FN Minimi

Last updated
FN Minimi
FN MINIMI Standard Right.jpg
FN Minimi light machine gun
Type Light machine gun
Squad automatic weapon
Place of originBelgium
Service history
In service1980–present
Used bySee Users
Wars
Production history
Designer Ernest Vervier
DesignedEarly 1970s
Manufacturer FN Herstal
FN USA
Thales Australia
Beretta
Bofors Carl Gustav
Pindad
Produced1977–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass7.1 kg (15.7 lb)
Length1,040 mm (40.9 in)
Barrel  length465 mm (18.3 in)
Width110 mm (4.3 in)
Cartridge 5.56×45mm NATO / 7.62×51mm NATO
Action Gas-actuated, open bolt
Rate of fire 700–1,150 rounds/min [13]
Muzzle velocity 925 m/s (3,035 ft/s)
Effective firing range300–1,000 m (980–3,280 ft) sight adjustments
Feed system100 or 200-round belt contained in a 100-round or 200-round soft pouch, or 200-round box or 30-round M16-type STANAG magazine to 60-round STANAG casket magazine
SightsRear aperture, front post

The FN Minimi (short for French : mini-mitrailleuse; "mini machine gun") is a Belgian 5.56mm or 7.62mm light machine gun, also classified as a squad automatic weapon developed by Ernest Vervier for FN Herstal. Introduced in the late 1970s, it is in service in more than 75 countries. [14] The weapon is manufactured at the FN facility in Herstal and their U.S. subsidiary FN Manufacturing LLC.

Contents

The Minimi fires from an open bolt. It is an air-cooled, gas operated long-stroke piston weapon that is capable of fully automatic fire only. It can be belt fed or fired from a magazine. The Minimi is configured in several variants: the Standard model as a platoon or squad support weapon, the shortened Para version for paratroopers and the Vehicle model as secondary armament for fighting vehicles.

Design details

Operating mechanism

FN Minimi in its initial configuration Een prospectus-foto van een lichte mitrailleur met bandvoeding. Het betreft een FN Minimi, die getest wordt als mogelijke opvolger van de FN MAG (2086-064-010).jpg
FN Minimi in its initial configuration

The Minimi uses a gas-actuated long-stroke piston system. The barrel is locked with a rotary bolt, equipped with two massive locking lugs, forced into battery by a helical camming guide in the bolt carrier. Upon firing, the piston is forced to the rear by expanding propellant gases bled through a port in the barrel near the muzzle end. The piston rod acts against the bolt carrier, which begins its rearward motion guided on two rails welded to the receiver walls, while the bolt itself remains locked. This sequence provides a slight delay that ensures chamber pressure has dropped to a safe level by the time a cam in the bolt carrier rotates and unlocks the bolt, increasing extraction reliability as the empty cartridge casing has had the time to cool down and contract, exerting less friction against the chamber walls.

The Minimi fires from an open bolt, which reduces the danger of a round cooking off after extended periods of continuous fire, since a cartridge is only momentarily introduced into the chamber prior to ignition, and the movement of the bolt and bolt carrier forces air through the chamber and barrel after each shot, ventilating the barrel and removing heat. Gas escaping the gas cylinder is directed upward, avoiding kicking up dust and debris that would reveal the shooter's position.

Features

The Minimi Para with a telescopic sight, spare barrel and ammunition pouches. Minimi.jpg
The Minimi Para with a telescopic sight, spare barrel and ammunition pouches.

The Minimi has a manually adjustable gas valve with two positions, normal and adverse. The adverse setting increases the cyclic rate of fire from 700–850 rounds per minute to 950–1,150 rounds per minute and is used only in extreme environmental conditions or when heavy fouling is present in the weapon's gas tube. The spring extractor is located inside the bolt, while the tilting lever ejector is contained inside the receiver housing. Spent casings are removed through a port located at the bottom of the right side of the receiver, protected from debris with a spring-loaded dust cover. The Minimi is striker-fired and the bolt carrier functions as the striker mechanism.

The Minimi has a push-button type manual safety installed in the trigger housing, above the pistol grip. In the "weapon safe" position, it disables the sear mechanism; pushing the button to the right side exposes a red-coloured rim on the left side of the firearm and indicates the weapon is ready to fire. The black polymer pistol grip from the FAL and FNC rifles was initially used, but the Minimi is currently fitted with a modified grip with lateral grooves, installed at a smaller angle to the receiver.

