The Type 99 Light Machine Gun (99式輕機槍), or QJQ-99, was introduced in 2299 CE. It is unusual in that it has served for a few decades. Normally, it would have been phased out as part of the Dìguó Jūnshì's propensity to regularly update its equipment while recycling the older stocks to keep its martial edge. However, this relative longevity instead speaks of the weapon's robust performance, keeping it a mainstay of light automatic fire support for warriors of the Daqin Empire.
Unlike the standard TBQ-3 that it provides support for, the QJQ-99 does not feature a lightweight, ported barrel to vent gyrojet exhaust sideways to reduce recoil. Instead, it features a conventional, smooth-bore barrel made out of steel hyper-alloy. This drastically increases projectile velocity, lending the weapon anti-material capability at the expense of drastically reduced projectile steering and aim assist. Unconventionally, this barrel features a radial heatsink system and forced cooling shroud reminiscent of the ancient Lewis Gun. Despite this measure to prevent overheat, a carry handle for rapid barrel swapping is present, and its position may be changed to allow for use as a fore-grip as well.
Its design quirks however, do not end there, as the internal firing mechanisms are electrically driven, much like many autocannons and chain-guns. The ammunition belt from the under-slung box or drum is pulled up by the mechanism, de-linked and fed into the chamber, with the rotary bolt locking closed behind it. The disintegrating belt is ejected out from the side, with the dust cover opening as the weapon operates. Perhaps just as importantly, dud ammunition is ejected out from the opposite side.
As a result of this operating system, the weapon is absolutely peerless in reliability, while remaining lightweight thanks to the use of the empire's advanced material technology. During use, it is typically found with a 200 round belt box, but may also be attached to an ammunition backpack via belt chute.
Unlike the standard TBQ-3 that it provides support for, the QJQ-99 does not feature a lightweight, ported barrel to vent gyrojet exhaust sideways to reduce recoil. Instead, it features a conventional, smooth-bore barrel made out of steel hyper-alloy. This drastically increases projectile velocity, lending the weapon anti-material capability at the expense of drastically reduced projectile steering and aim assist. Unconventionally, this barrel features a radial heatsink system and forced cooling shroud reminiscent of the ancient Lewis Gun. Despite this measure to prevent overheat, a carry handle for rapid barrel swapping is present, and its position may be changed to allow for use as a fore-grip as well.
Its design quirks however, do not end there, as the internal firing mechanisms are electrically driven, much like many autocannons and chain-guns. The ammunition belt from the under-slung box or drum is pulled up by the mechanism, de-linked and fed into the chamber, with the rotary bolt locking closed behind it. The disintegrating belt is ejected out from the side, with the dust cover opening as the weapon operates. Perhaps just as importantly, dud ammunition is ejected out from the opposite side.
As a result of this operating system, the weapon is absolutely peerless in reliability, while remaining lightweight thanks to the use of the empire's advanced material technology. During use, it is typically found with a 200 round belt box, but may also be attached to an ammunition backpack via belt chute.
- Rate of Fire: 20 Rounds per Second as Standard (Fully Variable)
- Ammunition: 7.62x40mm Huángfēng (黃蜂)
- Belted Magazine Size: 200
- Effective Range (Point Target): 2000 Meters