The Type 98 Ko-Hi a/k/a Type 98 half-tracked prime mover "Ko-Hi" was a half-track used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). There were two versions produced, beginning in 1938. The Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) and the Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version). They were used during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II.
History
During the 1920s, the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) used several types of trucks to transport Anti-aircraft guns. In 1936 the Type 96 AA gun prime mover (a/k/a "gun tractor") was developed from the Type 94 6-wheeled truck. The Type-94 prime mover on which it was based had shown to be a reliable vehicle.Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 96 AA gun Prime MoverTaki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 94 6-wheeled truck
Additional efforts were made by the Imperial Japanese Army to produce greater anti-aircraft mobilization. This effort included the Type 98 half-tracks, which were introduced into service in 1938. They were considered "high speed" prime movers, capable of when loaded. The half-track was given the official designation of the Type 98 half-tracked prime mover Ko-Hi.Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover "Ko-Hi" It had a diesel engine and a crew of 15. The Type 98 Ko-Hi was used to tow a Type 4 75 mm AA gun.Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 4 75mm AA gun The 20 mm AA machine cannon carrier truck was also produced and a prototype variant known as the Type 98 20 mm AA half-track vehicle was made. This Type 98 prototype had a single 20 mm Type 98 AA cannon mounted on the back section of a Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track. The prototype did not enter mass production.
Versions
Two versions of the Type 98 Ko−Hi half-track prime mover were produced. The Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (short version) and the Type 98 Ko-Hi half-track (long version). The main differences were in the dimensions of the vehicles and chassis of the vehicles. The "long version" specifications: length:Taki’s Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover large model width: height: weight:6 ton
The total number of half-tracks built in relation to each of the two versions produced is unknown.
See also Type 1 Ho-Ki Type 1 Ho-Ha
Notes
References
Imperial Japanese Army Page - Akira Takizawa