CHINA'S NEW 5.8x42MM
WEAPONS COMPLEX
By David M. Fortier 2003
As a child
of the Cold War it's difficult not to think of the U.S.S.R. as our primary
threat. However times change, today the U.S.S.R. only exists in our memory,
and now we're friends with the Russians. While it's interesting to keep
an eye on Russian small arms developments, they seem to have an abundance
of gifted designers, there is another country we should be more concerned
with, China. Unfortunately whereas there's a wealth of information on
Soviet/Russian small arms the same is not true of modern Chinese weapons.
So I decided to delve behind the bamboo to see just what the Chinese
have been up too. What I found may surprise you.
The Chinese began extensive research and development of domestic designs
as early as 1958. This led to the 1st (Type 63 and Type 74) and then
2nd (Type 81 and Type 87) generations of Chinese small arms. In the last
20 years especially, since the Open Door policy, China has made significant
progress in small arms development. This has culminated in the design
and adoption of their unique 5.8x42mm weapons complex. A system, they
claim, outperforms both the current NATO 5.56x45 SS109 and Russian 5.45x39
7N6 cartridges.
To begin our look at modern Chinese small arms we have to go back to
1958. It was at this time that the Chinese undertook extensive research
and development work to improve their small arms. This was based on their
combat experience with Soviet small arms, full power battle rifle cartridges,
as well as the less powerful 6.5 Arisaka and 7.62x25 sub-machineguns.
At this time they recognized the potential of the new intermediate M43
7.62x39 cartridge and admired the reliability of the Kalashnikov design.
However they were not impressed by the AK-47's accuracy or ergonomics.
This led to the development of the Type 63 rifle (incorrectly identified
in the West as the Type 68) and the Type 74 Squad Auto which represent
the First Generation of domestically designed Chinese small arms. Not a battle
rifle nor true assault rifle the Type 63 was outclassed by the M-16 during combat
operations in Vietnam.
Seeing the changes in modern warfare the Chinese went back to the drawing
board. The Second Generation of Chinese small arms is seen in the Type
81 weapons series. The goal of the design team of the Type 81 rifle
was to provide a modern assault rifle with the reliability of the Kalashnikov,
but with superior accuracy and ergonomics. The result was a rugged
and reliable rifle with a few features not offered on Mikhail's Avtomat.
These included a bolt holdopen, a selector lever accessible by the
operator's thumb, an integral capacity to launch rifle grenades, and
an adjustable gas system. Overall the Type 81 series is well thought
out, reliable, and chambered for the venerable 7.62x39 cartridge.
However just as they were quick to appreciate the 7.62x39 intermediate
cartridge, as soon as the M-16 rifle appeared in Vietnam the Chinese
recognized the advantages of the 5.56x45 cartridge. While they took
note of its cartridge the Chinese were not impressed with the reliability/durability
of the M-16 rifle. Noting the advantages of the small, high velocity
round they began extensive research and theoretical studies based on
their combat observations of the war in Vietnam. Their goal was no
simple one. They desired to find the ideal caliber to satisfy the Chinese
military requirements for use in assault rifles out to medium ranges (400m) as
well as in the supporting role of a machinegun (up to 1000m). Their intention
was not just to build a series of weapons based on an existing cartridge but
rather build a weapons complex using the IDEAL cartridge. This "Universal
caliber" has always been a Holy Grail for which many have sought but none
had found.
After extensive calculations they concluded that the ideal caliber would be 5.8mm,
6mm, or 6.2mm. They then designed a vast assortment of prototype cartridges for
use in comparison testing. This is similar to our own SAW project which tested
over 1000 configurations in calibers ranging from 5.56 to 7.62. Our final result
was the 6x45mm SAW round which was never adopted due to logistical reasons. This
shows that the U.S. and Chinese designers came to a similar determination as
to the ideal caliber. Based on their test results the Chinese came to the final
conclusion that the 5.8mm best fit their needs. The result is their new small
caliber, high velocity 5.8x42mm cartridge. Designed from the ground up to fit
the needs of their weapons complex, this cartridge is produced in 3 different
ball loadings. A standard loading for use in assault rifles, a heavy projectile
loading for use in their GPMG, and a specialty loading for use in sniper rifles.
