IJA Medium Tank Type 3 CHI-NU long-barreled vers.

Plastic model kit of an Imperial Japanese Army Type 3 Chi-Nu medium tank armed with the Type 5 75mm gun

• 1:35 scale
• Dimensions (L x W x H, assembled): 211 x 67 x 76 mm
• Segmented tracks
• Gun features a detailed replica of the breech block
• Fictional marking options
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

Equipped with the long Type 3 75mm gun, the Type 3 Chi-Nu was the most capable mass-produced medium tank of the Imperial Japanese Army and represented the pinnacle of Japanese tank development during World War II. It was developed in response to the appearance of modern Allied main battle tanks—particularly the M4 Sherman—against which existing Japanese tanks struggled to compete effectively. Development began in 1943, with mass production commencing in 1944. However, due to critical raw material shortages and increasing air raids on Japanese industry, only around 160 vehicles were produced.

The Chi-Nu was based on the proven chassis of the Type 1 Chi-He but featured a completely redesigned, larger hexagonal turret. Its most distinctive feature was the long Type 3 75mm gun; the barrel's notable length gave the tank its characteristic silhouette. Derived from the Type 90 field gun, the weapon boasted a significantly higher muzzle velocity than earlier Japanese tank guns. This allowed it to penetrate the frontal armor of many Allied medium tanks at standard combat ranges, marking a substantial improvement over the Chi-He's 47mm gun. The armament was rounded out by two 7.7mm machine guns. The tank, weighing approximately 18.8 tons, was powered by an air-cooled Mitsubishi V12 diesel engine producing around 240 hp, enabling a top speed of roughly 39 km/h. Frontal armor was reinforced compared to earlier Japanese tanks, reaching up to 50 mm on the turret. Nevertheless, protection levels lagged behind those of modern Allied and German main battle tanks; consequently, mobility and the skillful use of terrain continued to play a vital role in Japanese operational doctrine.

To gain an advantage in long-range engagements, plans called for mounting the powerful Type 5 75 mm tank gun, a modification that necessitated a redesign of the gun mount.

Although the Type 3 Chi-Nu was considered the most modern Japanese mass-produced tank, it never saw combat. All available vehicles were held back to defend the Japanese home islands against an anticipated Allied invasion. The program ended with Japan's surrender in August 1945, before the tank could prove its capabilities in actual combat.

For scale modelers, the Type 3 Chi-Nu - with its long 75 mm gun - ranks among the most distinctive Japanese tanks of World War II. Its large, angular turret, gun barrel projecting well beyond the front of the hull, and the proven suspension system derived from the Chi-He give the vehicle a powerful appearance. Complemented by the olive-drab or three-color camouflage schemes typical of the war's final years, the Chi-Nu offers numerous opportunities for realistic weathering effects, making it a particularly appealing subject for vehicle models and dioramas.