QJY-201
Chinese general purpose machine gun with hybrid gas-operated recoil system.
The QJY-201 is a general purpose machine gun produced by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army. It fires the DJP-201 7.62×51mm cartridge and uses an unusual open-bolt, hybrid long-stroke, short-recoil operating system. To reduce weight, the body is made from lightweight materials, and it uses a detachable fabric box magazine. The weapon was first shown to the public at the Zhuhai Airshow in September 2021.
The design combines a gas-operated short-recoil system, where the barrel and bolt move backward together to manage recoil. Two springs on the trunnion assembly cushion the barrel. The receiver is aluminum to save weight. The barrel can be quickly changed using the carrying handle. A birdcage-style muzzle device with a toothed collar is fitted, allowing for suppressor attachment.
Variants include the standard QJY-201 in 7.62×51mm DJP201, the export version CS/LM22 in the same caliber, and the Type 20E 8.6mm, a general purpose machine gun based on the QJY-201 but chambered in 8.6×70mm. The People's Liberation Army is the primary user.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- China
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Service
- 2020-present
- Design Date
- 2010s
- Manufacturer
- Norinco
- Used By
- People's Liberation Army
- Cartridge
- 7.62×51mm DJP201
- Action
- hybrid short-recoil and long-stroke piston, open-bolt
- Weight
- 8 kg
- Length
- 1170 mm
- Part Length
- 600 mm
- Sights
- optical telescopic sights
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The QJY-201 employs a hybrid gas-operated short recoil system, where barrel and bolt mechanics move backward together to absorb recoil. The barrels are cushioned by two springs mounted on the trunnion assembly. The receiver is constructed with aluminum for weight reduction. The barrel supports quick change using the carrying handle. A birdcage-type muzzle device with toothed collar is fitted on the barrel, providing provision for suppressors.
The QJY-201 incorporates weight reduction features, such as lightweight material for the body and a detachable box magazine made of fabric, reducing its weight. Variants include the CS/LM22, the export designation for the QJY-201 in 7.62×51mm, and the Type 20E 8.6mm, a general purpose machine gun chambered in 8.6×70mm largely based on the QJY-201.
Reader's Guide
The QJY-201 represents a notable development in Chinese small arms, being a general purpose machine gun designed and manufactured by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army. Its unusual open-bolt, hybrid long stroke, short recoil operation distinguishes it from many contemporary designs. The use of aluminum for the receiver and a fabric detachable box magazine reflects an emphasis on weight reduction. The quick-change barrel, facilitated by the carrying handle, and the birdcage-type muzzle device with toothed collar for suppressor attachment indicate attention to operational flexibility. The existence of an export variant, the CS/LM22, and a larger-caliber derivative, the Type 20E 8.6mm, suggests the design has been adapted for different markets and roles. The QJY-201's public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in September 2021 marked its introduction to a wider audience, and its adoption by the People's Liberation Army underscores its role in modernizing Chinese infantry support weapons.
Did You Know?
- The QJY-201 uses a detachable box magazine made of fabric to reduce weight.
- A birdcage-type muzzle device with toothed collar provides provision for suppressors.
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