Type 87 Reconnaissance and Patrol Vehicle

The Type 87 6x6 armoured reconnaissance and patrol vehicle is in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF). Image courtesy of Max Smith.

The Type 87 reconnaissance and patrol vehicle can carry five crew members including the driver, assistant driver / radio operator, commander, gunner and observer. Image courtesy of Syun2.

A close view of the Oerlikon Contraves 25mm KBA cannon fitted on the Type 87 reconnaissance and patrol vehicle. Image courtesy of Max Smith.

A Type 87 reconnaissance and patrol vehicle on display at the JGSDF Ordnance School in Tsuchiura, Japan. Image courtesy of Max Smith.

A rear view of the JGSDF Type 87 reconnaissance and patrol vehicle. Image courtesy of Max Smith.

The Type 87 6×6 armoured reconnaissance and patrol vehicle is produced by Komatsu Limited for the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF). About 100 vehicles are in service with the JGSDF.

The vehicle has a length of 5.9m, width of 2.48m and a height of 2.8m. The combat weight of the vehicle is 15t.

The Japan Ministry of Defence allocated ¥300m ($3.9m) towards the procurement of Type 87 vehicles during FY 2010-11. The Type 87 was not offered to overseas customers.

Type 87 reconnaissance and patrol vehicle design

The Type 87 features a new redesigned hull of all-welded steel construction, but utilises the same automotive components of the Type 82 6×6 command and communications vehicle. The rectangular shaped body of the Type 87 is sloped in the front. The vehicle accommodates five crew members including the driver, assistant driver / radio operator, commander, gunner and observer.

The two-man turret is located in the centre of the hull, slightly forward of the second axle. A stowage box is mounted on the rear of the turret.

The entry door is located in the centre of the second and third axles on the left side of the hull. It is provided with a single observation block. The right side of the body has a similar door that also opens forwards. The vehicle is also fitted with power steering and passive night vision device as the standard equipment.

Armaments and weaponry on the armoured reconnaissance and patrol vehicle

The two-man power-operated turret is mounted with an Oerlikon Contraves 25mm KBA cannon. It is produced under licence by Japan Steel Works. The gun can fire a wide range of Nato ammunition, including HEI-T, SAPHEI-T, TP-T, APDS-T, TPDS-T, APFSDS-T and FADPS rounds.

The KBA cannon serves as a close-range multipurpose weapon in the modern battlefield scenarios. The gun has a maximum rate of fire of 600 rounds a minute. The secondary armament includes a 7.62mm machine gun mounted coaxially to the right of the turret. Ammunition onboard includes 140 rounds of 25mm and 400 rounds of 7.62mm.

Observation and control

The driver space in the right front of the vehicle has a single-piece hatch cover that opens to the right. The driver is provided with an integral periscope in the midpoint and three fixed periscopes.

The vehicle can be fitted with a passive night driving device in place of a single day periscope.

The assistant driver / radio operator has a single-piece hatch cover provided with one forward-facing periscope. The gunner on the left has a single-piece circular hatch cover that opens rearwards. The gunner’s position is fitted with a day / night sight and a single observation periscope.

The commander is provided with a single-piece circular hatch cover, roof-mounted sight and six periscopes for observation. The vehicle has a gangway on the left for the observer, who is provided with a single rearward-facing periscope for observation purposes. Communication antennae are installed on the left and right sides of the turret.

Self-protection capabilities

The Type 87 reconnaissance and patrol vehicle protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Either side of the turret is fitted with a bank of four forward-firing electrically operated smoke grenade launchers.

Type 87 6×6 reconnaissance and patrol vehicle engine

The Type 87 is powered by Isuzu 10PBI ten-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine coupled to manual transmission (six forward, one reverse).

The engine develops power of 305hp at 2,700rpm. The engine compartment is located at the rear of the hull on the right. The engine provides a top speed of 100km/h on road.

The Type 87 equipped with the coil spring suspension has a ground clearance of 0.45m. The vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system.

It can negotiate a vertical obstacle of 0.6m and cross a trench of 1.5m.

The vehicle is not fully amphibious, so it can only ford a depth of 1m without preparation. The maximum range of the vehicle is 500km.

The Global Armoured Vehicles and Counter-IED Vehicles Market 2011-2021

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