Euro SD reports that The Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency of the Japanese Ministry of Defence has awarded Hitachi a contract for the development and procurement of a new armoured bulldozer. The original plan, to replace the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force’s ageing Type 75 armoured bulldozer, was to procure overseas and indigenous products then compare them under a separate programme, but this plan was abandoned in order to develop an indigenous solution. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hitachi both applied, with the latter being awarded the JPY634.7M contract, although the number of vehicles and timeframe have not been disclosed.
The Type 75 armored dozer was developed to meet requirements of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. The armored bulldozer is intended for ground work, such as grading, digging and earthmoving operations. It can push large quantity of soil, sand or rubble. It can be also used to clear areas of obstacles and remains of structures. The Type 75 can carry out over 90% of the tasks of the Caterpillar D6 medium dozer, but is armored and has a much higher road speed. It enables it to keep pace with the convoy elements. The Type 75 armored bulldozer is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine. It develops 345 hp in traveling mode and 160 hp in the dozing mode. Engine compartment is protected by armor plates.
