Chi-To

This page is about the Japanese medium tank Chi-To. For the late version, see Chi-To Late.

Chi-To

Chi-Nu

Chi-To Late

Chi-To

Chi-Nu

Chi-To Late

Japan

III Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
4.7	4.7	4.7

Class:

Medium tank

Research:33 000

Purchase:105 000

Description

The Type 4 Chi-To (四式中戦車 「チト」) was developed as a counter to the ever-pressing danger the Sherman possessed over Japanese 1930s infantry based tanks such as the Ha-Go and Chi-Ha. The main development point of the Chi-To (and its heavier counterpart, the Chi-Ri II) was the new high-velocity long barrel 75 mm and a new hull design over the Chi-Ha / Chi-He family allowing for larger upgrades in armour, engine, and cannons. However, due to delays in hull production and lengthy cannon development, the Chi-To would only be ready in 1945 for evaluation, and the Chi-Nu and Ho-Ni III were built as stopgap measures to fill the gap of Sherman-capable competitors until the Chi-To was fully ready.

It was introduced along with the initial Japanese Ground Forces tree in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai". Playing the Type 4 Chi-To can give the player a new impression of the Japanese tree line and a lasting one considering many of the Japanese tanks after it follow the same pattern - a tank with a very powerful cannon, decent mobility, but rather fragile armour. The armour plus the tank's rather long reload means that the Chi-To is meant more for a long-distance shoot-out than a close encounter.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back

Hull75 / 35 / 35

Turret75 / 50 / 50

Crew5 people

Visibility88 %

Armour type:

• Rolled homogeneous armour
• Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Machine gun port)

Armour	Front	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	75 mm (17°) Front plate 20 mm (76°) Front glacis 75 mm (16°), 20 mm (58°) Lower glacis 50 mm (12°) Front cheeks 50 mm (0-66°) Machine gun port	35 mm (12-30°) Top 35 mm Bottom	20 mm (73°) Top 35 mm Center 20 mm (48°) Bottom	20 mm
Turret	75 mm (16°) Turret front 50-75 mm (10°) Gun mantlet	50 mm (15-16°) 50 mm (0-65°) Right machine gun port	50 mm (15-50°) Turret rear 10 mm Turret rear underside	20 mm
Cupola	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	20 mm

Notes:

• Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
• 10 mm RHA plates are scattered on the lower side hull.
• Turret ring is 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB50 / 10 km/h

RB and SB45 / 9 km/h

Number of gears8 forward

2 back

Weight30.5 t

Engine power

AB954 hp

RB and SB500 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB31.3 hp/t

RB and SB16.4 hp/t

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	50	10	30.5	620	954	20.33	31.28
Realistic	45	9		354	500	11.61	16.39

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB1 258 → 1 619

RB1 465 → 1 885

SB1 848 → 2 378

Total cost of modifications29 600

57 800

Talisman cost1 200

Crew training30 000

Experts105 000

Aces470

Research Aces360 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

80 / 120 / 140 %

148 / 148 / 148 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 2 000 Cost: 3 900 135 Suspension Research: 1 300 Cost: 2 500 90 Brake System Research: 1 300 Cost: 2 500 90 Filters Research: 2 500 Cost: 4 900 170 Transmission Research: 3 200 Cost: 6 300 220 Engine Research: 3 200 Cost: 6 300 220	Improved Parts Research: 2 000 Cost: 3 900 135 Improved FPE Research: 1 300 Cost: 2 500 90 Crew Replenishment Research: 2 500 Cost: 4 900 170	Horizontal Drive Research: 2 000 Cost: 3 900 135 Adjustment of Fire Research: 1 300 Cost: 2 500 90 75mm_type4_APHE_ammo_pack Research: 1 300 Cost: 2 500 90 Elevation Mechanism Research: 2 500 Cost: 4 900 170 Artillery Support Research: 3 200 Cost: 6 300 220

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm Type II Model II cannon

Ammunition55 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

8.4 → 6.5 s

Vertical guidance-10° / 20°

75 mm Type II Model II					Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	55	-10°/+20°	±180°	N/A	12.1	16.7	20.3	22.5	23.9	8.45	7.48	6.89	6.50
Realistic					7.6	8.9	10.8	11.9	12.7

