QJZ-89

China's lightweight 12.7×108mm heavy machine gun — a crew-served belt-fed weapon that is among the lightest in its class, serving the PLA’s infantry and vehicle-mounted fire-support needs.

Overview

The QJZ-89, commonly referred to as the Type 89 heavy machine gun, is the standard 12.7×108mm heavy machine gun of the People’s Liberation Army ground forces. Designed by NORINCO to deliver man-portable heavy-caliber firepower, it is widely recognized as one of the lightest infantry HMGs in service — the complete gun-plus-tripod system weighs approximately 26 kg, significantly less than the M2 Browning or the Russian Kord. It combines a gas/recoil hybrid operating mechanism with a quick-change barrel and a large muzzle brake, allowing dismounted infantry to carry a weapon that would otherwise require a vehicle mount. The QJZ-89 fires a range of 12.7×108mm ammunition, including armor-piercing, high-explosive, and incendiary types, and can engage personnel, light armor, and low-flying aircraft out to around 1,500 meters.

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