Type 1 47mm Anti-Tank Gun

The Type 1 47mm Anti-Tank gun was introduced by the Imperial Japanese Army to replace smaller anti-tank guns dating to the 1930's that were found lacking while engaging Soviet forces in Manchuria during the Khalkin Gol campaign. The Type 1 incorporated many advanced design features, including low-profile carriage with split tails and a semi-automatic breech mechanism. The low-profile design allowed the gun to be used from a kneeling or prone position. This allowed the operator to use the gun from protected position. The Type 1 was designed to combat light tanks and it was only able to penetrate the armor of Sherman tanks in vulnerable flank areas. Nevertheless, the Type 1 was used in great numbers in the defense of Japan's Pacific possessions.