The Minimi features a welded receiver made from stamped steel. Both the standard and Para variants are equipped with a fixed, folding bipod mounted to the gas tube and stowed under the handguard. The bipod can be adjusted in height and each leg has three height settings. The bipod also offers a 15° range of rotation to either side. With the bipod fully extended, the bore axis is elevated to a height of 465 mm (18.3 in). The Minimi can also be fired from the Belgian FN360° tripod or the American M122 mount using an M60 pintle. The vehicle-mounted Minimi is fitted with an electrically powered trigger that enables it to be fired remotely from within an armoured fighting vehicle.

The short barrel Minimi Para FN Minimi Para Left.jpg
The short barrel Minimi Para

The standard light machine gun version has a 465 mm (18.3 in) barrel and a skeletonized aluminium stock with a folding wire shoulder strap. The shortened Para model has a 349 mm (13.7 in) barrel and a collapsible metal stock, while the vehicle-mounted model has a 465 mm (18.3 in) barrel but does not have a stock or iron sights. All models can alternatively be fitted with a fixed synthetic stock, the same used on the M249, which contains a hydraulic buffer that contributes to stabilizing the rate of fire and reducing recoil forces. [15]

Feeding

Lifting the feed tray cover reveals the rotary bolt locking mechanism Minimi-img 1022.jpg
Lifting the feed tray cover reveals the rotary bolt locking mechanism
Feeding schematic of the FN Minimi Evers M249SAW& FN Minimi feeding.svg
Feeding schematic of the FN Minimi

The weapon is fed from the left-hand side by disintegrating-link M27 ammunition belts (a miniaturized version of the 7.62mm M13 belt), from either an unsupported loose belt, enclosed in a polymer ammunition box with a 200-round capacity attached to the base of the receiver, or from detachable STANAG magazines, used in other NATO 5.56 mm assault rifles such as the M16 and FNC. Magazine feeding is used only as an auxiliary measure, when belted ammunition has been exhausted. The ammunition belt is introduced into the feed tray, magazines are seated inside the magazine port at a 45° angle, located beneath the feed tray port. When a belt is placed in the feed tray it covers the magazine port. Likewise, a magazine inserted into the magazine well will prevent the simultaneous insertion of a belt. The magazine port, when not in use, is closed with an L-shaped hinged flap equipped with a tooth, which engages a corresponding opening in the magazine and serves as a magazine release. This feature was developed by FN's Maurice V. Bourlet and allows the Minimi to be instantly changed from belt feed to magazine feed without any modification. [16]

The pawl-type feeding mechanism is modelled on the system used in the MAG general-purpose machine gun, which was originally used in the World War II-era MG 42. The belt is moved in two stages during both the forward and rearward movement of the reciprocating bolt carrier, which provides for a smooth and continuous feeding cycle. The feeding mechanism top cover features a device that indicates the presence of a cartridge in the feed path.

Barrel

Business end of the Minimi FN MINIMI Standard.jpg
Business end of the Minimi

The barrels used in the Minimi have an increased heat capacity for sustained fire, feature a chrome-lined rifled bore (six right-hand grooves) and are manufactured in two versions: with a 178 mm (1:7 in) twist rate used to stabilize the heavier Belgian 5.56×45mm SS109 projectile, or a 305 mm (1:12 in) twist for use with American M193 ammunition. The barrels have a quick-change capability; a lever is provided on the left side of the weapon that unlocks the barrel allowing the shooter to push it forward removing it from its trunnion. A carrying handle is also fixed to the barrel and assists in the barrel change process. A trained soldier can perform a barrel change and ready the weapon for aimed fire in 6 to 7 seconds. Early models of the Minimi had a flash suppressor with side ports as seen on the FN FAL, FN CAL, and FN FNC rifles; new production guns have a shorter, cone-shaped slotted flash suppressor.

Sights

Both the standard and Para models come with a rear sight, adjustable for windage and elevation, that provides a peep aperture for ranges from 300–1,000 m (980–3,280 ft), in 100 m (330 ft) increments. The sight line radius is 490 millimeters (19.3 in). The hooded front sight is installed in a post on the gas block and is also adjustable for elevation and windage. Early models of the Minimi had the rear sight mounted forward of the feed cover and the front post secured to the barrel, closer to the muzzle end. An adapter can also be used that allows the use of standard NATO night and day sights.

Accessories

Standard equipment supplied with the Minimi consists of three ammunition boxes, a cleaning kit stored inside the forearm, lubricant bottle, sling and blank-firing barrel.

Variants

M249

Initial Belgian-designed Minimi prototype delivered to the U.S. Infantry Board for evaluation, before it received its XM249 designation (note the difference) MINIMI prototype.jpg
Initial Belgian-designed Minimi prototype delivered to the U.S. Infantry Board for evaluation, before it received its XM249 designation (note the difference)
A U.S. Marine fires the upgraded M249 PIP Marine M249 Fire.jpg
A U.S. Marine fires the upgraded M249 PIP

The M249 version of the Minimi was adopted by the US military in 1982; since 1984, production for the US military has been carried out entirely in the US by a local subsidiary, FN Manufacturing LLC in South Carolina.

As part of the US military's M249 Product Improvement Program (PIP), the M249 was updated with: a new synthetic stock and modified buffer assembly, a single-position gas regulator, a so-called birdcage type flash hider/compensator from the M16A2, a polymer barrel heat guard, and a folding carry handle. As a result, the weapon's weight increased to 7.47 kg (16.5 lb). Many of the PIP upgrades were later incorporated by FN for the Minimi.

A lightweight variant of the Para with a Picatinny top cover rail adapter is known as the Minimi Special Purpose Weapon (SPW).[ citation needed ] It had the magazine feed port removed to further reduce weight, and a railed MIL-STD-1913 handguard was used that enables the use of standard tactical accessories.

Another variant of the SPW requested by the US Special Operations Forces is the Mk 46 Mod 0 that incorporates a lightweight fluted barrel but lacks the magazine feed system, vehicle mounting lugs and carry handle. A railed forearm ensures modularity and mission-adaptability permitting the use of flashlights, vertical grips, and infrared laser designators. An improved variant known as the Mk 46 Mod 1 with an improved forward rail and lightweight titanium bipod has been adopted by the United States Navy.

Minimi 7.62

Minimi 7.62 FN Minimi 7.62 Fixed Stock.jpg
Minimi 7.62
Australian special forces soldier with a Minimi 7.62 TR Sliding Butt in Afghanistan, 2009 SOTG soldier Oct 2009.jpg
Australian special forces soldier with a Minimi 7.62 TR Sliding Butt in Afghanistan, 2009
Minimi 7.62 Triple Rail with sliding buttstock FN Minimi 7.62 TR with Sliding Buttstock.jpg
Minimi 7.62 Triple Rail with sliding buttstock

The Minimi prototype was originally designed in 7.62×51mm NATO, and later redesigned for the 5.56 mm cartridge. When the USSOCOM issued the requirements for the Mk 48 Mod 0 in the early 2000s, the original plans for the Minimi were retrieved and used to develop this new model. As a result of favourable reviews of the Mk 48 Mod 0 and increasing demand for a more powerful variant of the Minimi, FN Herstal introduced the Minimi 7.62. In November 2006, a FN Herstal press release said the Minimi 7.62 had recently been "launched onto the market" and was available "with a fixed or telescopic buttstock and a standard or triple rail handguard". [18] Apart from the different caliber, the Minimi 7.62 incorporates a non-adjustable, self-regulating gas system and a hydraulic recoil buffer in the buttstock assembly. The Minimi 7.62 also has a different sight setup calibrated for the larger cartridge. The rear sight is adjustable from 300–1,000 m (980–3,280 ft), in 100 m (330 ft) increments. The sight can also be corrected for windage. The Minimi 7.62 TR is a variant equipped with a Picatinny rail handguard from the factory. In Australian service, the Minimi 7.62 is known as the "Maximi". [19]

Minimi Mk3

In November 2013, FN Herstal unveiled the Mk3 version of the Minimi light machine gun the Minimi 5.56 Mk3 and the Minimi 7.62 Mk3. The Mk3 upgrades were based on operational experience and user feedback over the past 10 to 15 years. The stock is 5-position adjustable that is also adjustable for cheek rest height with a folding shoulder rest and hydraulic buffer. The feed tray has retaining pawls to hold ammunition from the belt in place while loading. The handguard has three forward picatinny rails. A new bipod is 3-position height adjustable and seamlessly integrates into the shape of the handguard when folded back regardless of accessories that may be attached. Others features include a more ergonomic cocking handle and an optional heat shield, enabled by an added on long pin, to protect from barrel heat. The Minimi 7.62 Mk3 can be converted to fire 5.56×45mm rounds. Users that already have Minimi machine guns can partially or completely upgrade their existing weapons with the Mk3 features. [20]

Production in other countries

The Minimi is being licence-built in Canada, Australia, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Sweden, Greece and Switzerland by Colt Canada, Lithgow Arms, Beretta, Pindad, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Bofors Carl Gustaf, and Astra Arms S.A. respectively.

