FN Herstal M240
| The M240, formally known as the United States Machine Gun, 7.62 millimeter, M240, is a family of belt-fed, gas operated medium machine guns firing the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The M240 was adopted by the U.S. Military following a world-wide competition for a reliable 7.62 mm machine gun for use as a coaxial weapon for armored vehicle applications. The Coaxial version of the famous Belgian FN MAG 58 (Mitrailleuse d'Appui General or General Purpose Machine Gun), produced by FN Herstal, won this competition. Despite not being the lightest medium machine gun in service, the M240 is highly regarded for reliability, and its standardization among NATO members is also seen as a major advantage. The demonstrated reliability of this weapon, 26,000 Mean Rounds |
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Between Failure (MRBF), makes it the world's most reliable machine gun. As a result of the outstanding performance of this weapon, vehicle, aviation, and infantry variants are now in use by the U. S. Military. The US variants are produced by FN Manufacturing, a US subsidiary of FN Herstal S.A.
The U. S. produced M240 variants are produced to the exacting specifications of the original MAG 58. consequently, all M240 variants have interchangeable components and are interoperable with foreign-produced NATO equivalent weapons. This has significant advantages in training, logistics support, and tactical versatility. For example, an M240B buttstock and bipod may be carried in an armored vehicle to enable the tank crew to convert the coaxial weapon to an infantry model in the event that they are forced to dismount from a vehicle. |
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Loading the M240 is performed by pulling the charging handle which locks the bolt to the rear. The weapon is placed on safe and the charging handle is pushed forward. The feed tray cover is then lifted and rounds are laid inside the feed tray. The feed tray cover is then closed and the weapon is ready for operation.
During prolonged firing, care must be taken to not allow exposed skin to come in contact with the weapon. The barrels can become hot enough to inflict second degree burns instantly without becoming visibly different. However, such barrels glow brightly to anyone using any sort of optics sensitive to infrared radiation, such as night vision devices.
The M240 is currently being used in Afganistan. In April 2002 the Natick Soldier Center reported on a study on the M240, here are the results
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17% reported engaging the enemy with their M240B.
- 42% reported problems getting spare parts in Afghanistan (barrels, springs, small roll pins, T&E pin, heat shields, sear pins, spare barrel bag, cleaning materials).
- 1 soldier reported a double feed in combat.
- 50% reported that they need better ways to carry ammunition (ammo bag, etc).
- 100% were confident in their weapon.
- 82% felt that their M240B was reliable.
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Common Characteristics
- Gas operated
- Fixed head-space and timing
- 26,000 mean round between failure (MRBF)
- Maximum range 3725 meters
- Tracer burnout 900 meters
- Cyclic rate of fire:
Single port: 550 - 650 RMP
3 Port - operator adjustable 750 - 950 RPM
- Muzzle velocity 2800 ft/sec
- Slap ammunition capable
Accessories
- Egress kit - Consists or a buttstock trigger mechanism and bipod. Allows coaxial or pintle-mounted M240 to be converted for use in the dismounted role.
- Flexible gun mount
- Ring and post sight
- Bandoleer hanger
- Adaptation hardware for U.S. M122 tripod
- Flexible ammunition chuting
- Buttstock and bipod for dismount use
- 600 and 1200 round capacity ammunition boxes
- Armorer's tool kit
| M240 Statistics |
| Type |
Machine gun |
| Place of origin |
Belgium
United States |
| In service |
1977 |
| Used by |
Military of the United States |
| Weight |
12.5 kg (27.6 lb) |
| Length |
1,245 mm (49 in) |
| Barrel length |
627 mm (24.68 in) |
| Cartridge |
7.62x51mm NATO |
| Action |
Gas-operated, open bolt |
| Rate of fire |
650–950 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity |
905 m/s (2,970 feet per second) |
| Effective range |
900 m (tracer burnout),
1,800 m (1,970 yards) on tripod |
| Maximum range |
3,725 m (4,073 yards) |
| Feed system |
Disintegrating belt with M13 Links |
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