Currently, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is conducting the Lightweight Machine Gun-Medium (LMG-M) program, the goal of which is to select a new light machine gun with increased performance. One of the participants in the competition is SIG Sauer with its MG 338 project (previously designated as SL MAG). The other day this company boasted of new successes within the LMG-M framework.
Last messages
On January 15, SIG Sauer announced the completion of one of the stages of the LMG-M program. Her MG 338 machine gun,.338 Norma Magnum cartridge and Next Generation Suppressors have been certified safety by USSOCOM. They have confirmed the compliance with the requirements for the products used, which allows the work to continue.
It is also reported that the first batch of new weapons and accessories for it has been handed over to the Special Operations Command. These products will be used in a further test program. The supply of.338 NM cartridges continues for a full-scale test of the machine gun.
The development company appreciates the latest developments. It is noted that for the first time in several decades, the US armed forces simultaneously certified a new machine gun, a new cartridge and additional equipment for them. At the same time, all new opportunities for the army are provided by one manufacturer. Thus, obtaining safety certifications is a matter of pride.
Challenges and solutions
The goal of the LMG-M program is to create and put into service USSOCOM a promising machine gun that meets the characteristic requirements. The Special Operations Command and other structures of the US Army have machine guns chambered for a 7, 62x51 mm NATO rifle cartridge and large-caliber systems for 12, 7x99 mm BMG. These systems differ markedly in their characteristics, and the machine gun of the LMG-M program should fill the gap between them.
According to the tabular data, the maximum range of the existing 7, 62-mm machine gun M240 is 1800 m. The new LMG-M should provide effective fire at distances of 1900-2500 m. At long distances, it is planned to use 12, 7-mm machine guns. To ensure effective fire at specified distances, the new machine gun must use.338NM ammunition.
The requirements for the range and effectiveness of fire are basic, but not the only ones. The product for the LMG-M program must have reasonable dimensions and acceptable ergonomics. It is also necessary to provide for the possibility of shooting by right-handers and left-handers, as well as provide the ability to feed the cartridge strip from either side.
The LMG-M program involves SIG Sauer with an MG 338 machine gun and General Dynamics with an LWMMG product. At the moment, SIG Sauer is slightly ahead of the competitor, but its victory is not yet guaranteed.
Design features
The MG 338 machine gun from SIG Sauer generally complies with the technical specifications. The customer's requirements were met through the use of several original technical solutions that affected the appearance of the finished machine gun.
High fire performance is ensured by using the.338 Norma Magnum cartridge. Initially, this ammunition was created for rifles, but now it is used in projects of weapons of other classes. A bullet with a caliber of 8.6 mm and a mass of less than 20 g, when fired, acquires energy sufficient to hit targets at ranges of the order of 2-2.5 km. In addition, both rifles and machine guns provide acceptable accuracy and accuracy at all operating ranges.
The machine gun is built on the basis of gas-operated automation with a short piston stroke and an adjustable gas block. The layout is traditional with a suspended barrel. Due to the use of a relatively powerful cartridge and a long barrel, the weapon has a characteristic exterior and proportions.
The weapon received a means of reducing the recoil impulse acting on the shooter. For this, the barrel and part of the gas engine are made movable. After firing, they roll back a short distance, and only after that the sleeve is unlocked and removed. The rate of fire is 600 rds / min, which has a positive effect on controllability when firing bursts.
The rifled barrel is quick-changeable. In addition, the project provides for the possibility of changing the caliber. Depending on the needs, the machine gun, after a simple alteration, can use.338NM or 7, 62 NATO cartridges.
On the muzzle of the barrel, the Next Generation Suppressors silent firing device is regularly installed. According to the company-developer, this product significantly reduces the noise from the shot and eliminates muzzle flash. The emission of harmful substances is also sharply reduced. Thus, the NGS silencer allows you to hide the position of the machine gunner, and also relieves him of long-term risks.
The machine gun uses a tape feed with a choice of feed direction. The tape receiver can be rebuilt as needed in the shortest possible time and without the use of special tools.
The controls of the firing mechanism are double-sided. There is only one bolt handle, but it can be installed on the desired side. In addition, the MG 338 is equipped with several rails for mounting the required equipment, such as bipods or scopes. In the basic configuration, the machine gun receives a folding buttstock with length adjustment.
Due to the barrel and the NGS device, the SIG Sauer machine gun differs from existing systems in its greater length. Product weight 20 lbs (approx. 9 kg). Other characteristics have not yet been published. It also remains unknown whether the product meets the customer's requirements.
Prospects of the program
The SIG Sauer MG 338 machine gun passed part of the tests, and also confirmed its safety. In addition, USSOCOM handed over a batch of such weapons for further testing. In the coming months, new tests will take place, based on the results of which a decision will be made on the further fate of the LMG-M program.
In June, USSOCOM will decide whether to continue the program and bring promising machine guns to series and operation. If a positive decision is made, a new order will follow by the end of the year. SIG Sauer and its competitors will have to continue working on their machine guns, and only after that the army will be able to choose the most successful one.
The choice will be made next year. The special operations command plans to purchase 5 thousand new machine guns. Also, these weapons may be of interest to other structures from the US armed forces. With a successful development of events, the total volume of orders for LMG-M can reach tens of thousands of units.
Which of the existing machine guns will be the winner of the current program is unknown. The presented samples have certain advantages and are quite capable of capturing the interest of the customer. It cannot be ruled out that MG 338 will not win in the current competition, but its creators already have reason to be proud. For the first time in several decades, they managed to create and pass through certification a whole complex based on a machine gun. However, SIG Sauer is unlikely to stop at these successes - the company will do everything possible to win the competition.