Copies of the Minimi have been produced for export by Norinco and made by Changfeng Machinery Co., Ltd in China without license, designated as CS/LM8  [ zh ] in 2011, and chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. [21] Another clone, known as the XY 5.56, is made by Yunnan Xiyi Industry Company Limited. [22] This was supposed to be mistaken for the CS/LM8 when news of the weapon was made in 2008. [23] [22]

Taiwan also produced the Minimi without license, as the T75. In addition, Egypt also produces the Minimi under license.

Users

Map of FN Minimi operators FN Minimi Operators2.png
Map of FN Minimi operators
Canadian C9A1 LMG.JPG
Canadian soldier training with the C9A1. The C9A1 is a Belgian-made Minimi Standard equipped with a 3.4× C79 optical sight.
French Army soldier.jpg
A Minimi Para gunner of the French Army
Australian F-89 BFA.jpg
An Australian F89A1 Minimi. Fitted is a blank-firing barrel and the standard issue 1.5× power scope common with the F88 assault rifle.
Privet Quinteiro of the Spanish Army on a NATO FTX in Cincu, Romania (20 May 2021).webp
Spanish soldier with an FN Minimi while on a NATO FTX in Romania in May 2021.
A Swedish Army soldier with a Ksp 90B leads a CV9040C vehicle out of a simulated forward deployed location at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, during exercise Bold Quest Swedish pvt and CV90-40C in California.jpg
A Swedish Army soldier with a Ksp 90B leads a CV9040C vehicle out of a simulated forward deployed location at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, during exercise Bold Quest
An FN Minimi Para from the Norwegian Home Guard in its transport case, along with associated equipment: Blank-firing adaptor, vertical grip, ELCAN Specter DR 1x/4x optical sight, extra barrel, standard sling, 100-round soft pouch, cleaning set, belted training rounds and 200-round pouches with MOLLE system. Minimi Para transport case.jpg
An FN Minimi Para from the Norwegian Home Guard in its transport case, along with associated equipment: Blank-firing adaptor, vertical grip, ELCAN Specter DR 1x/4x optical sight, extra barrel, standard sling, 100-round soft pouch, cleaning set, belted training rounds and 200-round pouches with MOLLE system.
Pindad SM3 Para display.jpg
An Indonesian-made Minimi, Pindad SM3 Para with black and tan parts. Equipped with an ACOG sight.
5.56mmJi Guan Chong MINIMI.jpg
A JGSDF soldier with a Sumitomo Minimi. Fitted is a blank-firing barrel.

The Minimi has been adopted by over 45 countries. [24] Users include:

Former users

Non-state users

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 McNab 2017, p. 56.
  2. ↑ McNab 2017, pp. 56–57.
  3. 1 2 Schroeder, Matt (2013). "Captured and Counted: Illicit Weapons in Mexico and the Philippines". Small Arms Survey 2013: Everyday Dangers. Cambridge University Press. pp. 290, 303. ISBN   978-1-107-04196-7. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 24, 2013.
  4. ↑ McNab 2017, p. 45.
  5. ↑ McNab 2017, p. 60.
  6. ↑ "Maré terá 6 UPPs até o fim do ano, diz governador do Rio". 23 May 2014.
  7. ↑ Richard, Christophe (Spring 2014). "Shooting practice with the " Steel battalion "" (PDF). Fantassins. No. 32. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
  8. 1 2 3 4 McNab 2017, p. 57.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Ferguson, Jonathan (April 2, 2016). "Minimi type light machine gun with pro-Assad group in Syria". armamentresearch.com . Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  10. ↑ Capdeville, Thibault (Spring 2014). "Infantry units fires during OP Serval" (PDF). Fantassins. No. 32. pp. 55–58. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
  11. ↑ "YouTube". www.youtube.com.[ dead YouTube link ]
  12. 1 2 "(No Longer) A Show Of Shame - Belgian Weapons Deliveries To Ukraine". Archived from the original on August 8, 2023.
  13. ↑ McNab 2017, p. 18.
  14. ↑ "FN Herstal Showcases its State-of-the-art Firepower for Land, Air, and Sea at IDEX 2015". Archived from the original on 2015-03-16. Retrieved 2015-03-23.
  15. ↑ "The MINIMI 5.56 can be fitted with a hydraulic buffer for stabilized rate of fire and reduced recoil forces. The design of the buttstock contributes to simple, comfortable and accurate firing."—MINIMI 5.56 Standard Archived 2008-08-23 at the Wayback Machine , FNHerstal.com.
  16. ↑ Supply device for a portable firearm Patent number: 4112817, Google patents.
  17. ↑ "Infantry News". Infantry . 65 (4): 10. July–August 1975. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  18. ↑ "MINIMI Machine Gun 7.62 x 51 mm". FN Herstal (Press release). 13 November 2006. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
  19. 1 2 Juchniewicz, Maj Nathan; Manchip, Capt James (12 May 2011). "Gun maximises combat power" (PDF). Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper (1258 ed.). Canberra: Department of Defence. p. 4. ISSN   0729-5685. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 August 2019.
  20. ↑ "The World Famous FN MINIMI Adapts to New Operational Conditions". FN Herstal (Press release). 19 November 2013. Archived from the original on 14 April 2015.
  21. ↑ "中国CS/LM8型的5.56毫米轻机枪" [China type CS/LM8 5.56 mm light machine gun] (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 21 June 2017.
  22. 1 2 Popenker, Maxim & Williams, Anthony G., page 41.
  23. ↑ "图文: 外销型XY 5.56MM通用机枪主要数据_新浪军事_新浪网". jczs.news.sina.com.cn. Archived from the original on 2016-11-04.
  24. ↑ "FN Herstal – Major Product Achievements". FN Herstal. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
  25. ↑ "OOW M249P, la nueva ametralladora de las tropas de operaciones especiales del Ejército Argentino". June 9, 2021. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  26. ↑ Small Arms Survey (2007). Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the city (PDF). Cambridge University Press. p. 18. ISBN   978-0-521-88039-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-06-14. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  27. ↑ Wachsberger, C. (June 1994). "Experiments to determine the effects of different flash suppressor designs on accuracy of an F89 Light Machine Gun" (PDF). DSTO Formal Reports: 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 August 2011. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
  28. ↑ "Maximi". Australian Army. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. ISBN   1-84065-245-4.
  30. ↑ "Landcomponent". Archived from the original on 2012-03-07.
  31. ↑ "Polícia faz megaoperação em favelas do Rio de Janeiro". Noticias Band.com.br. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  32. ↑ "World Infantry Weapons: Brazil". 2016-06-02. Archived from the original on 2016-06-02. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  33. ↑ "Brazil adopts Minimi machine gun across land forces". www.janes.com. 3 November 2013. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
  34. ↑ "FN MINIMI - EB aposenta o FAP e adota a FN Mini Mitrailleuse" (in Portuguese). 2013-10-20. Archived from the original on 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2016-10-11– via DefesaNet.
  35. ↑ Small Arms Survey (2007). "Armed Violence in Burundi: Conflict and Post-Conflict Bujumbura" (PDF). The Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City. Cambridge University Press. p. 204. ISBN   978-0-521-88039-8. Archived from the original on 2018-08-27. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
  36. ↑ C9A1 LIGHT MACHINE-GUN [ permanent dead link ]
  37. ↑ "Canadian Small Arms – Automatic Rifles – A Visual Guide". Canadian American Strategic Review. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  38. ↑ "El Ejército de Chile compró 1.225 ametralladoras Minimi y 2.000 fusiles Galil en 2014". Archived from the original on 2016-04-03.
