Type 61 Tank

Model number: Type 61
Code name: Tank
Unit type: main battle tank
Manufacturer: Earth Federation Forces
Operator: Earth Federation Forces
First deployment: UC 0061
Accommodation: 1 pilot and 1 gunner in standard cockpit
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Propulsion: 2 x engine-driven caterpillar tread: maximum speed unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; 2 x 4-tube smoke discharger, mounted on either side of turret
Fixed armaments: 2 x 150mm cannon, mounted on turret; 12.7mm machine gun, mounted on cupola

Introduced in UC 0061, the Type 61 Tank was the main battle tank used by the Earth Federation Forces before and during the One Year War. The Type 61’s main armament was a twin 150mm cannon, but it was also equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun and multiple smoke dischargers. With the outbreak of the One Year War in UC 0079, the Type 61 served as the EFF’s main ground attack unit due to their initial lack of mass produced mobile suits. In the new age of mobile suit warfare, the Type 61 was more akin to an antiquated relic from before the Universal Century. At the Battle of Odessa, the Type 61’s survival rate was less than 20 percent. However, some skilled tank pilots were able to use tactics to overcome the Type 61’s deficiencies and successfully fight Zeon mobile suits. The EFF also fielded two variant designs, the Model A2 and the M61A5. Following the wide deployment of the mass produced RGM-79 GM in November UC 0079, the Type 61 was displaced as the EFF’s main ground attack unit.

Pilot(s): Marion, Mitchell, Heinz Highway, Roston
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara (Mobile Suit Gundam version)

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