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QLZ04



Overview


QLZ-04

Left side view of QLZ-04 on tripod.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Automatic grenade launcher
Entered service
Mid 2000's
Status
In service
Development
Early 2000's
Developer
China
Production
Mid 2000's - present
Producer
China
Designations
QLZ04 / Qīngwuqi Liudan Zidong 04
hinese for "light weapon, grenade launcher, automatic, 2004"
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The QLZ04 is an automatic grenade launcher of Chinese origin. It was developed in the early 2000's as an alternative to the older QLZ87 for use as a crew served or vehicle mounted weapon. The same ammunition as the QLZ87 is used but the belt fed design is better suited at providing support fire.

Design

The QLZ04 is a gas operated weapon and its 'free bolt mechanism' might refer to the use of the blowback principle. The belt feeds from the left and the belt box can be attached to the weapon. The QLZ04 is tripod or pintle mounted and is fitted with spade grips. Normally an optical sight is used and crude backup iron sights are available in the carrying handle.

Firepower

The QLZ04 fires 35mm Type 87 grenades from a 30 round belt. The cyclic rate of fire is 350 to 400 rpm and the theoretical maximum range is 1.75 km. Using an optical sight effective range is quoted as 800 m against point targets and 1.2 km against area targets. All types of 35mm grenades can be fired. A drawback is that switching ammunition types requires reloading and no dual purpose ammunition is available.

Users

The QLZ04 is reportedly in Chinese service and has been exported in small quantities. It is likely to supplement or even replace the QLZ87 as a crew served or vehicle mounted weapon since it is much more capable in that role.

Details


Facts QLZ04
General
Origin
China
Type
Automatic grenade launcher
Caliber
Caliber
35x32mm Chinese
Feed system
Belt fed, 30 rounds
Barrel length
380 mm
Rifling
Yes
Muzzle velocity
190 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated
Fire selector
Safe - Semi-automatic - Automatic
Rate of fire
350 - 400 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
None
Length
1.028 mm
Weight
20 kg weapon only
Magazine weight
4.2 kg empty
12 kg loaded
Mechanical sights
Type
Integrated sights in carry handle
Range adjustment
100 to 600 m, with 100 m increments
Optical sight
Type
Optional 3x optical sight
Field of view
11°
Weight
0.8 kg
Range adjustment
Up to 1.2 km
Accessories
Tripod
Optional, used when QLZ04 serves as infantry weapon

Media


Related articles


35x32mm Type 87

The QLZ04 fires the 35x32mm range of high velocity grenades.

QLZ87

The QLZ-04 was developed as a more capable support weapon than the older QLZ-87 and uses the same 35mm grenades.