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Infantry weapons / Anti-tank missiles / Type 87 Chu-MAT

Type 87 Chu-MAT

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Anti-tank guided weapon

  • ORIGIN
    Japan

  • NICKNAMES
    Type 87 (Japanese service)

  • DESIGNED
    1976 - 1985

  • DESIGNER
    Kawasaki

  • PRODUCTION
    1989 - present

  • PRODUCERS
    Japan - Kawasaki

  • QUANTITY
    Unknown

  • UNIT COST
    Unknown

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Good performance
    Launcher positioned away from guidance
    Highly complex system
    Expensive to produce
    Exhaust may interfere with guidance

Introduction

The Chu-MAT is an anti-tank missile of Japanese origin and is also known as the Type 87. It was designed around the early 1980's as a medium range missile to complement the earlier Type 79 Jyu-MAT and to replace the older Type 64 MAT. The Chu-MAT is a very advanced and complex system with good performance. The Chu-MAT is in the same performance league as the French MILAN and Russian 9K111 Fagot.

Design

The Chu-MAT system consists of a launch assembly and a targeting system on a tripod. The launch assembly consists of a box on which the launch tube is fitted. A bipod and optical sight are fitted. It is understood that it is possible to launch the Chu-MAT as a free flight missile in case of an emergency. The targeting system consists of an advanced laser designator system on a tripod for SACLOS guidance. The launch assembly may be attached on the tripod next to the targeting system or positioned in the field up to 200 meters away. Positioning the launcher in the field may be wise as the missile exhaust may interfere with the laser. The missile must be guided all the way until it strikes and the operator cannot leave his post early.

Firepower

Official data on the range and penetration of the Chu-MAT is not available. The maximum effective range is about 2 km. The penetration is estimated at roughly 700mm RHA. If not obscured by smoke the SACLOS guided missile has a very good chance to hit its target, even when the target is moving.

Mobility

The Chu-MAT is generally transported by a Type 73 jeep and can be carried over short distances by infantry in the field. The Chu-MAT is not launched from the Type 73 jeep and is not employed on armored vehicles.

Users

The Chu-MAT is only used only by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. As with all Japanese military equipment the Chu-MAT is not exported. The Chu-MAT replaced some of the Type 64 MAT, but the production number has been too low to replace all older missiles. It is expected to remain in service for many years to come, even though the Type 01 LMAT is introduced.

Variants

Chu-MAT launcher

The Chu-MAT system consists of a large tripod, a guidance unit and the launcher assembly. Usually the guidance unit is mounted on the large tripod with the the launcher assembly up to 200 meters away. Alternatively the guidance unit can also be mounted on a smaller tripod with the missile mounted on the large tripod.

TypeAnti-tank missile
Crew?
Caliber120 mm
Length1.00 m tube
Width?
Height?
WeightAbout 70 kg for empty launcher and guidance unit
SightsOptical
AmmunitionChu-MAT missile with HEAT warhead
GuidanceSACLOS, semi-active laser
Velocity?
Range
PenetrationUnknown
Remarks-

Chu-MAT missile

The Chu-MAT missile is fitted with a HEAT warhead for use against armored vehicles. It can also be used with limited effectiveness against soft targets, bunkers and buildings. As far as known there is only a single type of missile available.

TypeAnti-tank missile
Diameter120 mm body
Length1 m
Weight12 kg
GuidanceSACLOS, semi-active laser
WarheadHEAT, penetration 700 mm RHA (estimate)
PropulsionSingle-stage solid propellant rocket motor
Speed?
Rangeabout 2 km
Altitude-
Engagement envelope-
Remarks-

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