IJA Tank Destroyer `Ho-Ri II` with Field Modified Type10 120mm Naval Gun Reverse Landing Operation on Saipan
The Ho-Ri II was a Japanese adaptation of the E-75 Jagdtiger II, modified to meet Imperial Japanese Army (I.J.A.) requirements for a domestically produced heavy tank destroyer. Designed for long-range anti-armor engagements and coastal defense, this version retained the heavily armored casemate structure of its German counterpart while integrating a 120mm Type 10 naval gun, originally used on warships, to provide superior firepower against both armored and fortified targets.
A total of 230 units were produced, with the Ho-Ri II seeing action in defensive engagements and counter-offensive operations, including the Reverse Landing Operation on Saipan.
Design and Modifications
The Ho-Ri II retained the core structure of the E-75 Jagdtiger II but featured key modifications to suit Japanese engineering capabilities and battlefield needs:
- Primary Armament: Equipped with a Type 10 120mm naval gun, adapted for land combat.
- Long-range penetration power, capable of engaging enemy heavy tanks and naval landing forces.
- Modified for casemate mounting, allowing for stable firing and effective recoil management.
- Armor Protection: Retained the 200-250mm thick sloped frontal armor, making it highly resistant to direct anti-tank fire.
- Engine and Mobility:
- Due to resource limitations, the engine power was 15% lower than the original German version, slightly reducing mobility and acceleration.
- Maintained a top speed of 35 km/h, still sufficient for strategic repositioning in defensive operations.
Operational Role
The Ho-Ri II was designed for:
- Long-range anti-armor combat, using its 120mm naval gun to neutralize enemy tanks and fortifications.
- Coastal defense missions, supporting island fortifications and repelling amphibious assaults.
- Heavy fire support in urban and jungle warfare, where its powerful gun and thick armor provided critical advantages.
Reverse Landing Operation on Saipan (1947)
One of the most notable engagements of the Ho-Ri II was its role in the Reverse Landing Operation on Saipan. During a counterattack to reclaim the island, Ho-Ri II units provided fire support against enemy positions and naval landing craft, using their naval-grade firepower to bombard enemy defensive lines.
Despite fuel shortages and limited reinforcements, the Ho-Ri II units inflicted heavy losses on advancing enemy armor, proving their effectiveness in both land and coastal combat scenarios.
Specifications
- Weight: 75-80 tons
- Armor: 200-250mm sloped frontal armor
- Primary Armament: Type 10 120mm naval gun (field-modified for tank use)
- Secondary Armament: Hull-mounted Type 97 machine gun
- Mobility:
- Engine: Locally adapted engine, 15% less power than the original German variant
- Top Speed: 35 km/h
- Operational Range: 160 km
- Crew: 6 (Commander, Gunner, 2 Loaders, Driver, Radio Operator)
- Production Quantity: 230 units
- Role: Tank destroyer, coastal defense, heavy fire support
Legacy
The Ho-Ri II represented Japan’s attempt to field a heavily armored tank destroyer, capable of countering advanced enemy armor and fortifications. Despite logistical challenges, its naval-derived firepower and superior armor protection made it one of the most formidable tank destroyers in the Pacific theater.
Note: This introduction is based on the Fist of War (FoW) alternate history background and is not a depiction of real-world historical events.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.