Modelcollect 47059 1/35 Fist of War I.J.A. Tank Destroyer HoRi-II Field modified with I.J.N. Type 10 120mm AA Gun

The Ho-Ri II was a Japanese adaptation of the E-75 Jagdtiger II, modified to meet Imperial Japanese Army (I.J.A.) requirements for a domestically produced heavy tank destroyer. Designed for long-range anti-armor engagements and coastal defense, this version retained the heavily armored casemate structure of its German counterpart while integrating a 120mm Type 10 naval gun, originally used on warships, to provide superior firepower against both armored and fortified targets.

A total of 230 units were produced, with the Ho-Ri II seeing action in defensive engagements and counter-offensive operations, including the Reverse Landing Operation on Saipan.

• Japanese Army Gun Tank "Hori II" Saipan Reverse Landing Operation, equipped with the Navy 12cm Gun, is reproduced.
• The fixed combat room equipped with the Navy 12cm Gun features a design based on original research.
• Realistic molding, including welding marks, showcases cutting-edge quality.
• The metal gun barrel is movable up and down, and the loading area inside the combat room is also reproduced.
• Six-wheel suspension.
• Includes segmented adhesive tracks and a variety of external equipment.
• Designed for ease of assembly, parts are molded as a single piece wherever possible, allowing for quick construction.
• Water-slide Japanese army decals are included.

The Ho-Ri II retained the core structure of the E-75 Jagdtiger II but featured key modifications to suit Japanese engineering capabilities and battlefield needs:

• Primary Armament: Equipped with a Type 10 120mm naval gun, adapted for land combat.
  • Long-range penetration power, capable of engaging enemy heavy tanks and naval landing forces.
  • Modified for casemate mounting, allowing for stable firing and effective recoil management.
• Armor Protection: Retained the 200-250mm thick sloped frontal armor, making it highly resistant to direct anti-tank fire.
• Engine and Mobility:
  • Due to resource limitations, the engine power was 15% lower than the original German version, slightly reducing mobility and acceleration.
  • Maintained a top speed of 35 km/h, still sufficient for strategic repositioning in defensive operations.

The Ho-Ri II was designed for:

• Long-range anti-armor combat, using its 120mm naval gun to neutralize enemy tanks and fortifications.
• Coastal defense missions, supporting island fortifications and repelling amphibious assaults.
• Heavy fire support in urban and jungle warfare, where its powerful gun and thick armor provided critical advantages.

One of the most notable engagements of the Ho-Ri II was its role in the Reverse Landing Operation on Saipan. During a counterattack to reclaim the island, Ho-Ri II units provided fire support against enemy positions and naval landing craft, using their naval-grade firepower to bombard enemy defensive lines.

Despite fuel shortages and limited reinforcements, the Ho-Ri II units inflicted heavy losses on advancing enemy armor, proving their effectiveness in both land and coastal combat scenarios.

• Weight: 75-80 tons
• Armor: 200-250mm sloped frontal armor
• Primary Armament: Type 10 120mm naval gun (field-modified for tank use)
• Secondary Armament: Hull-mounted Type 97 machine gun
• Mobility:
  • Engine: Locally adapted engine, 15% less power than the original German variant
  • Top Speed: 35 km/h
  • Operational Range: 160 km
• Crew: 6 (Commander, Gunner, 2 Loaders, Driver, Radio Operator)
• Production Quantity: 230 units
• Role: Tank destroyer, coastal defense, heavy fire support

The Ho-Ri II represented Japan’s attempt to field a heavily armored tank destroyer, capable of countering advanced enemy armor and fortifications. Despite logistical challenges, its naval-derived firepower and superior armor protection made it one of the most formidable tank destroyers in the Pacific theater.

Note: This introduction is based on the Fist of War (FoW) alternate history background and is not a depiction of real-world historical events.