07-14-2012, 08:49 AM
I understand that the high weight of the gun is largely down to a very heavy barrel (as specified by the German Army, who will be adopting it as the MG5). In which case, producing a lightweight, more portable version shouldn't be a problem.
The purpose of an intermediate-calibre general-purpose cartridge would not be to replace the 7.62mm overnight, but to replace it in portable infantry weapons, thereby contributing to the weight savings the infantry are looking for. I would expect that vehicle-mounted 7.62mm MGs would carry on being used until they wore out.
The purpose of an intermediate-calibre general-purpose cartridge would not be to replace the 7.62mm overnight, but to replace it in portable infantry weapons, thereby contributing to the weight savings the infantry are looking for. I would expect that vehicle-mounted 7.62mm MGs would carry on being used until they wore out.