Fabrique Nationale M240

Fabrique Nationale M240 History

The M240 is an American replica of the Belgian National Factory (FN) MAG-58 series of critically acclaimed, pneumatic, air-cooled, belt-fed, general purpose machine guns (GPMG). It is officially named "Machine Gun, 7.62mm, M240" in US military nomenclature and is produced locally under the FN Manufacturing label (FN Herstal's trademark label in the US). Manufacturing began in 1977 and continued as the weapon saw extensive combat service in the Gulf War (1991) and the US-led invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).

Since its design is nearly identical to the FN MAG, many key components are interchangeable between the two designs.

The weapon was first adopted by the United States Armed Forces, specifically the USMC, in 1976 as a coaxial tank and armored vehicle machine gun, codenamed "M240". It was installed in M60 Patton and M1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and then used as a secondary weapon on M2/M3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) turrets (as a modified right-feed M240C ) series is added.

The M240E1 is designed for helicopter use with spade handles and multiple mounting options. The weapon can be removed from the post and reused as a standard infantry support weapon with the "Infantry Conversion Kit".

The M240D becomes an upgraded version of the M240E1, including a rail section to support the optics.

M240G is the standard U.S. Navy designation for the M240 system, which can be used in a variety of roles, including medium machine gun support weapons and vehicle-mounted machine guns.

The series is very similar in scope and functionality to the US Army's M240B model, although it lacks a perforated heat shield, which again results in a slightly lighter weapon - 25.6 pounds. With three available gas system settings, the rate of fire is variable, ranging from 650 to 950 rounds per minute.

The M240E5 is an improved version of the M240D aircraft/ground model. A new flash suppressor was introduced, and a length of Picatinny rail was added above the receiver to support the use of optics. The M240E5 evolved into the M240H production form.

The M240L is a lighter form that uses improved weight-saving technology during design and assembly. The variant, which first appeared in U.S. Army inventory in 2010, weighs 22 pounds, 5 pounds less than the Army's original M240B.

Carriers (outside the US) include countries such as Mauritius, Pakistan, Philippines and Spain.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes