The Type-98 Bishamonten is the Heavy Tank of The Muteki Daitai. The concepts for the Type-98 were developed in early 2045 by Katherine Nakamura. It went into service in 2050, and is still in service for the Daitai. It is the world's most expensive Tank, at 36 Billion Japanese, or 30 Million US Dollars.
Conception
In 2040, the United States and Russia revealed their newest MBTs, the American M15 Eisenhower and the Russian T-105 Koloss Both of these tanks boasted 130mm and 135mm cannons respectively, complemented by heavier armor. In order to counter this, the Bishamonten was created "...from doodles on deskwork..." and was then taken seriously.
The first Type-98 Prototype was built in 2046, and underwent trials the same year.
Development
The Bishamonten went under multiple trials. Its' first trials involved speed, which the Bishamonten's Fission Energy Engine, gave a great output of. In spite of its' five metric time weight, the Bishamonten is capable of speeds of 70 Kilometres Per Hour. As well, the Type-98 can wade in two metres of water, and only be slown to speeds of 20 Kilometres.
Initially, the Type-98 was to boast a 160mm Main Cannon, but due to the near destruction of the prototype from this Calibre, and issues with the Autoloader, it was toned down to a 150mm cannon. The Bishamonten handles the recoil of the 150mm Howa Smoothbore Cannon with shock absorbers. In order to keep this large cannon stable, most of it has been moved further into the turret.
Added onto the Type-98 was a M249 SAW and an M307 Grenade Machine Gun. However, these took up too much space, and were therefore removed. The Type-98 now uses an M312 HMG, or it can be outfitted with an M307 GMG instead.
In order to compensate for cannon’s intensive recoil, and its effects on the Coaxial Machine Gun, the MG was replaced with a Tactical High Energy Laser.
Armament
- 150mm Howa Smoothbore Cannon
- Coaxial THEL
- Mounted M312 Heavy Machine Gun
OR
- Mounted M307 Grenade Machine Gun
- Ryu Crew-Served Remote Weapon
- Anti-infantry plow (Optional)