Jump to content

FN MAG

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Vnomad (talk | contribs) at 16:17, 16 June 2011 (→British subvariants: The company is now called BAE Systems not British Aerospace). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

For the hoax, see KSP 58.
MAG
FN MAG GPMG in an exhibition at Yad la-Shiryon Museum, Latrun, Israel.
TypeGeneral purpose machine gun
Place of origin Belgium
Service history
Used bySee Users
WarsRhodesian Bush War, South African Border War, Yom Kippur War, Falklands War, Gulf War, 2003 Iraq conflict, Afghanistan Conflict
Production history
DesignerErnest Vervier
Designed1950s
ManufacturerFabrique Nationale (FN)
Produced1958–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
MassTemplate:Kg to lb
Length1,263 mm (49.7 in)
Barrel length630 mm (24.8 in)
Width118.7 mm (4.7 in)
Height263 mm (10.4 in)
Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, open bolt
Rate of fire650–1,000 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity840 m/s (2,756 ft/s)
Effective firing range800 metres
Maximum firing range1,500 m from tripod
Feed systemNon-disintegrating DM1 or disintegrating M13 linked belt
SightsFolding leaf sight with aperture and notch, front blade

The FN MAG is a Belgian 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun, designed in the early 1950s at Fabrique Nationale (FN) by Ernest Vervier. It has been used by more than 80 countries, and it has been made under licence in countries such as Argentina, Egypt, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.[1] The weapon's name is an abbreviation for Mitrailleuse d'Appui Général,[2] meaning general purpose machine gun (GPMG). The MAG is available in three primary versions: the standard, heavy infantry Model 60-20 machine gun, the Model 60-40 coaxial machine gun for armoured fighting vehicles and the Model 60-30 aircraft variant.

Design details

A U.S. Marine firing the British L7A2 version of the MAG.
An FN MAG mounted on a Eurocopter EC 725 Cougar MkII at the 2007 Paris Air Show held at Le Bourget airport.

The MAG Model 60-20 is an automatic, air-cooled, gas-operated machine gun, firing belt-fed 7.62×51mm NATO from an open bolt.

Operating mechanism

The MAG uses ignited powder gases vented through a port in the barrel to propel a gas piston rod connected to the locking assembly (it uses a long-stroke piston system). The barrel breech is locked with a vertically tilting, downward locking lever mechanism that is connected to the bolt carrier through an articulated joint. The locking shoulder and camming surfaces that guide the locking lever are located at the base of the receiver. The MAG uses a series of proven design concepts from other successful firearms, for example the locking mechanism is modeled on that of the Browning M1918 (BAR) automatic rifle, and the feed and trigger mechanisms are from the WWII-era MG42 universal machine gun.

The MAG fires from an open bolt. Both the spring-powered extractor and ejector are contained in the bolt. After firing, spent cartridge casings are removed through an ejection port located at the base of the receiver (a spring-loaded dust cover of the MG42 type covers the ejection port). The machine gun has a striker firing mechanism (the bolt carrier acts as the striker as it contains a channel that houses the firing pin, which protrudes out from the surface of the bolt upon firing), an automatic-only trigger assembly and a manual cross-bolt push-button safety, which is located above the pistol grip. With the safety placed in the safe setting, the sear mechanism is disabled. The safety can only be engaged with the weapon cocked.

Features

The weapon feeds from the left-hand side from open-link, metal ammunition belts: either the American disintegrating M13 belt (NATO standard) or the segmented German DM1 belt, whose 50-round sections can be linked together through a cartridge. In order to adapt the weapon to feed from one belt type to the other, several components of the feed mechanism need to be reconfigured since the position of the feed tray's cartridge stop and pawl angles in the top cover are different. The MAG features a pawl-type feeding mechanism that continues to move the feed link during both the rearward and forward cycles of the reciprocating bolt carrier, producing a smooth belt flow. The feeding mechanism's three pawls are actuated by a roller connected to the bolt carrier. The feed channel rail, feed link, both feed slides and the feed tray are chrome plated. The top cover body is an anodized aluminum casting. In the infantry assault role, the weapon can be fitted with a sheet metal container that houses a 50-round belt and is attached to the left side of the receiver.

