Howa Type 96

History

All major modern military powers in the world have adopted some form of automatic belt grenade launcher (AGL) for infantry suppression. For the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), this is the Howa Type 96. Launched in 1996, the series is still active in the JGSDF plenary to this day (2017).

Like other Western AGLs, the Type 96 uses an off-the-shelf (and proven) 40x56mm grenade projectile, offering a variety of warheads to meet mission requirements. This projectile is fired via a "forward blow" operating system, fed via a 50-round belt (pulled from a hard box along the left side of the receiver). Aiming is accomplished with a flip-up trapezoidal assembly mounted in front of the receiver. The weapon is usually fired from a high powered tripod or vehicle to better absorb the recoil of this weapon.

The business end of the gun has a slotted muzzle brake. The handlebar grip is at the rear end of the weapon.

The Type 96 has a maximum range of 1,500 meters and a rate of fire of 350 rounds per minute. The total weight is 25kg and the total length is 975mm. The barrel is 455mm long.

The JGSDF opted for a homegrown solution to be manufactured locally without a license, the Howa design solved the JGSDF's ongoing problems - primarily bridging the medium and heavy machine guns in service at the time gap between. This works well because the weapon has been used for stationary defensive characters and more mobile vehicle-mounted characters. In the latter case, the system provides a much-needed offensive strike to highly maneuverable light armored vehicle types.

In terms of its general function, the Type 96 has the same battlefield role as the American SACO Mk 19 AGL series (detailed elsewhere on this site).

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes