Fabrique Nationale Mk 48 LWMG

History of the Fabrique Nationale Mk 48 LWMG

The Mk 48 is a larger caliber complement to the Mk 46, developed by the Belgian National Factory (FN Herstal) at the request of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Both systems were developed simultaneously to replace the long-barreled Mk 43 Mod 0 (M60E4), a modified special forces version of the Vietnam-era 7.62mm gas-operated M60 general purpose machine gun. The Mk 46 was designed to be a lighter, smaller counterpart to accommodate 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges, while the Mk 48 was tasked with firing 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges.

Both weapons were developed from the Fabrique Nationale M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon), specifically the production model M249 SPW (Special Purpose Weapon), which was also developed for the needs of the early US Special Operations Command.

The M249 SPW is a lightweight shortened design of the original M249. It lost the magazine feeder and vehicle mount, as well as its carrying handle - all changes to reduce the weight of the original and create a belt-driven portable weapon.

Accessory rails have been added to support optics and more, while a bipod is optional. Both the Mk 46 and Mk 48 modifications are based on these changes, with some additional implementations designed to allow for a more specialized special agent system.

The

Mk 48 debuted in 2003 during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and has since served extensively in theater and throughout Afghanistan. Compared to the smaller 5.56mm cartridge, the system provides an accurate range of fire, especially benefiting from the use of larger caliber rifle cartridges and their inherent long-range penetration capabilities.

The Mk 48 is larger, longer, and heavier than the Mk 46, with an overall length of 39.75 inches, a barrel length of 19.75 inches, and an empty weight of 18.26 pounds. However, the Mk 48 has a higher rate of fire and a greater range to work with the small-caliber weapons that squads already carry.

Regardless, both designs are portable, fully automatic systems and provide on-demand fire support when needed.

The Mk 48 has internal open bolt operation via a belt feed mechanism. The barrel is replaceable to prevent overheating and is made of hammer forged steel with hard chrome plated inside (as is the combustion chamber). All surfaces are painted with a non-reflective black finish to keep the shooter in place in all lighting conditions. Titanium bipods are durable and lightweight for the rigors of modern warfare. The receiver is made of formed steel and includes MIL-STD 1913 rails for mounting optics and sights.

Additional MIL-STD 1913 rails are located on both sides of and under the front end. The stock is well formed and nicely contoured, while the optional retractable metal design can be mounted in its place. The attachment is equipped with hydraulic recoil buffers and anti-skid butt plates.

The trigger ring is shaped to fit a gloved finger. An optional bipod and shoulder strap can be attached to the weapon for additional fire support and easy transport, respectively. The carry handle is optional, as is the vertical front handle.

The Mk 48 reports an effective target acquisition range of 800 meters and a maximum aiming range of up to 3,600 meters. The gun has an overall length of 39.75 inches and an empty weight of 18.26 pounds. The reported rate of fire for the Mk 48 is about 730 rounds per minute.

The original production Mk 48, designated the Mk 48 Mod 0, had an empty weight of 18.26 pounds and a rate of fire of 710 rounds per minute. The subsequent update came in the form of the Mk 48 Mod 1, with the specs listed above.

USSOCOM is currently (2013) the only known operator of the Mk 48 weapon system.

Specification

ROLES

STRUCTURAL

PERFORMANCE

VARIANTS