Type 4 70 mm AT rocket launcher

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	Weapon: Type 4 70 mm AT rocket launcher Type: Man-Portable Rocket Launcher Country of Origin: Japan Year Adopted: 1944 Caliber: 72x359 mm Action: Rocket Launcher System Overall Length (mm): 1260.0 Weight (kg): 7.00 Effective Range (m): 200

The Type 4 70 mm Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher was developed by Japan during the final stages of World War II as a response to the increasing threat posed by Allied armored vehicles. Inspired by captured examples of American Bazookas, the Type 4 featured a lightweight, tube-shaped launcher designed to fire a 70 mm rocket with a shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating up to 100 mm of armor. This weapon was intended to provide Japanese infantry with an effective means of countering tanks and fortified positions, utilizing a simple design suited for mass production and use by minimally trained personnel.

Production of the Type 4 began in limited quantities in 1944, but material shortages and Japan's worsening wartime situation restricted its numbers. Only a few thousand units were produced before the end of the war, and the weapon never reached full operational deployment. Manufactured by companies like the Nippon Special Steel Company, the Type 4 was distributed primarily to home defense forces and was rarely used in combat. This limited production and deployment meant the weapon had minimal impact on Japan's war effort.

Despite its limited use, the Type 4 70 mm Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher remains an intriguing piece of military history. It demonstrated Japan's attempt to adapt to modern infantry tactics and technological advancements late in the war. However, its late introduction and restricted distribution meant it was overshadowed by more successful counterparts like the American Bazooka and the German Panzerschreck. The Type 4 is a rare and little-known artifact of World War II, often studied for its role in Japan's efforts to counteract Allied military dominance.