Type 2 Ke-To
Encyclopedia
The was a light tank
of World War II
, produced in small numbers for the Imperial Japanese Army
as an improvement of the existing Type 98 Ke-Ni
. It was not used in combat.
suspension
. However, the gun turret
was enlarged and the main armament was changed to the more powerful Type 1 37 mm gun
, with a muzzle velocity
of 810 m/s. The designation “Type 2” represented the year 1942, “Ke” represented “light”, and “To” represented the number seven.
Light tank
A light tank is a tank variant initially designed for rapid movement, and now primarily employed in low-intensity conflict. Early light tanks were generally armed and armored similar to an armored car, but used tracks in order to provide better cross-country mobility.The light tank was a major...
of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, produced in small numbers for the Imperial Japanese Army
Imperial Japanese Army
-Foundation:During the Meiji Restoration, the military forces loyal to the Emperor were samurai drawn primarily from the loyalist feudal domains of Satsuma and Chōshū...
as an improvement of the existing Type 98 Ke-Ni
Type 98 Ke-Ni
The was designed to replace the Imperial Japanese Army's Type 95 Ha-Go light tank, Japan's most numerous armored fighting vehicle during World War II.-History and development:...
. It was not used in combat.
Design
The Type 2 Ke-To was based on the Type 98, using the same engine and bell crankBell crank
A bell crank is a type of crank that changes motion through an angle. The angle can be any angle from 0 to 360 degrees, although 90 degrees and 180 degrees are common....
suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
. However, the gun turret
Gun turret
A gun turret is a weapon mount that protects the crew or mechanism of a projectile-firing weapon and at the same time lets the weapon be aimed and fired in many directions.The turret is also a rotating weapon platform...
was enlarged and the main armament was changed to the more powerful Type 1 37 mm gun
Type 1 37 mm Anti-Tank Gun
The was an anti-tank gun developed by the Imperial Japanese Army, and used in combat during World War II.-History and development:After the Nomonhan Incident, the shortcomings of the Type 94 37 mm Anti-Tank Gun had become obvious, and the Imperial Japanese Army started the development of a new...
, with a muzzle velocity
Muzzle velocity
Muzzle velocity is the speed a projectile has at the moment it leaves the muzzle of the gun. Muzzle velocities range from approximately to in black powder muskets , to more than in modern rifles with high-performance cartridges such as the .220 Swift and .204 Ruger, all the way to for tank guns...
of 810 m/s. The designation “Type 2” represented the year 1942, “Ke” represented “light”, and “To” represented the number seven.