Howa Type 96

The Howa Type 96 automatic grenade launcher (AGL) (96式40mm自動てき弾銃, 96-shiki 40-miri jidōtekidanjū), is a Japanese automatic grenade launcher made by Howa since 1996.

Howa Type 96
Howa Type 96 AGL on display
TypeAutomatic grenade launcher
Place of originJapan
Service history
In service1996–present
Used byJapan
Production history
DesignerHowa[1]
ManufacturerHowa
Produced1996 - Present
Specifications
Mass24.5 kg[1]
Length975 mm[2]
Barrel length454 mm[2]
Cartridge40×56mm[2]
Caliber40 mm
ActionBlow forward
Rate of fire250-350 rpm[1]
Maximum firing range1500 m
Feed system50-grenades belt
SightsLadder

History

With the need of a heavy fire support weapon in Japan Self-Defense Forces (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.[3]

Use
The Type 96 AGL mounted on top of a Type 96 APC.

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.[1]

It is prominently seen as one of the main weapons mounted on the Type 96 Armored Personnel Carrier.[3][4]

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.[5]

See also
  • Comparison of automatic grenade launchers

References
  1. "96式 40mm自動てき弾銃" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2009-01-06. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  2. "　96式40mm自動てき(擲)弾銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-11-04.
  3. 96式装輪装甲車 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  4. "９６式40mm自動てき弾銃" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  5. ９６式４０㎜自動てき弾銃 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
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