FN M3M
Overview
FN M3M
GAU-21/A machine gun fitted onto a UH-1Y Venom helicopter.
Source: US Marine Corps (LCpl Jose Gonzalez) -
© Public domain
Origin
Belgium
Type
Heavy machine gun
Entered service
1989
Status
In service
Development
1980's
Developer
Belgium
-
Fabrique Nationale
Production
Late 1980's - present
Producer
Belgium
-
Fabrique Nationale
United States - Fabrique Nationale
United States - Fabrique Nationale
Designations
GAU-21/A
M3M in US military service
M3M in US military service
Details
M3M
Human operated variant for use on a flexible mount. Intended for use on helicopters, but can also be fitted to vehicles or ships.
M3P
Remote operated variant for use in a fixed mount. Operated via solenoid trigger. Used in helicopter gun pods and on vehicles, such as the Avenger anti-aircraft system.
Facts
M3M
M3P
General
Origin
Belgium
Type
Heavy machine gun
Caliber
Caliber
12.7x99mm NATO
Magazine
Belt fed, right or left hand
Barrel length
914 mm
Rifling
8 grooves, 381 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
880 m/s
Operation
Action
Short recoil, open bolt
Fire selector
0 - F
Rate of fire
950 - 1.100 rpm
Barrel life
10.000 rounds
Dimensions
Length
1.52 m
Weight
35.8 kg gun only
Sights
Iron sights
No iron sights, optics fitted onto weapon mount
Related articles
Browning M2HB
The M3M and M3P are modified versions of the original Browning M2HB heavy machine gun.
FN HMP
The M3P heavy machine gun is used in all four variants of the HMP and RMP gun pods. These gun pods are used on helicopters and light aircraft.