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Type 94 Chu Sensha

Although this tank was reported by US intelligence during the war as the Type 94 medium tank [Chu Sensha], even then there appeared to be some doubt as to whether the type number was correct. One example of a Type 94 was shipped back to Aberdeen Proving Ground from the Southwest Pacific Area, where it preserved the Type 94 designation. Confusingly, the tank displayed at Aberdeen is labeled "Chu Sensha" [medium tank], but the weight of the display tank is barely half that of the Type 94 Chu Sensha reported by Army intelligence, and should more properly be labeled Kei Sensha [Light tank].

This vehicle was used extensively in China. In 1945 US Army Intelligence reported the Shiki was "crewed by four men and armed with one 57mm type 90 gun and two 6.5mm type 91 machine guns. Top speed was 28 mph on the road. The 57-mm gun had a free traverse of 20 degrees right and left and free elevation of -8 to ±25 degrees. Comparison with the Types 89A and 89B shows that the number of return rollers has been reduced to four, the girder has been removed, and the skirting redesigned. The long front plate has a door on the left, above which has been mounted a hull machine gun. The driver sits to the right. Power of the Diesel engine has been increased to 160 brake horsepower. With the above exceptions, the type 94 is practically identical with the Type 89B. This tank is often seen with a ditching tail."