Ammunition

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 1 APHE	APHE	149	146	133	118	105	93
Type 4 Kou	APHE	151	148	137	124	112	101
Type 90 HE	HE	17	17	15	14	12	11

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 1 APHE	APHE	865	6.56	1.3	15	84.8	47°	60°	65°
Type 4 Kou	APHE	865	6.75	1.2	14	80.64	47°	60°	65°
Type 90 HE	HE	830	6.17	0.2	0.1	490	79°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Chi-To

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	6th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
55	40 (+15)	34 (+21)	28 (+27)	22 (+33)	10 (+45)	0 (+55)	No

Note:

• Turret and hull sides empty: 22 (+33) shells.

Machine guns

7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition3 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

7.7 mm Type 97
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Pintle	1,000 (20)	499	-10°/+70°	±60°
Hull	3,000 (20)	499	±8°	±8°

Usage in battles

As previously stated, the Chi-To best performs in the role of sniper, engaging hulldown at medium to long range against opposing medium tanks. The good gun depression, average mobility, and good reverse speed allow you to make it to good positions at an average pace and allow you to reverse back into cover when reloading.

Against most heavies such as the IS-1/2, Tiger, or Panther, it is only worthwhile to engage if you are already entrenched in a solid defensive position. Your gun's lack of APCBC gives you poor performance against slopes and rounded armour on the IS, Panther, and angled Tigers, making any ranged engagement near useless. Against tanks such as the Jumbo 75 or 76, it is best to disengage and flank them or have teammates flank them. Against all other medium tanks, shots to the hull will suffice at most range.

The M4A3E2 Jumbo could be a menace if not handled properly as they are nigh impenetrable from the front due to its thick armour. Either try for a very precise shot through the MG port in the front or shoot the armour behind the tracks if they are angled. The best way to deal with a Sherman Jumbo is to shoot it through the side or between the side plate and the tracks. There is a small gap between the top of the tracks and the bottom of the side plate that can be easily penetrated by the Chi-To Late, and a successful penetration here usually results in a one-shot, or a destroyed/alight engine. This weak spot is relatively easy to exploit as most Jumbo drivers make the mistake of angling their armour, which gives you full view of this weak spot. If you are struggling to hit it, then a shot through the drive wheel at an angle of 45º or more usually works quite well also. You should feel no pressure to get this right the first time, as a well-angled Chi-To Late can reliably bounce the Jumbo's shells, unless the Jumbo in question happens to be sporting the 76mm M1A1 cannon.

The IS series of tanks can also be a bit of a bother to deal with. At this battle rating, you may find the IS-1, IS-2 or IS-2 mod. 1944 (rare). However, they can be defeated by exploiting the shot trap on the turret front (requires some luck), shooting the driver's hatch on the front or the gun mantlet (requires extreme precision and luck), shooting the lower frontal plate (the most reliable way to kill an IS) or shooting the frontal armour plate from a 90º angle. That being said, your tank can still one-shot the IS series you'll face by shooting directly beneath the turret ring.

You may encounter the German "Big Cat" tanks (Tiger H1, Tiger E, Panther D, Panther A) if you get seriously up tiered. In this case the best thing you can do is hit them from the side, which usually results in a one-shot. If facing a Tiger (or any German Big Cat for that matter) from the front, you should retreat. However, if his frontal plate is not angled, then it might be worth a shot to shoot between the machine gun port and driver's hatch, which will result in a one-shot. As for the panther, try to exploit the shot trap on the turret, but only as a last resort. Your first port of call should be to shoot the drive wheel, basically following the same tactics you'd use for dealing with a Sherman Jumbo.

As for some other enemies:

• Churchill VII: do not engage from the front at all. Sneak around to the side and shoot there.
• ARL-44: shoot the sides. It's not worth facing this tank head on, it's too much of a risk.
• ARL-44 (ACL-1): aim for the turret if you face this tank from the front, then finish it from the sides. Be careful not to get shot.
• M6A1: the frontal armour on this thing can be a bit fiddly. Aim for a spot that doesn't seem to have more than one armour plate layered on it.