The quick-change barrel has a slotted flash suppressor. The barrel's chamber and bore are chromium-lined and the barrel has four right-hand grooves with a 305 mm (1:12 in) rifling twist rate. Also attached to the barrel is the front sight base, carry handle and gas block (equipped with an exhaust-type gas regulator valve with three settings).

The machine gun is fitted with a folding bipod (attached to the end of the gas cylinder) that can be adjusted for height. For carrying or use as a forearm, the aluminum legs can be folded back and secured in slots under the receiver by hooks and a spring-loaded catch. When firing from the hip, the bipod legs remain extended and the left leg is gripped for support. The bipod can be removed from the gas cylinder by tapping-out a roll pin in the gas cylinder head until it is flush and the bipod can be rotated enough to clear the gas cylinder's retaining lugs.

The MAG is also equipped with a fixed wooden stock, pistol grip, carrying handle and iron sights that consist of a forward blade (adjustable mechanically for both windage and elevation) and a folding leaf rear sight with an aperture in the down position for firing distances from 200 to 800 m in 100 m increments and an open U-notch for ranges from 800 to 1,800 m graduated every 100 m. The rear sight is hinged to a base with protective ears that is integral with the receiver's upper forging.

The MAG's receiver is constructed from sheet metal stampings reinforced by steel plates and rivets. The front is reinforced to accept the barrel nut and gas cylinder which are permanently mounted. Guide rails that support the bolt assembly and piston extension during their reciprocating movement are riveted to the side plates. The bolt's guide rails are shaped downward to drive the locking lever into engagement with the locking shoulder, which is also riveted to the side plates. The rear of the receiver has been reinforced and slotted to accept the butt-stock.

In the static machine gun role the weapon is mounted on a tripod that offers a higher degree of accuracy and control than the bipod, for example the FN 360° tripod, which features an elevation adjustment mechanism that enables the weapon's bore axis to be maintained from 300 mm (11.8 in) to 600 mm (23.6 in), has a 30° to +15° elevation change and a 360° traverse range.

Variants

FN production variants

The Type 74 machine gun, a Taiwanese version of the MAG.
7.62 Ametralladora Tipo 60-20 MAG, Argentine version of the FN MAG used by the Argentine Army.
Designation Description
MAG 60.20 Standard infantry version with pistol grip, fixed buttstock, and bipod; Many subvariants including the T3 (L7A1) and T6 (L7A2)
MAG 60.30 Fixed aircraft version, firing from a solenoid trigger; Capable, at least in some subvariants, of left and right hand feeding
MAG 60.40 Coaxial version for armoured fighting vehicles; Many subvariants including the T3 (M240)
MAG 10.10 Jungle version with shorter barrel and buttstock.

The vehicle-mounted variant of the MAG lacks a stock, bipod, carry handle, pistol grip, ejection port dust cover and a mount for optical sights. It does, however, have a new closed-type gas regulator. Depending on the weapon's employment, the machine gun can also be fitted with an extended charging handle linkage, standard trigger group (with a pistol grip), or a specialized trigger assembly with an electrically fired trigger.

The pintle-mounted aircraft model is fed from either the right- or left-hand side exclusively with the M13 belt. Thus configured weapons typically lack standard iron sights and are equipped with electrically powered triggers.

British subvariants

Designation Description
L7A1 7.62×51 mm NATO FN MAG 60.20 T3 machine gun.
L7A2 L7A1 variant; FN MAG 60.20 T6; Improved feed mechanism and provision for 50 round belt-box.
L8A1 L7A1 variant; For mounting inside AFVs. No buttstock. Barrel fitted with fume extractor. Solenoid-triggered, but with folding pistol grip for emergency use.
L8A2 L8A1 variant; improved feed mechanism.
L19A1 L7A1 variant; extra-heavy barrel.
L20A1 L7A1 variant; for remote firing in gun pods and external mountings.
L20A2 L20A1 variant; improved feed mechanism.
L37A1 L8A1 variant; L8A1 breech & L7 barrel for mounting on AFVs. Conventional pistol grip and trigger, plus kit allowing dismounted use.
L37A2 L37A1 variant; L8A2 based. As above.
L43A1 L7A1 variant; for use as a ranging gun on the Scorpion light tank
L44A1 L20A1 variant; for Royal Navy

