Howa Type 96

Howa Machinery · Machine Gun · In Service · 1996

Also known as: Type 96 40mm AGL, 96-shiki 40mm jidou tekidantou

Overview

The Howa Type 96 is a Japanese 40mm belt-fed automatic grenade launcher adopted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in 1996. Operating on a blow-forward action and firing from an open bolt, it chambers the 40x53mm high-velocity grenade from a 50-round belt at a cyclic rate of up to 350 rounds per minute. Mounted on a heavy tripod or vehicle pintle and fitted with a ladder-type sight and slotted muzzle brake, it provides infantry with area suppression and anti-personnel fire out to roughly 1,500 metres.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	25000 g (881.8 oz)
Overall Length	975 mm (38.39")
Barrel Length	455 mm (17.91")
Action Type	Blow Forward
Firing Mechanism	Open Bolt
Magazine Capacity	50 rounds
Magazine Type	Belt
Effective Range	1500 m (1640 yd)
Maximum Range	2200 m (2406 yd)
Rate of Fire	350 rpm
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Finish	Phosphate

Calibers

40x53mm HV Grenade · primary · 40 mm HV — also known as 40 mm Mk19, 40x53mm SR

Features

Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
Feed systems: Belt Fed
Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
Features: Slotted Muzzle Brake, Ladder Type Sight, Tripod Mounted, Vehicle Mountable, Carrying Handle

Service history

Operators

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force · adopted 1996 · as Type 96 40mm AGL

Production

Production years: 1996-present

Produced by Howa Machinery for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

Origin

Country of origin: Japan

Notes

Classified here as a machine gun in line with other automatic grenade launchers in the database. Typically crew-served from a tripod or mounted on light vehicles.

Background

Japan's post-war arms-export restrictions meant the Type 96 was developed domestically by Howa rather than importing the ubiquitous American Mk 19, giving the JGSDF its own indigenous automatic grenade launcher.