The standard loading features a 64 grain FMJBT projectile with a 22.6
grain AP core loaded into a Berdan primed and lacquer coated steel
case. Overall cartridge length is 58mm. Case length is 42.2mm, and
the projectile is 24.2mm long. The cartridge case somewhat resembles
the Russian 5.45x39 in that it's tapered, however the case neck is
shorter. It bears no outward resemblance to the 5.56x45. While straightwall
cases like the 5.56 are inherently more accurate, tapered cases aid
feeding and extraction. The projectile also exhibits substantial sectional
density, similar to the 5.45x39. Muzzle velocity from the Type 95's 18.2 inch
barrel is 3,050 fps. Out of the Type 95 Squad Auto's 21.9 inch barrel it bumps
up to 3,182 fps. The specimen I examined was made at Factory 71 in 1996.
Although the Chinese had developed their ideal cartridge they still had
one major hurdle to overcome, the Chinese military. During the last
Sino-Japanese war the Chinese had made extensive use of captured 6.5
Arisaka rifles and machineguns. Combat experience had left them unimpressed
by this small bore cartridge's effectiveness, especially at long range.
Due to this the Chinese military wanted nothing to due with a small
caliber cartridge intended for use in machineguns as well as rifles.
So in order to convince the military, the Chinese Armament Bureau produced
a quantity of transitional 5.8x42 assault rifles. These were based
upon the Type 81 and were designated the Type 87. They were then submitted
to the military for extensive testing and field trials against the
existing 7.62x39 weapons. During these trials the 5.8x42 weapons outperformed
the 7.62x39 weapons in every way. They proved so superior that the
Chinese military adopted the new cartridge for use in its next generation
of small arms.
With the problem of a suitable cartridge out of the way, during the late
1980's the Chinese set to work designing the weapons to use it. The
result of their work is not just a new assault rifle but an entire
weapons complex. This includes an assault rifle (Type 95), Light Squad
Auto (Type 95), Sniper rifle (Type KBU88), and surprisingly, a belt
fed GPMG (Type QJY88). Obviously following the current trend in small
arms development they chose to use the bullpup configuration (except
for the GPMG).
I was told that in designing the Type 95 they took a long hard look at
the SVD Dragunov design. This can be seen in the Type 95's 3 lug rotating
bolt, carrier, and its adjustable short stroke piston gas system which
is similar conceptually to the SVD's. The main features of these new
weapons are their extensive use of high tensile aluminum and modern
high impact synthetic materials coupled with improved human engineering.
In addition they feature cold hammer forged barrels for superior accuracy.
The design emphasizes on keeping as close as possible the distance
between:
1. The center of gravity of the whole weapon and the center of gravity
of the axis of the barrel.
2. The center of gravity of the bolt assembly and the axis of the gas piston.
3. The center of gravity of the barrel and the axis of the gas tube.
4. the center of gravity of the bolt carrier and the center of gravity of the
whole gun.
They state, "This design brings a combined effect of compact structure,
minimizing the supplementary force of inertia, ensuring a stable and smooth movement
of the bolt carrier, minimizing the overall weight of the rifle, increasing shooting
accuracy, and promoting reliability." It is also interesting to note that
they claim a reliability rate equal to that of the Kalashnikov. That in and of
itself would be quite a feat.
These weapons were designed to use the following accessories:
1. Fixed or variable power telescopic sights with quick detachable mount.
2. Their latest star light night vision scope with quick detachable mount.
3. Quick detachable 35mm grenade launcher that mounts to the forend.
4. Multi-purpose bayonet which can be used as a bayonet, field knife,
wire cutter, or a dagger.
While I personally do not care for bullpup style rifles, the Type 95
appears ergonomic and well balanced. With a length of just 29.3 inches
and tipping the scales at 7.1 pounds its both handy and light. The
rear sight is mounted on an M-16 style carrying handle, which also
accepts optical sights. The front sight assembly reminds one of the
familiar AK unit. The charging handle is located inside the carrying
handle, AR-10 style, and is ambidextrous. Feed is from 30 round synthetic
magazines. The weapon is intended to be effective out to 400 meters.
It should be noted that though that the Type 95, while modern, is still
fairly conventional. Whereas the Russians began work on weapon systems that canceled
out recoil through mechanical design back in the 1960's the Type 95 is nothing
out of the ordinary. Compared to the AN-94 Nikonov, adopted by the Russians in
1994 to eventually replace the AK-74M, the Type 95 is actually rather mundane.
