Next Generation HK Machine Gun Variant Series Hot Barrels

HK MG4 Machine Gun, Hk MG43 Machine Gun and HK MG36 Machine Gun

The newest belt-fed LMG on the market is the Heckler & Koch (HK) 5.56mm HK MG43 Machine Gun which was unveiled in September 2001 and subsequently type-classified by the Germany Army as the MG4. The service has begun fielding the weapon to replace the successful 7.62mm MG3 machine gun, a derivative of the Second World War MG42. The first HK MG43 Machine Gun were deployed with the German International Security Assistance Force contingent in Afghanistan in early 2006 and an order for a further 870 weapons is expected before the end of 2007. The German Army is copying the practise of many other Western armies by deploying two MG4s with each infantry squad.

HK MG43 Machine Gun

HK MG4 Machine Gun

HK engineers closely studied the design of the Minimi and other LMGs and discussed with users their experiences with these weapons. The HK MG4 machine gun  is designed to function reliably under adverse conditions using ammunition from various sources without the need to adjust the gas system. The MG4 Machine Gun measures 1.05 m with the butt extended and 810 mm with the butt folded and weighs 7.5 kg without ammunition. The MG4’s iron sights are graduated to 1,000 m in 100 m increments and optical and night sights can be fitted on a Mil-Std-1913 rail.

The HK MG4 Machine Gun can be mounted on the US M2 tripod or similar mounts for use in the sustained fire role. Hot barrels can be changed without the need for a protection glove.

HK MG4 Machine Gun

Although most 7.62mm HBAR designs were not particularly popular nevertheless most 5.56mm assault rifle families, with the notable exception of the French Nexter FAMAS, include an LSW with a heavier barrel and bipod. Colt Canada (previously Diemaco) produces the C7 LSW based on its C7 assault rifle which is an improved version of the M16A2. The C7 LSW features a heavy hammer-forged barrel which eliminates the need for barrel change. The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps uses the C7A1 LSW fitted with the flat top receiver of the C7A1 rifle enabling it to accept a variety of optical sights and the weapon is also in Danish Army service.

HK MG3 Machine Gun

HK MG36 Machine Gun

Like the other members of HK’s G36 family in German service the HK MG36 Machine Gun has an integral x 3 optical sight while the export version features a x 1.5 sight. The G36 series uses a translucent polymer plastic 30-round magazine; three of these can be fastened together to facilitate quick magazine changes. As with many 5.56mm designs the C-Mag 100 round drum magazine can also be used. The MG36 Machine Gun weighs 3.98 kg with a loaded 30-round magazine and measures 990 mm with the butt extended and 760 mm with the butt folded. Members of the G36 family are available with trigger groups permitting semi-automatic, two-round burst and fully automatic fire.

MG36 Machine Gun

STK’s 5.56 mm SAR 21 bullpup assault rifle family developed in the late 1990s for the Singapore Armed Forces includes the magazine-fed SAR 21 LMG fitted with a heavier barrel and bipod. As with other models, the LMG is fitted with a 1.5 x optical sight integrated into the carrying handle. The weapon has an effective range of 800 m firing SS109 ammunition. The SAR 21 weighs 5.5 kg with a loaded 30-round magazine and measures 805 mm in length.