Imperial Japanese Army Middle Tank `I-GA`
The I-GA was a heavy tank developed for the Imperial Japanese Army (I.J.A.), based on the E-60 D turret design, making it one of the most heavily armed and armored tanks in Japan’s arsenal. Due to resource constraints, the I-GA utilized the same road wheels and tracks as the E-50/75 Japanese variants, instead of the newer suspension system developed for the German E-60 series.
With a total production of 1,000 units, the I-GA became the most widely produced heavy tank in Japan, forming the backbone of the country’s late-war armored divisions.
Design and Features
The I-GA retained most of the design elements of the E-60 D model, incorporating:
A heavily armored chassis, maintaining the same external appearance as its German counterpart.A 12.8cm high-velocity cannon, giving it superior anti-armor capabilities against enemy heavy tanks.Standardized road wheels and tracks from the E-50/75 Japanese models, ensuring easier maintenance and production compatibility.Armament
Primary Weapon: 12.8cm tank gun, capable of destroying enemy armor at long distances.Secondary Armament: Coaxial and hull-mounted machine guns, providing additional anti-infantry capabilities.Armor and Protection
Frontal Armor: 150-200mm, offering high resistance against anti-tank shells.Side Armor: 80-120mm, ensuring reasonable protection against flanking attacks.Sloped armor design, enhancing survivability on the battlefield.Combat Performance
As Japan’s largest-produced heavy tank, the I-GA played a critical role in both defensive and offensive operations.
Superior firepower allowed it to engage enemy heavy armor at long distances.Despite its size, the use of E-50/75 running gear improved mobility, making it more maneuverable than its German counterpart.Deployed in key battles, where it was used to reinforce defensive lines and lead armored assaults.Specifications
- Weight: 60 tons
- Armor:
- Frontal: 150-200mm
- Side: 80-120mm
- Rear: 60mm
- Primary Armament: 12.8cm high-velocity cannon
- Secondary Armament: Coaxial and hull-mounted machine guns
- Mobility:
- Engine: Locally produced heavy-duty engine
- Top Speed: 40-45 km/h
- Operational Range: 180 km
- Crew: 5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio Operator)
- Production Quantity: 1,000 units
- Role: Main battle tank, frontline heavy armor, defensive stronghold
Legacy
The I-GA became the most numerous heavy tank in Japan’s late-war forces, proving to be a reliable and powerful battlefield asset. While it lacked some of the advanced suspension technologies of the German E-60, its simplified production and effective combat capabilities made it a key armored vehicle for Japan’s defense strategy.
Note: This introduction is based on the Fist of War (FoW) alternate history background and is not a depiction of real-world historical events.
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