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TYPE 99
PARATROOP LIGHT MACHINE GUN
Type 99 Light
Machine Gun in takedown pattern adopted for use by Army and Navy paratroop
units. The stock was pinned for quick removal and attachment; the pistol
grip could be released to slide parallel to the trigger guard. The gas
piston rod assembly and cylinder assembly were also modified. Length was
reduced to 26-1/4 inches for fit in the paratrooper leg bag.
IN THE BEGINNING.
The 1930’s were a major decade for Japan in transition. The
1931Manchurian Incident awoke the world to Japan’s expansion anxieties and
proceeded to give insight into events forth coming: Manchuria 1931, China
1935 and the Sino-Japanese War in 1937. During the procession period,
Japan and Germany signed the Anti-Comitern pact a further signal of
expansion intent. This would also initiate action for the need of
technical assistance from their European allies.
The early formation of War Cabinets had commenced with War Minister
responsibilities for the army and ordnance activities. The War Plans
Section created for leading the spearhead of timeline action, was deeply
involved in the progression and needs for weapons development. Concepts
for planning invasion activities through air superiority included the
participation of paratroop units.
THE PARATROOPER UNITS. Organizational plans began in early 1938 for
both the Army and Navy. In mid 1940, Japan had received German paratroop
instructors to further the seriousness of the program. By January 1941,
some 9,000 men were in training. In October 1941, with an additional 100
German instructors, over 14,000 soldiers were training at nine separate
training centers. Paratroop training for the Army was also progressing in
two separate centers in Manchuria along with others in North China.
PRODUCTION RIFLE MODIFICATIONS. Small arms for military special use
had been slow in progress. The first rifle issued for paratroop operations
was the Type 38 Arisaka, 6.5 mm bolt action, five shot rifle patterned
after the German Mauser system. In 1939 the Type 99 rifle in 7.7 mm
caliber was introduced and issued to paratroop units.
There was a pressing need for guns designed specifically to fit the needs
of paratroopers, which could be carried in a jump pack. Compactness was
also required for air drops in special canisters, which would contain
related support materials and ample amounts of ammunition. The Army’s
Technical Research Institute was assigned the responsibility of research
and development for the project in mid 1938.
Early experimentation started with modifications to the Type 99 short
rifle. It featured a nonspiral locking thread system barrel at the chamber
end. The connecting portion of the receiver had an insert with matching
threads. Included in the modification was a detachable bolt handle.
Although experimental and not officially adopted as a special production
rifle, the army identified it as the Type 100 paratroop rifle. It has also
been referred as Type O paratroop or takedown rifle. [Both number
designations refer to the Jimmu National Era year 2600, which corresponds
to Gregorian calendar year of 1940.] A later version of the rifle was
developed from experiences during their February 1942 Palembang, Sumatra
paratroop invasion. It had similar connecting parts but featured a tapered
wedge and pin locking system for the barrel-receiver connection. A later
version included a folding bayonet. Adopted in mid 1943, this weapon was
given the designation of Type 2 paratroop rifle.
The Type 38 carbine was also modified for the intention of
paratroop use. The buttstock was cut at the rear of the trigger guard and
reconnected with a hinge/latch assembly. This feature permitted the weapon
to be carried in the paratrooper’s backpack. Evolved in 1941, the weapon
was labeled by the Army as Test Type 1 rifle.
Specimens indicate the experimentation on these special rifles and their
limited production was performed at the Nagoya Arsenal’s Toriimatsu
factory for both army and navy.
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