Difference between revisions of "Ka-Mi"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. An interesting thing about this tank is that it does feature propellers on the backside, because it is amphibious and can allow players to exploit aquatic terrain to their advantage in War Thunder.
+
The '''Special {{Specs|name}}''' ({{Annotation|特二式内火艇「カミ」|Toku Ni-Shiki Uchibitei [Ka-Mi]}}) was a special type light tank built by the Japanese Navy for naval landing operations. Primarily based on the [[Ha-Go]] tank, the Ka-Mi was majorly modified to be a water-tight hull allowing it to float in the water, with add-on pontoons to improve high sea traversability.  
 +
 
 +
The Ka-Mi was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. Unlike the Ha-Go, it features a slightly better Type 1 37 mm instead of the Type 94 37 mm and comes with a coaxial machine gun which is rather rare for WWII Japanese tanks. While the Ka-Mi doesn't receive its pontoons in-game, it still can float through the water as the propellers are mounted directly to the chassis and allows the tank crew to exploit aquatic terrain to their advantage, especially since the gun is shoulder stabilized, making it easier to aim with the waves.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
[[File:Ka-Mi-Cover.jpg|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} is best used from cover, where it can hide its massive body from enemy fire. Here: shooting from behind the hill on [[Eastern Europe (Ground Forces)|Eastern Europe]], village centre.]]
 
[[File:Ka-Mi-Cover.jpg|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} is best used from cover, where it can hide its massive body from enemy fire. Here: shooting from behind the hill on [[Eastern Europe (Ground Forces)|Eastern Europe]], village centre.]]
−
The Ka-Mi is features a very unusual layout. Being originally designed as an amphibious tank, it is very lightly armoured. With an armour ranging around 8 mm to 12 mm on larger portions of the hull, this tank is very fragile to anything bigger than MG fire. To increase survivability, one can enter a fight rearwards in order to absorb shots with the engine, though using hard cover (such as hills and rocks) is preferable.
+
The Ka-Mi features a very unusual layout. Being originally designed as an amphibious tank, it is very lightly armoured. With armour thickness ranging from around 8 mm, and just reaching 12 mm on the larger portions of the hull, this tank is very fragile to anything bigger than MG fire. To increase survivability, one can enter a fight backwards in order to absorb shots with the engine, though using hard cover (such as hills and rocks) is preferable.
−
 
 
−
This armour pattern really shines at distances (500+ m), where a little angling can mostly defeat HMG fire. Since most guns at this BR are quite inaccurate, exposing only your small turret should not be a problem since it is hard to hit. If caught in an open field ( still at distances), try facing directly your foe since angling is useless with such little armour values, that way, some shells can just fly by your crew in the inhabited portions of the tank (ammo racks located there are pretty small, they are often missed in these cases).
 
−
 
 
−
The 37 mm is a decent gun with a good reload time and good ammo count: don't bother wasting a shot, fire on the move. This tank has a "lock", which is a primitive form of gun stabiliser, decreasing vertical movement from the main armament - at low speeds, gun handling sees significant improvement. Note that turret rotation speed is somewhat slow: pre-aim your gun in the general direction of the enemy in close-quarter engagements.
 
  
−
One thing that saves the Ka-Mi's reputation is its MG count: there is 3 of them. One is coaxial, fired by gunner, another is pintle-mounted, fired by the gunner and the last one is hull-mounted, fired by the machine-gunner. These weapons have a good burst capacity to take out light targets (soviet SPAA trucks, open-topped SPGs, etc.). This also allows the Ka-Mi to become an unlikely SPAA, armed with three machine guns and a cannon. It can quite easily take down low-flying biplanes that may appear in the hands of inexperienced pilots at Rank I, although it requires sustained hits to successfully down an aircraft. One downside of the [[Type 97 tank (7.7 mm)|Type 97]] machine gun is its low ammo count, which limits bursts to a couple of seconds before having to reload. Reloads, fortunately, don't take long.
+
This armour pattern really shines at distances (500+ m), where a little angling can mostly defeat HMG fire. Since most guns at this BR are quite inaccurate, exposing only your small turret should not be a problem since it is hard to hit. If caught in an open field (still at a distance), try directly facing your foe. Angling is useless with armour so thin, meaning some shells might punch through cleanly and just fly by your crew in the uninhabited portions of the tank (ammo racks located there are pretty small, so these are often missed in such cases).
−
 
