Type 87 Chu-MAT Japanese Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)

The Type 87 Chu-MAT Japanese Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)was designed around the early 1980s 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. 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.