  39. ↑ McNab 2017, p. 36.
  40. ↑ U.S. Army Weapons Systems, 2010–2011. Skyhorse Publishing. 2010. p. 279. ISBN   978-1-60239-725-5. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  41. ↑ InfoDefensa, Revista Defensa. "Colombia adquirirá más ametralladoras FN Herstal para sus Fuerzas Especiales". Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-11-19.
  42. ↑ Šurbek, Ivan (23 May 2024). "Tigrovi u akciji s puškostrojnicom FN Minimi". Hrvatski vojnik (in Croatian). Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  43. ↑ Vlassis, Savvas (2017-09-30). "Τα νέα φορητά όπλα και άλλα υλικά της Εθνικής Φρουράς". Δούρειος Ίππος. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  44. ↑ Grohmann, Jan. "MINIMI - nový standardní kulomet pro Armádu České republiky". Armádní noviny. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  45. ↑ "Ministr obrany" (PDF). ods.cz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-07-12. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  46. ↑ "Zbraně používané u 601.skupiny speciálních sil". 601. skss. Archived from the original on 12 October 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  47. ↑ "Lehký kulomet - 5,56 mm kulomet univerzální FN Minimi (M249 SAW) | Armáda ČR". acr.army.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2022-04-01.
  48. ↑ "Fdselsdagsjgere ver p Aalborg Havn". Archived from the original on 6 November 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  49. ↑ Jane's Sentinel Security Assessment – Southeast Asia. Issue 20 – 2007. Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group. pp. 146 and 152.
  50. ↑ "Weapon Systems, FN Minimi". Archived from the original on 2014-07-15.
  51. ↑ "Mini-mitrailleuse - Minimi" (in French). 19 October 2016. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  52. ↑ "5.56mm Minimi". eas.gr. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18.
  53. ↑ "34. Bercsény László Különleges Műveleti Zászlóalj". ShadowSpear. 12 June 2009. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  54. ↑ Lavery, Michael (18 March 2010). "The Rangers at 30". The Evening Herald. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  55. ↑ "Armi Leggere". Esercito Italiano . Archived from the original on 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2008-08-18.
  56. ↑ Exhibition of Equipments. Archived 2012-03-13 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on July 29, 2008.
  57. ↑ いこまいけ高岡. "5.56mm機関銃(ミニミ軽機関銃、FN Minimi)". Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  58. ↑ "Sumitomo withdraws from Japanese machine gun tender | Shephard".
  59. ↑ "防衛省、SH-60K能力向上型を量産 平均単価81億円" (in Japanese). Jan 24, 2023.
  60. ↑ "陸上自衛隊の新機関銃MINIMI Mk3、新狙撃銃G28" (in Japanese). Feb 17, 2023.
  61. ↑ "FIRST LOOK: Japan's New Type 20 Assault Rifle – Small Arms Defense Journal".
  62. ↑ "National Armed Forces" (PDF). mod.gov.lv. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 October 2008.
  63. ↑ "POTD: Latvian Mechanized Brigade with FN Minimi & HK G36C". The Firearm Blog. 2021-06-26. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
  64. ↑ Al-Balaa, Nadine; Nina Akel Khalil (January 15, 2010), قائد الجيش أشاد بدقة التنفيذ والتنسيق (in Arabic), Lebanese Armed Forces, archived from the original on June 30, 2011, retrieved January 15, 2010
  65. ↑ Jenzen-Jones, N.R.; McCollum, Ian (April 2017). Small Arms Survey (ed.). Web Trafficking: Analysing the Online Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Libya (PDF). Working Paper No. 26. pp. 48, 59. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-10-09. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  66. ↑ "Replenishment of Lithuanian Armed Forces stocks: MINIMI 7.62 and Carl-Gustaf ammunition on the way". 2 March 2023.
  67. ↑ "Unofficial Pistols Page, Equipment". USP.lu. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
  68. ↑ "L'Unite d'Intervention de la Police Luxembourgeoise" (PDF) (in French). RAIDS Magazine. March 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  69. ↑ Lasterra, Juan Pablo (2004). "UPS Unidad Especial de la Policia Luxembourguesa" (PDF) (in Spanish). ARMAS Magazine. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  70. ↑ Thompson, Leroy (December 2008). "Malaysian Special Forces". Special Weapons. Archived from the original on 2012-04-02. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  71. ↑ Small Arms Survey (2005). "Sourcing the Tools of War: Small Arms Supplies to Conflict Zones". Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War. Oxford University Press. p. 166. ISBN   978-0-19-928085-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-08-30. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
  72. ↑ Rachel Crivellaro. "Une commande à destination du Népal" . Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  73. ↑ Factbook Korps Commandotroepen: verleden - heden - toekomst (PDF). Koninklijke Landmacht. 2014. p. 25. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-05-05. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  74. ↑ "Minimi-licht machinegeweer". defensie.nl. 2013-11-04. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  75. ↑ "NZ Army - Our Equipment - Machine Guns". Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2011-06-24. New Zealand Army official site
