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| {{short description|General Dynamics medium machine gun}} | {{short description|General Dynamics medium machine gun}} | ||
| {{Infobox weapon | {{Infobox weapon | ||
| |name=Lightweight Medium Machine Gun | | name = Lightweight Medium Machine Gun | ||
| |image= | | image = | ||
| |caption= | | caption = | ||
| |origin=United States | | origin = United States | ||
| |type=] | | type = ] | ||
| <!-- Type selection --> | <!-- Type selection --> | ||
| |is_ranged=yes | | is_ranged = yes | ||
| <!-- Production history --> | <!-- Production history --> | ||
| |manufacturer=] | | manufacturer = ] | ||
| <!-- General Specifications --> | <!-- General Specifications --> | ||
| |weight |
| weight = {{convert|24|lb|kg}} | ||
| |length |
| length = {{convert|49|in|mm|abbr=on}} | ||
| |part_length |
| part_length = {{convert|24|in|mm|abbr=on}} | ||
| <!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> | <!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> | ||
| |cartridge= ]<br>] | | cartridge = ]<br>] | ||
| |cartridge_weight= | | cartridge_weight = | ||
| |caliber= | | caliber = | ||
| |barrels= 1 | | barrels = 1 | ||
| |action= Short Recoil Impulse Averaging | | action = Short Recoil Impulse Averaging | ||
| |rate= 500 rounds per minute | | rate = 500 rounds per minute | ||
| |velocity= 2,650 |
| velocity = {{convert|2,650|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}} | ||
| | range = {{convert|1,860|yd|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} | |||
| |range= 1,860 yards (1,700 meters) | |||
| |max_range= 6,170 |
| max_range = {{convert|6,170|yd|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} | ||
| |feed=belt | | feed = belt | ||
| |sights= | |sights= | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| The '''True Velocity RM338''',<ref name="sdj_2405" /> formerly '''Lightweight Medium Machine Gun''' (LWMMG), is a prototype ] being developed first by ], later by LoneStar Future Weapons,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/04/14/lonestar-future-weapons-forms-strategic-alliance-with-true-velocity/|title=NGSW: LoneStar Future Weapons Forms Strategic Alliance with True Velocity in Place of General Dynamics -|date=14 April 2021}}</ref> now by True Velocity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/11/10/true-velocity-acquires-lonestar-future-weapons/|title=True Velocity Acquires LoneStar Future Weapons -|date=10 November 2021}}</ref> The weapon was originally developed by General Dynamics for Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) Irregular Warfare program, but was later reintroduced by True Velocity for ] (SOCOM) LMG-M program.<ref name="sdj_2405">{{cite web|url=https://sadefensejournal.com/the-coming-338-revolution-a-look-at-the-next-generation-lmg-m-machine-guns/ |title=The Coming .338 Revolution: A Look at the Next Generation, LMG-M Machine Guns |website=Sa Defense Journal |date=2 May 2024 |first=Jay |last=Bell }}</ref> | |||
| The '''Lightweight Medium Machine Gun''' (LWMMG) is a prototype ] being developed by ]. | |||
| ==Design== | ==Design== | ||
| The LWMMG is designed to fill the gap between ] and ] machine guns. |
The LWMMG is designed to fill the gap between ] and ] machine guns. The weapon uses the ] round, giving it greater lethality and double the range of the 7.62 NATO round. The LWMMG has a rate of fire of 500 rounds per minute, an effective range of {{convert|1,700|m|yd|abbr=off|sp=us}}, and a maximum range of {{convert|5,642|m|yd|abbr=off|sp=us}}. It weighs {{convert|24|lb|kg}}, making it only slightly heavier than the ], and {{convert|3|lb|kg|abbr=on}} lighter than the M240B. The .338NM bullet has over {{convert|6,300|J|ftlb|abbr=on}} of muzzle energy and is four times more powerful than the 7.62 NATO at 1,000 meters. An individual round is twice as heavy (45.5 grams compared to 24 grams), as are each belt link (8 grams compared to 4 grams). For each weapon to fire for one minute, the standard LWMMG weighing {{convert|10.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}} plus a belt of 500 .338NM rounds would weigh {{convert|37.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, while an M240B weighting {{convert|12.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} plus a belt of 800 7.62 NATO rounds would weigh {{convert|34.9|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The LWMMG is operated by a ] with a ] located under the barrel and fires from an open bolt. It uses “Short Recoil Impulse Averaging” technology, patented by General Dynamics and previously used on their ] machine gun, where the entire barrel, barrel extension, gas system, and bolt assembly recoil inside the outer housing. The LWMMG is equipped with a quick-change barrel, quad ], collapsible stock, and can be used by dismounted troops or mounted on a platform.<ref> - General Dynamics Press Release, 15 May 2012</ref><ref> - Thefirearmblog.com, 16 May 2012</ref> | ||
