"To replace the FN Minimi": Belgium has developed a new "ultralight" light machine gun FN Herstal
The armies of the NATO bloc countries may soon receive a new light machine gun, which will finally replace the FN Minimi. The development was presented by the Belgian company FN Herstal, known for its small arms weapons, writes the bmpd blog.
The new development of the Belgians is an "ultralight" belt-fed FN EVOLYS light machine gun and is positioned as a support weapon for the squad-platoon level. The weapon is designed in two basic versions: chambered for 5,56 x 45 mm and 7,62 x 51 mm. The difference in the models is minimal, except for the caliber it concerns the curb weight, barrel length and tape length.
In the version chambered for 5,56 mm, the curb weight of the FN Herstal machine gun is 5,5 kg, barrel length - 355 mm, total length (from the butt position) - 850 - 950 mm, uses belts for 100 or 200 rounds. In the version chambered for 7,62 mm, the curb weight is slightly higher and is 6,2 kg, the barrel length is 406 mm, the total length is 925 - 1025 mm. Uses 50 rounds tape. The belts are fed from special soft boxes.
The effective firing range is declared at 800 and 1000 meters for 5,56 and 7,62 mm calibers, respectively, the rate of fire is 750 rounds per minute.
The machine gun widely uses aluminum alloys and plastics, which led to a significant reduction in weight. The FN Herstal design is based on the principle of removing powder gases from the bore, with an open breech and a short-stroke gas piston. There is a fire switch from automatic to single, a long Picattini bar is installed. The machine gun is adapted for use by left-handed people.
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