Type 99

History of the Type 99

The Type 99 served with the Imperial Japanese Army for much of World War II. It is designed to utilize the newer, more powerful 7.7x58mm Arisaka rifle cartridge and replace the similarly ranged Type 96 LMG.

However, the production of the latter unit allowed both weapons to be used side by side during the war. The Type 99 proved to be an improvement over its previous form and was well suited for its intended squad support role.

The origin of the Type 99 comes from the previous Type 96 light machine gun, which itself was developed to replace the Type 11 series. Both the Type 11 and Type 96 use the Arisaka 6.5x50mm cartridge, the same ammo used in the standard Type 38 infantry rifle range.

The use of common ammunition is ideal for field operations, where soldiers of every level can provide ammunition to each other when needed. The modernized Type 96 entered service in 1936 and has been successful in the field.

However, at this time the IJA was interested in a more powerful rifle using the more powerful 7.7x58mm Arisaka cartridge, and so developed the more modern Type 99 infantry rifle. This now made the Type 96 a controversial product and forced the development of a new light machine gun to support the new cartridge case.

The Type 99 was designed under the direction of Kijiro Nambu (22 September 1869 - 1 May 1949) and largely followed the reasons for the Type 96's success on the IJA battlefield. Nambu made his career in the Japanese army. From 1897, Nanbu worked under the famous Japanese weapons designer Arisaka Nariakira and worked on several product developments. Nambu served officially at the IJA from 1889 to 1924, earning the rank of lieutenant general.

After his military career ended, Nanbu established the Southern Arms Manufacturing Company to continue to maintain ties with the Japanese military. Construction of the Type 99 light machine gun began in 1939, followed by a military procurement contract and production began that year.

The Type 99 entered service in 1939, and the Type 11 and Type 96 series machine guns are still on display and in service with the Imperial Japanese Army until August 1945, the last time the Imperial Japanese fought in war.

The Type 99 fires the 7.7x58mm Arisaka cartridge using a gas operating system. The gun is fed from a top-loading, curved 30-round detachable magazine. The rate of fire is specified at 450 to 500 rounds per minute, and the muzzle velocity is about 2,300 feet per second. The Type 99 weighs 11.4kg and has a barrel length of 1,181mm. The barrel length is 550 mm.

The operator can replace the barrel to avoid overheating and subsequent failure.

Externally, the Type 99 has a distinctly Japanese appearance and is comparable to other similar weapon systems, characterized by the use of a ribbed barrel, curved magazine and flash suppressor, as well as the use of novel concepts, For example as accessories for monopods and bayonets on gun stocks. The receiver is blocky with lots of detail and contains the main inner working parts of the weapon, including the feed and pull handle.

The weapon is operated from a straight pistol grip with a suitable trigger group at hand. A rather short shoulder rest emanates from the rear of the pistol grip and the lower part of the receiver, and has some ergonomic features, including a curved shoulder plate.

The curved magazine is fed through the top of the receiver on the front of the pistol grip unit, and the magazine release lever is identifiable at the rear of the magazine feed. To facilitate carrying the weapon, a carrying handle is usually installed on the front of the receiver. A gas cylinder runs under the barrel in front of the lower front receiver. The barrel continues a little in front of the cylinder and is covered by a conical flash hider.

Interestingly, the infantry bayonet could be mounted on the bottom of the cylinder for close combat, although this proved to be a rather useless feature at best. A collapsible bipod is also mounted on the barrel/cylinder mount for stable support fire. Early production forms of the Type 99 LMG were equipped with a monopod. Aiming is achieved with front and rear sights.

A telescopic sight is optional and, if equipped, is mounted on the right side of the receiver.

In addition to the squad-level Type 99 base model, a compact version was developed for use by Japanese paratroopers, who deployed a detachable stock and barrel system. The design also includes a folding pistol grip and bipod.

During the jump, the Japanese soldier would store the entire weapon system in a convenient carrying case and assemble his weapon after it lands.

In addition to the IJA, the Type 99 inevitably appears in inventories in China, North Korea and Taiwan.

Specification

Basic

Year of Operation

1939

Origins

Empire of Japan

Categories

Light Machine Gun (LMG)

Manufacturer

Government Factory - Imperial Japan

Carrier

China;Imperial Japan;North Korea;Taiwan

Roles

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,181 mm

46.50 inches

Barrel length

550mm

21. 65 inches

Cured weight

25.13 lbs

11.40 kg

Attractions

iron

Action

Gas Power

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

7.7x58mm Arisaka

Circle/Feed

Removable 30-round magazine

Performance

Rate of Fire

900

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

2,300 ft/s

(701 m/s)

VARIANTS

Type 99 LMG - Base Series Designation Type 99 LMG (Paratrooper) - Limited production model; detachable stock and barrel; folding pistol grip and bipod; carrying carry included bag.