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Type 4 Ho-ro 150mm SPG

Captured on Luzon of a Model 38 (1905) 150-mm howitzer mounted on the chassis of an improved Model 97 (1937) medium tank gave U.S. forces their first specimen of Japanese self-propelled artillery. In addition to the “Ho-Ni” family, there was another self-propelled artillery installation based on the Chi-Ha tank. It was a self-propelled ho-ro / Type 4. From the other Japanese self-propelled guns, it differed in the design of armor cutting, as well as weapons. "Ho-Ro" was the most powerful ACS of the Japanese Empire: a 150-mm howitzer "Type 38" could ensure the destruction of almost any purpose.

The self-propelled version of the 150-mm howitzer is reported to have a maximum depression of -5 degrees and a maximum elevation of 30 degrees. The armor is assembled by riveting in the characteristic Japanese fashion. The armor on the chassis is the same as for the tank, The howitzer and its crew are protected by a shield, 1 inch thick in front and 1/2 inch thick on the sides. It was surprising to find the Model 38 howitzer used in this self-propelled role, since it had been regarded as obsolete because of antiquated design, low muzzle velocity, and slow rate of fire.

The Model 97 (1937) medium tank, the chassis of which has been adapted for this self-propelled howitzer, was the most modern Japanese medium tank encountered to date. The complete tank weighed approximately 15 tons. As far as is known, the chassis of the original and improved models of this tank are identical. Both have a suspension with six bogie wheels and front-sprocket drive; a 12-cylinder, air-cooled Diesel engine developing 150 horsepower at 1,500 revolutions per minute; and frontal armor thickness of 25-mm (0.98 inch).

True, self-propelled "Type 4" also did not become widespread. The whole series was limited to only 25 vehicles. The first few serial "Ho-Ro" managed to participate in the battle for the Philippines. However, later all available self-propelled howitzers were transferred to the 4th Tank Division. As part of this unit self-propelled guns "Type 4" managed to get into combat only in Okinawa, where several units were destroyed by strikes of American troops.