TYPE 97 TE-KE (GUN)

TYPE 97 TE-KE (GUN)
Image: Te-Ke (Gun) (Australian War Memorial)
Year1938
Vehicle TypeLight Tankette
Origin & DesignerJapan/Hino Motors
Numbers Produced616 (Both MG & Gun Models)
Crew2 (Commander/Gunner & Driver)
Main Armament1 x Type 94 37mm L/36.7 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-15° to +20°
Turret Traverse360° (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightTelescopic
Secondary Armament[@secondary_armament]
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried102 x 37mm
Height1.79m
Width1.90m
Length3.07m
Combat Weight4.700 kg
Ground Clearance0.29m
Fording Depth0.76m
Trench Crossing1.60m
Obstacle Clearance0.81m
Climbing Ability60°
Radio[@radio]
ArmourHull Front: 12mm
Hull Sides: 7mm
Hull Rear: 5mm
Hull Top: 6mm
Hull Bottom: 6mm
Gun Mantle: 12mm
Turret Front: 12mm
Turret Sides: 7mm
Turret Rear: 5mm
Turret Top: 6mm
EngineIkega 65 HP (Diesel)
Transmission4 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range241 km
Maximum Cross Country Range[@maximum_cross_country_range]
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed40 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed25 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThis is the gun version of the Ke-Ke tankette and armed with the 37mm Type 94 gun. Some Te-Ke tankettes were armed with only a 7.7mm Type 97 machine gun, and this was because insufficient 37mm guns were available. Even with a 37mm gun, the Te-Ke was not powerful enough to engage enemy armour and was designed for reconnaissance, but because the Japanese were short on tanks, they were used in the assault role. Despite being totally out classed, the Te-Ke was widely used and saw service on every front.