Type 87 Chu-MAT

Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Missile System

Japan | 1989

"The Type 87 Chu-MAT utilizes laser-assisted sights with a 12 kilogram missile reaching out to 2,000 meters."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/26/2020 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image released to the Public Domain by Wikipedia user Los688 - October 1st, 2000.

The modern Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) relies on the Type 64 MAT, the Type 79 Jyu-MAT and Type 87 Chu-MAT Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) systems as portable, ranged counters to enemy armor. The Type 64 was adopted in 1964 while the Type 79 appeared in 1984 which then paved the way for acceptance of the Type 87 in 1989. All continue to see frontline service even today (February 2014).

The Type 87 relies on semi-active laser homing capability when guiding itself against its intended target. The operator manages the missile's flight through an integrated laser designator and the missile makes its course corrections in flight. The complete system, therefore, includes the missile, the launch tube, a heavy-duty tripod support assembly and the guidance/ranging equipment. Design of the weapon stems from work accomplished through the Defense Agency Technical Research and Development Institute and manufacture of units followed in 1987 - hence its designation - through the Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Motors product banners.

Design of the Type 87 originated in the mid-1970s to which prototypes were unveiled and formally tested into the early-to-middle part of the 1980s. Upon completing the requisite trials, the system was adopted in the latter part of the decade to become a permanent fixture in the inventory of the JGSDF. The Type 87 fires a 12 kilogram missile seated in a tubular launcher and fields a respectable effective range out to 2,000 meters. Propulsion is by way of a solid fuel system. Unlike wire-guided anti-tank missile types, wireless laser-guided products like the Type 87 allow for greater accuracy, range and responsiveness while providing effectiveness against current-generation armor. The entire system normally deploys with three crew and can also be further mounted atop a vehicle for a more mobile anti-armor support platform. Remote launching is possible though limited from designator to launcher up to 200 meters.

The Type 64, Type 79 and Type 87 are all under threat by the new Shin Chu-MAT weapon program undertaken by the JGSDF. The system will be used to counter the threat as posed by next-generation armor protection, no doubt those used by the newer Chinese Main Battle Tanks.

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Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Type 87 Chu-MAT. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

6,560 ft
1,999.5 m | 2,186.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

3
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Physical
The physical qualities of the Type 87 Chu-MAT. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,000 mm
39.37 in
O/A Length

1,000 mm
39.37 in
Barrel Length

335.10 lb
152.00 kg
Weight

Laser-Guided; Semi-Active; Single-Shot
Action

110mm; 120mm
Caliber(s)

Single-Shot; Reusable Launcher
Feed

Integrated Optics Set
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Type 87 Chu-MAT Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Missile System family line.

Type 87 Chu-MAT - Base Series Designation

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Type 87 Chu-MAT. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Kawasaki Heavy Industries / Mitsubishi Motors - Japan

[ Japan ]

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Image released to the Public Domain by Wikipedia user Los688 - October 1st, 2000.

Going Further...
The Type 87 Chu-MAT Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Missile System appears in the following collections:

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