Type 38 machine gun parasite eve sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset. The Type 38 machine gun, a pivotal part of Japanese military history, played a significant role in shaping the nation’s defense strategies during the early 20th century.
The Type 38 machine gun’s historical context and development will be discussed, including its design and manufacturing specifications. Additionally, its role in Japanese military history will be explored, highlighting its significance in shaping the country’s defense strategies during this period.
Type 38 Machine Gun Overview: Type 38 Machine Gun Parasite Eve
The Type 38 Machine Gun was a standard-issue machine gun used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. It was a water-cooled, recoil-operated machine gun designed to be a heavy, accurate, and reliable suppressive fire weapon. The Type 38 saw extensive service in various theaters, including China, the Soviet Union, and Southeast Asia.
Design and Manufacturing Specifications, Type 38 machine gun parasite eve
The Type 38 Machine Gun was designed by the Japanese military with input from several manufacturers, including the Namihei Odaira-led Ōta Seisakuusho Company. The gun’s most notable design features include:
- The water-cooled design helped maintain a relatively consistent firing rate of 450-550 rounds per minute.
- The barrel was jacketed, with a quick-change feature allowing the operator to swap out barrels in case of overheating or fouling.
- The gun’s feed system utilized a 30-round pan magazine. It was also capable of being loaded with 50-round pan magazines on a special mount.
The Type 38 was a robust, heavy machine gun with a length of 58.2 inches and a weight of approximately 42 pounds (19kg), including its cooling system. The gun was chambered for the 6.5×50 Arisaka cartridge.
Historical Context and Development
Japan began researching and developing its first machine guns in the early 1920s. The Type 98 (also known as the Model 98) was an initial design created in 1927. However, the production run was short-lived due to the high cost and unreliability of its water-cooling system.
In contrast, the Type 99 Machine Gun design (introduced in 1939, a year prior to the Type 99 rifle) was an improvement but had issues. This led to improvements in the Type 1 (1941) and ultimately to the Type 2 in 1942. The Type 2, in turn, developed from the original Type 99 prototype. These changes, including an entirely new cooling system and adjustments to the barrel jacket, led to the creation of the Type 3 in 1943, and the Type 97/99 variants eventually led to Type 38.
The Imperial Japanese Army‘s desire for a versatile, yet powerful and durable machine gun fueled the creation and continuous refinement of these designs. In the midst of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the lead-up to World War II, Japan’s military sought a machine gun that could serve as a reliable and accurate support weapon, and their continuous research and testing led to the introduction of the Type 38.
Mechanism and Technical Details
The Type 38 machine gun is a reliable and robust firearm that played a significant role in various conflicts throughout history. Its mechanical components, ammunition, and operating procedures are crucial to understanding its performance and effectiveness on the battlefield.
Mechanical Components
The Type 38 machine gun features a belt-fed, air-cooled design with a gas-operated system. Its mechanical components include a breech locking mechanism, gas cylinder, piston, and a trigger mechanism with a sear and disconnecting lever. The gun also features a muzzle brake to reduce recoil and a folding bipod for stability.
The Type 38’s mechanical components are designed to provide a reliable and consistent rate of fire. The breech locking mechanism ensures that the breech is securely locked in place during firing, while the gas cylinder and piston work in tandem to cycle the action.
Ammunition and Specifications
The Type 38 machine gun is designed to fire 6.5mm Arisaka ammunition. This round features a 6.55mm diameter bullet with a 25.6mm length and a muzzle velocity of approximately 610 meters per second. The ammunition is loaded into a 30-round pan magazine, which is fed into the gun via an open-top receiver.
The Type 38 is designed to fire a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing, high-explosive, and tracer rounds. Its ability to switch between different types of ammunition allows it to adapt to various combat scenarios.
Operating Procedures and Troubleshooting Techniques
Breech Action and Cycling
The Type 38’s breech action is opened by lifting the cocking handle, which also ejects the spent casing. The bolt is then locked in place by the breech locking mechanism. The gun is loaded by feeding a round into the chamber and closing the bolt.
