Sumitomo Type 62 (NTK-62)

History of Sumitomo Type 62 (NTK-62)

After World War II (1939-1945), Japan lost its military power and went through a period of American occupation. After the signing of the San Francisco Treaty on April 28, 1952, the country regained its identity and began to build its armed forces as the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Over time, local industries began to design, develop and produce modern military hardware centered on the theory of Soviet expansion in the region. Like most countries at the time, Japan opted for a common local machine gun for the established 7.62mm NATO cartridge.

This became Sumitomo Heavy's Type 62 (or NTK-62), replacing the aging stock of American .30 caliber Brownnign M1919A4 machine guns. Design work on this model began in 1954, with the addition of the Type 62 in 1962 (hence the name), and has since remained the standard machine gun of the Japanese armed forces, later expanding to the Type 74 as a vehicle-mounted machine gun.

At the heart of the Type 62 is a no-frills mid-range machine system, albeit with high-quality construction and solid engineering. This is a simple belt-driven weapon that feeds from the left and ejects used cases from the right. The weapon relies on a gas operating system that uses a cylinder mounted under the barrel to power the actions contained in the receiver. The toggle bolt is used to lock the breech. This only allows fully automatic fire and, due to the air-cooled nature of the weapon, limits the operator to short, controlled fires to avoid overheating the barrel.

Barrel replacement is necessary to avoid deformation or breakage of the barrel assembly, so weapons are usually issued in teams of two. The second operator also helps feed the ammunition belt and clear blockages.

The barrel is ribbed to provide some basic cooling, while the action is rated at 650 rounds per minute.

The Type 62 weighs 23 pounds and is 47 inches long. Its barrel is 21.5 inches long. The cartridge in question is a standard 7.62x51mm NATO rifle caliber cartridge in the M13 disintegration chain. Aiming is done with front and rear iron assemblies, the rear sight is located at the rear of the receiver and the front sight is located near the center of the barrel.

It should be noted that optics are optional and understandably improve accuracy. The collapsible bipod folds up for easy transport and folds down to support the front of the weapon when firing. The pistol grip and trigger assembly are located on the lower rear end of the receiver. Shoulder rests provide ergonomic comfort and additional shoulder support.

The barrel is closed by a slotted flash suppressor.

The Type 62 has been largely replaced by the M249 as the squad support weapon of the JGSDF. Made by Sumitomo under local license, the M249 is a replica of the excellent Belgian FN Minimi. The Type 62 continues to be used as a general-purpose machine gun, medium machine gun, and vehicle-mounted machine gun. Known as the Type 72 as a vehicle weapon, it has a longer, heavier barrel and is driven by a solenoid assembly. It retains the same gas system as the Model 62.

The rate of fire is increased to 700-1,000 rounds per minute, but interestingly, the weapon system is lighter than its class sisters. The weapon is mounted on an American M2 tripod for fixed support. The weapon served with the Japanese during the Iraq War, but otherwise little is known about it.

It doesn't see the exit.

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