 
−
The Ka-Mi provides a decent top speed on road but lacks power when going off-road. Narrow tracks make mobility in snow/desert maps really painful. A good thing to mention: this tank has a respectable reverse speed of -11 km/h with two reverse gear, which is a rare feature at this BR. It can sometimes get you out of bad situations.
 
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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[[File:Ka-Mi-Amphibious-visibility.jpg|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} when either firing or having its propellers on becomes an extremely visible target, even from afar. The jets of water extend over 5 times the length of the tank behind it, reaching nearly 4 times its air draft.]]
 
[[File:Ka-Mi-Amphibious-visibility.jpg|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} when either firing or having its propellers on becomes an extremely visible target, even from afar. The jets of water extend over 5 times the length of the tank behind it, reaching nearly 4 times its air draft.]]
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=124|rbMinHp=102}}
+
The Ka-Mi provides a decent top speed on the road but lacks such mobility when going off-road. Narrow tracks make mobility in snow/desert maps really painful. A good thing to mention: this tank has a respectable reverse speed of -11 km/h with two reverse gear, which is a rare feature at this BR. It can sometimes get you out of bad situations.
  
−
Comparing to other tanks in its BR {{PAGENAME}} has an average mobility with no weak points, offering an ability to reach most destinations with a bulk of the team, or to pick preferable locations in just about a right time. Vehicle is somewhat prone to sliding in a tight turn during rapid turns at a maximum speed.
+
Compared to other tanks at its BR, the Ka-Mi has average mobility with no significant drawbacks, offering an ability to reach most destinations with the rest of the team, or to position for sniping or ambushes. The Ka-Mi is also somewhat prone to drifting when taking sharp turns at high speed.
  
 
The Ka-Mi travels at 10 km/h (AB/RB/SB) in water but can't propel itself backwards. Trajectory should be planned accordingly to avoid being stuck.
 
The Ka-Mi travels at 10 km/h (AB/RB/SB) in water but can't propel itself backwards. Trajectory should be planned accordingly to avoid being stuck.
 +
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=124|rbMinHp=102}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|Type 1 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 1 (37 mm)}}
  
−
Main gun of the Ka-Mi is a very basic 37 mm cannon with a decent penetration and spread. Its major disadvantage is in a slow turn rate, making it preferable to have turret pre-adjusted before emerging from cover, and similarly hiding it once enemy emerges from a different direction. It does, however, feature a good depression rate, making it a potent weapon when attacking from the hills.
+
The main gun of the Ka-Mi is a very basic 37 mm cannon with decent penetration and spread. A major disadvantage is its slow turn rate, making it preferable to have already aimed the turret before emerging from cover, and similarly attempting to hide it as early as possible, once the enemy emerges from a flanking direction. It does, however, feature a good depression rate, making it a potent weapon when attacking from the hills.
 +
 
 +
The 37 mm is a decent gun with a good reload time and good ammo count: don't bother wasting ammo while stationary, just fire on the move. This tank has a "lock", which is a primitive form of gun stabilizer, decreasing vertical movement from the main armament - at low speeds, gun handling sees significant improvement. Note that turret rotation speed is somewhat slow: pre-aim your gun in the general direction of the enemy in close-quarter engagements.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
It's highly preferable to use the Type 1 APHE ammunition over the stock one, due to its significantly better penetration and explosive filler. While Type 94 might simply damage enemy crew or components with anything bar a direct hit, the Type 1 will nearly always result in an actual destruction of the subsystems. Similarly penetration characteristics of the shells make a difference between bouncing and a successful kill, even when dealing with other BR 1.0 tanks.
+
It's highly preferable to use the Type 1 APHE ammunition over the stock one, due to its significantly better penetration and its explosive filler. While the Type 94 shell may only damage enemy crew or components with anything barring a perfectly-placed shot, the Type 1 shell will nearly always result in an effectively destructive hit, damaging modules and crew alike. Similarly, the penetration characteristics of the Type 1 shells make all the difference between a ricochet and a successful knock-out when dealing with other tanks at this BR.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Type 1 (37 mm)/Ammunition|Type 94 APHE, Type 1 APHE}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 94 APHE || APHE || 46 || 44 || 36 || 29 || 23 || 18
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 1 APHE || APHE || 57 || 54 || 39 || 26 || 18 || 12
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 94 APHE || APHE || 700 || 0.7 || 1.2 || 9 || 11 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Type 1 APHE || APHE || 800 || 0.72 || 1.2 || 9 || 12.8 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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|}
 
|}
  
−
Due to a high maximum ammo capacity of the tank, leaving at least the first ammo rack empty could be preferred for reduced chance of explosion upon hit. This can be done by reducing ammo count to 73 or less. Furthermore, when angling the tank to the enemy, it's preferred to expose left side more towards the enemy, as the right side is the one always storing ammunition, and should be protected when possible.
+
Due to a high maximum ammo capacity, leaving at least the first ammo rack empty could be preferred in order to reduce the chance of enemy shots causing any ammo detonation. This can be done by only carrying 73 or fewer shells. Furthermore, when angling the tank to the enemy, it's preferred to expose the left side to the enemy, rather than the right one, which will always contain a loaded ammunition rack. To prevent crew members from being knocked out, the right side should be protected whenever possible.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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[[File:Ka-Mi-Machine-Guns.jpg|thumb|right|All three machine guns visible. From top: exposed pintle mount, coaxial next to the main gun and hull mount]]
 
[[File:Ka-Mi-Machine-Guns.jpg|thumb|right|All three machine guns visible. From top: exposed pintle mount, coaxial next to the main gun and hull mount]]
 
{{main|Type 97 (7.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Type 97 (7.7 mm)}}
−
The {{PAGENAME}} has a rare setup in its BR, featuring a group of three 7.7 mm what allows it to quickly dispose of enemy soft body vehicles, most notably: anti-aircraft guns of the Rank 1. That said though, all of them are supplied by a very short magazine, allowing for a limited burst before having to reload. In effect shorter bursts in a different portions of the enemy are recommended over a long, sweeping series.
+
One thing that saves the Ka-Mi's reputation is its MG count: there are 3 of them. One is coaxial, fired by the gunner, another is pintle-mounted, also fired by the gunner, and the last is hull-mounted, fired by the machine gunner. These weapons have good burst capabilities that can take out lightly-armoured targets (Soviet SPAA trucks, open-topped SPGs, etc.). This also allows the Ka-Mi to become an unlikely SPAA, armed with three machine guns and a cannon. It can quite easily damage low-flying biplanes, although sustained hits are still required to successfully down an aircraft. One downside of the [[Type 97 tank (7.7 mm)|Type 97]] machine gun is its low ammo count, which limits bursts to a couple of seconds before having to reload. Reloads, fortunately, don't take long.
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a rare setup for its BR, featuring a group of three 7.7 mm MGs that allow it to quickly dispose of enemy lightly-armoured vehicles, especially rank I SPAAGs. The MGs are supplied with limited ammo capacity, allowing for a short bursts before reloading. In effect, shorter bursts into different portions of the enemy vehicle are recommended over lengthy bursts to gradually disable modules and crew members.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
−
With its average armour, firepower and mobility, the Ka-Mi should be played wisely, with a bit of finesse: you will not survive frontal engagement, neither can you flank nor snipe...so what's left? Support. ''Always'' play as a team when driving the Ka-Mi, bringing an additional potent close-range gun to the fight, threatening your foes while more potent allies reload.
+
With its average armour, firepower and mobility, the Ka-Mi should be played wisely, with a bit of finesse: you will not survive frontal engagement, neither can you flank nor snipe. This leaves you the support role. Always play as a team when driving the Ka-Mi, bringing an additional potent close-range gun to the fight, threatening your foes while more potent allies reload.
  
