07-14-2012, 05:37 AM
Looks like they're aiming to compete with FN in the belt-fed market. While lighter and more compact than the M240/MAG58, it's still too heavy at 9.9kg (21.8 lbs), but I like the overall layout from what I can see. It appears that they have adopted a constant-recoil principle, or are using an amazing buffer, because recoil management apppears to be very tame with this system.
The integral shell deflector on the ammo box is interesting.
Chambering in 6.5x47 Lapua is a non-starter due to barrel life on a belt-fed, and only suitable for a dedicated sniper system.
Since there is 11 years of 7.62 NATO currently stocked at present consumption levels, it is highly unlikely that we will see a viable logistical replacement for 7.62 NATO among the entrenched NATO countries, as much as I would like to see it replaced.
Do you know what type of operating system and locking mechanism they're using?
They could have cut a few kilograms of weight by eliminating the folding buttstock, and going with a German innovation known as the half-bullpup, like the FG42,MG42, or M60. I didn't see a reference to MTBF round counts, but I do like the rate of fire on this more than the M240.
If the MTBF is comparable to the M240, I wouldn't hesitate to select this over the M240, since it is lighter and more compact, with a purpose-built attached feed system for the gunner. From what I've been able to gather, this will be a replacement for the MG3 in the Bundeswehr, which is a good move in my opinion. Notice they made it back-compatible with the MG3 tripod, flex mount, and firing mechanism.
The integral shell deflector on the ammo box is interesting.
Chambering in 6.5x47 Lapua is a non-starter due to barrel life on a belt-fed, and only suitable for a dedicated sniper system.
Since there is 11 years of 7.62 NATO currently stocked at present consumption levels, it is highly unlikely that we will see a viable logistical replacement for 7.62 NATO among the entrenched NATO countries, as much as I would like to see it replaced.
Do you know what type of operating system and locking mechanism they're using?
They could have cut a few kilograms of weight by eliminating the folding buttstock, and going with a German innovation known as the half-bullpup, like the FG42,MG42, or M60. I didn't see a reference to MTBF round counts, but I do like the rate of fire on this more than the M240.
If the MTBF is comparable to the M240, I wouldn't hesitate to select this over the M240, since it is lighter and more compact, with a purpose-built attached feed system for the gunner. From what I've been able to gather, this will be a replacement for the MG3 in the Bundeswehr, which is a good move in my opinion. Notice they made it back-compatible with the MG3 tripod, flex mount, and firing mechanism.