Howa Type 89

The Howa Type 89, the standard issue assault rifle of the Japanese Defense Forces.

- History
In the late 80's alot of countries switched from battle rifles to assault rifles, and Japan wanted a new 5.56 assault rifle to replace the older Howa Type 64. Howa (firearms manufacterer) already produced a licensed version of the AR-18 so it was easier and cheaper to produce a rifle based on a rifle that was already in production. With a new rifle designed the Japanese tested the rifle and after small cnages the final product came out (HR-15).

- Design
The Type 89's mechanism is similair to the one of the AR-18 (Short stroke gas piston, multi-lug rotating bolt), except it doesnt have dual guid rods and recoil springs. The rifle is mainly made from stamped aluminum making it lightweight. The charging handle is on the right side and it has a bolt release on the left side (similair to the AR-18). There are also versions with a tubular folding stock for paratroopers and tankists (Type-89F)

- Replacement
The Type-89 is slowly being replaced by the newer Type-20. The Type-20 is more modular and more practical for modern combat