While the MCV lacks the armor protection of a primary combat tank, it is a faster, agile battlefield component that will be fielded alongside frontline units as a support vehicle - namely the up-and-coming Type 1 MBT beginning to take its place at the tip of the JGSDF spear. The compact size of the MCV will also make for a smaller target along the horizon and a modern Fire Control System FCM will allow for engagement of moving vehicles while the MCV itself is on-the-move. Survivability will be enhanced by way of a suite of threat indicators with screening protection offered through the conventional smoke grenade discharger installation common to MBTs and IFVs of today. Any effort to increase situational awareness will be applied to the finalized MCV. The standard crew will number four to included the driver at front-right in the hull and the commander, gunner, and loader in the turret. The engine is seated at the front-left of the hull. The chassis is fully-suspended for strong off-road travel qualities and the eight large road wheels will feature a run-flat capability. The turret is offered a complete 360-degree power driven rotation to engage targets regardless of vehicle facing.
The JGSDF is set to procure as many as 300 MCVs during an unspecified period. The MCV project has been ongoing since 2008 and is expected to produce its "first fruits" sometime during 2016 when the vehicle is scheduled to be formally adopted into JGSDF service. There is no doubt that the MCV will be showcased in the Japanese military ascension across the region, joining other local powers in attempting to curb China's reach.
As of early 2015, four MCVs have been completed with a further 99 units on order.
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