These were armed with the Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun also fitted to the German Leopard 2 and, in a modified version, the US M1A1/M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. It was the last prototype to feature the Japan Steel Works 120mm main gun, with future prototypes (later official production) using the Rheinmetall 120mm main gun instead.Ī second series of four prototypes was built between 19, incorporating changes resulting from trials with the first two prototypes. The second prototype of the Type 90 on display at the JGSDF Public Information Center. Testing and design modifications such as improvements to the turret and half modular type ceramic composite armour were conducted starting in October 1983, and continued until October 1986. Following the first tank's completion, development began on the second prototype (TK-X-0002), until it was completed by June 1985, after experiencing delays. The first prototype (TK-X-0001) was completed by 1982, and underwent testing shortly after. Major subcontractors included Japan Steel Works, Daikin Industries, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu and NEC.Ī first series of two prototypes of the Type 90 were developed, both armed with a Japanese 120 mm smoothbore gun (produced by Japan Steel Works Limited) firing Japanese ammunition (produced by Daikin Industries Limited). Joint development was performed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TRDI (Japan Defense Agency's Technology Research and Development Institute).

As a result, development of a prototype, the TK-X MBT began between 19. A Type 90 during a public demonstration at the JGSDF Ordnance School in Tsuchiura, Kanto, Japan.Īfter the adoption of the Type 74, the Japanese High Command was already looking for a superior, completely indigenous tank design to defeat the Soviet T-72.

Note the large bustle area for the autoloader, as well as the configuration of the grenade launchers.

History The turret of the Type 90 at the JGSDF public information center. It was designed and built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a replacement for the Type 61 and to supplement the then current fleet of Type 74 tanks, and entered service in 1990. The Type 90 tank ( 90式戦車, Kyū-maru-shiki-sensha) is a main battle tank (MBT) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

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