| The LWMMG is pitched as being a bridge between 7.62 NATO and .50 BMG machine guns. |
The LWMMG is pitched as being a bridge between 7.62 NATO and .50 BMG machine guns. While the M240 has an effective range of 1,100 m, the LWMMG fires a {{convert|300|gr|g|abbr=on}} .338 bullet that can provide effective and accurate fire out to 1,700 m. General Dynamics officials say their machine gun is not meant to be a replacement for the M240, but to give the ability to put effective fire on targets at extended ranges. The LWMMG can be mounted on an M240 mount and costs about the same. While the company is satisfied with the shorter .338NM cartridge's performance, the gun could easily be converted to ]. The gun's short recoil operating system causes the barrel to reciprocate, similar to the ]. This combined with a gas system to minimize recoil balances positive and negative recoil forces, allowing a gunner to fire a round with significantly greater energy but with the recoil profile similar to a 7.62 mm round from an M240.<ref> - Kitup.Military.com, 25 September 2013</ref> | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| General Dynamics first realized the capability gap being experienced by U.S. forces in Afghanistan around 2010. |
General Dynamics first realized the capability gap being experienced by U.S. forces in Afghanistan around 2010. In many cases, troops were on low ground and being engaged by ] fire from the high ground, forcing them to return fire from where they were instead of being able to seek a better position. The M2 .50-caliber machine gun is too heavy for use by dismounted patrols, and rounds from an M240 begin to drift off-target at 800 meters, especially when shooting upwards. At closer ranges, an M240 is accurate but does not have enough penetrating power against hard structures. The ] competition going on at that time also showed the U.S. military was interested in infantry weapons with a 1,500-meter range. To achieve desired range capabilities, the .338-caliber was chosen, specifically the .338 Norma Magnum over the .338 Lapua Magnum for several reasons including greater barrel life and a less tapered case for better use in a push-through design metallic ]. At {{convert|1,000|yd|m|0|abbr=on}}, the 7.62 NATO's velocity drops to about {{convert|1,000|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}; at that range, the .338NM travels at {{convert|2,000|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}} and out to {{convert|1,100|yd|m|0|abbr=on}}, the round is capable of defeating ] armor. A machine gun was then designed around the concept with Short Recoil Impulse Averaging technology, uses available subsystem components to keep cost down, and has a broad view 6-power scope to enable point target engagement out to 1,000-1,200 meters. The development of prototypes was entirely company-funded and took 12 months. The LWMMG was first unveiled on 15 May 2012 at the Joint Armaments Conference in Seattle, Washington.<ref> - Guns.com, 16 May 2012</ref><ref> - Defensemedianetwork.com, 24 May 2012</ref> | ||
| An improved LWMMG was displayed at ] 2014 with its weight decreased to {{convert|22|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. |
An improved LWMMG was displayed at ] 2014 with its weight decreased to {{convert|22|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Previously, the gun underwent a firing demonstration with special operations elements at ]. When firing from a bipod, the gunners were able to fire directly and hit targets as far out as {{convert|1,950|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. At that range, a .50 caliber machine gun is designed to be an area weapon and could only fire accurately with single shots, while the LWMMG can maintain accurate automatic fire beyond what the .50 Cal is capable of. This showed the weapon's significance of hitting targets at longer ranges than what an M240 can do that would require the use of a vehicle-mounted .50 caliber weapon. A demonstration firing of the LWMMG is expected to take place in late October at ].<ref> - Shephardmedia.com, 15 October 2014</ref> | ||
| In April 2021 the technical data package for the LWMMG was sold to LoneStar Future Weapons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/04/14/lonestar-future-weapons-forms-strategic-alliance-with-true-velocity/|title=NGSW: LoneStar Future Weapons Forms Strategic Alliance with True Velocity in Place of General Dynamics -|date=14 April 2021}}</ref> | |||
| In November 2021 True Velocity Ammo acquired LoneStar Future Weapons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/11/10/true-velocity-acquires-lonestar-future-weapons/|title=True Velocity Acquires LoneStar Future Weapons -|date=10 November 2021}}</ref> | |||
| == Further development == | |||
