Type 96 with Type 99 heavy armored shield
On December 26, 1939, a proposal was made to abolish the Type 93 Gun Shield and replace it with the Type 99 Gun Shield. The Type 99 Heavy Gun Shield was designed to protect light machine gunners from enemy rifle fire during close combat, whether attacking, advancing, or stationary. Its structure was made of special steel plate, measuring 35 cm wide, approximately 50 cm high, and 6 mm thick. It weighed 7.4 kg, making it portable, and was designed to withstand standard rounds even at close range. Research began in August 1938, modeled after the Type 93 Gun Shield, and was designed to protect the barrel and allow unobstructed use of sights. Prototype production was completed in June 1939. Testing in July of the same year revealed the need for modifications. The modifications were completed in August of the same year, and performance was generally deemed satisfactory. After this, the Army Infantry School was commissioned to conduct tests to determine the suitability of the structure and whether there were any problems with handling. The results were that the weight and shape were appropriate and convenient for operation. It was also determined that the gunman should carry the mantlet in the case of the Type 96 light machine gun , and the number one gunner (non-shooter) in the case of the Type 11 light machine gun
The back of a Type 99 gun mantlet fired with a 7.7mm standard round. In tests, the gun was not penetrated from 100 feet, but was penetrated by armor-piercing rounds.
