The is a Japanese automatic grenade launcher made by
Howa
is a Japanese machinery manufacturer. The company is known internationally for their production of military and civilian firearms. However, they also manufacture products such as machine tools, sweeping vehicles and windows and doors.
Histo ...
since 1996.
History
With the need of a heavy fire support weapon in
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The Japan Self-Defense Forces ( ja, 自衛隊, Jieitai; abbreviated JSDF), also informally known as the Japanese Armed Forces, are the unified ''de facto''Since Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution outlaws the formation of armed forces, the ...
(JSDF) service aside from the use of the
Sumitomo Type 62 GPMG and the
Sumitomo M2HB machine gun, Howa first created and produced the weapon in 1996.
Use
The Howa Type 96 can be used by both infantry and armored vehicles, the former with a tripod and the latter by being placed on a weapon mount.
It is seen as one of the main weapons mounted on the
Type 96 Armored Personnel Carrier
The is an armoured vehicle that entered service with Japan in 1996. This vehicle complements the existing fleet of tracked Type 73 Armored Personnel Carriers already in service.
Description
The driver sits on the right side of the vehicle wit ...
.
Operational details
On the left side of the Type 96 is a feeding bay where the 40 mm grenades belt can be loaded onto the AGL.
See also
*
Comparison of automatic grenade launchers An automatic grenade launcher (AGL) or grenade machine gun is a grenade launcher that is capable of fully automatic fire, and is typically loaded with either an Belt (firearm), ammunition belt or Magazine (firearm), magazine.
These weapons are ofte ...
References
External links
Official JGSDF Page
{{Blow forward firearms
Blow forward firearms
Japan Self-Defense Forces
Post–Cold War weapons of Japan
Automatic grenade launchers
Autocannon
40 mm artillery
Military equipment introduced in the 1990s