The M49, produced by Zhang systems, is a compact, high-capacity, high-rate-of-fire weapon designed for close engagements. Firing 14mm tungsten-cored rounds at over 18 rounds per second, the M49 is effective against even heavy armor at close range. However, the weapon uses subsonic bullets and incorporates an extremely robust sound/flash suppressor, rendering it ineffective against hard targets at any considerable range.
The low firing signature of the weapon (at 70-80db) makes the M49 well-suited for combined forces operations where mobile frames may be fighting alongside normal infantry with limited hearing protection.
To to right is Dr. Li Shui, head of the project team responsible for the M49.
