The FN Minimi (Mini-mitrailleuse abbreviation, "mini-machine gun" in French) is a light machine gun of Belgian origin, developed at Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN) by Ernest Vervier. It was introduced in 1974, having entered service with the armies of several countries including: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States (as M249 SAW). The weapon is currently manufactured at the premises of FN Herstal and also under license in Australia, Greece and the U.S. (By FN Manufacturing LLC). The Minimi is configured in several variants: the standard model (such as support weapon squad or platoon) version to (used by the crews of armored vehicles), helicopter pilots and airborne troops) and the model vehicle (as secondary armament on board tanks and APCs).
design details
The Minimi is an air-cooled machine gun that utilizes the charging system and a gas-operated short stroke piston. The barrel is bolted to a rotating bolt, which has two large pins and placed in battery by portacerrojo zippers. When shooting, the piston is driven back by the firing gases are led through an opening near the mouth of the canyon. The piston rod pushes the portacerrojo, which begins its journey back above two welded rails on the walls of the drawer mechanism, while the bolt is still attached to the barrel chamber. This sequence provides a slight delay, which ensures that the chamber pressure has reached a safe level a notch when the portacerrojo rotate and disengage the bolt from the chamber, increasing the reliability of the extraction socket to allow cool and contract, thus exerting less friction on the walls the chamber. The Minimi fires open bolt, which eliminates the danger of accidental fire due to overheating of the barrel after disprar continuous burst, while the bolt and the portacerrojo introduce air into the chamber and the barrel after each shot, fans and delaying warming. The gases leaving the gas cylinder up, avoid raising dust and dirt which revealed the position of gunner. The Minimi has an adjustable gas valve with two positions: normal and adverse. The adverse position increases the rate of fire of 700-800 rounds / minute at 950-1150 rounds per minute and is only used in severe weather or when the exhaust tube of the gun is quite dirty. The spring extractor is located inside the lock, while the exhaust rocker arm is inside the box mechanisms. The caps are ejected through a hatch located at the bottom right drawer mechanism, which is protected from dust by a cover. The system employs Minimi released striker, where portacerrojo acts as striker.
The weapon is fed from the left side using M27 disintegrating link belts (a miniaturized version of the tape cartridge 7.62 M13 x 51 NATO), both loose and transported in a box of polymer (up to 200 tape cartridges) docked drawer mechanisms, or from STANAG magazines used in other assault rifles in NATO, such as M16 and the FNC. Feeding by shippers is used only in emergencies, when the tapes have been exhausted. The tape is fed into the feed, while those boots are inserted into a gate at an angle of 45 degrees, located under the opening of the tray. When a tape is inserted into the feed tray, the hatch covers to chargers. As a magazine inserted avoid introducing a tape. When the hatch is not used for boots, this is closed by a cover in the form of "L" hinge, which has a tooth which fits into an opening of the magazine and this serves as a retainer. This new feature was developed by the engineer of the FN Maurice Bourlet V (U.S. patent 4,112,817) and allows the Minimi move instantly to be fed via conveyor belts to be powered by shippers without any modification. The feeding mechanism is a ratchet, based on the FN MAG medium machine gun, which in turn was based on the MG42 machine gun of World War II. The tape is moved in two stages through the forward and backward movement of portacerrojo, what allowing continuous feeding and fluid. Cover feed tray has a mechanism that indicates the presence of a cartridge in it.
The Minimi has a button type manual safety installed in the trigger mechanism on the pistol. When the gun is secure, turn off the mechanism of this, by pressing the button from the right side of this will appear with a red line on the left loop of the weapon, which indicates lsita to shoot. The black polymer pistol was originally copied directly from FAL and FNC, but now employs a modified lateral grooves and installed a smaller angle with respect to the drawer mechanism.
The guns used by the Minimi have a higher heat resistance continued to open fire, have a rifled bore and Chrome (6 grooves with right-handed) and are manufactured in two versions: with a spin rate of 178 mm (1:7 inches) to stabilize the heavy Belgian SS109 bullet, or a spin rate of 305 mm (1:12 inches) to use the U.S. M193 ammunition. The guns are rapid change, a lever on the left side of the gun uncoupled from its base. A carrying handle is attached to the barrel and help in the process of change. A well trained soldier will be able to change the barrel and loading the gun to fire in just 6-7 seconds. The first versions of the Minimi have a flame arrestor with side slits, like those of FNC rifles, CAL and FAL, the recent production guns have a flame arrestor cone-shaped groove, shorter.
standard light machine gun version has a cannon of 465 mm (18.3 inches) and a skeletal aluminum cylinder head with a folding portacorreas wire. The model has a barrel shortened from 349 mm (13.7 inches) and a sliding stock, while the model for in-vehicle mount has a 465 mm cannon, but brings no head or aiming mechanisms. All models can be alternatively equipped with a synthetic materal fixed head, the same as the M249, which contains a shock absorber to help stabilize the rate of fire and reduces recoil.
