Huadai Precision Industries H68
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| Huadai Precision Industries H68 | |
|---|---|
| File:Huadai Precision Industries H68.png The Huadai Precision Industries H68 assault rifle | |
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  DSRA |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1968-Present |
| Used by |  Anikatia; see Users |
| Wars | Nazali War, Kolenomese War of Liberation, Myrdesia War, Seubyeni Islands Crisis |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Huadai Precision Industries |
| Unit cost | UR$250 (2014, H68R export variant) |
| Produced | 1968-Present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | R: 3.07 kg (6.8 lb) RS: 2.97 kg (6.5 lb) RKS: 2.7 kg (6.0 lb) RM: 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) LSW: 4.8 kg (10.6 lb) |
| Length | R: 943 mm (37.1 in) RS: 943 mm (37.1 in) stock extended / 690 mm (27.2 in) stock folded. RKS: 735 mm (28.9 in) stock extended / 490 mm (19.3 in) stock folded. LSW: 590 mm (23.2 in) |
| Cartridge | 5.45×39mm |
| Action | Gas-operated reloading, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 660 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 880-900 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 550-800 m sight adjustments |
| Feed system | 30, 45, 75-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Aperture rear sight, hooded forward post front sight |
The Huadai Precision Industries H68 is an assault rifle made in Anikatia. It was developed in 1960s as the replacement for the earlier H53 Production started in 1968 was produced by a state-owned factory until 2001. Since then it has been produced by Huadai Precision Industries, who continue to produce the rifle primarily for export. It uses a smaller 5.45×39mm cartridge, replacing the 7.62×39mm chambering of earlier Anikatian weapons. The shift was a result of experience gained during the Nazali and Kolenomese Wars which demonstrated the benefits of an intermediate round which allowed troops to carry more ammunition onto the battlefield. The H68 was rushed into service to help win the fight in the ongoing conflicts, its widespread adoption did not take place until the early 1970s.
The H68 and derivatives and variants remain among the most widely used assault rifles in the world because of their substantial reliability under harsh conditions, low production costs, ease of use and wide availability. The basic design has been manufactured in many countries and the design has served as the base for many derivative designs. During the Cold War period, the H68 was exported to many countries and guerilla forces throughout the world. Many of these rifles found their way to battlefields in virtually every geographic region of the world.
Design and development
Following battlefield experience from multiple fronts but most notably in the Kolenomese War of Liberation and Nazali War by communist forces. The communist forces won decisive victories against Free Pardes forced allowing them to capture many examples of small arms including the brand new Emmerian made AR-15 rifles and 5.56x45mm ammunition provided the OttPac with look at the latest Free Pardes weapons. While the AR-15 was plagued with reliability issues in combat, the idea behind a lighter weapon which made extensive use of plastics and composite materials to save weight along with a high-velocity intermediate-caliber round that allowed troops to carrier far more ammunition into the battlefield gave the Otterup Pact incentive to research adapting the existing H53 rifle to accept a new light-weight, high-velocity cartridge. The new light-weight, high-velocity military service cartridges chosen was the 5.45×39mm which allowed a soldier to carry more ammunition for the same weight compared to their larger and heavier predecessor cartridges and produced a relatively low bolt thrust and free recoil impulse, which improved automatic fire accuracy.
The H68 is an adaptation of the 7.62×39mm H53 assault rifle and features several important design improvements. These improvements were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the intermediate-caliber high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge. The new weapon increased effective range, accuracy and reliability over preceding designs. Nonetheless, the H68 shares an approximate a high degree of commonality with the H53 to the fact that many parts are interchangeable. The transition to mainly plastic magazines and the light weight, high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge yielded a significant weight reduction and allow a soldier to carry considerably more rounds for the same weight compared to the previous Huadai H53 7.62×39mm chambered assault rifles.
Design
Originally, the H68 featured stamped receivers. Visually, most versions of the H68 are distinguished by the fully enclosed hooded front sight. Many versions also feature a folding bayonet attached to the barrel just aft of the muzzle. There are three different types of bayonets made for H68 rifles. It's is simple, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to clean and maintain. The bore and chamber, as well as the gas piston and the interior of the gas cylinder, are generally chromium-plated. This plating dramatically increases the life of these parts by resisting corrosion and wear.
The standard assault rifle variant is fed from a 30-round, ABC plastic magazine. The transition to mainly plastic magazines and the relatively small sized, light weight, high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge yielded a significant weight reduction and allow a soldier to carry considerably more rounds for the same weight compared to the previous 7.62x39mm H53 rifles used.
Furniture
Most versions initially had laminated wooden furnitures and fixed stock, but this were quickly replaced on later variants with a new synthetic, high-impact black plastic handguard, folding stock and pistol grip. The stock has a shoulder pad different from that on the H53, which is rubber and serrated for improved grip. In addition, there are lightening cuts on each side of the stock.
Variants
H68R
- Basic variant introduced in 1968 with a fixed wooden stock.
H68RM
- A Modernised lighter version featuring a number of improvements such as a new lightened bolt and carrier assembly, improved muzzle device. This is the most ubiquitous variant of the H68. Still manufactured primarily for export.
H68RS
- A variant of the H68 equipped with a side-folding metal shoulder stock, designed primarily for use with airborne infantry. The stock has a triangular shape; and folds to the left side of the receiver. The hinged stock is securely locked in its extended position by a spring-loaded button catch located at the rear of the receiver. When folded, the stock is held closed by a spring-loaded capture hook situated on the left side at the front of the receiver housing. A rear-mounted sling swivel is also provided on the right side at the beginning of the stock frame.
H68RKS
- The carbine version of the H68R, was designed for tank crews and special forces. It featured a shorter gas block and the front sight post is combined with the gas-block to provide an overall short length. The side folder is straight and folds to the left.
H68-LSW
- The H68 LSW light machine gun variant it has a heavier and longer barrel. This allows the H68 LSW to fire for extended periods of time without major loss in accuracy due to the barrel heating up, it is additionally equipped with a carrying handle, folding bipod and a more supportive stock. Offered in 5.45×39mm with a 45 round box magazine or a 75 round drum magazine.
Ammunition
The H68 series of rifles is available with variants chambered in the following cartridges 5.45×39mm.
Accessories
The additional equipment the weapons is supplied with include: a secure carry case, 3 spare magazines, a magazine pouch, cleaning brush, muzzle cap, oil bottle, unified sling, front sight adjustment tool and a threaded blank-firing adapter.
Users
- Anikatia
- Anikatian Ground Force Being phased out in favour of the H83
- File:NB flag in Pardes.png Belhavia
- Template:Country data Goredemabwa
- Template:Country data Goredemabwa Goredemabwan National Army Used by elite special forces units
Arthurista
- Template:Country data Hornatyia
- Used by various Interior Ministry units and Royal Hornatyian Defense Force reserve units.
Kolenomai
- All branches of the Kolenomese People's Armed Forces
Historical users
- Template:Country data Hornatyia Democratic Republic of Hornatyia
- Standard issue rifle of the Hornatyian People's Army between 1970 and 1980. Replaced by the AÚP vz. 77 and domestic copies of the H68.
- Kolenomai
