The machine was developed by the Japanese company Howa Machinery Company Ltd. It is based on the AR-18 rifle. The assault rifle replaced the Type 64 automatic rifle.
Automatic Type 89 is based on the removal of powder gases from the bore, locking is carried out by turning the bolt by 7 lugs. The gas piston consists of two parts: a head located in front and having a smaller diameter relative to the gas cylinder, and a more massive piston body located approximately in the middle of the cylinder. Due to this, the transfer of energy from the powder gases to the piston occurs in two stages, which contributes to a smoother operation of the mechanisms and a decrease in their wear.
The machine is equipped with a shutter delay, the corresponding button is located on the left. USM allows firing single and continuous bursts, it is possible to install the trigger with an additional firing mode in fixed bursts of 3 rounds. The fuse-translator is located above the pistol grip on the right. The fore-end is made of aluminum, on top of which there are plastic pads.
The machine is equipped with a folding two-legged bipod. A bayonet-knife can also be attached, and rifle grenades can be thrown from the barrel. The magazines used for 30 rounds are identical in design to the STANAG magazines, but have holes on the left to control the ammunition consumption. Began to release in 1989. Weight 3.5 kg. Length 916 mm. Caliber 5, 56 * 45mm.
