The QLZ87 (also known as Type 87) is the 35mm automatic grenade launcher developed by NORINCO in the late 1980s. Designed to provide direct fire support for infantry troops, the Type 87 is the first grenade launcher that has entered service with the PLA as a standard weapon equipment. The weapon was described as “mini infantry artillery” and has been serving with the PLA infantry (including airborne forces and the Marine Corps) at platoon and company level since the mid-1990s.

QLZ87式（也即是87型）在1980年后期由中国北方工业公司（NORINCO）发展的一种35毫米自动枪榴弹发射器。设计去提供直接火支援给步兵部队，87型是中国第一种枪榴弹发射器已经进入PLA服役当作一种制式武器装备。武器形容为“迷你步兵火炮”而且从1990年中期在PLA步兵（包括空降兵和海军陆战队）排和连级服役。

Programme

The PLA began to study the use of grenade launcher in its infantry units in the 1970s. Reverse-engineering of the U.S. M-79 40mm grenade launcher and the Soviet AGS-17 35mm automatic grenade launcher was carried out in the late 1970s, but these weapons did not enter service. In the mid-1980s, NORINCO introduced the W87 35mm automatic grenade launcher for export market, and the weapon was widely seen as an indication of success in the Chinese indigenous grenade launcher programme. By the late 1980s, NORINCO introduced new improved version of the W87 for the use of the PLA. The weapon entered service with the PLA in the mid-1990s under the designation QLZ87.

计划

PLA在1970年中期开始研究在它步兵单位使用枪榴弹发射器。在1970年后期对美国M-79型40毫米枪榴弹发射器和苏联AGS-17型35毫米自动枪榴弹发射器进行逆向工程，但是这些武器没有进入服役。在1980年中期，中国北方工业公司（NORINCO）为外销市场生产了W87型35毫米自动枪榴弹发射器，而且武器广泛认为中国本国生产枪榴弹发射器的一个成功计划。在1980年后期，中国北方工业公司（NORINCO）为PLA生产了新的W87改进型。武器在1990年中期命名为QLZ87式进入PLA服役。

The QLZ87 is available in two variants: the standard variant and the tripod-mounted heavy variant. The standard variant with a combat weight of 12kg can be carried and fired by a single soldier and is mainly for the engaging targets within 600m distance. The heavy variant with a combat weight of 20kg is carried by a crew of three and has a longer range (>1,750m). The weapon delivers 25kg HE or HEAT grenades in either single or burst mode, with a sustained rate of fire of 45rds/min.

QLZ87式有二种型号：标准型和加装三脚支架的重型。标准型战斗重量12公斤能被一名单兵携带和射击，并且主要用于在600米距离内的交战目标。重型战斗重量20公斤被三名组员携带并且射程较远（>1,750米）。武器以单发或扫射模式发射250克HE或HEAT榴弹，持续射击速率45发/分钟。

Compared to the U.S. MK19-3 40mm automatic grenade launcher, the QLZ87 is inferior in range,  muzzle velocity, and rate of fire. However, the Chinese 35mm grenade, though lighter than the MK19-3’s 40mm grenade, has better performance in blasting radius (MK19-3: 7m; Type 87: 11m) and armour penetration (MK19-3: 51mm; Type 87: 80mm). Unlike the MK19-3, which can only be fired on tripod, the Type 87 can be carried and fired by a single soldier.

QLZ87式和美国MK19-3型40毫米自动枪榴弹发射器相比，QLZ87式在射程、初速和射速方面较差。但是，中国的35毫米榴弹虽然比MK19-3型的40毫米榴弹轻，但在杀伤半径方面具有更好的性能（MK19-3：7米；87型：11米）和穿甲（MK19-3：51毫米；87型：80毫米）。不像MK19-3型只能在三脚架上发射，87型能被一名单兵携带和发射。

Design

The QLZ87 is a manportable, gas-operated, air-cooled, fully automatic weapon. It fires 35mm HE and HEAT grenades in either single or burst mode. The grenades are fed to the weapon using 6-round (standard variant) or 15-round (heavy variant) cartridge drum. The weapon is equipped with an optical aiming sight. The standard and heavy variants are almost identical in basic designs. The standard variant has a foldable bipod for shooting, while the heavy variant is mounted on a tripod. If necessary, the weapon can also be mounted on vehicles or helicopters. As well as engaging ground targets, the weapon is claimed to be also capable of attacking low-flying airborne targets.

设计

QLZ87式是便携、气吹式、风冷全自动武器。它在单发或扫射模式下发射35毫米HE和HEAT榴弹。供给武器的榴弹使用6-发（标准型）或15发（重型）弹鼓。武器装备光学瞄准具。标准型和重型几乎是同一基本设计。标准型用于射击有一个可折叠双脚架，而重型被装配在一个三脚支架上。如果必需，武器也能装在车辆或直升飞机上。同地面目标交战，武器宣称有能力攻击低飞的空中目标。

Specifications

Calibre: 35mm
Muzzle velocity: 200m/s
Firing mode: Single, burst
Max range: (standard) 600m; (heavy) 1,750m
Weight: (standard, with scope) 12kg; (heavy, with scope) 20kg
Elevation: (heavy, mounted on tripod) -10~70 degrees
Traverse: 360 degrees
Rate of fire: (sustained) 45 rds/min
Grenade weight: 250g
Ammunition: HE, HEAT

规格

口径： 35 毫米
初速： 200 米/秒
射击模式： 单发，扫射
最大射程： （标准）600 米；（重型）1,750 米
重量： （标准，连同瞄准具）12 公斤；（重型，连同瞄准具）20 公斤
高低射界： （重型，装在三脚支架上） -10~70 度
方向射界： 360 度
射速： （持续）45 发/分钟
榴弹重量： 250 克
弹药： HE，HEAT

Last update: 17 April 2006