The Minimi has a drawer mechanisms made of stamped steel and welded. Both the standard as to come equipped with fixed folding bipod mounted on the cylinder gases and tucks under the forearm. You can adjust the height of the bipod, since each leg has three positions. The bipod also offers a range of rotation of 15 ° to each side. When the bipod is deployed, the axis of the barrel is elevated to a height of 465 mm (18.3 inches). The Minimi also can be fired from the tripod Belgian FN360 degrees or the U.S. M122 mount using a bracket M60. Minimi-board the vehicle is equipped with an electric trigger, allowing you to shoot inside the vehicle from another position.
Both standard models and up to come with adjustable both vertically and horizontally, allowing shots made with ranges between 300 and 1000 meters, with increases of 100 meters. The front sight is hooded and comes installed on a pole on the gas block and is also adjustable in vertical and horizontal. The first models were rising Minimi mounted on the roof of the feed mechanism and pole fixed front sight near the muzzle. You can also use an adapter that allows the installation of day and night scopes of NATO. Standard accessories supplied with Minimi consist of three boxes of ammunition with a tape capacity of 200 rounds each, a cleaning kit stored in the forearm, one oil bottle, sling strap and adapter to fire blanks. Variants
version of the Minimi M249 was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1982. And since 1984 is produced in the United States by a local subsidiary (FN Manufacturing LLC), South Carolina
As part of the PIP (Product Improvement Progam, product improvement program) of the Army, the M249 was updated: a new synthetic stock and modified shock, a fixed throttle, a flash hider / compensator type "cage" of the M16A2, a radiator cover polymer the barrel, and a folding carrying handle. As a result, the weapon's weight increased to 7.47 kg (16.5 pounds). Several PIP improvements were subsequently added to by FN Minimi.
A slight variation of the order, with a Picatinny rail adapter on the cover feed mechanism is known as the Minimi SPW (Special Purpose Weapon, Weapon Special Purpose). We have removed the food hatch by shippers to further reduce its weight, plus add a handguard with rails MIL-STD-1913 that allows the use of standard tactical accessories.
Another variant of the PWS ordered by the U.S. Special Operations Forces is the Mk 46 Mod 0, which incorporates a light gun with cooling grooves but lacks the power system boot, control points and vehicle-mounted carrying handle. A handguard with rails ensures the modularity and adaptability, allowing the use of flashlights, pistols and infrared laser pointers. An improved variant known as the Mk 46 Mod 1 with a forearm and a slight improvement titanium bipod, has been adopted by the Navy U.S..
Minimi The prototype was originally designed to use cartridges NATO 7.62 x 51 mm, and was later redesigned for the 5.56 cartridge. When USSOCOM issued the requirements for the Mk 48 Mod 0, the original plans for the Minimi were used to develop this new model. As a result of favorable reviews on the Mk 48 Mod 0 and the rising demand for more powerful variant of the Minimi, Minimi FN Herstal introduced 7.62, available in several different configurations. Apart from the increased size, the Minimi 7.62 incorporates a self-regulating gas and a shock absorber in the butt. The Minimi 7.62 also has a different arrangement of sight and the point targeted, adapted to a larger cartridge. The rise can be adjusted from 100 to 1000 meters, in increments of 100 meters. Can also be adjusted horizontally. A variant of the Minimi 7.62 equipped with a handguard with Picatinny rail is the Minimi 7.62 TR.
Copies of the Minimi have been produced in China, as the XY 5.56 x 45, 5.56 x 45mm NATO caliber. Are for export.
Belgium NATO: Troops of the Army and Air Force used the standard Minimi (M1). Airborne troops used the model to (M3).
Canada: The Force C9 Canadian Armed Minimi is a standard with a steel pipe stock. The C9A1 is fitted with a Picatinny rail on the cover feed mechanism and a telescopic sight ELCANO C79 3.4 x.5 The C9A2 was improved with the introduction of a shorter barrel, stock and forearm in green plastic containers of ammunition fabric (replacing the plastic), a sliding stock C8, a pistol and a folding front aiming laser module (MLP). Each section of infantry is armed with two machine guns C9. All these guns are manufactured by Diemaco.
Slovenia: The Slovenian Armed Forces use the Minimi Para.
Spain: Armada English (Marine Corps) and Army Air (EADA, SEAD and EZAPAC).
United States: It was officially adopted on February 1, 1982 as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, but the official release was delayed until late 80. In the U.S. Army and Marines, the SAW is usually employed as a team, a member of a team of 3 or 5 soldiers bearing machine guns. The SAW is also the standard weapon for an amphibious reconnaissance team consisting of 4 or 5 soldiers.
France: Widely used by the French Army. Medium machine gun replaced the AAT-F1.
