Howa Type 96

40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL)

Japan | 1996

"The Howa Type 96 fulfills the automatic grenade launcher role in the modern Japanese Army inventory."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 10/24/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image from the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

All modern major leading military powers of the world have adopted some form of belt-fed Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) for the infantry suppression role. For the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) this has come in the form of the Type 96 from Howa. The series was introduced in 1996 and retains an active presence in the JGSDF inventory today (2017).

As with other Western AGLs, the Type 96 makes use of the readily-available (and proven) 40x56mm grenade projectile which is offered with various warheads to suit the mission need. This projectile is fired through a "blow forward" system of operation with feeding done by way of 50-round belts (pulled from a hard case along the left side of the receiver). Sighting is through a flip-up, ladder-style arrangement fitted ahead of the receiver. The weapon is typically fired from a heavy-duty tripod or from a vehicle to better absorb the recoil effects of such a weapon. At the business end of the weapon is a slotted muzzle brake. Handlebar type grips are seated at the weapon's extreme aft end.

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The Type 96 has a listed maximum range out to 1,500 meters and a rate-of-fire up to 350 rounds-per-minute is possible. Overall weight is 25 kilograms with an overall length of 975mm. The barrel measures 455mm long.

The Howa design was selected by the JGSDF as a indigenous solution that could be produced locally without a need for licensing and has solved an ongoing problem for the JGSDF - mainly bridging the gap between the in-service medium machine guns and heavy machine guns of the day. This it does well as the weapon has since been featured in stationary defensive roles as well as more mobile, vehicle-mounted roles. In the latter, the system provides a much-needed offensive punch for light-armored, high mobility vehicle types. In its general function, the Type 96 serves the same battlefield role as the American SACO Mk 19 AGL series (detailed elsewhere on this site).

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Howa Type 96. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

975 mm
38.39 in
O/A Length

455 mm
17.91 in
Barrel Length

55.12 lb
25.00 kg
Weight

Blow-Forward Operation
Action

40x56mm
Caliber(s)

50-round belt.
Feed

Ladder-Type
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Howa Type 96. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

4,925 ft
1,501.1 m | 1,641.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

300
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Howa Type 96 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) family line.

Type 96 - Base Series Designation

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Howa Type 96. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Howa - Japan

[ Japan ]

1 / 1

Image from the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

FIRE SUPPORT

SPECIAL PURPOSE

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

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Going Further...
The Howa Type 96 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) appears in the following collections:

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