Type 98 So-Da

The Type 98 So-Da (九八式装甲運搬車 ソダ, Kyūhachi-shiki Sōkounpansha So-Da) was an armored personnel and ammunition carrier used by the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II.

Type 98 So-Da
Type 98 So-Da
TypeArmored personnel carrier[1]
Place of originEmpire of Japan
Production history
Designed1937
Produced1941[2]
Specifications (Type 98 So-Da[1])
Mass5 tons[1]
Length3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)[2]
Width1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)[2]
Height1.6 m (5 ft 3 in)[2]
Crew2+4–6[1]
Armor6–12 mm[1]
Main
armament
none
Enginediesel engine
65 PS/2300 rpm[1]
Payload capacity1 ton[2]
SuspensionBell crank
Operational
range
200 km[1]
Maximum speed 45 km/h (28 mph)[1]

History and development
Type 98 So-Da captured by 6th Rajputana Rifles in Burma, Feb 1945

Type 98 So-Da was designed in 1937, with a chassis based on the Type 97 Te-Ke tankette. However, its engine compartment was moved to the front of the chassis.[1] The vehicle was first produced in 1941. The Type 98 So-Da was used as a personnel and ammunition carrier in forward-line areas. In addition, it was also used as an "artillery tractor", to tow a gun trailer.[1]

Its hull had an open top and the "flatbed" in back had a double door at the rear. The flatbed could be covered with a tarp over the three rail supports. The towing coupling was secured to the frame of the hull on a "semi-elliptical spring". This protected the frame while hauling heavy equipment.[1]

Notes
  1. Tomczyk 2003, p. 57.
  2. Taki's Imperial Japanese Army: Type 98 "So-Da"

References
  • Foss, Christopher F (2002). The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles: The Comprehensive Guide to over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles from 1915 to the Present Day. Thunder Bay Press. ISBN 1-57145-806-9.
  • Tomczyk, Andrzej (2003). Japanese Armor Vol. 3. AJ Press. ISBN 978-8372371287.
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