QLT89 50mm Silent Individual Grenade Launcher

Last updated: 4 March 2007

The QLT89 (also known as Type 89 in PLA designation) is a compact, 50mm “mini mortar” equipped by the PLA. Development of the weapon began in the mid-1980s and the weapon was first introduced in the early 1990s. A small number of this weapon was equipped by the PLA Garrison Unit in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).

The weapon is mainly equipped by infantry platoons and special operations forces to provide a long range, indirect fire support against point targets, such as machinegun positions and snipers. The weapon has a very low acoustic signature, and fires smokeless, flashless ammunitions. Under most battlefield conditions, it can be fired without giving away its position. With an empty weight of only 4.1kg, the weapon can be carried and operated by a single soldier.

The weapon consists of a tube launcher, firing mechanism, base plate, and carrying sling. The weapon fires 50mm high-explosive (HE) grenade and has a maximum range of 800m and a minimum range of 200m. It is fitted with an iron sight assembly for imprecise aiming.

The 50mm HE grenade is 330mm in length and weights 700g. It is fitted with a safety mechanism which stops the grenade from detonating during the initial 50~100m of its flight. Upon detonation, the grenade can produce 600 prefabricated fragments, which scatter over a 16m radius area. A well trained gunner can reach a rate of firing of 5~10 rounds/min. The QLT89 is regarded to be a valuable weapon when fired in rapid succession, as in close combat situation. However, it is difficult to achieve desired accuracy unless the gunner is highly trained and experienced.

Specifications

Launcher calibre: 50mm
Weight, launcher (empty): 4.10kg
Weight, grenade: 700g
Barrel length: 600mm
Barrel life: 6,000 fires
Muzzle velocity: 100m/s
Effective range: 200~800m
Firing: Single-shot
Loading: Muzzle loaded