QJG02 (Type 02) 14.5mm Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun

Last updated: 10 August 2007

The QJG02 (also known as Type 02) is the single-barrel 14.5mm anti-aircraft machine gun (AAMG) developed by 356 Factory of NORINCO for the PLA ground forces. The weapon was designed to engage low-flying helicopters, but it could also be used against ground troops, light armoured vehicles, surface boats, and other soft targets, or provide suppression fire-support for the ground forces. Certified for design finalisation in 2002, the QJG02 has been fielded by the PLA’s coastal defence, air defence, and mountain units stationed in southern China. An improved variant was designated QJG02G.

The ground forces in the 21st century are facing growing threat from the attack helicopters flying at low-altitude. Conventional 12.7mm AAMGs in current service are incapable of causing enough damage to these helicopters, most of which have armour protections around the cockpit. The shoulder-launched air defence missile provides an effective means against helicopters and other low-flying aircraft, but its high unit cost and low fire intensity make it unsuitable for deployment in mass numbers. Small-calibre anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) guns, though also effective against helicopters, are too heavy for light infantry troops operating in mountain and jungle. The various 14.5mm AAMGs developed by Russia and China are deployed by many countries to fill the gap.

The QJG02 is the latest development of the PLA’s 14.5mm AAMG. Two types of ammunitions can be fired by the weapon: a DGE02 armour-piercing high-explosive and incendiary round and a DGJ02 armour-piercing incendiary round with tungsten penetrator and tracer. The DGE02 was designed against unprotected helicopters, vehicles and other soft targets. It can produce over 20 prefabricated fragments as well as incendiary materials on detonation. The DGJ02 has a muzzle velocity of 1,250m/s, and can penetrate 20mm armour angled at 50 degree at a distance of 1,000m. It was designed to engage attack helicopters with armour protection and light armour vehicles.

Among many types of Russian- and Chinese-developed 14.5mm heavy machine guns, the QJG02 is the first gas-operated design. Its barrel is quick-detachable. Mounted on a tripod, the weapon is operated by a five-man crew. The gunner’s seat is directly attached to the machine gun. The improved QJG02G has a 'soft mount', which is basically an annular floating spring, to limit recoil and improve accuracy. By using large amount of aluminum and titanic alloys in its structure, the QJG02 is only 73kg in weight. The weapon normally travels on a two-wheel carriage towed by a truck. If necessary, the weapon can also be dissembled  into seven pieces, with each piece less than 16kg in weight, so that it can be carried by soldiers on their shoulders.

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