Type 97 Te-Ke Tankette (Japanese)

Description

The Type 97 Te-Ke was a light tankette used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Developed in the late 1930s, it was designed to provide reconnaissance and infantry support. The Te-Ke was relatively small and lightweight, weighing around 4.7 tons, which allowed it to be easily transported and maneuverer in various terrains.

The tankette was powered by a Mitsubishi A6120VDe air-cooled diesel engine, producing 65 horsepower, and could reach speeds of up to 42 km/h. Its main armament was a Type 94 37 mm tank gun, complemented by a Type 97 7.7 mm machine gun. The Te-Ke’s armour was relatively thin, with a maximum thickness of 12 mm, which made it vulnerable to anti-tank weapons but sufficient against small arms fire.

The Te-Ke saw extensive service in various theatres, including China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. It was involved in notable battles such as the Battle of Khalkhin Gol and the invasion of the Philippines. Despite its limitations, the Te-Ke was produced in significant numbers, with over 600 units built by the end of the war.

• Model: Type 97 Te-Ke Tankette
• Country/Army: Japanese
• Dimension (mm) (WxLxH):
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Original Designer: TigerAce1945
• These models are designed for modellers and collectors. They are not toys and are not suitable for children.
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly.
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown.
• Photos and dimensions are at 28mm unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.
• Models supplied at scales smaller than 20mm may be an alternative design more suitable for small scale prints. These are designed by Bergman or TigerAce1945.