Sumitomo Type 62

Summary

The Sumitomo NTK-62[6] (62式7.62mm機関銃, Rokuni-shiki Nana-ten-rokuni-miri Kikanjū) is the standard issue general-purpose machine gun of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. It's also known as the Type 62 GPMG.[7]

Sumitomo NTK-62
Type 62 Machine Gun on display
TypeGeneral purpose machine gun
Place of originJapan
Service history
In serviceFebruary 15, 1962[1]–present
Used byJapan
WarsCold War
Iraq War
Production history
DesignerMasaya Kawamura
Designed1954
ManufacturerSumitomo Heavy Industries
Unit cost¥2,000,000 (c. 1985)[2]
Produced1962–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass10.15 kg (22.38 lb)
Length1,200 mm (47.2 in) [3]
Barrel length546 mm (21.5 in)

Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
ActionGas-operated
Rate of fire650 RPM[4]
Maximum firing range1,000 m
1,500 m (with bipod)
Feed systemBelt-fed[5]
SightsIron sights
Closeup of the NTK-62's receiver

When first issued, it fulfilled both light and medium machine gun support throughout the JGSDF. Though the Sumitomo Heavy Industries' M249 firing the smaller 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge has largely replaced it in the light machine gun role at the squad level in the JGSDF,[8][9] the Type 62 still plays the support role at platoon and company level for the infantry as a medium machine gun firing the more powerful 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It also continues to be used as a co-axial weapon in various armored vehicles, including tanks and APCs.

Like all modern Japanese-made firearms, it was never exported.[3]

History edit

After years of using the Browning M1919A4 as its standard GPMG during the early days of founding the Japan Self-Defense Forces, NTK-62 GPMG was designed at Nittoku Metal Industry (NTK) in order to market it as the M1919's successor.[10] 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 JGSDF service.[1]

In 2013, SHI was involved in a scandal where NTK-62 test data was falsified on purpose for 5,350 machine guns produced from 1974.[11]

Design edit

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] Pressed metal was used in parts of the machine gun during manufacturing in order to reduce overall weight.[10] While normal 7.62 NATO ammo is used, a version with reduced powder charge is also used.[10]

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.[citation needed]

The design was done based on physique of the Japanese person who would be expected to handle the machine gun.[12]

Variants edit

Type 74 edit

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.[13]

It weighs 20.4 kg (45.0 lb), unlike the Type 62 which weighs 10.15 kg (22.4 lb).[14]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c 62式機関銃 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2009-02-08. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  2. ^ a b 機関銃関係 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2008-12-24. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  3. ^ a b c "Modern Firearms' Type 62 machine gun". Archived from the original on 2009-01-19. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  4. ^ "62式 7.62mm機関銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2011-05-01.
  5. ^ 62式 7.62mm機関銃 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  6. ^ https://jp-swat.com/report/jsdf/090419_c.html
  7. ^ https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/450823
  8. ^ "陸上自衛隊装備 62式7.62mm機関銃" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2012-07-21. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  9. ^ 62式7.62mm機関銃 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2009-11-20. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  10. ^ a b c https://rikuzi-chousadan.com/soubihin/zyuukaki/type62machinegun.html
  11. ^ https://jp.reuters.com/article/l3n0jx1l1-defense-ministry-idJPTYE9BH04Z20131218/
  12. ^ Elite Forces: Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Edition. Page 107.
  13. ^ 74式車載7.62mm機関銃 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
  14. ^ "74式車載7.62mm機関銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-26.

External links edit

  • Official JGSDF Page
  • NTK-62 Prototypes