True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

[TiroFijo]

Please excuse the topic since it is not related to sniping. Somebody claims in another forum that the M2 will be replaced in all roles by the FN M3M, over a long time for sure...

Does anybody knows if the FN M3M/GAU-21 has been adopted by any branch of the US military other than for Navy and Marines helicopter use?

For example, are there plans to use it on Hummers, M1 tanks, other armored vehicles, ground defensive positions, etc.?

What is the future of the M2 BMG?

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_50cal-M3M_MG.htm

http://www.fnhusa.com/mil/products/firearms/model.asp?fid=FNF017&gid=FNG008&mid=FNM0046

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=621_1302311696

Thanks in advance

 

[997/2man]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

Rate of fire approx. 2X the M2. Very fast for single barrel weapon.

 

[rrflyer]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

That video is sweet...but what happens when that ammo box takes a round in the middle of that 1100 round link!?!?

 

[sqidd]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That video is sweet...but what happens when that ammo box takes a round in the middle of that 1100 round link!?!? </div></div>
You have 550rds.

 

[Dirty D]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That video is sweet...but what happens when that ammo box takes a round in the middle of that 1100 round link!?!? </div></div>

The same thing that happens when a standard M2 takes a round in the ammo box, break off the damaged rounds/links, refeed the remainder and resume firing.

 

[Sulenski]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

It looks like a well built and designed addition to the BMG class of machine guns. I think the M2 will be around for a few more decades until at least manufactuers stop making parts and demand dies down.

Impressive machine gun to say the least!

 

[ArmaHeavy]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

Like these?

 

[TiroFijo]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

Just like these, ArmaHeavy...

Do you have any first/second hand reports?

Does anybody knows if they are adopting the M3M for anything other than helicopter use?

 

[ArmaHeavy]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

I've been around M2s, and if this thing can fire a 600 round string(yes I'm factoring the wind cooling the barrel), then it should be more reliable than a M2.

Hell we were told to fire it in 5 to 7 second bursts on the M2 to prevent the barrel from burning out and melting, or the thing eventually having a mind of it's own(runaway gun).

Also the guy who posted the first video can answer your questions on the M3M weapon system better than I can.

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This one is the M2 variant that I've had experience with. See how he has to fire it in short bursts?
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From all I've seen about this I'd say that most of the services are just using it on their aircraft.

So far Air Force, Navy, Marine Corp.

 

[Cegorach]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

It seems to me like they are complimentary as opposed to mutually exclusive. I am sure there are times where a blistering rate of fire would be an advantage and other instances where the slower M2 would be beneficial.

 

[Hogstooth]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

It is my understanding that the M3M also does not have to be headspaced like the old M2s, which there have been several accidents where the M2 wasn't HS and blew up on the operator. Usually with the operator not faring very well, I would want one blowing up on me!!

 

[TiroFijo]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

There is a new quick barrel change version of the M2 that does away with the headspace problems.

There is also the still experimental "lightweight fifty", actually developed by general dynamics. Has been around for quite a while, who knows if it will be ever be adopted...

Until now I've never heard of a widespread replacement of the M2 by the M3M for ground forces.

 

[Numb_Skull]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

The M2 is a killing machine that could never be replaced, I will always hold that weapon system near and dear to my heart.

 

[msalm]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

9,612,445 firm-fixed-priced contract for the procurement of 136 M3M 0.50" (12.7 mm) caliber machine guns and 24 spare M3M machine guns

That's a bit spendier than an M2 at over $70,000 each...holy hell.

 

[TiroFijo]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

msalm, what's that contrat for? Helicopter or ground use?

 

[Pedro23]

Re: True? New FN M3M 50 BMG replaces M2?

The USAF will replace the GAU-18 with the GAU-21. I have personally talked to the USAF reps in charge of this program during a few static displays.

In the USAF with the HH-60G; we have not had any issues with our GAU-18's blowing up on the AG's and FE's due to head space. Only from cook offs when the hot round decides to go boom in the spent chute tube after chambering a cooler round to try prevent a cook off from the start. No on ever got hurt to write about it.

Still I think the GAU-18 is a fine weapon since it has in the past and will once again save my life.

ArmaHeavy, you a jolly/pedro as well??