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Type 96 multi-purpose missile system

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Type 96 MPMS
Type 96 multi-purpose missile system
TypeAnti-tank/anti-Landing craft missile
Place of originJapan
Service history
In service1996-present
Used byJapan
Production history
DesignerJGSDF Ground Research and Development Command:GRD
ManufacturerKawasaki Heavy Industries
Unit cost2.4 billion yen (2007)
Specifications
Mass60 kg
Lengthabout 2.0 m
Diameterabout 16 cm

EngineSolid fuel rocket
Operational
range
>over 10 km / 25 km estimate
Guidance
system
Infrared homing based on optical fibre imaging infrared (IIR)

The Type 96 multi-purpose missile system (96式多目的誘導弾システム) is an anti-tank/landing craft missile used by the JGSDF. It is the first Japanese missile system to use a complete digitally controlled interface.

History

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Development of the Type 96 system began in 1986 by the JGSDF Ground Research and Development Command.

Description

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The Type 96 missile has a large warhead which can destroy tanks with a direct hit from the top, but it can also be used in an anti-helicopter role. The missile is guided by an operator with an infrared image monitor in the launch vehicle. An optical fibre connects the flying missile's infrared camera and its guidance system. It can also be fired vertically and the fibre-optic cable is paid out from the back of the missile as it flies.

The warhead is unnecessarily large for attacking tanks because it is also designed to destroy landing craft (LCAC). Japanese officers estimate that no tank can survive a direct hit to the weak point of its top armor by the Type 96 multi-purpose missile system. This is a result of the missile striking the tank from the top, which is not so heavily armoured as the front and side sections.[citation needed]

It is designed to destroy remote targets before a landing, such as armoured fighting vehicles or small landing ships.[1] The gunner carries out target selection and acquisition and the automatic tracker locks onto the image of the target. Tracking commands are relayed to the ground station computer, which sends steering command data up the fibre-optic cable to guide the missile. The gunner can also carry out manual tracking.

Operators

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Similar missiles

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Japan, Toward a More Vigorous and Professional SDF in the 21st Century, 157

References

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  • Toward a More Vigorous and Professional SDF in the 21st Century. Urban Connections. 2001. ISBN 978-4-900849-49-5. Retrieved 2009-04-18.
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