The L7 general purpose machine gun is used by the British Army.[3] The L7 and the related L8 are license-built derivatives of the MAG. The official British Army designation for the current version is the L7A2 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun). The L7 was adopted by the British forces as a replacement for the long-serving Vickers machine gun (in the medium role) and the Bren (in the light assault role), following trials in 1957. Built under license originally by Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock and currently by Manroy Engineering,[4] it serves in the British Army, the Royal Marines and other services. There have been two main variants, the L7A1 and L7A2, developed for infantry use, with the L7A2 having superseded the earlier variant. Several other variants have been developed, notably the L8 (produced in the L8A1 and L8A2 versions), modified for mounting inside armoured vehicles (the L37 variant was developed for mounting on armoured vehicles). Although intended to replace the Bren entirely, that light machine gun (re-titled as the L4) continued in use in jungle terrain (especially in the Far East), where there was no requirement for the medium machine gun role, and with secondary units, until the adoption of the L86A1 Light Support Weapon (LSW). The LSW was intended to replace both the L7 and the L4 in the light machine gun role, but dissatisfaction with the L86's sustained fire capabilities and reliability resulted in combat units continuing to utilize the L7 whenever possible (although neither it, nor its 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition were supposed to be issued to infantry platoons). The British Army and Royal Marines have since been issued with the L110A1 (FN Minimi Para) to replace the LSW as the light section support or fire support weapon. This uses the same NATO-standard 5.56×45mm ammunition as the L85 assault rifle. However 7.62 mm L7 variants continue to be used in both dismounted roles and mounted on some British military vehicles, naval vessels, and aircraft.

In 1961, the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (now BAE Systems) in the United Kingdom, undertook license production of the MAG in the following versions: L7A2, L8A2, L37A2, L20A1 and the L43A1. These models all use the M13 ammunition belt.

The L7A2, general purpose machine gun, replaced the L7A1 in service with the British Army. Compared to the MAG Model 60-20, it features, among other minor changes, a 10-position gas regulator valve, a plastic butt-stock and a bracket, used to mount optical day- and night-vision sights, mounted to the left side of the receiver. In a stationary defensive role, the L7A2 can be mounted on the L4A1 tripod in conjunction with a periscope sight.

The L8A2 coaxial tank machine gun (replaced the L8A1) has a different gas valve switch (closed, single-position), when compared to the analogous Model 60-40, a different flash hider and a modified cocking handle. The weapon also has a trigger group that accepts electrical input and a lever in the feed tray that enables the belt to be removed without lifting the feed tray cover.

Another tank machine gun is the L37A2 (succeeded the L37A1) designed to be mounted on tank turrets, in the commander's position, on wheeled armoured vehicles and on armored personnel carriers. It differs from the L8A2 primarily in its trigger, which was adapted from the L7A2 GPMG. The machine gun can be used in the ground role for self-defense, by dismounted vehicle crew members, the egress kit consists of an L7A2 barrel, bipod and buttstock.

The L20A1 aircraft machine gun was based on the L8A2, from which it differs by having an electrical trigger and a slotted flash suppressor. The L20A1 can be converted to right-hand feed by changing several components in the feed mechanism.

The L43A1, also developed from the L8A2, is a coaxially-mounted tank machine gun used to sight-in the vehicle's main gun by firing ballistically-matched tracer ammunition at the target to confirm the trajectory visually. The weapon's barrel, fitted with a flash hider, has a reinforced and heavier structure that increases the weapon's accuracy especially during sustained fire.

Swedish Army variants

Ksp 58

Ksp 58: Adapted in 1958 using the 6.5×55mm Mauser rifle cartridge which at that time was the standard cartridge in the Swedish Army. Manufactured by FFV-Carl Gustaf.

Ksp 58 B: In the early 1970s, the weapon was modified with a new gas regulator and at the same time the barrels were replaced to the new standard 7.62 NATO, same as used by the AK 4. Ksp 58 replaced the considerably heavier Ksp m/42B in the infantry units.

