Type 67 machine gun
General-purpose machine gun
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Type 67 is a general-purpose machine gun, chambered in 7.62×54mmR formerly used by the People's Liberation Army.[3]
| Type 67 | |
|---|---|
The Type 67 on a tripod field mount | |
| Type | General-purpose machine gun |
| Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1967–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Vietnam War Lebanese Civil War Sino-Vietnamese War War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) Syrian Civil War[1] Yemeni Civil War[2][1] |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Dr. Duo Ying Jian |
| Designed | 1959 |
| Manufacturer | China North Industries Corporation |
| Produced | 1967– |
| Variants | Type 67-1, Type 67-2 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 11 kg (24.25 lb) |
| Length | 1,650 mm (65.0 in) |
| Barrel length | 605 mm (23.8 in) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×54mmR |
| Action | Gas-operated, tilting breechblock |
| Rate of fire | 650–700 rounds/min |
| Effective firing range | 800–1000 m |
| Feed system | 100/250-round belt |
| Sights | Rear leaf sight, forward post |
History
The Type 67 machine gun was developed as a lightweight replacement for the Type 53 (SG43) and Type 57 (SGM) medium 7.62 mm machine guns in 1959.[4] The first tests for the Type 67 started in 1963.[4] Research on the weapon was led by Dr. Duo Ying Jian from the Beijing Industrial Technology Academy.[5] After Soviet-Chinese relations began to break down, there were concerns that further technological assistance would not be rendered, including supplying them with Soviet-made PKMs.[5]
The first combat use of the Type 67 was with Mujahideen forces fighting in Afghanistan fighting against pro-Soviet forces in 1980.[4] These found their way through smuggling in Pakistani soil.[4] In the Syrian Civil War, the Type 67 is found in use with Syrian opposition forces fighting against government forces from 2015.[3] It is suggested these were likely captured from Syrian troops.[3] It has also been used in the Yemeni Civil War against the Houthis.[3]
Design history
According to a United States Army Materiel Command analysis, the Type 67 uses the DP trigger mechanism, the quick-change barrel of the SG-43, a gas regulator similar to the RPD, the ZB vz. 30 bolt mechanism, and a modified Maxim-type feed mechanism.[6]
The furniture was made in wood with the integral non-detachable bipod attached to a gas tube.[7] For using the Type 67 at long range, a tripod can be used when needed.[7] The Type 67 was initially supposed to be used as a medium machine gun (exclusively with a tripod), but Chinese engineers studied a captured M60 GPMG from American-led military forces in the Vietnam War.[5] Further design revisions were made where the bipod was made standard to be used.[5]
Since 1967, the Type 67 has gone through two model modifications and improvements, with the newer models designated Type 67-1 and Type 67-2.[1]
Variants
- Type 67-1: This has a non-fluted barrel with the bipod clamped to the barrel below the front. This can be removed.[7] Furniture is made from plastic.[7]
- Type 67-2: Uses the same barrel, but lighter.[7] Tripod is used instead of a bipod, made from stamped steel instead of steel tubing.[7] The gunner can attach a telescopic or night sight.[7] On late production models, the AA sight base is removed.[7]
Users
Bangladesh[1]
Cambodia[8]
Central African Republic[9]
Equatorial Guinea[9]
North Korea[1]
Palestine: Palestine Liberation Organization[citation needed]
Syria: Used by the SAA and by Free Syrian Army[1]
Tanzania[10]
Turkey[11]
Yemen[1]