  76. ↑ Martin, Judith, ed. (February 2012). "New Light Support Weapon for NZ Defence" (PDF). NZ Army News. No. 428. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012. The New Zealand Defence Force has selected the FN Herstal 7.62mm Minimi TR as a replacement for the 5.56 mm LSW C9, currently in service. The weapons are being acquired now, with NZ delivery due to start from April this year, and introduction to service and issuing to units planned to occur in last quarter of 2012. The 7.62 LSW Minimi will be issued to certain Army and Air Force Units. This will replace the C9 capability, with priority being given to field force units and regional equipment pools.
  77. ↑ "Norwegian Armed Forces Adopt FN MINIMI™ Machine Gun". Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  78. ↑ "Norway orders 4000 FN Minimi Mk3 7.62mm light machine guns from FN Herstal – NORWAY NEWS – latest news, breaking stories and comment – NORWAY NEWS". 4 September 2021.
  79. 1 2 3 4 Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN   978-0-7106-2869-5.
  80. ↑ "Desfile Militar día nacional del Perú. 27 de Julio de 2007" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
  81. ↑ Daniel Watters. "The 5.56 X 45mm: 2002–2003". Archived from the original on 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2009-03-25.
  82. 1 2 "DND: P593-M Minimi deal will 'not prosper' (5.56 NATO wackiness)". Archived from the original on 2015-07-22.
  83. ↑ Wilk (REMOV), Remigiusz. "Nowe gromy GROM". Archived from the original on 2010-03-26.
  84. ↑ "GROM Utility and Equipment". Archived from the original on 2012-02-26. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
  85. ↑ "Portuguese Army advances its soldier modernisation effort". 2021-03-28. Archived from the original on 28 March 2021. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
  86. ↑ "Portuguese Marine Corps FN Minimi Mk3". Twitter. Retrieved 2022-04-24.
  87. ↑ "Blic Online - Spektakl i na nebu i na zemlji". Blic Online. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  88. ↑ "Specijalne-jedinice.com - Specijalna antiteroristička jedinica-SAJ". specijalne-jedinice.com. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02.
  89. ↑ Binnie, Jeremy; de Cherisey, Erwan (2017). "New-model African armies" (PDF). Jane's. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 June 2017.
  90. ↑ "Lahka pehotna in podporna oborožitev" (in Slovenian). Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
  91. ↑ "La armada compra 88 nuevas ametralladoras de FN Herstal a través de la empresa SDAL, S.L." (PDF) (in Spanish). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-05. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
  92. ↑ Lätt kulspruta 90. Archived 2008-04-15 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on October 6, 2008. (in Swedish)
  93. ↑ General Purpose Machine Guns of Sweden. Archived 2012-04-18 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on October 9, 2008.
  94. ↑ Einführung Leichtes Maschinengewehr Archived 2011-10-02 at the Wayback Machine (in German).
  95. ↑ Kula, Mehmet Ali (13 September 2022). "Türkiye, Çin'den 3 binden fazla makineli tüfek aldı!". DefenceTurk (in Turkish). Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  96. ↑ "Canadian military support to Ukraine". 6 May 2022. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023.
  97. ↑ land-mediacomms-webcontent@land.mod.uk, The British Army. "The British Army - Light Machine Gun (LMG)". webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 2012-10-18.
  98. ↑ "FN MINIMI™ 7.62 Machine Gun Selected by British Military". Press release via army-technology.com. FN Herstal. June 8, 2011. Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012. FN Herstal has recently been awarded a new contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of up to 176 MINIMI™ 7.62 light machine guns by the end of 2011. The contract also includes optional quantities of a further 250 MINIMI 7.62 machine guns to be delivered annually over a three-year period from 2012 to 2014 should these options be exercised.
  99. ↑ "Out with old for infantry weapons". Soldier. British Army. August 2018. p. 16. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  100. ↑ "Soldier Magazine September 2018". British Army . Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  101. ↑ "'Mổ xẻ' biến thể mới nhất súng máy FN Minimi Việt Nam" Archived 2013-12-01 at the Wayback Machine , Kiến thức (in Vietnamese), retrieved 29 November 2013.
  102. ↑ "This type of weapon is being wielded by UAE-backed militias in Yemen's conflict. So why is a Belgian company marketing it at a global arms fair?". www.amnesty.org. 14 February 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-02-17. Retrieved 2019-02-16.
  103. ↑ "Afghan National Security Forces Order of Battle" (PDF). Long War Journal. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  104. ↑ Capie, David (2002). Small Arms Production and Transfers in Southeast Asia (PDF). Australian National University. p. 40. ISBN   0-7315-5421-3.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General-purpose machine gun</span> Machine gun adaptable for several light and medium roles