However while the AN-94 is a brilliant rifle that must be handled and shot to
be fully appreciated the Chinese have developed more than just a rifle. What
makes it interesting is everything they've developed to complement the Type 95
rifle.
Support weapons start with the Type 95 Squad Auto. This light automatic
weapon shares the same bolt assembly, trigger assembly, upper and lower
receiver, and magazines with the rifle. For its fire support role it's
equipped with a longer, heavier barrel to which a bipod is directly
mounted. To increase its practical rate of fire 75 round drum magazines
are issued for it, although the standard 30 rounders will also work.
In my experience Chinese drums are usually quite noisy though, as they
allow the rounds to slap back and forth. Weighing in at just 8.7 lbs
(!) it's more of a machinerifle, along the lines of the British Light
Support Weapon, rather than our own M249 SAW. It's intended to be effective
out to 600 meters.
For reaching out and touching someone there is the KBU88 sniper rifle.
It's equipped with a 25.1" hammer forged barrel, and the carrying handle has been replaced
with a 3-9x variable telescope. The optics feature an illuminated reticle with
aiming holdover points in 100 meter increments. Fold down backup iron sights
are also provided. An integral folding bipod with legs individually adjustable
for height is attached to the barrel just in front of the handguard. Feed is
from 20 or 30 round magazines. When tested against the Type 85 7.62x54R sniper
rifle (SVD Dragunov) the KBU88 outperformed it in accuracy, higher hit probability
at long range, was quicker to get into action, had less recoil, a larger ammunition
load capacity, and was lighter in weight thus increasing the mobility of the
sniper. We would consider it a Designated Marksman's Rifle, rather than a true
sniper rifle. In this role it would prove quite useful on the modern battlefield
and would be capable of providing support in manners impossible with a bolt action
precision rifle. When mated to its dedicated sniper load the KBU88 is intended
to be effective out to 800 meters.
The latest member of the 5.8mm family is the QJY88 GPMG. This project began in
July 1989 and after extensive testing in freezing cold, hot desert, windy, and
sandy conditions to eliminate defects, it was formally adopted in July 1999.
Feed is from 200 round belts. The feedway is equipped with 3 rollers, and the
feeding pawl also has a roller, to minimize friction during feeding and aid reliability.
It's equipped with a bipod for use in the LMG role but can also be tripod mounted
for sustained fire use. The tripod is equipped with a recoil absorbing device
to enhance accuracy and quickly converts for A.A. use. For long service life
the core of the barrel is hardened more than the rest during heat treating. Also
a special pattern of rifling is used and the chrome plating carefully kept to
.18-.28mm to increase barrel service life. The Chinese claim it to be very simple,
reliable, and mobile due to its light weight (only 26 lbs WITH tripod), coupled
with long range and a high hit probability. With its dedicated Heavy ball loading
the QJY88 is intended to be effective all the way out to 1000 meters.
Sound impressive? Well the question you're all asking right now is, exactly
how well does this new Chinese 5.8x42 round stack up against our 5.56x45
and the Russian 5.45x39? Well we won't leave you hanging. I was recently
able to get my hands on (don't ask) some PLA documents containing ballistic
test data and the results follow. Testing was conducted using a 5.45x39
AK-74 and 7N6 ball ammunition, a 5.56x45 FNC and SS109 ball and P112
AP, and a Type 95 with 5.8x42 ball. Accuracy testing was conducted
out to 600m between the three weapons. Projectile Time of Flight was
recorded out to 800m. 3.5mm NATO spec hardened steel plates were shot
at 640 and 700m. A 10mm hardened steel plate was shot at 310m. Finally,
anesthetized livestock between the weight of 26-44 pounds were shot at a distance
of 90m. All the information recorded from these tests is contained in the accompanying
charts. For comparison I also included one chart on the performance of typical
military rifles against NATO 3.5mm steel plate from tests performed by the USMC
Firepower Division in Quantico, VA in the early 1980's.
