Type 87 Japanese 6x6 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle

The Type 87 Japanese 6 x 6 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle developed for use by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Approximately 80% of its components can be found on the Type 82 Command and Control C2 Vehicle. The vehicle is built by Komatsu, Minato-Ku, Japan. The Type 87 has an independent suspension with coil springs and hydropneumatic shock dampers at each wheel. The all-welded steel construction of the hull protects the crew from 7.62mm rounds and shrapnel. The crew consists of 5 individuals 5 (Commander, Driver, Gunner, Assistant Diver/Radio Operator, Observer) The vehicle driver position is located on the right front of the vehicle with a single-piece hatch overhead that opens to the right. The drivers position also has an integral periscope in the hatch along with three periscopes fixed forward. One of the periscopes cab be replaced with a passive night scope for observation. Another crewman (serving as the assistant driver/radio operator) sits on the left front side of the vehicle with a single-piece hatch overhead that opens to the left. He has one forward-facing periscope for observation. The commander sits on the right and the gunner on the left of a power operated turret centered on top of the vehicle. The gunners position is equipped with a day/night sight and an observation periscope. The commanders position has six day periscopes and a roof-mounted sight. A storage box sits behind the commander and gunner in the turret. An Oerlikon Contraves 25-mm KBA connon and a 7.62-mm coaxial machinegun are mounted in the turret. Both weapons are capable of firing standard NATO ammunition. The observer sits in the left rear of the vehicle with a single rear-looking periscope. The observer enters and exits the vehicle through a door in the rear of the hull on the left side. There are additional entry doors (both opening forward) on the left and right sides of the hull between the second and third axles. Both doors are equipped with a single observation block. The engine is located on the right side of the rear of the hull. The exhaust outlet is located on the rear right and vents for the engine is accomplished through louvers in the roof. The vehicle is equipped with a central tire-inflation system, power steering, and passive night vision equipment. The central tire inflation system enables the vehicle tire pressure to be adjusted on the move to improve mobility in difficult off-road terrain. The Type 87 is not amphibious.