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Howa Type 89


89式5.56mm小銃


Overview


Type 89

Right side view of Type 89 rifle.
Source: unknown author - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Japan
Type
Assault rifle
Entered service
1989
Status
In service
Development
1980's
Developer
Japan - Defense Agency Technical Research and Development Institute
Production
1989 - present
Producer
Japan - Howa
Unit cost
400.000 Yen in 1989
347.000 Yen in 1998
338.800 Yen in 2005
Number produced
Over 120.000 produced
Designations
Buddy (nickname in Japanese service)
Type 89 Para (nickname for Type 89-F)
89式5.56mm小銃
Notable users
Japan

Description


Introduction

The Type 89 is a late Cold War era assault rifle of Japanese origin. It was developed as a cheaper and lighter alternative to the Type 64 battle rifle. The mild recoil of the 5.56mm round suits Japanese posture and allows for more ammunition to be carried.

Design

The design of the Type 89 is based on the Armalite AR-18, but differs in many areas. It is a gas operated weapon with a rotating bolt. The Type 89 is made out of stamped steel an featues a polymer pistol grip, forearm and buttstock. The Type 89 is NATO compatible, firing the 5.56mm round and using STANAG magazines. Japanese magazines feature hole to indicate the amount of ammunition that is left.

Firepower

The Type 89 fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from 30 round magazines. The trigger group features both a 3 round burst and full automatic setting. The rate of fire is about 750 rpm. Accuracy is reported to be good and maximum effective range is given as 400 meters. The Type 89 is also able to fire the Type 06 rifle grenade. An under barrel grenade launcher cannot be fitted.

Users

The Type 89 is the standard issue assault rifle in Japanese service. It has replaced the older Type 64 battle rifle in frontline units. Small number are in use with selected law enforcement units. The Type 89 has not been exported in line with the strict Japanese laws on the export of military equipment.

Variants


Type 89-F

Japanese soldier with Type 89-F rifle with folding stock.
Source: www.military-today.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Variants of the Type 89

The Type 89 is a modern assault rifle with conventional looks. It can be easily identified by the forearm which is partly metal and partly polymer. All Type 89 are fitted with a foldable bipod. Optics can be fitted using various kinds of adapters or rails, but are not very common. The Type 89 cannot be fitted with an under barrel grenade launcher, but is able to launch the Type 06 rifle grenade from the muzzle.

Type 89: Baseline model with fixed stock. By far the most common version of the Type 89.
Type 89-F: Type 89 with side folding stock. Issued to paratroopers and incorrectly nicknamed Type 89 Para.

Details


Facts Type 89 Type 89-F
General
Origin
Japan
Type
Assault rifle
Caliber
Caliber
5.56x45mm NATO
Magazine
30 round detachable box
Barrel length
420 mm
Muzzle velocity
920 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated, rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1 - 3 - F
Rate of fire
750 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Fixed
Length
916 mm
Weight
3.5 kg
Sights
Type
Iron sights, optional accessory rail for optics
Accessories
Bipod
Integral folding bipod

Media


Related articles


Howa Type 64

The Type 89 assault rifle was developed to replace the older Type 64 battle rifle. Both rifles were designed and produced by Howa in Japan.