JGSDF’s First Wheeled Armor
Recent years has seen an increase of wheeled armored vehicles among each nation since they are superior to tracked vehicles on paved roads.
Japan is no exception from this trend, but the Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) actually has a long history when it comes to operating wheeled armor with the first being the Type 82 Command Communication Vehicle (CCV).
- General Overview
| Mass | 13.6 tons (standard) |
| Length | 5.72m (18.76ft) |
| Width | 2.48m (8.1ft) |
| Height | 2.38m (7.8ft) |
| Crew | 8 people |
| Maximum Speed | 100km/h (62mph) |
| Operational Range | 500km/310miles |
| Armament | 12.7mm machine gun 7.62mm machine gun 5.62mm machine gun |
| Unit Price | 1〜2 million USD (at the time) |
The Type 82 CCV is an armored vehicle designed to serve as mobile command post for frontline units.
Regardless of the number of tanks and armored vehicles, that lack of proper command and control would render any unit a disorganized mess. For field commanders, a vehicle with high communication capability is indispensable in achieving any real military objective.
The Type 82 CCV was a developed specifically for such role, with the rear part of the vehicle reserved as the command/communication room. This space is equipped with radio equipment, map boards, foldable tables, and can accommodate up to six personnel.
While the vehicle has the capacity to travel alongside mobile units, even being able to traverse small rivers, it is equipped with minimum firepower. Basically, the primary role is to function as a makeshift command post and is not intended for direct combat.
Obsolete For Modern Warfare
A total of 231 units were produced and distributed throughout each regimental headquarters, but the Type 82 CCV is now deemed as obsolete.
Compared to when the vehicle was developed, where computers and cellphones were still in their early stages, the quantity of information used in modern warfare has skyrocketed to a level overwhelming the Type 82 CCV.
Limitations on information processing and functions still centering on radio communication was enough for the Ministry of Defense to consider a new armored vehicle for replacement.
In a world where network-centric warfare based on information sharing is becoming the new standard, the Type 82 CCV cannot fulfill its original purpose of commanding frontline units and has rather become a liability.
But, the vehicle can still be utilized as an armored troop carrier, something the JGSDF lacks in general due to budget constraints. In any case, the frontline units would be far better off using the Type 82 CCV rather than traveling on non-armored vehicles.
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