Ksp 58 C: On Combat Vehicle 90, this version replaces the previously used Ksp m/39 in the third quarter of 2004.

Ksp 58 Strv: stripped variant mainly used for fixed mounting in tanks. Dismissed from organisation along with Stridsvagn 103.

Ksp 58 D: Reserved designation for the renovated and modified Ksp 58B. The trial version are referred to as 'Ksp 58 DF', where the 'F' stands for 'Försök' (Experimental). Some of the modifications:[5]

  • A MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail system added. Half of the weapons has an adjustable rail - the others a fixed.
  • Red dot sight (Aimpoint).
  • The carrying handle is shortened to half its original length. This was necessary to be able to have extended rail for sight systems.
  • Collapsible butt stock or folding stock.
  • 100 mm shorter barrel.
  • Better and shorter flash hider to reduce the length of the weapon and make the muzzle flash less, not to disturb the view of the shooter by night.
  • Fluted barrel in order to reduce the weight and better distribute the heat of the barrel.
  • Gas regulator has only 4 settings (instead of 8). The last position is painted red and is intended for emergency use.
  • Cassette (pouch) for ammo contains 100 cartridges (previously 50).
  • New ammo cases.
  • New equipment bags.
  • Bi-pod is painted green.
  • There is a sheet for protection / one side green other side white / summer & winter camouflage.
  • The weight of the MG is the same, but the entire system is now 3 kg (6.5 lbs) lighter.

USA

Main article: M240 machine gun
A U.S. Marine fires a tripod-mounted M240G.

On January 14, 1977, the US Army awarded a contract to FN Herstal for the delivery of a modernized Model 60-40 variant tank machine gun designated the M240. Initially the firearms were produced in Belgium. Currently they are manufactured in the USA by FN's US wholly owned subsidiary FNMI (FN Manufacturing Inc.) located in Columbia, South Carolina.

The M240 is built in several versions:

  • M240 standard coaxial machine gun used by US armored vehicles. It is used in the M60 series of tanks (where it replaced the M73/M219 7.62 mm machine guns) and the M1 Abrams family. It has an electrically operated trigger and a reloading lever. Compared to the MAG Model 60-40, the M240 has a different flash hider and gas valve.
  • M240E1 installed since 1987 on LAV-series wheeled armored fighting vehicles, has a spade-type grip with an integral trigger and cocking mechanism.
  • M240D an upgrade of the M240E1 and is optimized for use in military helicopters in a pintle-mounted configuration. The M240D is also supplied with a kit for dismounted use.
  • M240H an improved version of the M240D. The M240H features a rail equipped feed cover, an improved flash suppressor, and has been configured so it can be more quickly converted to infantry standard using an Egress Kit. The M240H is 41.2 in (1,050 mm) long, has a 23.6 in (600 mm) barrel, and has an empty weight of 26.3 lb (11.9 kg).
  • M240G introduced into service with the United States Marine Corps and the 75th Ranger Regiment in the early 1990s in place of the M60E3. This was due to an interservice agreement in which the USMC swapped all M60-series weapons, parts and tools to the US Army and were given M240s built for the M1 Abrams. The USMC then developed modifications, which resulted in the G variant designation. The M240G features a different gas adjustment valve and shorter flash hider than the MAG Model 60-20. The weapon was also modified to accept optical sights through the use of a MIL-STD-1913 receiver-mounted rail. The M240G is used on the M122A1 tripod for stationary use, and is also used in vehicular and aircraft mounts. It weighs 10.99 kg (24.2 lb),[citation needed] has an overall length of 1,245 mm (49.0 in) and a rate of fire of 650–950 rounds/min.
M240B
  • M240B is a modernized and product-improved derivative of the M240G, which features a perforated hand-guard and heat shroud, a MIL-STD-1913 rail integral with the receiver top cover, which enables the use of optical day and night sights, a new synthetic stock and a new ammunition container. It was selected to be the U.S. Army's new medium machine gun on December 1, 1995, replacing the M60 machine gun (it defeated the M60E4 during trials). It weighs 12.5 kg (28 lb) and has a length of 1,245 mm (49.0 in). The rate of fire is 650–950 rounds/min.

