Japanese_Paratrooper_Weapons_WWII

The standard 7.7mm Type 99 (1939) LMG, which already had a detachable quick-change barrel, was provided with a detachable shoulder stock and hollow forward-folding pistol grip; this model came into use in1943 #1, #2. At 46’/ in long, this weighed 231b, took 30-round box magazines, and had a rate of fire of 850rpm. Few sub-machine guns were initially used, but larger numbers were issued for the deployments to the Philippines in 1944; although they were not listed on organization tables, a Takachiho paratrooper veteran stated that they had about 100 per regiment. Three versions of the 8mm Type 100 (1940) were employed. The original 1940 version #3, which already had a detachable barrel, was modified in 1942 with a folding stock and the removal of the flash hider #4a, #4b; length was 34in, or 22.2in folded; weight, 7lb; and rate of fire, 450rpm. The much altered 1944 version #5, without a folding stock, weighed 81 lb, measured 36in, and fired at 850rpm. All used 30-round magazines. The Type 100 bayonet issued with the SMG had an 8in blade #6. The 5cm Type 89 (1929) grenade discharger #7 - popularly but mistakenly called a “knee mortar” by Allied troops - weighed 10.31b; a 1943 paratroop version had a detachable base plate #8, although the standard model base plate and firing mechanism could already be unscrewed and reversed inside the barrel for compact carrying. This valuable weapon fired HE #9a or WP #9b shells out to 700yds, and Type 91 1931) hand grenades fitted with propellant charges #9c to 200yds; a range of smoke and pyrotechnic rounds included this 3-star red flare #9d. The discharger was carried in a canvas case slung from the shoulder, and paratroopers were provided with a chest pack. Some IJA officers carried 3.5cm Taisho Type 10 (1921) flare pistols #10; the IJN used the 2.8cm Type 97 (1937) #11. The IJN 17-pocket paratroop bandoleer is shown at #12.