The Chinese test results indicate that their new 5.8x42mm cartridge is
intended to provide a substantial increase in effective range and penetration
over the M43 7.62x39. It's now possible for high velocity small bore
military cartridges to place fire at medium ranges without the weight
and recoil penalties of the older full power cartridges. While obviously
lacking the punch of a 7.62x51 at long range the 5.56x45 has none the
less proven itself to be capable of superb accuracy at 600m. This is
something the 7.62x39 is not capable of and has not been lost on the
Chinese (or in recent days Afghan terrorists). Their 5.8x42 ball round
is designed to surpass the performance of the 5.56x45 SS109, including
at long range. That the Chinese wish to be able to extend the practical effective
range of their small arms can also be seen in the Type 95's ability to easily
mount optical sights. While we don't yet have any specifics on the dedicated
sniper load for the KBU88 sniper rifle, that it outperformed the 7.62x54R SVD
out to 1000m speaks for itself. In Russian service the SVD, or 'Oar' as it's
affectionately known, is extremely popular due to its effectiveness.
Against steel plate the 5.8 easily outperformed the 5.45 7N6 ball loading as
well as the 5.56 SS109. It equaled the penetration of the 5.56 P112 AP loading
while providing greater retained energy. It should be remembered though that
the 5.45 7N6 loading has a mild steel core and a more even test would have been
to use the newer 7N10 High Penetration round. While the 5.8 retained more energy
and velocity downrange there is a downside to a light weight, small diameter
projectile with high penetration. Such rounds can zip right through a man without
doing significant damage. This was first seen on the Italian Front during World
War I when it was common for soldiers hit through the lungs at long range by
6.5mm rounds to recover in a matter of weeks. Recently American troops witnessed
this first hand in Mogadishu, and now in Afghanistan, when hits with M855/SS109
ammunition produced no immediate visual results.
This was verified in the livestock testing performed by the Chinese.
Here the 5.45 7N6 load showed what it was designed to do and produced
significantly larger wounds than either the 5.56 SS109 or the 5.8x42.
However the range here was short, only 90m. While the Chinese were
impressed by, and commented on the tremendous close range wound capacity
of the 5.45 7N6 loading they also stated that by 600m its accuracy,
penetration, and wound capability had dropped off significantly due
to its lightweight 52 grain projectile. However they also felt the
5.45x39 to be a very economical cartridge to manufacture. The Chinese
were impressed by the 5.56x45 SS109 and felt that it was effective
up to 600m. However they felt that it had the disadvantages of high
chamber pressures and because it utilized brass cartridge cases was
not economical to produce.
While the 5.8 was superior in penetration to the 5.56 SS109 the same
was not true of accuracy. That the new Type 95/5.8x42mm combination
was more accurate than the 70's vintage Russian AK-74/5.45x39mm combo
is really no great surprise. While the AK-74 is more accurate than
the 7.62x39 AKM, at the time of its design Soviet doctrine relied on
massed automatic fire rather than accuracy. By switching to a short
stroke gas system the Chinese intended on gaining an increase in accuracy
over the Kalashnikov while maintaining the same level of reliability. It appears
that they have accomplished this. However the FNC/5.56x45mm combo easily out
shot the new Chinese system. Straightwall case designs, such as the 5.56x45,
tend to be more accurate than tapered case designs such as the 5.45x39 and 5.8x42.
The trade-off being that tapered cases feed and extract easier. While the 5.8
exhibits higher retained velocity and energy in their test results compared to
the 5.56 SS109, the difference is small.
Why did the Chinese bother with developing an entirely new assault rifle
cartridge when they could have simply adopted the 5.56x45 is a question
I'm sure many will ask. The only reason I've been given is that the
PLA has a defensive doctrine and if China were invaded their unique
caliber weapons would prohibit an attacking force from utilizing captured
weapons. I will let you decide for yourselves on the effectiveness
of this new cartridge based on the accompanying data. How China's new
5.8x42mm series of weapons fares in service or combat remains to be
seen. One thing is certain though, the Kalashnikov's service with the
PLA appears to be coming to an end. Acknowledgments: Much thanks to
Dave Brown at Sierra Bullets for his patience and help making sense
of the ballistic data in its original form, John Miller for supplying
the 5.8x42 round used in the photographs, and to Mark Vorobiev for
a Russian point of view.References:
Bolotin, David.
SOVIET SMALL ARMS AND AMMUNITION.
Finnish
Arms Museum Foundation, Hyvinka, Finland. 1995.
Cutshaw, Charlie.
THE NEW WORLD OF RUSSIAN SMALL ARMS & AMMO.
Paladin
Press, Boulder, CO. 1998.
Harris, C.E..
"The M-16A2: New World Standard For Infantry Rifles" GUN
DIGEST, 40th Edition. DBI Books Inc, Northbrook, IL. 1986.
