Type 87 Chu-MAT

The Type 87 Chu -MAT is a Japanese Laser-guided anti-tank missile, which was put into service along with the Type 79 Jyu -MAT to the obsolete type to replace 64 MAT.

History

The development began in 1976, the first prototype of the entire system was completed in 1985. Troops of the ground self-defense forces will be equipped with it since 1989. The system consists of an initiator, a laser target and two heavy tripods.

In 2007 it was announced that the Technical Research and Development Institute ( TRDI ) developed a successor weapon that is called Shin Chu -MAT.

Technology

The system is similar in all respects to the AT -14 Spriggan, however, is less powerful. As a special starter and laser target can be mounted on different tripods, the starter is thus controlled remotely. Both units can be up to 200 meters apart.

The weapon can also be mounted on a Mitsubishi Type 73 off-road vehicle or a Komatsu LAV.