| LWMMG concept was further developed into RM338 under True Velocity to compete in the ] (SOCOM) LMG-M program.<ref name="sdj_2405" /> | |||
| In April 2024, True Velocity filed a lawsuit against SIG Sauer, alleging SIG's ] entry submission in the LMG-M stole their intellectual property on the recoil mitigation system.<ref name="sdj_2405" /> | |||
| On 18 June 2024, True Velocity announced a partnership with ] to manufacture the RM338 in the United States by FN America and in the United Kingdom by FN UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/fn-uk-partners-with-true-velocity-to-produce-338-norma-magnum-machine-gun |title= | |||
| FN UK partners with True Velocity to produce .338 Norma Magnum machine gun |website=Janes |date=16 June 2024 }}</ref> | |||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| *] | |||
| *] | *] | ||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
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| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| * - General Dynamics | *{{usurped|1=}} - General Dynamics | ||
| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
| * | * | ||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}} | ||
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| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
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Latest revision as of 07:31, 21 December 2024
General Dynamics medium machine gun| Lightweight Medium Machine Gun | |
|---|---|
| Type | Machine gun |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 24 pounds (11 kg) |
| Length | 49 in (1,200 mm) |
| Barrel length | 24 in (610 mm) |
| Cartridge | .338 Norma Magnum .338 Lapua Magnum |
| Barrels | 1 |
| Action | Short Recoil Impulse Averaging |
| Rate of fire | 500 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,650 ft/s (810 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | 1,860 yards (1,700 meters) |
| Maximum firing range | 6,170 yards (5,640 meters) |
| Feed system | belt |
The True Velocity RM338, formerly Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG), is a prototype machine gun being developed first by General Dynamics, later by LoneStar Future Weapons, now by True Velocity. The weapon was originally developed by General Dynamics for Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) Irregular Warfare program, but was later reintroduced by True Velocity for United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) LMG-M program.
Design
The LWMMG is designed to fill the gap between 7.62 mm and .50 BMG machine guns. The weapon uses the .338 Norma Magnum round, giving it greater lethality and double the range of the 7.62 NATO round. The LWMMG has a rate of fire of 500 rounds per minute, an effective range of 1,700 meters (1,900 yards), and a maximum range of 5,642 meters (6,170 yards). It weighs 24 pounds (11 kg), making it only slightly heavier than the M240L, and 3 lb (1.4 kg) lighter than the M240B. The .338NM bullet has over 6,300 J (4,600 ft⋅lb) of muzzle energy and is four times more powerful than the 7.62 NATO at 1,000 meters. An individual round is twice as heavy (45.5 grams compared to 24 grams), as are each belt link (8 grams compared to 4 grams). For each weapon to fire for one minute, the standard LWMMG weighing 10.8 kg (24 lb) plus a belt of 500 .338NM rounds would weigh 37.6 kg (83 lb), while an M240B weighting 12.5 kg (28 lb) plus a belt of 800 7.62 NATO rounds would weigh 34.9 kg (77 lb). The LWMMG is operated by a gas-operated, long-stroke piston with a rotating bolt located under the barrel and fires from an open bolt. It uses “Short Recoil Impulse Averaging” technology, patented by General Dynamics and previously used on their XM806 machine gun, where the entire barrel, barrel extension, gas system, and bolt assembly recoil inside the outer housing. The LWMMG is equipped with a quick-change barrel, quad picatinny rails, collapsible stock, and can be used by dismounted troops or mounted on a platform.
The LWMMG is pitched as being a bridge between 7.62 NATO and .50 BMG machine guns. While the M240 has an effective range of 1,100 m, the LWMMG fires a 300 gr (19 g) .338 bullet that can provide effective and accurate fire out to 1,700 m. General Dynamics officials say their machine gun is not meant to be a replacement for the M240, but to give the ability to put effective fire on targets at extended ranges. The LWMMG can be mounted on an M240 mount and costs about the same. While the company is satisfied with the shorter .338NM cartridge's performance, the gun could easily be converted to .338 Lapua Magnum. The gun's short recoil operating system causes the barrel to reciprocate, similar to the M2 machine gun. This combined with a gas system to minimize recoil balances positive and negative recoil forces, allowing a gunner to fire a round with significantly greater energy but with the recoil profile similar to a 7.62 mm round from an M240.
