The Isuzu TSD-45 is a 1970s Japanese truck destined to the Japanese Self Defence Ground Forces (JSDGF). It was procured by the thousands as a generic troop and supply carrier in a 6x6 and 4x4 off-road chassis and widely exported. Note: Here is a post about the TSD-45 because oi have no information whatsoever on the HTS-12. It seems the latter was a 1960s Isuzu model 4x4 military truck, replaced by the TSD-45. So far no information had been found on the HTS/HTW, which is possibly called otherwise.



There is little information available neither on the HTS, and little more on the TSD. It is assumed she is part of the ISUZU T SERIES, and the number 45 in TSD 45 is reffering to the engine specs, an ISUZU 6BD1. It seems production ran in the late 1970 to the 1980s. This was a 4WD truck, classic with a cabin and bonnet, conventional (CBB), a driver and a bunk for a possible co-driver and passenger. It was seemingly used as troop transport, for supplies, but now for towing ordnance. Given its good off-road capabilities, this model was later sold to the civilian parket, Pakistan and Bandladeh seems to be its prime customers.

The The 6BD1 engine featured an inline, six-cylinder design, pistons displacement a total of 5,785 cc. Maximum power is 142 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, total torque output 289 foot-pounds at 1,600 rpm. Bore by stroke 4.02 by 4.63 inches, compression ratio 17.5:1. 12 V starter, liquid cooling system. Direct injection valve-train using an overhead valve layout.

No information is available as hown many of these trucks (no longer in service) were assigned to Japanese Self Defence Ground Forces motorized unit. It is possible that some remains in reserve today, but certainly not the HTS of the previous generation.

About the BM-11 conversion

Thus story is not about the Isuzu TSD-45 but the earlier HTW-12G variant. They were operated by the OLP (Palestinian Front) in Lebanon for fire support, after Egypt. The flatbed was removed and instead on what was the former chassis frame, a rotatable mount for a 30-tubes 122 mm rocket launcher BM-11 was installed. This conversion was not done by the Palestinians, but by the North Koreans, via exports to the Egyptians. These were latter provided to Iran, and in turn, to the OLP and Hezbollah. Other such vehicles were provided and saw action with the Libyan army. The Copy or the original Isuzu HTW-12 measured 6.83m in lenght, 2.38m in width, 3.00m in height for circa 13 tonnes in battle order woth the rocket launcher, which had a rate of Fire of 30 rds per 15 sec, Reload Time of 8-9 min.

It seems the Isuzu-based vehicles (licence-built in North Korea) was a local copy of the Soviet BM-21. Some were sold to Egypt and later captured by Israel. The BM-21 Grad was accepted into service in 1963 and became the most exported MLRS (11,000 made, 50 countries). North Korea quickly copied the design, made a version called the BM-11 featuring 30 rockets instead of 40 based on a copy of the Japanese Isuzu HTW 11 or HTW 12 truck. Since BM-21s were in such demand, North Korea started to export the HTW copy, especially to Middle Eastern nations, notably Egypt. In 1982 Egypt was at war with Israel and fielded these vehicles of wich 14 were captured by Israel the first week. The second half of July 1982 saw these in IDF service with the 9618th division used at the siege of West Beirut, capturing for them large stocks of 122mm rockets. The 9618th was disbanded after 6 weeks, at the exhaustion of the rocket stock.


Isuzu "HTS 12G"? at Nara base in 2015

Isuzu TSD 45 Bangladesh army

TSD-45 specifications
Type	Conventional, bonnet and cab
Lenght	6,465 mm (254 in)
Width	2200 mm (86 in)
Height	2,430 mm (95 in)
Wheelbase	4000 mm (157 in)
Total weight	3,825 tons (8,435 Ibs), 12 tons max with payload
Crew	2-3 +20 troops
Propulsion	ISUZU 6BD1 diesel 5780cc, 142 hp/2800 rpm.
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Transmission	3/4-speed manual
Suspension	Leaf springs
Speed (road)	88 kph (54 mph)
Range	600 km (400 mi)
Armament	None (personal weapons)
Production	1976?-90.
Manufacturer	Hiratsuka; Yokohama; Zama (1965–1980)

Src/Read More

Tech Details of the TSD 45, pdf
oryxspioenkop.com
en.topwar.ru DPRK RLs
PRK rocket artillery as a prospect for Russia
man.fas.org
Libyan HTW-12 still active
commons.wikimedia.org Isuzu TS/TW

Gallery

Basic HTS 12G in transport mode

DPRK HTW BM-11 conversion used by the OLP in the 1980s Lebanon war

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DPRK BM-11 1st gen based on a Chinese Jiefang CA-30

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Sd.Kfz 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 were half-tracks designed just before the war as prime movers, to carry supplies, ammunition, personal, and tow artillery. Many were also converted during the war as armored versions carrying AA FLAK guns (Flakvierling, 37 mm, or the legendary 88 mm Rheinmetall als used as tank hunters), or were converted as nebelwerfer (rocket launching armored vehicles). They were built by Hanomag, Steyr, Mercedes-Benz, Bussing and many other manufacturers until 1945, over 20,000 half-tracks.

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