−
Use hills to your advantage, fall back when outnumbered and beware difficult terrain since it can slow down your manoeuvres. Do not rely on the armour as, even with angling, its effective armour protection is always penetrable by enemy tanks.
+
Use hills to your advantage, fall back when outnumbered and beware difficult terrain since it can slow down your manoeuvres significantly. Do not rely on the armour as even with angling, its effective protection is nearly always penetrable by enemy tanks.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
===Development===
 
===Development===
−
While the tanks were mainly in the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) also owned their own land forces known as the Special Naval Landings Forces (SNLF). Their standard tanks was the [[Ha-Go|Type 95 Ha-Go]], but the SNLF wanted a more capable tank for the role, namely one fitted for amphibious landings. The Japanese have touched upon the amphibious tank concept since the 1930s, but one for the rough seas needed more durability than one for rivers. The IJN approached Mitsubishi in 1941 to develop the new amphibious tank, named '''Ka-Mi''' "Special Craft". The tank was to go along with the IJA's Type 2 Ke-To light tank, using a similar turret design. The suspension of the vehicle was one derived from the Ha-Go. The amphibious capability was given to the tank via two removable pontoons on the front and back of the tank. A trunk and tower was fitted over the engine and turret respectively to prevent water from flowing into the engine and crew compartment. The vehicle, accepted as the '''Type 2 Ka-Mi''', began production in 1943. Up to 182 tanks were produced from then until the end of the war.<ref name="ZalogaJapaneseTank">Zaloga Steven. ''Japanese Tanks 1939-1945'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2007</ref>
+
[[File:Ka-Mi Captured Rabaul.jpg|thumb|A couple of captured Ka-Mi's with their pontoons deattached for land usage. Rabaul, 1945]]
 +
While tanks were used mainly in the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) also owned their own land forces known as the Special Naval Landings Forces (SNLF). Their standard tanks was the [[Ha-Go|Type 95 Ha-Go]], but the SNLF wanted a more capable tank fitted for amphibious landings. The Japanese have touched upon the amphibious tank concept since the 1930s, but one built to withstand rough seas needed more durability than one designed for rivers and more calm waters. The IJN approached Mitsubishi in 1941 to develop the new amphibious tank, named '''Ka-Mi''' "Special Craft". The tank was to go along with the IJA's Type 2 Ke-To light tank, using a similar turret design. The suspension of the vehicle was one derived from the Ha-Go. The amphibious capability was given to the tank via two removable pontoons on the front and back of the tank. A trunk and a tower were fitted over the engine and turret respectively to prevent water from flowing into the engine and crew compartment. The vehicle, accepted as the '''Type 2 Ka-Mi''', began production in 1943. Up to 182 tanks were produced by the end of the war, mostly supporting Japanese positions in Saipan and the Philippines.<ref name="ZalogaJapaneseTank">Zaloga Steven. ''Japanese Tanks 1939-1945'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2007</ref>
  
