The Type 67 is a general-purpose machine gun, chambered in 7.62×54mmR formerly used by the People's Liberation Army.[3]

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

Former

Non-state actors

References

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