The Japanese Navy developed a series of amphibious tanks to support the Special Naval Landing Force during amphibious operations such as those which the Japanese launched throughout their conquests of early 1941 and 1942. The Ka-Mi was based upon the Ha-Go chassis – which was essentially rebuilt, with detachable pontoons and a boat hull to aid water travel.
The main armament of the Ka-Mi was a high-velocity 37mm gun with a coaxial Type 97 light machine gun. The Ka-Mi was also known to have been fitted with torpedoes on occasion and the tank could even be launched for them deck of Japanese submarines.
By the time that the amphibious tanks had been designed and built, Japan found itself fighting a defensive war, and the need had diminished – their role changed to infantry support, and functioning as mobile pillboxes. That being said, the Ka-Mi reportedly saw action in Marianna, the Marshall islands, Guam, Aitape and Biak in New Guinea, and during the invasion of Leyte.
Dimensions – 7.42 (4.80 without pontoons) x 2.79 x 2.34 m (24.34/15.75×9.15×7.68 ft) Total weight, battle ready -12.3 tons (9.15 without pontoons) Crew – 5-6 (driver, 2 gunners, loader, radioman) Propulsion – Mitsubishi air-cooled 6-cyl. diesel 115 hp (86 kW) Top speed – 37 km/h (20 mph) Armor – 6 to 13 mm (0.24-0.51 in) Armament – 1x 37 mm (1.45 in) Type 1, 2x 7.7 mm (0.3 in) Type 97 machine gun Range (maximal at cruise speed) – 200 km (140 mi) Total production – 184 between 1942-43.
Also see Warlords waterline version of the Ka-Mi. Designed to look submerged when you place it on a water section of your battlefield.
Pack contains:
- 1 metal and resin tank
- 1 metal crewman
Note: Models supplied unassembled and unpainted. Resin and metal parts.
Scale: 28mm.
