NTK-62
Summary
| Country | 🇯🇵 Japan |
| Category | Light machine gun |
| Manufacturer | Sumitomo Heavy Industries |
Technical specifications
| NTK-62 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 650 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 51 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | belt of 100 rounds |
| Length | 1200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Weight | 10.15 kg (22.4 lb) |
| Range | 1000 m (3281 ft) |
Description
The Sumitomo NTK-62, also known as the Type 62 7.62mm Machine Gun or Type 62 GPMG, was developed by Nittoku Metal Industry (NTK) to serve as the standard-issue general-purpose machine gun of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Design work began in 1954 to meet requirements set by the Japanese Defense Agency, aiming to replace the Browning M1919A4 machine gun. Following prototype testing, the Type 62 was provisionally adopted in 1962, with formal adoption occurring on February 15, 1962, effectively replacing the M1919 Browning in service. In 2013, issues were reported regarding falsified test data for approximately 5,350 units produced from 1974. This may have included Type 62s.
The Sumitomo NTK-62 is a gas-operated machine gun chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge and belt-fed using M13 disintegrating links. Parts of the firearm use pressed metal construction to reduce weight. The barrel integrates with the carrying handle for quick changes, and features cooling fins. The firing rate is adjustable via a gas regulator. Both standard 7.62 NATO ammunition and a version with a reduced powder charge are specified for use.
A primary variant of the Type 62 is the Type 74 vehicle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun. This fixed-mount adaptation is specifically designed for use in various armored fighting vehicles of the JGSDF, including the Type 74, Type 90, and Type 10 Main Battle Tanks, the Type 89 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and the Type 87 Reconnaissance Vehicle. This variant weighs 20.4 kg, compared to the 10.15 kg of the basic model.
Initially, the Type 62 provided both light and medium machine gun support across different operational levels within the JGSDF. Following the adoption of the Sumitomo M249, which fires the 5.56×45mm NATO round, the Type 62's role as a light machine gun at the squad level largely transitioned to the M249. However, the Type 62 continues to be utilized in its medium machine gun role at platoon and company infantry support levels and as a co-axial weapon system on armored platforms, including tanks and APCs.
The Sumitomo NTK-62 serves as the standard issue general-purpose machine gun for the Japan Self-Defense Forces, specifically the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Consistent with the policy concerning modern Japanese-made firearms, this model has not been exported.