The breech locking mechanism is designed to ensure a reliable and consistent rate of fire. However, it can jam if the gun is not properly maintained or if the ammunition is not correctly seated.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Common issues with the Type 38 machine gun include misfires, jams, and excessive wear on the mechanical components. To troubleshoot these issues, operators should first check the ammunition and ensure it is properly seated in the chamber. If the issue persists, they should inspect the breech locking mechanism and gas cylinder for signs of wear or damage.
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent mechanical failures and ensure the Type 38 functions reliably in combat. Operators should follow a regular maintenance schedule to check and clean the gun’s components, lubricate moving parts, and perform routine inspections.
Comparison with Other Machine Guns
The Type 38 machine gun is comparable to other machine guns of its time, including the Lewis Gun and the Browning M1917. However, it features a more reliable breech locking mechanism and a higher rate of fire than its contemporaries.
The Type 38’s design and mechanical components make it a reliable and effective firearm on the battlefield. Its ability to switch between different types of ammunition and its durable construction make it a valuable asset for military forces.
Reliability and Performance
The Type 38 machine gun features a high level of reliability and performance, with a reported rate of fire of up to 500 rounds per minute. Its breech locking mechanism and gas cylinder ensure a consistent rate of fire, even in harsh combat conditions.
Its durability and reliability make the Type 38 a valuable asset on the battlefield. Operators can rely on it to perform consistently, even in extreme environments.
Historical Significance in Anime and Games
The Type 38 machine gun has appeared in various forms of media, including anime, manga, and video games, showcasing its historical significance in popular culture. The incorporation of real-world historical guns in these mediums not only adds realism but also contributes to their cultural significance.
Prevalence in Anime and Manga
The Type 38 machine gun has been featured in several notable anime and manga series, including “Parasite Eve,” which we discussed earlier. In these works, the gun is often depicted in its historical context, serving as a symbol of Japan’s military past. This representation highlights the complexity of Japan’s history, particularly its military involvement in World War II.
Representation in Video Games
In video games, the Type 38 machine gun has appeared in titles such as “Call of Duty” and “Battlefield.” These games often use historical guns like the Type 38 as a means to recreate realistic battle scenarios, providing players with an immersive experience. The inclusion of historical guns in video games contributes to their cultural significance by making them more relatable and engaging.
Examples of Historical Guns in Anime, Manga, and Video Games
- Parasite Eve (1997) – This survival horror game features a Type 38 machine gun as one of the playable firearms.
- Call of Duty: World at War (2008) – The game includes a Type 38 machine gun as a historical gun, used by the Japanese military.
- Battlefield 1942 (2002) – This first-person shooter game features a Type 38 machine gun as a playable firearm, used by the Japanese military.
- Ghost in the Shell (1995) – This manga and anime series features a cyborg character using a modified Type 38 machine gun.
Impact of Historical Guns in Media
The inclusion of historical guns in media has a significant impact on their cultural significance. By depicting these guns in their historical context, these works provide a unique perspective on the complexities of war and the importance of historical accuracy. This representation also serves as a reminder of the consequences of war and the importance of understanding historical events.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, the Type 38 machine gun parasite eve provides a captivating account of the historical significance of this machine gun in Japanese military history, its representation in the anime series Parasite Eve, and its design considerations. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the historical context and development of military guns, and how they continue to be represented and referenced in popular culture.
FAQ Section
What was the purpose of the Type 38 machine gun in Japanese military history?
The Type 38 machine gun played a significant role in Japan’s military strategy during the early 20th century, serving as a primary firearm for the Imperial Japanese Army.
How is the Type 38 machine gun represented in the anime series Parasite Eve?
The Type 38 machine gun is featured prominently in the anime series Parasite Eve, with characters utilizing the gun in various missions and sequences.
What are the design considerations of the Type 38 machine gun?
The Type 38 machine gun’s design was influenced by the need for reliability and durability in a military weapon. Its design features include a water-cooled barrel and a simple, robust mechanism.
How does the representation of the Type 38 machine gun in anime affect its cultural significance?
The representation of the Type 38 machine gun in anime helps to raise awareness and interest in the historical significance of the gun, potentially influencing its cultural impact and perception.
