QJB-201

Lore & Background

The QJB-201 and QJS-161 were developed to replace the QBZ-95 series squad automatic weapon and the QJY-88 light machine gun. Development began in 2016, initially under the name paratrooper machine gun or QJS-161. In 2020, the weapon was certified with the designation QJB-201. The design features two types of barrel varied in length, presumably for different requirements from the PLA Ground Force and the PLAAF Airborne Corps. As an open-bolt machine gun, it uses 5.8×42mm ammunition that can feed either from a disintegrating belt in a fabric container loaded into the feed port on the left side, or a standard Chinese box magazine inserted vertically into the magazine well at the bottom. A non-reciprocating charging handle is located on its right, and a Picatinny rail is located behind the short feed tray cover above the feeding port. The weapon incorporates weight-reduction measures, such as lightweight material for the gun body and the fabric detachable box magazine, reducing empty weight to 4.4 kg. The side-folding stock features a fully adjustable buttpad and cheek rest. Barrel change requires opening the feed tray cover, an error-proofing feature ensuring ammunition is removed before barrel replacement.

Reader's Guide

The QJB-201 represents a significant evolution in Chinese squad machine gun design, combining belt and magazine feed in a single lightweight platform. Its development from the QJS-161 paratrooper variant to the QJB-201 standard version reflects the PLA's effort to modernize infantry firepower across both ground and airborne units. The dual-feed system allows flexibility in sustained fire or rapid magazine changes, while the weight-reduction design to 4.4 kg empty enhances portability. The adjustable stock and error-proofing barrel change mechanism indicate attention to ergonomics and safety. Export variants in both 5.8×42mm and 5.56×45mm NATO suggest potential international interest. The weapon's adoption by the People's Liberation Army marks a transition away from the bullpup QBZ-95 series SAW and the QJY-88, consolidating squad automatic fire into a more conventional layout.

Did You Know?

• The QJB-201 can feed from either a disintegrating belt in a fabric container or a standard Chinese 5.8×42mm box magazine.
• The weapon's empty weight is reduced to 4.4 kg through use of lightweight materials and a fabric detachable box magazine.
• Barrel change requires opening the feed tray cover as an error-proofing feature to ensure ammunition is removed first.
• Export designations include CS/LM20 for 5.8×42mm and CS/LM21 for 5.56×45mm NATO.