Type 92 Lewis
Imperial Japanese Navy Arsenals · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1932
Also known as: Kyuni-shiki, Type 92 7.7mm Machine Gun (Navy), Lewis Machine Gun Model 92
Overview
The Type 92 Lewis is a Japanese gas-operated, air-cooled, pan-fed machine gun adopted by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1932. It is a licensed and locally manufactured copy of the British Lewis Gun, modified to suit Japanese production methods and chambered for the rimmed 7.7x56mmR Japanese naval cartridge. Originally developed as a flexible observer's gun for naval aircraft, it was widely repurposed for ground use defending ships, naval air bases, and shore installations, where a tripod adapter allowed it to serve in both ground and anti-aircraft roles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 13000 g (458.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Barrel Length | 620 mm (24.41") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 97 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Pan |
| Muzzle Velocity | 745 m/s (2444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3150 J (2323 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1700 m (1859 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.7x56mmR Japanese · primary — also known as 7.7mm Type 89, .303-pattern Japanese, 7.7x56R
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Pan Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Air Cooled, Pan Magazine, Aircraft Observer Gun, Tripod Adaptable
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Japanese Navy · adopted 1932 · as Type 92
- Imperial Japanese Navy Land Forces
Conflicts
- Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1932-1945
Produced for the Imperial Japanese Navy; exact totals not recorded
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Designer: Imperial Japanese Navy Arsenals
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Fed from 47- or 97-round pan magazines. Used the rimmed 7.7mm Navy cartridge (a .303 British derivative), which was not interchangeable with the rimless 7.7x58mm Arisaka used by Imperial Japanese Army weapons such as the Type 99.
Background
Japan imported British Lewis Guns from 1921 and, after evaluating them in naval service, produced its own copy as the Type 92 in 1932. Though designed as an aircraft flexible gun, the distinctive pan-magazine Lewis became a common sight in Japanese naval shore and ship defenses throughout the Pacific War.