QJY-88

Infobox Weapon
name=QJY-88 machine gun


caption=Image from:http://www.gun-world.net/china/mg/qjy88/qjy88.htm
origin=flag|PRC
type= General purpose machine gun
is_ranged=yes
is_UK=
service=Late 1990's
used_by=PLA ground forces, People's Armed Police
wars=
designer=China North Industries Corporation
design_date=Late 1980's
manufacturer=China North Industries Corporation
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants= Light mode/Heavy mode
weight= Light mode:7.6kg, Heavy mode:11.8 kg
length= Light mode:1151mm, Heavy mode:1321mm
part_length= 600 mm
width=
height=
diameter=
crew= 2: gunner and ammunition feeder
cartridge= 5.8 x 42 mm Heavy rounds
caliber=
action= gas-operated
rate= 650-700 rounds/min, 300 rounds/min (sustained fire)
velocity= 895 m/s
range= 800-1000 meters
max_range=
feed= Belt, 100 & 200 round cartridge case
sights= Iron sight

The QJY 88 (Type 88) general purpose machine gun is intended to replace obsolete Type 67 machine gun in service with PLA. The weapon uses recently adopted 5.8mm ammunition of Chinese origin, although it is believed that a special loading with heavier bullet is used for this weapon, as opposed to QBZ-95 assault rifle and QBB-95 light machine gun. Adopting the smaller calibre, two major benefits would be seen: reduced combat weight and simplified logistic support. Despite the "Type 88" designation the gun is relatively young, as it is believed to enter the service during the first years of the 21st century.

It must be noted that according to available information QJY 88 machine gun is not so popular among its users in PLA. While it is somewhat lighter than previous Type 67 machine gun GPMG, it also lacks its range and lethality; compared to western 5.56mm LMGs such as FN MINIMI, QJY 88 is significantly heavier, while having almost same combat effectiveness. QJY88 is often being used as a light machine gun below the company level.

QJY 88 is gas operated, air cooled, belt fed machine gun with quick-detachable barrel. Design is rather conventional, with short-stroke gas piston, located below the barrel, which operates bolt group with rotary locking. Feed is from disintegrating steel belts, from left side only. Special plastic container can be attached to the left side of receiver to hold the belt on the move. Gun is fitted with skeletonized shoulder stock, made of polymer, and integral folding bipod, attached to the gas block. For sustained fire missions QJY 88 machine gun can be installed on a special lightweight tripod. Standard sights are of open type, but a telescope or IR sight can be attached to the weapon if required.

External links

*http://www.sinodefence.com/army/crewserved/qjy88.asp
*http://www.gun-world.net/china/mg/qjy88/qjy88.htm