| Howa Type 96 | |
|---|---|
 Howa Type 96 AGL on display | |
| Type | Automatic grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1996–present |
| Used by | Japan |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Howa[1] |
| Manufacturer | Howa |
| Produced | 1996–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 24.5 kg[1] |
| Length | 975 mm[2] |
| Barrel length | 454 mm[2] |
| Cartridge | 40×53mm |
| Caliber | 40 mm |
| Action | Blow forward |
| Rate of fire | 250-350 rpm[1] |
| Maximum firing range | 1500 m |
| Feed system | 50-grenades belt |
| Sights | Ladder |
The Howa Type 96 automatic grenade launcher (AGL) (96式40mm自動てき弾銃, 96-shiki 40-miri jidōtekidanjū) is a Japanese automatic grenade launcher made by Howa since 1996.
With the need of a heavy fire support weapon in Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) service aside from the use of the Sumitomo Type 62 GPMG and the Sumitomo M2HB machine gun, Howa first created and produced the weapon in 1996.[3]
The Howa Type 96 can be used by both infantry and armored vehicles, the former with a tripod and the latter by being placed on a weapon mount.[1] It is seen as one of the main weapons mounted on the Type 96 Armored Personnel Carrier.[3][4]
On the left side of the Type 96 is a feeding bay where the 40 mm grenades belt can be loaded onto the AGL.[5]