Most tanks you face can penetrate you frontally if they shoot your frontal plate when it is not angled. It is recommended to get the first shot off and then retreat, and make a second surprise attack. Most of the time, a penetration results in a one-shot with this tank. You can penetrate pretty much any medium or light tank frontally by shooting the upper front plate, so use that to your advantage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Powerful 75 mm cannon, good penetration and very low shell drop-off
• Decent gun depression of -11°
• Ammo in the turret can be emptied by carrying 15 less shells
• Decent roof armour, enough to resist strafing aircraft weapons

Cons:

• Armour is average and mostly flat and unangled
• Large size can make the Chi-To easier to spot
• Average reloading rate
• Angling front armour can expose the 50 mm hull cheek armour
• Relatively low stock mobility

History

Development

The lackluster performance of Japanese tanks in World War II called for the development of newer medium tanks in the Imperial Japanese Army. The standard tank of the time was the Type 97 Chi-Ha, which has its chassis used in many expedient models to provide a bigger gun for the Japanese inventory such as the Chi-Ha Kai, Type 1 Chi-He, Type 2 Ho-I, and Type 3 Chi-Nu. By the time of Chi-Nu, however, the Chi-Ha chassis was becoming outdated and so a new tank design using an improved chassis was needed for future development.

In 1943, development started of the Chi-To tank, which features a new chassis and more powerful engine. Its armament is a 75 mm gun based off the Type 88 anti-aircraft gun, giving it a high-velocity weapon. Armour on the tank was welded and was quite thick in comparison to its predecessor at 75 mm thick. The tank was accepted for service in 1944 and was expected to enter mass production with 20 per month at Mitsubishi and 5 per month at Kobe-Seiko. In terms of Japanese armour development, the Chi-To was the most sophisticated tank to enter production levels.

War's End

Despite its potential, the Type 4 Chi-To was never made in large numbers. At the war's end, only six chassis were made, with only two of those made into tanks.

The two Type 4 produced were cast into Lake Hamana between the 23 and the 28 August 1945 to avoid their capture. One was found by the U.S. occupation forces following Japan's surrender in World War II. The tank was then transported to Aberdeen Proving Grounds for tests and would eventually scrap them in October 1952.

The second tank is still believed to be at the bottom of the lake. A project to find it was launched in 2013 by SM@Pe, a group of people from Hamamatsu. Inhabitants, volunteers, divers and the Windy Network Corp ( a marine studies company from Tôkyô who founded a trainning plane of the Japanese imperial army in the lake Towada in 2010) participated to research, supported by the use of a sonar and testimonials, including former soldiers who allegedly participated in the launching operation. The research did not give anything.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the Chi-To from live.warthunder.com.

Market

Camo "Operation Ketsugо"

See also

Related development

• Chi-Nu II
• Chi-To Late

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

• Chi-Ri II
• Pz.IV (Family) - (Late models)
• Panther tank (Family)
• Turan III
• T-34-85
• Sherman M4 (76) (Family)
• Sherman Firefly

External links

• [SENSHA Blog] Type 4 Medium Tank, 'Chi-To': The Last Tank of the Japanese Army

References

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (三菱重工業株式会社)
Light Tanks
Type 95	Ha-Go · Ha-Go Commander
Medium Tanks
Type 89	I-Go Ko
Type 97	Chi-Ha · Chi-Ha Kai
Type 1	Chi-He · Chi-He (5th Regiment)
Type 3	Chi-Nu · Chi-Nu II
Type 4	Chi-To · Chi-To Late
Type 5	Chi-Ri II
SPGs
Chi-Ha Derived	Ho-Ro
Chi-He Derived	Ho-I
Chi-Ri Derived	Ho-Ri Prototype · Ho-Ri Production
Other	Na-To · Ro-Go Exp.
Captured	␗Chi-Ha · ␗Chi-Ha Kai
Note	Most tank designs would be contracted by the Army Technical Bureau to Mitsubishi
See also	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (Post-War)