NORINCO Type 87 / QLZ76 AGL

History

NORINCO, established in 1980, has transitioned from replicating Soviet-era weapons to specializing in the design and production of diverse Chinese arms, ranging from tanks and combat vehicles to drones and small arms. Among their notable creations is the Type 87 automatic grenade launcher (AGL), introduced in the late 1980s. This weapon, weighing 26 lbs and boasting a firing rate of 120 to 500 rounds per minute, is renowned for its versatility and unique 35mm caliber ammunition, offering options like armor-piercing, high-explosive, and anti-infantry rounds. Currently in service with countries such as China, Bolivia, Pakistan, Sudan, and Syria, the Type 87 stands out for its adaptability and tactical utility.

The development of the QLZ-87, a derivative of the Type 85 heavy machine gun, began in the 1980s as Chinese military researchers explored grenade launchers. After five generations of prototypes, the design (W87) was accepted into Chinese military service in the mid-1990s. The QLZ-87, magazine-fed from 6- or 15-round drums, features a tubular steel receiver and offers a unique balance of portability and firepower. Its ammunition options include grenades for various purposes, such as high explosive, anti-personnel, and armor-piercing rounds.

The QLZ-87's distinctive design allows for both "light" and "heavy" configurations, catering to individual soldiers or crews of three. Its adaptability for shoulder or bipod use by a single soldier, as well as tripod-mounted crew operation, makes it a versatile asset. The weapon's ammunition versatility, with options like high-explosive and dual-purpose rounds, further enhances its effectiveness in diverse military scenarios.

Specification

Foundation

Year of Operation: 1987

Origins: China

Categories: Automatic grenade launcher

Manufacturer: China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) China

Operators: Afghanistan, Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Iraqi Kurdistan, Namibia, Niger, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian National Coalition, Tanzania, Uganda

Roles

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

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 970 mm (38.19 inches)

Barrel length: 560 mm (22.04 inches)

Cured weight: 26.46 lbs (12.00 kg)

Action

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: 35x32mm

Circle/Feed: 6 or 15 round drum magazine.

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived: 2,000 feet (610m | 667m)

Rate of fire: 480 rounds/min

Mile speed: 620 ft/s (189 m/s)

VARIANTS

QLZ87B (QLB-06) 20lb semi-automatic variant with 4-round drum; aluminum receiver; modern action and bipod support assembly; no tripod.

MIC "ABBA" - local Sudanese variant.