Users

A sailor of a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion fires an M240B, a U.S. derivative of the MAG adopted for infantry use in the 1990s.
A Canadian soldier fires the C6 variant of the MAG.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Hogg, Ian (2002). Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-00-712760-X.
  2. ^ World Gun's FN MAG page. Retrieved on November 21, 2008.
  3. ^ http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/support-weapons/1463.aspx
  4. ^ http://www.manroy.co.uk/manroy/GPMG.HTML
  5. ^ "Göta Vapenhistoriska Sällskapet". March 31, 2010.
  6. ^ MAG 7.62 being used in military training exercises in Misiones, Argentina: http://www.infobae.com/adjuntos/imagenes/99/0079971B.jpg
  7. ^ a b c Multiplying the Sources. Retrieved on October 5, 2008.
  8. ^ European arms exports to Latin America - An inventory. Retrieved on August 15, 2008.
  9. ^ http://www.defence.gov.au/ARMY/MAG58.asp
  10. ^ http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansardr%2F2005-06-14%2F0136%22
  11. ^ a b 7,62 mm Maschinengewehr FN MAG 58. Retrieved on April 2, 2008.
  12. ^ Österreichs Bundesheer - Waffen und Gerät - Turmdachmaschinengewehr MAG (für Leopard A4)
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. pp. 896–898. ISBN 0710628692.
  14. ^ http://www.mil.be/armycomp/subject/index.asp?LAN=nl&FILE=&ID=1680&MENU=2186&PAGE=1
  15. ^ http://www.exercito.gov.br/01inst/armtmuni/metralha.htm
  16. ^ TC6 GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE-GUN
  17. ^ "Canadian Small Arms – Automatic Rifles – A Visual Guide". Canadian American Strategic Review. Archived from the original on 2011-02-07. Retrieved 2008-04-02. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead= ignored (help)
  18. ^ a b c d e Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V. Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995). ISBN 978-0710612410.
  19. ^ a b Popenker, Maxim & Williams, Anthony G., page 41.
  20. ^ http://en.calameo.com/read/000127853fed679f5ecec
  21. ^ Eesti Kaitsevägi - Tehnika - Kuulipilduja KSP-58
  22. ^ http://www.fnherstal.com/index.php?id=695
  23. ^ "Greece Ministry of Public Order Press Office: Special Anti-Terrorist Unit" (PDF). http://astynomia.gr - Official Website of the Hellenic Police. July 2004. Retrieved 2009-09-27. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  24. ^ "Kopassus & Kopaska - Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije" (in Croatian). Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
  25. ^ "Un repaso a las armas ligeras de Pindad" (in Spanish). ARMAS. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
  26. ^ Jones, Richard (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009-2010. Jane's Information Group. p. 359. ISBN 0710628692.
  27. ^ Army Weapons - General Purpose Machine Gun. Retrieved on April 2, 2008.
  28. ^ Modern Firearms: Negev machine gun
  29. ^ http://www.jdfmil.org/equipment/weapons/weapons_home.php
  30. ^ http://www.mod.gov.lv/upload/nbsfakti.anglu.gala.pdf
  31. ^ http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/kulkosvaidziai/kulkosvaidis_fn_mag.html
  32. ^ Armement
  33. ^ Mag, machinegeweer 7,62 mm
  34. ^ Machine Guns.
  35. ^ http://www.fnherstal.com/index.php?id=705
  36. ^ Cocks, Chris (2009). Fireforce: One Man's War in the Rhodesian Light Infantry. 30° South Publishers. p. 102. ISBN 0958489092. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  37. ^ http://www.slovenskavojska.si/en/armament-and-equipment/light-infantry-and-support-armament/762-mm-mag-light-machine-gun
  38. ^ Medeltung kulspruta 58. Retrieved on October 9, 2008. Template:Sv
  39. ^ SoldF
  40. ^ http://www.fnhusa.com/mil/products/firearms/family.asp?fid=FNF015&gid=FNG008
  • Popenker, Maxim & Williams, Anthony G. (2008). Machine Gun. The Development of the Machine Gun from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day. London: Crowood Press. ISBN 978-1847970305.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to FN MAG.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=FN_MAG&oldid=434607552"