Japanese Type 96 150mm Howitzer (Guadalcanal)

Published on October 6, 2023
Duration: 3:58

This entry details the Japanese Type 96 150mm Howitzer, a World War II artillery piece. It covers its design origins, production numbers, tactical utility, and historical deployment, particularly during the Guadalcanal campaign. The information is presented with high authority from a firearms historian.

Quick Summary

The Japanese Type 96 150mm Howitzer, adopted in 1936, was based on French Schneider designs and featured a split trail carriage with a 150mm barrel capable of 70-degree elevation. Approximately 600 were produced between 1936 and 1944. It was notably used in WWII, including during the Guadalcanal campaign.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Design Origins
  2. 00:35Production and Tactical Utility
  3. 01:03Elevation and Recoil Mechanics
  4. 01:41Carriage and Mobility Limitations
  5. 02:35Historical Context: Guadalcanal

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Type 96 150mm Howitzer?

The Type 96 150mm Howitzer was a Japanese artillery piece adopted in 1936, largely based on French Schneider designs. It featured a split trail carriage and could elevate up to 70 degrees, functioning like a large mortar.

Where was the Type 96 150mm Howitzer used?

The Type 96 150mm Howitzer saw service in various WWII campaigns. Notably, it was used on Guadalcanal as part of Japanese harassment fire directed at Henderson Field from locations like Mt. Austen.

What were the key design features of the Type 96 150mm Howitzer?

Key features include its 150mm caliber, a rotating interrupted thread breech block, a split trail carriage for stability, and a maximum elevation of 70 degrees. It used rubber-tired wooden wheels, limiting towing speed.

How many Type 96 150mm Howitzers were produced?

Production of the Type 96 150mm Howitzer ran from 1936 to 1944, with an estimated total of approximately 600 units manufactured during that period.

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