History
General Dynamics first realized the capability gap being experienced by U.S. forces in Afghanistan around 2010. In many cases, troops were on low ground and being engaged by PKM machine gun fire from the high ground, forcing them to return fire from where they were instead of being able to seek a better position. The M2 .50-caliber machine gun is too heavy for use by dismounted patrols, and rounds from an M240 begin to drift off-target at 800 meters, especially when shooting upwards. At closer ranges, an M240 is accurate but does not have enough penetrating power against hard structures. The Precision Sniper Rifle competition going on at that time also showed the U.S. military was interested in infantry weapons with a 1,500-meter range. To achieve desired range capabilities, the .338-caliber was chosen, specifically the .338 Norma Magnum over the .338 Lapua Magnum for several reasons including greater barrel life and a less tapered case for better use in a push-through design metallic disintegrating link. At 1,000 yd (914 m), the 7.62 NATO's velocity drops to about 1,000 ft/s (300 m/s); at that range, the .338NM travels at 2,000 ft/s (610 m/s) and out to 1,100 yd (1,006 m), the round is capable of defeating Level III armor. A machine gun was then designed around the concept with Short Recoil Impulse Averaging technology, uses available subsystem components to keep cost down, and has a broad view 6-power scope to enable point target engagement out to 1,000-1,200 meters. The development of prototypes was entirely company-funded and took 12 months. The LWMMG was first unveiled on 15 May 2012 at the Joint Armaments Conference in Seattle, Washington.
An improved LWMMG was displayed at AUSA 2014 with its weight decreased to 22 lb (10.0 kg). Previously, the gun underwent a firing demonstration with special operations elements at Camp Roberts, California. When firing from a bipod, the gunners were able to fire directly and hit targets as far out as 1,950 m (2,133 yd). At that range, a .50 caliber machine gun is designed to be an area weapon and could only fire accurately with single shots, while the LWMMG can maintain accurate automatic fire beyond what the .50 Cal is capable of. This showed the weapon's significance of hitting targets at longer ranges than what an M240 can do that would require the use of a vehicle-mounted .50 caliber weapon. A demonstration firing of the LWMMG is expected to take place in late October at Fort Benning, Georgia.
In April 2021 the technical data package for the LWMMG was sold to LoneStar Future Weapons.
In November 2021 True Velocity Ammo acquired LoneStar Future Weapons.
Further development
LWMMG concept was further developed into RM338 under True Velocity to compete in the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) LMG-M program.
In April 2024, True Velocity filed a lawsuit against SIG Sauer, alleging SIG's Sig MG 338 entry submission in the LMG-M stole their intellectual property on the recoil mitigation system.
On 18 June 2024, True Velocity announced a partnership with FN Browning Group to manufacture the RM338 in the United States by FN America and in the United Kingdom by FN UK.
See also
References
- ^ Bell, Jay (2 May 2024). "The Coming .338 Revolution: A Look at the Next Generation, LMG-M Machine Guns". Sa Defense Journal.
- "NGSW: LoneStar Future Weapons Forms Strategic Alliance with True Velocity in Place of General Dynamics -". 14 April 2021.
- "True Velocity Acquires LoneStar Future Weapons -". 10 November 2021.
- General Dynamics Unveils New Medium-caliber Machine Gun at Joint Armaments Conference in Seattle - General Dynamics Press Release, 15 May 2012
- .338 NM Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) - Thefirearmblog.com, 16 May 2012
- GD Shows Off Long-Range Machine Gun - Kitup.Military.com, 25 September 2013
- General Dynamics’ New General Purpose Machine Gun in .338 Norma Magnum Effective to 1800 Yards - Guns.com, 16 May 2012
- Revolutionary Lightweight Machine Gun Prototype Unveiled by GDATP - Defensemedianetwork.com, 24 May 2012
- GD-OTS refines medium machine gun design - Shephardmedia.com, 15 October 2014
- "NGSW: LoneStar Future Weapons Forms Strategic Alliance with True Velocity in Place of General Dynamics -". 14 April 2021.
- "True Velocity Acquires LoneStar Future Weapons -". 10 November 2021.
- "FN UK partners with True Velocity to produce .338 Norma Magnum machine gun". Janes. 16 June 2024.
External links
- LWMMG factsheet - General Dynamics
- A new machine gun-the right weapon for today's environment
- .338 Medium Machine Gun Suppressor Test Results
- "Distinct Overmatch on the Current and Future Battlefield"
- General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems .338 Machine Gun
- LIGHTWEIGHT MEDIUM MACHINE GUN: Unmatched accuracy and extended range
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