Sumitomo NTK-62
Encyclopedia
The is the standard issue GPMG of the Japan Self-Defense Forces
. Known as the Type 62 GPMG, It is similar to the Belgian FN MAG
, but not a variation of it. It is actually a heavily modernized version of the M1919 Browning machine gun
. Though the Sumitomo Heavy Industries' M249
had largely replaced it in the J.G.S.D.F, the weapon still plays a support role as it is still used as a co-axial weapon in various armored vehicles, including tanks and APCs, as well as being a medium support machine gun. Similar in application to the M60 Machine gun
, it fires 7.62mm NATO cartridge
s with the use of M13 disintegrating links
.
Like most modern Japanese-made firearms, it was never exported.
as its standard GPMG during the early days of founding the Japan Self-Defense Forces
, Sumitomo Heavy Industries had manufactured the NTK-62 GPMG, designed at Nittoku Metal Industry (NTK) by Masaya Kawamura's team. The GPMG was made to meet the requirements of the Japanese Defense Agency. The designation "62" was present due to the fact that first batches of the NTK-62 were made in the year 1962 after development started in 1954. It was specifically adopted on February 15, 1962, effectively replacing the M1919 Browning machine gun
in J.G.S.D.F service.
One can tell the difference between the NTK-62 from the FN MAG by the bipod, barrel, buttstock, and pistol grip as these changes were possibly made to suit Japan Self-Defense Forces
' guidelines and standards.
use, including the Type 74
and Type 90 MBTs, Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV
and the Komatsu Type 87 Reconnaissance Vehicle.
It weighs 20.4 kg (45.0 lb), unlike the Type 62 which weighs 10.15 kg (22.4 lb).
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The , or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF or SDF, are the unified military forces of Japan that were established after the end of the post–World War II Allied occupation of Japan. For most of the post-war period the JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed...
. Known as the Type 62 GPMG, It is similar to the Belgian FN MAG
FN MAG
The FN MAG is a Belgian 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun, designed in the early 1950s at Fabrique Nationale by Ernest Vervier. It has been used by more than 80 countries, and it has been made under licence in countries such as Argentina, Egypt, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the...
, but not a variation of it. It is actually a heavily modernized version of the M1919 Browning machine gun
M1919 Browning machine gun
The M1919 Browning is a .30 caliber medium machine gun that was widely used during the 20th century. It was used as a light infantry, coaxial, mounted, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun by the U.S. and many other countries, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War...
. Though the Sumitomo Heavy Industries' M249
FN Minimi
The Minimi is a Belgian 5.56mm light machine gun developed by Fabrique Nationale in Herstal by Ernest Vervier. First introduced in 1974, it has entered service with the armed forces of over thirty countries...
had largely replaced it in the J.G.S.D.F, the weapon still plays a support role as it is still used as a co-axial weapon in various armored vehicles, including tanks and APCs, as well as being a medium support machine gun. Similar in application to the M60 Machine gun
M60 machine gun
The M60 is a family of American general-purpose machine guns firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges from a disintegrating belt of M13 links...
, it fires 7.62mm NATO cartridge
Cartridge (firearms)
A cartridge, also called a round, packages the bullet, gunpowder and primer into a single metallic case precisely made to fit the firing chamber of a firearm. The primer is a small charge of impact-sensitive chemical that may be located at the center of the case head or at its rim . Electrically...
s with the use of M13 disintegrating links
M13 link
The M13 link, formally Link, M13, is the U.S. military designation for a disintegrating metallic link specifically designed for belt-fed firearms and rounds; it was introduced in the mid-20th century. It is the primary link type for the U.S., and among NATO for 7.62 mm ammunition...
.
Like most modern Japanese-made firearms, it was never exported.
History
After years of using the Browning M1919A4M1919 Browning machine gun
The M1919 Browning is a .30 caliber medium machine gun that was widely used during the 20th century. It was used as a light infantry, coaxial, mounted, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun by the U.S. and many other countries, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War...
as its standard GPMG during the early days of founding the Japan Self-Defense Forces
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The , or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF or SDF, are the unified military forces of Japan that were established after the end of the post–World War II Allied occupation of Japan. For most of the post-war period the JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed...
, Sumitomo Heavy Industries had manufactured the NTK-62 GPMG, designed at Nittoku Metal Industry (NTK) by Masaya Kawamura's team. The GPMG was made to meet the requirements of the Japanese Defense Agency. The designation "62" was present due to the fact that first batches of the NTK-62 were made in the year 1962 after development started in 1954. It was specifically adopted on February 15, 1962, effectively replacing the M1919 Browning machine gun
M1919 Browning machine gun
The M1919 Browning is a .30 caliber medium machine gun that was widely used during the 20th century. It was used as a light infantry, coaxial, mounted, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun by the U.S. and many other countries, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War...
in J.G.S.D.F service.
One can tell the difference between the NTK-62 from the FN MAG by the bipod, barrel, buttstock, and pistol grip as these changes were possibly made to suit Japan Self-Defense Forces
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The , or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF or SDF, are the unified military forces of Japan that were established after the end of the post–World War II Allied occupation of Japan. For most of the post-war period the JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed...
' guidelines and standards.
Variants
The is a fixed mount variant for AFVArmoured fighting vehicle
An armoured fighting vehicle is a combat vehicle, protected by strong armour and armed with weapons. AFVs can be wheeled or tracked....
use, including the Type 74
Type 74
The is a main battle tank of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force . It was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a replacement for the earlier Type 61. It was based on the best features of a number of contemporary designs, placing it in the same class as the US M60 or German Leopard 1. Like...
and Type 90 MBTs, Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV
Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV
The is a Japanese infantry fighting vehicle that entered service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in 1989. The vehicle was adopted at a low rate with 58 vehicles in service , with a total of 70 produced by 2005...
and the Komatsu Type 87 Reconnaissance Vehicle.
It weighs 20.4 kg (45.0 lb), unlike the Type 62 which weighs 10.15 kg (22.4 lb).