QJZ89
Type 89
Overview
QJZ89
Chinese 12.7mm QJZ89 heavy machine gun with tripod in low position.
Source: Chinese internet -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Type 89
Description
Introduction
The QJZ89 is a heavy machine gun of Chinese origin. It was developed as a lighter and more reliable replacement for the Type 77 and Type 85 heavy machine guns. The QJZ89 is one of the lightest and most portable heavy machine guns.
Design
The QJZ89 was designed for infantry use and was to be as light as possible. Although derived from the Type 85, it uses a new hybrid system for cycling the weapon. The direct impingement gas system unlocks the weapon and the short recoil mechanism cycles it. The result is a much lower rate of fire. Unlike the tubular receiver used on previous models, the QJZ89 has a squared receiver, a pistol grip and more elaborate shoulder stock. For infantry use the QJZ89 is mounted on a low profile tripod. The low profile tripod can be put in an elevated position for anti-aircraft use. The QJZ89 can also be fitted onto a pintle mount on a vehicle.
Firepower
The W85 fires the 12.7x108mm Soviet round from 50 round belts. It is able to fire the standard Chinese Type 54 round as well as more modern armor piercing ammunition. The cyclic rate of fire is 450 to 600 rounds per minute. Despite the light weight the recoil is reportedly very manageable. The lightweight barrel is not suited for sustained fire, but can be swapped rapidly.
Users
The QJZ89 is in limited use with the Chinese military. In the PLA the QJZ89 is used at the battalion and company level. Some special forces buggies and all terrain vehicles have been fitted with QJZ89. In the PLA Navy the QJZ89 is used on pedestal mounts in a self-defense role for surface vessels.
Details
Media
QJZ89
Chinese 12.7mm QJZ89 heavy machine gun on display with tripod in raised position.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
QJZ89
Chinese 12.7mm QJZ89 heavy machine gun with night sight.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
QJZ89
Chinese 12.7mm QJZ89 heavy machine gun with tripod in raised position.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
QJZ89
Chinese 12.7mm QJZ89 heavy machine gun with tripod in low position.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
QJZ89
Chinese 12.7mm QJZ89 heavy machine gun on vehicle pintle mount.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
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The Russian Kord is also a heavy machine gun with much reduced weight. The QJZ89 is even lighter than the variant of the Kord with shoulder stock and bipod.