Sumitomo NTK-62
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| NTK-62 | |
|---|---|
 NTK-62 |
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| Type | General Purpose Machine Gun |
| Place of origin |  Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1962-present |
| Used by | Japan |
| Wars | Cold War, 2003 Iraq conflict |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1954 |
| Manufacturer | Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. |
| Produced | 1962– |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 10.15 kg (22.38 lb) |
| Length | 1,250 mm (49.2 in) |
| Barrel length | 546 mm (21.5 in) |
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| Cartridge | 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated |
| Rate of fire | 850 rounds/min |
| Maximum range | 1,000 m 1,500 m (with bipod) |
| Feed system | Belt-fed |
The T-62/NTK-62 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. Though the Sumitomo Heavy Industries' M249 had largely replaced it in the JGSDF, 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 7.62 mm NATO cartridges.
[edit] Development
After years of using the Browning M1919A4 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 Japan Special Steel (NTK) by Masaya Kawamura's team. The designation "62" was present due to the fact that first batches of the NTK-62 were made in the year 1962.
One can tell the NTK-62 from the FN MAG from the bipod, barrel, buttstock and pistol grip as these changes were possibly made to suit Japan Self Defense Forces guidelines and standards.