 
===Combat Usage===
 
===Combat Usage===
−
The Type 2 Ka-Mi saw use in the combat in 1944 in Saipan and Leyte.<ref name="ZalogaJapaneseTank" /> They assisted the stationed SNLF units on these islands in attacking the American beachheads via amphibious assaults. The Ka-Mi were also stationed in Luzon as a handful were captured by Allied forces in 1945. Their limited numbers and usage meant they fought with relative obscurity to the IJA's [[Chi-Ha Kai|Type 97 Chi-Ha]] tanks. However, the Type 2 Ka-Mi was deemed rather successful by the IJN, some have dubbed it the "best designed amphibious tank of the war" after World War II. This led to the successors like the Type 3 Ka-Chi, a parallel to the [[Chi-He|Type 1 Chi-He]], and the Type 5 To-Ku, based off the [[Chi-Ri II|Type 5 Chi-Ri]].
+
[[File:Ka-Mi sailing.png|thumb|left|A '''Type 2 Ka-Mi''' sailing through the waters of occupied Dutch East Indies]]
 +
The Type 2 Ka-Mi saw combat in 1944 in Saipan and Leyte.<ref name="ZalogaJapaneseTank" /> They assisted the stationed SNLF units on these islands in attacking the American beachheads via amphibious assaults. The Ka-Mi were also stationed in Luzon, and a handful were captured by Allied forces in 1945. Their limited numbers and usage meant they fought with relative obscurity to the IJA's [[Chi-Ha Kai|Type 97 Chi-Ha]] tanks. However, the Type 2 Ka-Mi was deemed rather successful by the IJN. Some have dubbed it the "best-designed amphibious tank of the war" after the conclusion of World War II. This led to successors like the [[Ka-Chi|Type 3 Ka-Chi]], a parallel to the [[Chi-He|Type 1 Chi-He]], and the Type 5 To-Ku, based on the [[Chi-Ri II|Type 5 Chi-Ri]].
 +
{{break}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_type_2_ka_mi Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
;Images
 
;Images
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150px">
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150px">
 
Ka-Chi (2).png|Type 3 Ka-Chi & Type 2 Ka-Mi landing ashore
 
Ka-Chi (2).png|Type 3 Ka-Chi & Type 2 Ka-Mi landing ashore
 
Ka-Chi (1).png|Type 3 Ka-Chi & Type 2 Ka-Mi driving across land
 
Ka-Chi (1).png|Type 3 Ka-Chi & Type 2 Ka-Mi driving across land
−
ArtImage Ka-Mi.png|
+
ArtImage Ka-Mi.png|Ka-Mi driving across Jungle
−
</gallery>
 
−
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150px">
 
 
Type 2 ka mi 02.jpg|Ka-Mi promotional image showing front of the hull and size with a human to scale
 
Type 2 ka mi 02.jpg|Ka-Mi promotional image showing front of the hull and size with a human to scale
 
Type 2 ka mi 04.jpg|Rear of the vehicle on another promo image
 
Type 2 ka mi 04.jpg|Rear of the vehicle on another promo image
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 +
;Related Development
 
* [[Ha-Go (Family)|Type 95 Ha-Go]] (Based off)
 
* [[Ha-Go (Family)|Type 95 Ha-Go]] (Based off)
 
* [[Ka-Chi|Type 3 Ka-Chi]] (Successor)
 
* [[Ka-Chi|Type 3 Ka-Chi]] (Successor)
 +
 +
;Tanks of comparable role, configuration, and era
 +
* [[File:USA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[LVT(A)(1)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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<references />
 
<references />
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Yokosuka Naval Arsenal}}
 
{{Japan light tanks}}
 
{{Japan light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 23:50, 25 June 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
Ka-Mi
jp_type_2_ka_mi.png
GarageImage Ka-Mi.jpg
ArtImage Ka-Mi.png
Ka-Mi
Japan flag.png Japan
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Special Type 2 Ka-Mi (特二式内火艇「カミ」) was a special type light tank built by the Japanese Navy for naval landing operations. Primarily based on the Ha-Go tank, the Ka-Mi was majorly modified to be a water-tight hull allowing it to float in the water, with add-on pontoons to improve high sea traversability.