A general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) is an air-cooled, usually belt-fed machine gun that can be adapted flexibly to various tactical roles for light and medium machine guns. A GPMG typically features a quick-change barrel design calibered for various fully powered cartridges such as the 7.62×51mm NATO, 7.62×54mmR, 7.5×54mm French, 7.5×55mm Swiss and 7.92×57mm Mauser, and be configured for mounting to different stabilizing platforms from bipods and tripods to vehicles, aircraft, boats and fortifications, usually as an infantry support weapon or squad automatic weapon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squad automatic weapon</span> Portable light machine gun

A squad automatic weapon (SAW), also known as a section automatic weapon or light support weapon (LSW), is a man-portable automatic firearm attached to infantry squads or sections as a source of rapid direct firepower. Weapons fulfilling this role can be light machine guns, or modified selective-fire rifles fitted with a heavier barrel, bipod and a belt/drum-fed design.

The FN FAL is a battle rifle designed in Belgium by Dieudonné Saive and manufactured by FN Herstal and others since 1953.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IWI Negev</span> Israeli light machine gun

The IWINegev is a 5.56×45mm NATO light machine gun developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), formerly Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M240 machine gun</span> Family of machine guns

The M240 machine gun, officially the Machine Gun, 7.62 mm, M240, is the U.S. military designation for the FN MAG, a family of belt-fed, gas-operated medium machine guns that chamber the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FN MAG</span> General-purpose machine gun

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 several countries, including Argentina, Canada, Egypt, India, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ultimax 100</span> Light machine gun, Squad automatic weapon

The Ultimax 100 is a Singapore-made 5.56mm light machine gun, developed by the Chartered Industries of Singapore by a team of engineers under the guidance of American firearms designer L. James Sullivan. The weapon is extremely accurate due to its constant-recoil operating system and is one of the lightest machine guns in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AA-52 machine gun</span> French general-purpose machine gun

The AA-52 is one of the first French-produced guns of the post–World War II era. It was manufactured by the French government-owned Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS) company. The AA-52 is still used today as a vehicle-mounted weapon due to large quantities in service, but has been replaced in the helicopter role by the Belgian FN MAG, starting with the EC 725 Caracal of the special operations units and the Air Force search and rescue teams. The AA-52 had been largely phased out for infantry use in favour of the lighter FN Minimi but remains in use.

The FNSCAR is a family of gas-operated short-stroke gas piston automatic rifles developed by Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal (FN) in 2004. It is constructed with modularity for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consists of two main types. The SCAR-L, for "light", is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO and the SCAR-H, for "heavy", is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. Both types are available in Close Quarters Combat (CQC), Standard (STD), and Long Barrel (LB) variants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MG 3 machine gun</span> General-purpose machine gun

The MG 3 is a German general-purpose machine gun chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. The weapon's design is derived from the World War II era MG 42 that fired the 7.92×57mm Mauser round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mk 48 machine gun</span> General-purpose machine gun

The Mark 48, or Mk 48, is a belt-fed general-purpose machine gun chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges, fed from a disintegrating belt or the non-disintegrating segmented German DM1 belt of ammunition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heckler & Koch HK21</span> General-purpose machine gun

The HK21 is a German 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun, developed in 1961 by small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch and based on the G3 battle rifle. The weapon is in use with the armed forces of several Asian, African and Latin American countries. It was also license-manufactured by Fábrica de Braço de Prata in Portugal as the m/968 and in Mexico by SEDENA as the MG21. In the German military (Bundeswehr) and the federal police (Bundespolizei) it is designated "G8".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daewoo Precision Industries K3</span> Light machine gun

The Daewoo Precision Industries K3 is a South Korean light machine-gun. It is the third indigenous firearm developed in South Korea by the Agency for Defense Development, following the Daewoo Precision Industries K1 assault rifle and Daewoo Precision Industries K2 assault rifle. It is manufactured by Daewoo Precision Industries, current SNT Motiv. The K3 is capable of firing both 5.56×45mm NATO and .223 Remington rounds like the K2 assault rifle. The K3 light machine gun entered service in 1989, replacing the M60 machine gun in frontline use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RPD machine gun</span> Light machine gun

The RPD is a 7.62x39mm light machine gun developed in the Soviet Union by Vasily Degtyaryov for the 7.62×39mm M43 intermediate cartridge. It was created as a replacement for the DP machine gun chambered for the 7.62×54mmR round. It is a precursor of most squad automatic weapons. It was succeeded in Soviet service by the RPK.

The FN FNC is a 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle developed by the Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal and introduced in the late 1970s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M249 light machine gun</span> Light machine gun

The M249 SAW, formally the Light Machine Gun, 5.56 mm, M249, is the United States Armed Forces adaptation of the Belgian FN Minimi, a light machine gun manufactured by FN Herstal (FN).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S&T Motiv K16</span> General purpose machine gun (K16 & K16D)

S&T Motiv K16, formerly known as S&T Motiv K12, is a 7.62×51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun manufactured by S&T Motiv to replace the M60 machine gun for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. The XK12 was first shown to the public in 2009, during the Seoul ADEX International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. It was officially designated as K12 during the development stage, but it was re-designated as K16 as the mass production process began in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">M1919 Browning machine gun</span> American medium machine gun

The M1919 Browning is a .30 caliber medium machine gun that was widely used during the 20th century, especially during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The M1919 saw service as a light infantry, coaxial, mounted, aircraft, and anti-aircraft machine gun by the U.S and many other countries.

The FN EVOLYS is a light machine gun designed by FN Herstal in 2021, chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO. The EVOLYS was designed to be lighter and more ergonomic than other machine guns, such as the FN Minimi.

References

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.