Mk 48 machine gun
General-purpose machine gun / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the machine gun. For the torpedo, see Mark 48 torpedo. For the missile launcher, see RIM-162 ESSM.
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 (M13 link) or the non-disintegrating segmented German DM1 belt of ammunition.
Quick Facts Type, Place of origin ...
Mk 48 Mod 0 | |
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Type | General-purpose machine gun |
Place of origin |
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Service history | |
In service | 2003–present |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | |
Production history | |
Designer | Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing |
Designed | 2003 |
Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing |
Produced | 2003–present |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass | 8.2 kg (18.0779 lb) empty 11.2 kg (24.7 lb) w/ 100 rounds |
Length | 1,000 mm (39.75 in) |
Barrel length | 502 mm (19.75 in) |
Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO (STANAG 2310) |
Action | Gas-operated, open bolt |
Rate of fire | 650–730 rounds/min |
Effective firing range | 800 m (~875 yd), area target |
Maximum firing range | 3,600 m (~3,940 yd) |
Feed system | Non-disintegrating DM1 or disintegrating M13 linked belt |
Close
It is manufactured by Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing Inc., a division of FN Herstal based in the United States. The Mk 48 has been developed in conjunction with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), which has adopted the weapon and started its fielding process, beginning with special operations units.