 |
| FN "Minimi" LMG |
 |
| Light Machine Gun (LMG) "Minimi" |
 |
| The FN Minimi was developed by Fabrigue Nationale of Belgium. Developement started in 1974, in 1981 the first serial of Minimis were submitted for NATO trials. Adopted in many countries, including the USA (under designation M249 SAW), Canada (C9 LMG), Australia (F-89) and others. The Minimi (M249) light machinegun is gas-operated (using a rotating bolt locking system), magazine or disintigrating metallic link-belt fed, individually portable machinegun capable of delivering a large volume of effective fire to support infantry squad operations. No modification is required to use STANAG-type box magazines. Minimi/M249 has wuick interchangeable barrels, and can be equipped with a shorter barrel and folding stock for close combat operations. The Minimi fires the improved NATO Standard SS 109 type 5.56mm ammunition. In an American rifle squad, It replaces the two automatic M16A1 rifles on a one-for-one basis in all infantry type units and in other units requiring high firepower. The Belgian Fabrique National XM249 "Minimi" was standardized as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapons system in 1982. The M249 filled the void created by the retirement of the M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) during the 1950s because of interim automatic weapons (M15 series/M16A1 rifles) had failed as viable "base of fire" weapons. Calibre: 5.56mm NATO Action: Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt. Overall Length: 1050mm Barrel Length: 465mm (Standard) 335mm (short/paratrooper version) Weight: 6.5kg on bipod, 12.5kg with tripod Rate of Fire: 1000 rounds per minute Feed: 30 round detachable box magazines, 100 round Beta-C dual drum, 100 - 200 round belts. Muzzle Velocity: 915m (3002 ft) per second (SS 109 round) |
 |