The Ka-Mi was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai". Unlike the Ha-Go, it features a slightly better Type 1 37 mm instead of the Type 94 37 mm and comes with a coaxial machine gun which is rather rare for WWII Japanese tanks. While the Ka-Mi doesn't receive its pontoons in-game, it still can float through the water as the propellers are mounted directly to the chassis and allows the tank crew to exploit aquatic terrain to their advantage, especially since the gun is shoulder stabilized, making it easier to aim with the waves.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull12 / 10 / 10
Turret30 / 12 / 12
Crew4 people
Visibility75 %
Ka-Mi is best used from cover, where it can hide its massive body from enemy fire. Here: shooting from behind the hill on Eastern Europe, village centre.

The Ka-Mi features a very unusual layout. Being originally designed as an amphibious tank, it is very lightly armoured. With armour thickness ranging from around 8 mm, and just reaching 12 mm on the larger portions of the hull, this tank is very fragile to anything bigger than MG fire. To increase survivability, one can enter a fight backwards in order to absorb shots with the engine, though using hard cover (such as hills and rocks) is preferable.

This armour pattern really shines at distances (500+ m), where a little angling can mostly defeat HMG fire. Since most guns at this BR are quite inaccurate, exposing only your small turret should not be a problem since it is hard to hit. If caught in an open field (still at a distance), try directly facing your foe. Angling is useless with armour so thin, meaning some shells might punch through cleanly and just fly by your crew in the uninhabited portions of the tank (ammo racks located there are pretty small, so these are often missed in such cases).

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 12 mm (30°) Front plate
6 mm (83°) Front glacis
12 mm (4-39°) Lower glacis 		10 mm 10 mm (12°) Middle
12 mm (59°) Side 		6 mm
Turret 12 mm (0-8°) Turret front
30 mm Gun mantlet 		12 mm (10-12°) 12 mm (12-13°) 6 mm

Notes

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are both 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 6 mm thick.

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB45 / 12 km/h
RB and SB40 / 10 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight9.1 t
Engine power
AB219 hp
RB and SB115 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB24.1 hp/t
RB and SB12.6 hp/t
Ka-Mi when either firing or having its propellers on becomes an extremely visible target, even from afar. The jets of water extend over 5 times the length of the tank behind it, reaching nearly 4 times its air draft.

The Ka-Mi provides a decent top speed on the road but lacks such mobility when going off-road. Narrow tracks make mobility in snow/desert maps really painful. A good thing to mention: this tank has a respectable reverse speed of -11 km/h with two reverse gear, which is a rare feature at this BR. It can sometimes get you out of bad situations.

Compared to other tanks at its BR, the Ka-Mi has average mobility with no significant drawbacks, offering an ability to reach most destinations with the rest of the team, or to position for sniping or ambushes. The Ka-Mi is also somewhat prone to drifting when taking sharp turns at high speed.

The Ka-Mi travels at 10 km/h (AB/RB/SB) in water but can't propel itself backwards. Trajectory should be planned accordingly to avoid being stuck.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 45 12 9.1 124 219 13.63 24.07
Realistic 40 10 102 115 11.21 12.64

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB106 → 136 Sl icon.png
RB95 → 122 Sl icon.png
SB111 → 142 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 985 Rp icon.png
890 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement jp.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_type_1_APHE_ammo_pack
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm Type 1 cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition132 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
5.2 → 4.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 24°
Main article: Type 1 (37 mm)

The main gun of the Ka-Mi is a very basic 37 mm cannon with decent penetration and spread. A major disadvantage is its slow turn rate, making it preferable to have already aimed the turret before emerging from cover, and similarly attempting to hide it as early as possible, once the enemy emerges from a flanking direction. It does, however, feature a good depression rate, making it a potent weapon when attacking from the hills.

The 37 mm is a decent gun with a good reload time and good ammo count: don't bother wasting ammo while stationary, just fire on the move. This tank has a "lock", which is a primitive form of gun stabilizer, decreasing vertical movement from the main armament - at low speeds, gun handling sees significant improvement. Note that turret rotation speed is somewhat slow: pre-aim your gun in the general direction of the enemy in close-quarter engagements.

