Japan
Type 73 AFC The requirement for a new APC to supplement the Type SU 60 APC (see following entry) was first issued in early 1967. A lengthy process of test rig and other development then commenced until a Mitsubishi design was selected to become the Type 73 tracked APC for the Japanese Self-Defence Force. Production commenced in 1973 with a total of 225 being made; the only users have been the Japanese Self-Defence Force. The Type 73 is an entirely conventional tracked APC with a few features all its own, not the least of which is the retention of a forward-firing 7,62 mm bow MG which is operated by a dedicated gunner seated next to the driver. There is also a roofmounted 12.7 mm Browning MG next to the commander's cupola which is normally manned by one of the nine troops carried; if required this MG can be aimed and fired from within the cover provided by the vehicle's welded aluminium armour. Most of the troops carried have access to firing ports for their personal weapons, two of the ports being in the two outward-opening entry doors in the hull
rear wall. Passive night vision equipment is provided, as is a collective NBC protection system for all occupants. The Type 73 is not normally amphibious unless a special kit, including a trim vane on the front hull and side-slung buoyancy units, has been fitted but not all vehicles have this kit. The only known direct variant of the Type 73 is a command vehicle which can be recognised by its raised roof level.
A special variant, the Type 73 selfpropelled wind measuring station, provides meteorological data for 130 mm multiple rocket batteries. The Type 73 APC is gradually being replaced by the Type 89 IFV which has a turret-mounted 35 mm cannon, although this is proving to be a slow process, Remaining Type 73s are then destined to become either artillery tractors or converted to become Type 87 tracked ammunition carriers for artillery batteries.
Type 73 AFC
