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[edit] Overview

The TK-X (MBT-X) project aims to build a new main battle tank, designated as Type 10, to replace and/or complement the existing Type 74 and Type 90 main battle tanks that are currently in service with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force. The development began in 1990s, and production is expected to start in 2010-2011. A prototype was revealed on February 13, 2008 at Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in Sagamihara. Heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities as well as increasing performance, firepower, defense and mobility.

Several pictures were released in February 13, 2008, when the vehicle was revealed to the media at TRDI in Sagamihara. From the pictures, it is clear that the Type 10 has sloped turret armor similar to the Leopard 2A5 and onwards, as well as a side profile similar to the Leclerc due to the use of modular components, thereby significantly improving the side armor in comparison to the Type 90. The Commander's Panoramic Sight has been moved to the right and is located at a higher position than the Type 90, giving the commander a wide range of view.

By GlobalSecurity report, The vehicle is expected to be armed with the New L44 120mm smoothbore gun developed by Japan Steel Works. This company also license-produces the Rheinmetall L44 120mm gun for the Type 90 MBT. There is an option for L55 or a new barrel 50 caliber in length. The TK-X main battle tank will fire a newly developed armor-piercing ammunition. It is compatible with all standard 120-mm NATO ammunition.

The vehicle's armor can be reconfigured depending on the needs. Without additional armor plating, the vehicle weighs about 40 tonnes, while weighing about 48 tonnes with all of the add-on armor. The prototype featured in 2008 at TRDI weighed 44 tonnes.

The development costs so far is approximately JPY¥48,400,000,000, or approximately USD$447m. Each unit is expected to cost approximately JPY¥700,000,000, or USD$6.5m.

Other features are as follows;

• It will use Continuously Variable Transmission.
• Autoloader will be present, with crew count of three (Commander and gunner in the turret, driver in the hull).
• It is equipped with active hydropneumatic suspension, which allows it to adjust its stance.
• C4I system is present.
• A day & night 360 degree sight is also mounted on the turret, which can be integrated with the "new Basic Regimental Command & Control System".

[edit] See also

• Type 61
• Type 74
• Type 90

[edit] References

This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (April 2009)

• Type 10 MBT-X Prototype (TK-X) -GlobalSecurity.org
• Shinichi Kiyotani, 'Japan unveils TK-X main battle tank prototype,' Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol.45, Issue 9, 27 February 2008, p. 13
• Japan unveils MBT prototype - Jane's Land Forces News.
• Accelerating Defence Acquisition: What Defence Can Learn From the World of Motorsport - Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies(RUSI), 'RUSI Defence Systems, june 2008, p. 81,p. 82'.
• IDG News Service video on the Type 10 tank