37 mm Type 1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 132 -10°/+24° ±180° Vertical 11.52 15.94 19.36 21.41 22.78 5.20 4.60 4.24 4.00
Realistic 7.20 8.47 10.29 11.37 12.10

Ammunition

It's highly preferable to use the Type 1 APHE ammunition over the stock one, due to its significantly better penetration and its explosive filler. While the Type 94 shell may only damage enemy crew or components with anything barring a perfectly-placed shot, the Type 1 shell will nearly always result in an effectively destructive hit, damaging modules and crew alike. Similarly, the penetration characteristics of the Type 1 shells make all the difference between a ricochet and a successful knock-out when dealing with other tanks at this BR.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Type 94 APHE APHE 46 44 36 29 23 18
Type 1 APHE APHE 57 54 39 26 18 12
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Type 94 APHE APHE 700 0.7 1.2 9 11 47° 60° 65°
Type 1 APHE APHE 800 0.72 1.2 9 12.8 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Ka-Mi
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
132 73 (+59) 25 (+107) 1 (+131) No

Due to a high maximum ammo capacity, leaving at least the first ammo rack empty could be preferred in order to reduce the chance of enemy shots causing any ammo detonation. This can be done by only carrying 73 or fewer shells. Furthermore, when angling the tank to the enemy, it's preferred to expose the left side to the enemy, rather than the right one, which will always contain a loaded ammunition rack. To prevent crew members from being knocked out, the right side should be protected whenever possible.

Machine guns

2 x 7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition7 000 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Fire rate499 shots/min
7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Fire rate499 shots/min
All three machine guns visible. From top: exposed pintle mount, coaxial next to the main gun and hull mount
Main article: Type 97 (7.7 mm)

One thing that saves the Ka-Mi's reputation is its MG count: there are 3 of them. One is coaxial, fired by the gunner, another is pintle-mounted, also fired by the gunner, and the last is hull-mounted, fired by the machine gunner. These weapons have good burst capabilities that can take out lightly-armoured targets (Soviet SPAA trucks, open-topped SPGs, etc.). This also allows the Ka-Mi to become an unlikely SPAA, armed with three machine guns and a cannon. It can quite easily damage low-flying biplanes, although sustained hits are still required to successfully down an aircraft. One downside of the Type 97 machine gun is its low ammo count, which limits bursts to a couple of seconds before having to reload. Reloads, fortunately, don't take long.

The Ka-Mi has a rare setup for its BR, featuring a group of three 7.7 mm MGs that allow it to quickly dispose of enemy lightly-armoured vehicles, especially rank I SPAAGs. The MGs are supplied with limited ammo capacity, allowing for a short bursts before reloading. In effect, shorter bursts into different portions of the enemy vehicle are recommended over lengthy bursts to gradually disable modules and crew members.

7.7 mm Type 97
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (20) 499 N/A N/A
Hull 3,000 (20) 499 -11°/+35° ±20°
Pintle 1,000 (20) 499 -10°/+70° ±60°

Usage in battles

With its average armour, firepower and mobility, the Ka-Mi should be played wisely, with a bit of finesse: you will not survive frontal engagement, neither can you flank nor snipe. This leaves you the support role. Always play as a team when driving the Ka-Mi, bringing an additional potent close-range gun to the fight, threatening your foes while more potent allies reload.

Use hills to your advantage, fall back when outnumbered and beware difficult terrain since it can slow down your manoeuvres significantly. Do not rely on the armour as even with angling, its effective protection is nearly always penetrable by enemy tanks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 37 mm gun has decent post-penetration damage
  • Has a lot of machine guns, allowing a mediocre amphibious tank to turn into an impromptu SPAA instantly
  • Tiny turret. Hard to target it at the range
  • High ammo count (both cannon and MG)
  • 10° gun depression
  • Decent reverse speed (-11 km/h)
  • Has a coaxial machine gun, unlike most low rank Japanese tanks
  • Amphibious design will float on water

Cons:

  • 37 mm penetration value starting to feel lacking
  • Hull size is wider than other Japanese light tanks
  • Hull front plate is thin and relatively unsloped
  • Tiny turret, big hull. People with have no trouble targeting you
  • Only two ammo choice, both APHE, one is clearly superior over the other
  • Narrow tracks means poor off-road mobility
  • Low engine HP makes hill-climbing only possible at low gear, which even then is difficult
  • Weak armour makes you an easy target for aircraft with high penetration on their guns

History

Development

A couple of captured Ka-Mi's with their pontoons deattached for land usage. Rabaul, 1945

While tanks were used mainly in the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) also owned their own land forces known as the Special Naval Landings Forces (SNLF). Their standard tanks was the Type 95 Ha-Go, but the SNLF wanted a more capable tank fitted for amphibious landings. The Japanese have touched upon the amphibious tank concept since the 1930s, but one built to withstand rough seas needed more durability than one designed for rivers and more calm waters. The IJN approached Mitsubishi in 1941 to develop the new amphibious tank, named Ka-Mi "Special Craft". The tank was to go along with the IJA's Type 2 Ke-To light tank, using a similar turret design. The suspension of the vehicle was one derived from the Ha-Go. The amphibious capability was given to the tank via two removable pontoons on the front and back of the tank. A trunk and a tower were fitted over the engine and turret respectively to prevent water from flowing into the engine and crew compartment. The vehicle, accepted as the Type 2 Ka-Mi, began production in 1943. Up to 182 tanks were produced by the end of the war, mostly supporting Japanese positions in Saipan and the Philippines.[1]

Combat Usage

A Type 2 Ka-Mi sailing through the waters of occupied Dutch East Indies

The Type 2 Ka-Mi saw combat in 1944 in Saipan and Leyte.[1] They assisted the stationed SNLF units on these islands in attacking the American beachheads via amphibious assaults. The Ka-Mi were also stationed in Luzon, and a handful were captured by Allied forces in 1945. Their limited numbers and usage meant they fought with relative obscurity to the IJA's Type 97 Chi-Ha tanks. However, the Type 2 Ka-Mi was deemed rather successful by the IJN. Some have dubbed it the "best-designed amphibious tank of the war" after the conclusion of World War II. This led to successors like the Type 3 Ka-Chi, a parallel to the Type 1 Chi-He, and the Type 5 To-Ku, based on the Type 5 Chi-Ri.

Media

Skins
Images

  • Type 3 Ka-Chi & Type 2 Ka-Mi landing ashore

  • Type 3 Ka-Chi & Type 2 Ka-Mi driving across land

  • Ka-Mi driving across Jungle

  • Ka-Mi promotional image showing front of the hull and size with a human to scale

  • Rear of the vehicle on another promo image

See also

Related Development
Tanks of comparable role, configuration, and era

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Zaloga Steven. Japanese Tanks 1939-1945 Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2007


Yokosuka Naval Arsenal (横須賀海軍工廠)
Destroyers (DD) 
Momi-class  IJN Momi
Light Cruisers (CL) 
Mogami-class  IJN Suzuya
Heavy Cruisers (CA) 
Myōkō-class  IJN Myoko
Battlecruisers (BC) 
Kurama-class  IJN Kurama
Amagi-class  IJN Amagi
Battleships (BB) 
Fusō-class  IJN Yamashiro
Nagato-class  IJN Mutsu
Tanks  Ka-Mi · Ka-Chi · Chi-Ha LG
See also  Yokosuka Naval Air Technical Arsenal

Japan light tanks
Type 89  I-Go Ko
Type 95  Ha-Go · Ha-Go Commander
Type 98  Ke-Ni
Other  Ka-Mi
IFV  Type 89
RCV  Type 87 RCV (P) · Type 87 RCV · RCV (P)
MCV  Type 16 (P) · Type 16 (FPS) · Type 16
USA  ▅M24 · ▅M41A1

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