[Coming Soon] Ho-Ri Platoon: The Art of Defense

Platoon Ho-Ri Production (Rank VI)

Historical Note

In Japan’s new “tank warfare” doctrine, medium tanks were to be supported by self-propelled guns with high firepower and strong defenses. The Ho-Ri SPG was developed on the chassis of the Type 5 Chi-Ri tank. A major design change was the reduction of the frontal armor’s angle to 70 degrees, achieved by removing the auxiliary 37mm gun from the hull.

The first prototype was completed in August 1944. After modifications to improve firepower, frontal protection and the installation of a new engine, the SPG was approved for mass production under the designation Type 5.

After Japan’s surrender, all Ho-Ri units were either destroyed or sunk in lakes to prevent them from being captured by American forces.

Ho-Ri Production

This is a truly unique vehicle. As one of the few Japanese anti-tank SPGs from the WWII era, the Ho-Ri stands out for its unmatched frontal protection, excellent gun with an innovative barrel tilt system, and solid mobility.

When the Ho-Ri is positioned directly facing the enemy and its lower armor plate is concealed behind cover, only the most powerful shells can penetrate it. The secret to this nearly impenetrable defense lies in the steep angle of the upper frontal hull and the immense thickness of the armor around the gun mantlet.

The upper armor plate of the Ho-Ri features an impressive nominal thickness and is angled to significantly increase the chance of ricochets, rendering most enemy armor-piercing shells ineffective. Positioning the Ho-Ri on an elevated surface, such as a bump or the back of a hill, increases the penetration angle even further. Additionally, the vehicle’s innovative bowing mechanism allows the cannon’s breech to extend beyond the turret roof, enabling the cannon to be lowered by up to -10 degrees.

Speaking of the cannon, the Ho-Ri is armed with a 105mm experimental high-pressure gun. This self-propelled gun fires APHE shells, as well as HE shells, which are effective for quickly destroying light vehicles.

The Ho-Ri is a large and heavy vehicle, yet it remains surprisingly agile, matching the speed of most heavy tanks. This Japanese self-propelled gun also boasts excellent survivability. In addition to its outstanding defense, it has a crew of six, with four members positioned in the combat compartment and two in the front of the hull, located just ahead of the massive engine.

Who will join the Ho-Ri in its platoon and provide support for its allies when the situation demands it?

M47

The M47 Patton II was a further development of the American M46 medium tank, which was considered for service with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. As a medium tank of higher rank, the M47 Patton II is fast, well-protected, and equipped with effective HEATFS and AP shells.

Interesting fact: The Japanese military tested the M47 but ultimately decided to develop their own tank, which later became the Type 61. This decision was influenced by the size difference between American and Japanese soldiers; the American tank was found to be uncomfortable for the smaller stature of Japanese personnel.

*Please note that the M47 tank is intended for use at higher ranks, so HEATFS will not be available for the M47.

Type 60 ATM

The Type 60 ATM is a Japanese ATGM carrier equipped with two Type 64 MAT guided missile launchers. As first-generation ATGMs, these missiles require trajectory recovery after launch, making them unsuitable for close-range engagements.

Type 87 RCV (P)

A recon vehicle, right? The Type 87 RCV (P) is a light wheeled armored vehicle equipped with a high-speed, stabilized 20 mm cannon. On smooth roads, it can easily exceed speeds of 100 km/h!

*Platoon vehicle lineup, vehicle specifications and camouflages are still under development and may differ from those in this article.

The Ho-Ri Production (Rank VI) Platoon will be available in the Medium Trophy of the Tank Campaign with the start of the new Season.