Introduced in 1937, the Type 97, Chi-Ha, was one of the best Japanese tanks of WWII, though no match for the US or British main battle tank. Drawing upon European designs, especially Axis, and despite a new suspension system, there were still no shock absorbers and the tank was a rough ride for the crew. The early Chi-Ha had a main armament of a high velocity 47mm gun and a 7.7mm secondary gun.

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