QJG02



Overview

QJG02 anti-aircraft gun

14.5mm QJG02 shown on lightweight tripod.

Source: Chinese internet - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Anti-aircraft gun
Heavy machine gun
Entered service
2004
Status
In service
Development
Around 1998
Developer
China
Production
Mid 2000's - present
Producer
China - No. 36 factory
Designations
Type 02
QJG02 / Qiang Jiqiang Gaohe
Chinese for "anti-aircraft machine gun"
Notable users
China

Description

Introduction

The QJG02 is a modern light anti-aircraft gun of Chinese origin. It was developed in the late 1990's. In Chinese service this replaces the Soviet ZPU-1 and locally produced variants. Although classified as a light anti-aircraft gun, the practical role is that this weapon provides light infantry with serious firepower against ground targets.

Design

Reportedly the QJG02 is based on the Soviet KPV design, but externally it looks similar to the QJC88 (a.k.a. W85) heavy machine gun. The QJG02 is a belt fed heavy machine gun. The heavy barrel is fluted and features a large double baffle muzzle brake. The QJG02 is thus far seen on a lightweight tripod which allows the QJC02 to be used in a ground and anti-air role.

Firepower

The QJQ02 fires the 14.5x114mm round which has twice the muzzle energy of 12.7mm rounds used in many heavy machine guns. Various types of ammunition can be used, inlusing recent APDS rounds which are effective against light armored vehicles. The cyclic rate of fire is 500 rpm. Reportedly a downside of the limited weight is that automatic fire results causes the weapon to jump, resulting in reduced accuracy at longer ranges.

Mobility

The QJG02 is a rather lightweight system compared to the older ZPU-1. The weapon and tripod can be taken apart, enabling 6 men to carry it over longer distances. A model with detachable wheels can be towed by vehicles on roads and is easier to manhandle in the field. The QJG02 has also been mounted on small all-terrain vehicles for airborne troops as a pintle mounted weapon.

Users

The QJG02 is in use with the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army since around 2005, although officially adopted as early as 2002. It is often seen in use with light infrantry units that received more modern equipment. The QJG02 is also available for export. The QJG02 has seen combat use in various recent conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.

Variants

QJG02 anti-aircraft gun

14.5mm QJG02 shown on lightweight tripod.

Source: Chinese internet - © Copyright lies with original owner

Overview of QJG02 variants

QJG02
Baseline production model. Features a tripod mount that allows for a high angle of elevation for use against low altitude aircraft.
QJG02G
Updated version of the QJG02. The difference lies in the tripod, which can be fitted with small wheels, allowing the QJG02 to be towed by a light utility vehicle.

Details

Facts QJG02
General
Origin
China
Type
Towed anti-aircraft gun
Crew
1 on mount
Dimensions
Weight
75 kg for QJG02
110 kg for QJG02G
Length
2.39 m
Ordnance
Type
14.5mm KPV heavy machine gun
Ammunition
50 round belt
Traverse
360°
Firepower
Rate of fire
500 - 600 rpm
Range
1 to 2 km
Carriage
Type
Tripod mount for QJG02
Tripod mount with 2 wheels for QJC02G
Gun shield
No
Mobility
Towing vehicle
Light utility vehicle
Autonomous mobility
Can be manhandled over short distance
Manpack
Can be disassembled into 5 parts of about 20 kg each

Media