Japan's Type 4 Ka-Tsu Amphibious
Photos
Design
A new design was needed due to the problems the Japanese Navy had in resupplying troops in the Solomons.1
Work on the Ka-Tsu started in 1943.1 Its primary job was to carry cargo from ship to shore.1
There were some shields for the crew but the rest of the Ka-Tsu was unarmored.1
The engine compartment was hermetically sealed along with the electric final drives.1 It was intended for the Ka-Tsu to be delivered by submarine.1
Kamikaze
Once development was completed there were some in the Japanese Navy who wanted to turn the Ka-Tsus into suicide weapons.1 The Ka-Tsu was to be armed with two torpedoes.1 The war ended before they could be deployed.1
Prototype
In March 1944 trials were conducted off of Kure.1
Production
Variants
Usage
Specifications
Sources:
- Japanese Tanks 1939-45, Steven J. Zaloga, 2007
