraft Gun (87式自走高射機関砲, 87-shiki jisō kōsha kikanhō) is a Japanese air defense weapon built around the Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon system as used on the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. The system uses a modified Type 74 tank chassis. It is also nicknamed by field officers as "Guntank" after the similar-looking mecha in the Mobile Suit Gundam series.[1]
History
As the JSDF began to seek a replacement for the M42 Duster SPAAGs provided by the United States, the Japanese Defense Agency began to issue requirements for the production of a local SPAAG unit to replace the M42. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries had been eventually awarded the contract to produce a SPAAG unit to replace its old M42s.
Development
It had been developed in 1987, given the Type 87 designation status, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries providing the chassis and Japan Steel Works providing the cannon system. Initially, the chassis of the Type 61 tank would be used. Later, it had been rejected and had the chassis of the Type 74 tank used instead as a basis for producing the Type 87 SPAAG.
Prior to its development, tests had begun underway in 1982 with a prototype SPAAG unit manufactured in 1983.
Variants
AWX (1978)
The first prototype of the Type 87 that was based on a Type 61 chassis. Tests showed the weight of the turret with the radar and fire control systems was too much and so later prototypes used a Type 74 chassis.[2]
AWX (1983)
The second Type 87 prototype that used a Type 74 chassis.[2] This prototype differed from the production version by a lack of smoke grenade launchers and the ability to equip a Type 92 mine roller on the front.
A Type 87 prototype at the JGSDF public information center.
