In case that post gets locked and forgotten I also share it here.(Removal of Japanese Ho-Ri SPGs from the Research Tree and Sale - #306 by Youka_Saryn)
There is a vehicle that in theory could be a good fit for the gap that the Ho-Ri will leave behind.
Although the information of this vehicle is scarce, but there are pictures of it existing showing that it was a finished and built prototype.
Depending on if it had thermals or not, It could fill the Br gap between the Type-99 and the Type-16.
If lacks thermals it could sit at 8.0 - 8.3, if it has thermals it could be 8.7 - 9.0.
Komatsu B78 105GSR
Some info I learned in regards to the Komatsu B78 105GSR
Spoiler
The 105mm Low-Recoil Self-Propelled Gun, (abbreviated as the 105GSR) was a vehicle equipped
with a 105mm reduced recoil gun (forward firing gun),
a vehicle incorporated many of the latest technologies of the time,
could be considered a very ambitious project even among Self-Defense Forces vehicles.
It’s main features of the 105GSR are the following:
Offensive reduced recoil 105mm cannon
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Automatic Loading device (Autoloader)
Hydro-pneumatic suspension
The main part about this vehicle beside the crewless turret was it’s low-recoil 105mm gun, this prototype that was being researched
by the Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) of the Japanese Defence Agency, their aim was to make it a successor to the Type-60SPRG, a prototype was completed in 1981.
The vehicle was based on the B78 IFV prototype built by Komatsu but used a experimental overhead mounted turret that was made by Japan Steel Works. It was equipped with a Hydro-pneumatic suspension. A system that allowed to the vehicle to lean forward, backward, left and right, along with that it could also increase and decrease it’s stance. Besides the hydro-pneumatic suspension it also had a fully electronically controlled hydromechanical steering transmission, preceding the B78 IFV. However, due to problems with the 105mm cannon due to reduced accuracy due to rattle and vibration after firing along with a slow automatic loader, it remained a prototype.
The hydrostatic-mechanical continuously variable transmission (CVT) equipped on the 105GSR. It is the first domestically produced AFV to feature an CVT.
Drive system table of the 105GSR. The performance you can read from here is
・Equipped with a water-cooled diesel engine
・Horsepower: 650ps (641.1hp)
・Continuously variable automatic transmission: 4 forward gears, 1 reverse gear
・Maximum speed: 70 km/h, reverse speed: -11 km/h
・Neutral steering.
・Oil-pressure suspension
credit to: Type3fighter for this information.
(5) 三式トニー on X: "105GSRの駆動系装置表。
An Illustration I made, based on Type-3’s video, where he talks about how the gun works.
Source: 【ゆっくり解説】105mm低反動自走砲(105GSR)【マイナー兵器】
Some notes, important things to be checked.
1.
The 105GSR is believed to have used almost the same 105mm ammunition as the Type 74. But, the customized L7 gun has a special (Gas-operation?) recoil system and is classified as an “前進砲”(Forward buffer gun / gun to move forward…?). In addition, custom L7 gun had a low-performance autoloader. “前進砲” is said to be a lost technology in Japan Source: Article from Ground Power magazine no.167
2.
I have not been able to find any conclusive information in regards to it’s FCS and the turret handling is of that vehicle.
I also was unable to uncover any information if this vehicle had a stabiliser or not.
I also have not been able to find any conclusive evidence in the rate of fire this vehicle would have.
I have some guesses based on the exterior design and using existing analog vehicles as a template, I rather have something physical or some definitive or conclusive proof than my guesswork.
I also have not been able to find any information in it’s internal composition, such as the placement of the Gunner, Commander and if there was a fourth member such as a Radio Operator / loader.
I also am not sure if it had thermal NVD sight or a regular passive night vision intensifier (IR Thermal sight or the Green NVD sight).
In regards of it’s specifications, there is a vehicle that there’s slightly more info of and that’s the B78 IFV prototype by Komatsu.
photo of the B78 IFV along with it’s specifications.
Length: 6.16 meters
Width: 3.14 meters
Height (top of turret): 2.15 meters
Weight: 20 tons
Engine: Cummins VTA903T with 600 hp (same as M2 Bradley)
Power-to-weight ratio: 30 hp/ton
Top Speed: 67 km/h
Suspension: Torsion bar
Armament:
25mm Oerlikon KBA
7.62mm Type 74 machine gun
Missiles: probably the Type-79 Jyu MAT
Stabilizer: Yes (thank @skultew1234 for the information)
I primarily want to thank Type3fighter for having uncovered this info,
I have recently ordered the GroundPower magazine in hopes to uncover some more info in regards to the 105GSR.
Also here is a quick 10 minute sketch of the 105GSR I made yesterday.