Greece: Manufactured under license by EAS, is employed by the Greek Army forces special. The first 10 copies were delivered in 1999.
Italy: The Minimi is manufactured under license by Beretta, which is associated with the FN, and is used by the Italian Armed Forces, replacing the MG42/59 (variant of the MG42, which is still widely used in different assemblies) in the role of squad automatic weapon. The Minimi is widely used by Italian forces in all theaters of international operation.
Latvia: standard light machine gun in the arsenals Latvians.
Netherlands: The Dutch Army has bought the version for the Minimi to replace some papers MAG infantry. The MAG is still used as a medium machine gun, weapon support and mounted on vehicles.
Norway: Employed by the Coastal Rangers (Marine Corps) and Army Ranger Command.
Poland: Employed by the Polish special unit GROM. GROM also employs 7.62 Minimi machine gun.
UK: Uses standard variant and Para, known as the L108A1 and L110A1 respectively. The British Army equips each team of 4 soldiers (2 per section) with the current version of the Minimi Para. This complements the L86 weapon and light weapon LSW support section in the British Army. Light machine gun is sometimes equipped with an optical sight SUSAT (Sight Unit Small Arms Trilux) 4x. It is also used by the 3rd Brigade Commander of the Royal Navy and RAF ground troops.
Non-NATO
Saudi Arabia: Employed by the Saudi National Guard.
Argentina: Argentina Navy uses the M249 SAW in all units of its combat divisions (infantry, artillery, reconnaissance). These weapons were bought as part of the modernization program of the Navy, which took place in mid to late 90's.
Australia: Called F89 in service with the Australian Defence Force. The Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force since 1991 used a version of the locally manufactured Minimi by Austalia Defense Industries (ADI). This is essentially the same as the standard model, equipped with the same 1.5 x optical sight used in the Steyr AUG rifle. It also has a longer flash hider (identical to that used in the FN MAG), as well as a shock absorber to maintain a consistent rate of fire when using either "normal" as "adverse" gas regulator (the first models supplied Tenin not installed hydraulic damper, which casue premature exhaustion of the trigger mechanism by using the "adverse" gas regulator due to increase in the rate of fire of 700 rounds / minute to 1000 rounds per minute) and a container folding fabric 200 tape cartridges. During 1999, the F89 was amended, changing the media for optical sight located on the cover feed mechanism for a rail Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 that can accommodate both optical sight ELCANO F88 or improved Wildcat. The track can also accommodate looks Project Ninox night. The F89 does not have a radiator cover and carrying handle is fixed, not folding. Each F89 comes with two spare guns and a cannon to shoot blanks. The machine gunner in combat usually takes just a spare barrel. Two guns F89 are assigned to each section of nine riflemen. Small amounts of the Minimi to are used by paratroopers Australian special forces, but these weapons have not installed the shock absorber.
Brazil: The Brazilian Marines adopted the Minimi as his platoon support weapon in the mid 90's. UAE
Philippines: Employed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who bought the M249 variant.
Indonesia: A Minimi is provided to each squad of Indonesian military and Indonesian Marines. Kopassus special unit also employs the Minimi.
Ireland: Irish Army Rangers now use the Minimi Para.
Israel: Employed by the Israeli military. In the early 90's were purchased limited quantities of machine guns that were used in southern Lebanon. These were replaced in 1995 by the Israeli Negev light machine gun.
Japan partially replaced the NTK-62 in the Japanese Army. It is manufactured under license by Sumitomo Heavy Industries.
Kuwait Lebanon: Employed by the Lebanese Naval Command.
Malaysia: Malaysian Army HK11A1 replaced with the Minimi machine gun. It is also used by special police units.
Mexico Morocco: The Army and Navy used the M249 and Minimi ametralladroas, like the Special Forces Airmobile Group and Special Forces.
Nepal: Army Nepali Minimi machine guns used 5500. These were delivered on July 11, 2002, in agreement with the Belgian government.
New Zealand: New Zealand Armed Forces (Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Air Force and New Zealand Army New Zealand) use the Minimi under the name of C9 Minimi. This weapon has been used as Light Support Weapon Army since 1988.
Peru: Used by the Army of Peru, Peru's Navy and Air Force of Peru.
Sri Lanka: The first country to adopt the Minimi as a squad support weapon. Was supplied directly from Belgium by FN Herstal.
Sweden: Known as the Ksp 90 (Kulspruta 90). The model is referred to Ksp 90B.
Switzerland: Known as the LMG 05, has partly replaced the MG51, which is still in service. Thailand
Taiwan: The Taiwanese Army licensed under the Minimi as the Combined Service Forces (CSF) Type 75, which was previously made by Hsing-Hua Arsenal. East Timor
: Employed by the Armed Forces of East Timor.
Venezuela: It is used by the Venezuelan army and support gun
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