The following intelligence report on the Japanese Model 92 70-mm howitzer was printed in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 34, September 23, 1943. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

JAPANESE 70-MM HOWITZER MODEL 92 Reports on this weapon indicate that it is generally used as a mortar against personnel. The howitzer is used with Japanese infantry battalions; ordinarily horse-drawn but it can be manhandled easily by the 10-man section; it can be placed in position by two men; three men can handle it on a good road. The piece is mounted on a cradle which houses the hydro-spring recoil mechanism. It has a steel split-trail carriage mounted on steel disk wheels. The general characteristics follow (see accompanying sketch). Caliber       70 mm (2.76 in) Length        Overall, with tails folded 87 inches Tube 2 feet, 6 inches Weight (complete) 468 lbs Rifling 24 lands and grooves (r/h twist) Maximum range 3,000 yards Effective range 1,500 yards Muzzle velocity 650 f/s Ammunition HE, smoke and shrapnel Weight of shell (HE) 8.36 lbs Rate of fire 10 rpm Tube Monobloc Breech block Interrupted thread type Firing mechanism Continuous pull Recoil Hydro spring Elevation 50° Depression -10° Traverse 45° each way Sight Panoramic Shield 1/8 in armor

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