Type 61 Tank

The Type 61 Tank was a mass-produced main battle tank developed by the Earth Federation Forces. It served as their primary ground combat vehicle from UC 0061 until it was gradually phased out during the One Year War.

History

The Earth Federation Forces developed the Type 61 Tank in UC 0061 to replace the aging Type 43 Tank. Over the course of development, the tank grew larger than initially planned due to the switch from a combustion engine to an electric motor, increased ammunition storage, and the addition of an automatic loading system.

The Type 61 Tank served as the Federation’s main battle tank up until the One Year War. After the Principality of Zeon introduced the MS-06 Zaku II as their primary mobile suit, the Type 61 Tank became largely obsolete. Minovsky particle interference severely hampered its tactical communications and reduced its targeting capabilities to line-of-sight optics.

Despite these limitations, Type 61 Tanks played crucial roles in major operations like Operation Odessa and the defence of Jaburo. They were often deployed to protect ground transports from Magella Attack Tank assaults and provided supporting fire for advancing RGM-79 GM units.

The Type 61 Tank saw one of the heaviest deployment rates during the One Year War, but also suffered among the highest casualty rates. While their performance against mobile suits was poor, this was often attributed to improper tactics that failed to leverage the tank’s advantages, such as its lower profile for ambush operations and ability to concentrate firepower in formation.

Design

The Type 61 Tank featured a conventional tank design with the driver positioned in the forward hull, while the commander and gunner operated from the turret. The turret incorporated an automatic loader at its base that fed both main guns, with the crew compartment mounted above.

The tank’s electric motor powered twin caterpillar treads, giving it a maximum speed of 90 kilometres per hour. While this made it significantly slower than mobile suits, the Type 61 Tank’s lower profile allowed it to be more easily concealed for ambush operations.

Armaments

The Type 61 Tank’s standard weapons were twin 150 mm cannons for anti-armor warfare, supported by machine guns for anti-personnel defence.

150 mm smoothbore cannons

The tank’s primary armament consisted of two 150 mm smoothbore cannons mounted in the turret. These were primarily operated by the gunner, though the commander could also control them if needed. An automatic loader at the base of the turret fed both cannons, eliminating the need for an additional crew member.

7.62 mm coaxial machine guns

A 7.62 mm machine gun was mounted coaxially alongside each main cannon where it met the turret. These provided additional anti-personnel capability.

12.7 mm machine gun

A 12.7 mm machine gun was mounted on the commander’s cupola for close-range defence against infantry and aircraft. However, this required the commander to be exposed when operating it.

Smoke dischargers

Three mortar-like smoke dischargers were mounted on each side of the turret. These launched special grenades that created smoke screens to conceal the tank from enemy sight. The smoke could also be used to signal allied forces.

Known pilots

• Agar
• Francis Marion
• Marco San Rosario
• Roston
• Heinz Highway

Variants

• Type 61 (Far East Army Type) — Featured a lower body, flatter turret, and side skirts
• M61A5 MBT — Had a longer chassis with six road wheels, side skirts, 155 mm smoothbore cannons, eight smoke dispensers, and reduced crew size

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for Mobile Suit Gundam. Yamane Kimitoshi later redesigned it for The 08th MS Team and MS IGLOO.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
• Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO

External links

• Type 61 Tank on the Gundam Wiki
• Type 61 Tank on MAHQ