The Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier (73式装甲車 nana-san-shiki-soukou-sya) is an armored personnel carrier that entered service with Republic of Japan Army.
The Type 73 is almost unique in that it uses a mid-engined layout, as the driver and bow machine gunner are in the front of the vehicle. The commander sits slightly behind the bow gunner while the gunner sits behind the driver. The engine is mounted on the left side behind the bow gunner with both its air intake and exhaust on the top of the vehicle. The engine and transmission are designed to be easily removed as one complete unit. The gunner's cupola can traverse a full 360°, but the bow gunner's weapon can only traverse, elevate and depress 30°. It is fitted with six smoke dischargers, three on each side. Its infantry can fire their personal weapons from inside the vehicle. The Type 73 requires additional equipment to become amphibious and is propelled through the water by its tracks at a maximum speed of 7 kilometres per hour (4.3 mph). It is fitted with infra-red driving lights and an NBC system.
A command version is in service with a raised roof. The Type 73's chassis served has been adapted for use by the Type 75 130 mm Multiple Rocket Launcher, its companion Type 75 wind measurement vehicle and the Type 74 105 mm Self-propelled howitzer.
