Type 78 recoilless gun

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	Weapon: Type 78 recoilless gun Type: Recoilless Rifle Country of Origin: China Year Adopted: 1978 Caliber: 82mm Action: Recoilless Gun Overall Length (mm): 1560.0 Overall Length (in): 61.42 Weight (kg): 35.00 Weight (pounds): 77.16 Effective Range (m): 1000 m Effective Range (yards): 1093.61

The Chinese Type 78 recoilless gun is a lightweight, man-portable anti-tank weapon developed in the late 1970s as an improvement over earlier recoilless rifle designs such as the Type 65. Designed for use by infantry units, it fires a fin-stabilized high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) projectile capable of defeating light armored vehicles and fortifications. The weapon operates on the recoilless principle, venting propellant gases to the rear to offset recoil, allowing it to be fired from a simple tripod or shoulder mount. Its simple construction and robust steel tube design make it suitable for use in rugged environments with minimal maintenance requirements.

Production of the Type 78 began in 1978, and it was manufactured in significant quantities for both the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and export customers. While exact production figures are not publicly available, the weapon was distributed widely across infantry formations and was also supplied to allied nations and insurgent groups. The Type 78 was available in both a 75 mm and improved 82 mm caliber variant, with the latter offering greater penetration against armored targets. Ammunition types included HEAT rounds, high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) shells, and smoke rounds for multi-role utility.

In service, the Type 78 proved to be a reliable and effective anti-armor system in conflicts involving Chinese-supported forces during the late 20th century. It was particularly valued for its light weight compared to towed anti-tank guns and its ease of use by small infantry teams. However, by the 1990s, the weapon's effectiveness against modern main battle tanks declined due to the introduction of composite and reactive armor. Even so, it remains in use with reserve and militia units in China, and in several developing nations, where it continues to be employed as a low-cost direct fire support weapon. Its notoriety stems from its widespread proliferation and its role as a staple in Cold War-era Chinese infantry firepower.