• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Armored car model 92 (1932) naval type

Though the IJN armored car is known as Type 92, its proper designation is Type 93 Kokusan. It was used by Shanghai SNLF during the Second Shanghai Incident. Little is known about this model, its production records are unknown. It was built by the Ishikawajima Heavy industries at the Sumida Motor Car Factory in 1932, but the chassis would be imported from the West, because a driver seat existed at the left side. In addition to the machine gun in the front and rear, one is mounted on each side of the hull. One is also mounted in the turret. Semi-elliptic springs provide the suspension for the 6-disc wheel chassis. Wheels are fitted with pneumatic tires. To prevent bellying, when crossing rough terrain, auxiliary wheels are mounted on the frame to the rear of the front wheels. The radiator is provided with armored shutters. Reconnaissance and guard duties constitute the chief role for this vehicle.

The insignia indicated that it was a naval vehicle. Brian at “Ikazuchi” notes "The words “Aikoku” on the sides simply represent the Aikoku donation organization that donated vehicles to the Army from private contributions (the Naval organization was Hokoku). This vehicle should not be called the “Aikoku” as it is by some sources because there were a variety of vehicles and planes donated by the Aikoku organization, and while the existing promotional photos of the Chiyoda QSW include “Aikoku” markings, not all of those used by the Army necessarily had that marking. In fact, it is unlikely all were donated by Aikoku since some estimates of production are over 100."

The Type 92 "Osaka" was produced in two variations - with four axles (for the Army), and with six axles (for the Navy). The Navy's Type 92, therefore, had a slightly higher horsepower than the Army's four axle variant. Type 92 followed the standard practice and common nomenclature referred most often to the Type 92 as the "Osaka", as the Type 92 was built at the Osaka Armory. The Naval variant is sometimes known as the Type 92 "Chiyoda", as the Naval version was produced at the Chiyoda Arsenal.

Both of the vehicles were designed to a similar blueprint, but they were designed with different goals in mind. The Army's four axle Type 92 was designed for the purpose of recon; the Navy's six axle type 92 was designed for the purpose of crowd control and security, as well as general utility. As such, the two varied considerably in armament and crew size. The IJA Type 92 was equipped with dual, turret mounted 7.7mm LMGs; the IJN Type 92 was equipped with no less than five 7.7mm LMGs - one to each hull side, one to the fore of the hull, and two in the turret itself. An additional LMG could be mounted as an anti-aircraft weapon in both models.

Speed also varied. The Army variant could do about 38mph; the Navy variant could do nearly 50mph. Crew, naturally, was slightly larger for the IJN model - six crew compared to the Army's five.

The Type 92 was used primarily in China and Manchuria. A few were used in the Home Islands; a few also made their way to Malaya. Production data is not available, but both models were fairly heavily engaged in occupation duties throughout the Second World War. Taki says only five were produceded, but other sources claim this was one of the most produced armored cars, with some estimates of production are over 100 cars.