Denel DMG-5
| Denel DMG-5 | |
|---|---|
| Type | General Purpose Machine Gun |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2016 |
| Manufacturer | Denel Land Systems |
| Variants | Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8.4 kg (18 lb 8 oz) (DMG-5) |
| Length | 1055 mm (short stock) 1135 mm (long stock) |
| Barrel length | 550 mm (DMG-5) 500 mm (DMG-5 CX) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, open bolt |
| Rate of fire | 700–900 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 830 m/sec |
| Effective firing range | 1500m |
| Maximum firing range | 3000m |
The Denel DMG-5 is a general-purpose machine gun designed and manufactured by Denel Land Systems of South Africa.
Design
Denel Land Systems unveiled the lightest 7.62 mm calibre general- purpose machine gun (GPMG) at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2016. The new weapon, designated the Denel DMG-5, currently weighs 8.4 kg, 20% lighter compared to the company’s current production GPMG, the Denel SS-77, weighing 10.3 kg. This development challenge was given to three young engineers to refine the uniquely South African designed Denel SS-77 that was developed in 1977 by Richard Joseph Smith and Lazlo Soregi. The three young mechanical engineering graduates, Dakalo Nekhumbe, Phindile Mashaba and Marumo Talane a trained electro-mechanical engineer, are all products of the Denel Engineering Academy. [1][2]
The DMG-5 has an effective range of 1 500 m. It has a firing rate of 700 rounds per minute to 900 rounds per minute. With a long stock, it is 1.135 m long and, with a short stock, it is 1.055 m long. It is gas-operated, with a side locking system. As with all GPMGs, it is fed with continuous belts of ammunition. Nominal muzzle velocity is 830 m/sec. It can fire up to 400 rounds before the barrel needs to be cooled down or replaced.[3]
DMG-5 is chambered for 7,62 × 51 mm but could be made in 5,56 × 45 mm. It is slightly shorter than the SS-77 and has a 3,000m maximum, and effective range of 1,300m.
It differs from the SS-77 in most areas except the receiver and fires from an open bolt. The barrel is fluted to lighten it. It has a telescopic stock and a forward handgrip with retractable bipod.[4]
DMG-5 CX
The DMG-5 CX is a longer heavy-barrelled version for use in remotely controlled weapon stations, as a coaxial weapon on armoured vehicles, or flexible mounts on vehicles.[4]
Variants
- DMG-5 standard infantry model
- DMG-5 CX heavy barrel and adaptations for vehicle mounts and remote weapon stations
References
- ^ "SA millennials create one of the lightest machine guns in the world". The Young Independents. 26 January 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- ^ "Young Denel Engineers Produce Breakthrough Weapon | Denel SOC Ltd". www.denel.co.za. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- ^ Szabo, Chris (16 September 2016). "Denel Land Systems launches new machine gun range". defenceWeb. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
- ^ a b Campbell, Keith (30 September 2016). "Denel Land Systems unveils new and improved weapons". www.engineeringnews.co.za. Retrieved 7 June 2020.