Sumitomo Type 62
| Sumitomo NTK-62 | |
|---|---|
 Type 62 Machine Gun on display | |
| Type | General purpose machine gun |
| Place of origin |  Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | February 15, 1962[1]–present |
| Used by | Japan |
| Wars | Cold War Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Masaya Kawamura |
| Designed | 1954 |
| Manufacturer | Sumitomo Heavy Industries |
| Unit cost | ¥2,000,000 (c. 1985)[2] |
| Produced | 1962–present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 10.15 kg (22.38 lb) |
| Length | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) [3] |
| Barrel length | 546 mm (21.5 in) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated |
| Rate of fire | 650 RPM[4] |
| Maximum firing range | 1,000 m 1,500 m (with bipod) |
| Feed system | Belt-fed[5] |
| Sights | Iron sights |
The Sumitomo NTK-62 (62式7.62mm機関銃, Rokuni-shiki Nana-ten-rokuni-miri Kikanjū) is the standard issue GPMG of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, known as the Type 62 GPMG. Though the Sumitomo Heavy Industries' M249 has largely replaced it in the JGSDF,[6][7] the weapon still plays a support role as it is still used as a co-axial weapon in various armored vehicles, including tanks and APCs, as well as being a medium support machine gun.
Like most modern Japanese-made firearms, it was never exported.[3]
History
After years of using the Browning M1919A4 as its standard GPMG during the early days of founding the Japan Self-Defense Forces, Sumitomo Heavy Industries had manufactured the NTK-62 GPMG, designed at Nittoku Metal Industry (NTK) by Masaya Kawamura's team. The GPMG was made to meet the requirements of the Japanese Defense Agency.[1] The designation "62" was present due to the fact that first batches of the NTK-62 were made in 1962 after development started in 1954.[2] It was specifically adopted on February 15, 1962, effectively replacing the M1919 Browning machine gun in J.G.S.D.F service.[1]
Overview
The Sumitomo NTK-62 is a gas operated machine gun chambered in the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, belt fed with the use of M13 disintegrating links.[3] It has an unusual feed tray as the pivoting lever is above the bolt in the receiver rather than in the feed tray cover found on most machine guns.[8]
One can tell the difference between the NTK-62 from the FN MAG by the bipod, barrel, buttstock, and pistol grip as these changes were possibly made to suit Japan Self-Defense Forces' guidelines and standards.
Variants
Type 74
The Type 74 (74式車載7.62mm機関銃, Nanayon-shiki Shasai Nana-ten-rokuni-miri Kikanjū) is a fixed mount variant for AFV use, including the Type 74, Type 90 and Type 10 MBTs, Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV and the Komatsu Type 87 Reconnaissance Vehicle.[9]
It weighs 20.4 kg (45.0 lb), unlike the Type 62 which weighs 10.15 kg (22.4 lb).[10]
References
- ^ a b c 62式機関銃 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-13.
- ^ a b 機関銃関係 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-13.
- ^ a b c "Modern Firearms' Type 62 machine gun". Retrieved 2009-01-13.
- ^ "62式 7.62mm機関銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-05-01.
- ^ 62式 7.62ｍｍ機関銃 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-26.
- ^ "陸上自衛隊装備 ６２式７.６２mm機関銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-13.
- ^ ６２式７.６２㎜機関銃 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2009-11-20. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
- ^ http://jp-swat.com/2009_04_19_takada_jgsdf_c.html
- ^ ７４式車載７．６２㎜機関銃 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ "７４式車載7.62mm機関銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-26.
External links
