Heckler & Koch MG5 (HK121)

History

The modern German army currently relies on three different general purpose machine guns (GPMG) as well as the MG4 light machine gun (LMG) and the Browning M2 heavy machine weapon type (HMG) ) used. The trio consists of the MG3, G8 and the new state-of-the-art MG5.

The MG3 is derived from the World War II-era MG42, while the G8 is the form commonly used by German special forces, making the MG5 the latest entry in the service's inventory. The MG5 is designed to replace the aging MG3 machine gun, playing the same GPMG role in the Bundeswehr.

Following design work (designated "HK121") from 2001 to 2018, Heckler & Koch began quantitative mass production of the new machine gun in 2010, which was evaluated by the Army in 2013, after which the type was accepted into service in 2015 year of service.

The core of the system is designed for the proven 7.62x51mm NATO rifle cartridge while being fed by a 50 or 120 round DM60/M13 disintegration belt. It is a gas powered weapon with an internal rotating bolt breech. The rate of fire is 640 to 800 rounds per minute, and the muzzle velocity is 2,575 to 2,756 feet per second.

The effective range is up to 1000 meters, and the maximum range is more than 3500 meters. Aiming is arranged by diopter.

The layout of the weapons is largely traditional. The replaceable barrel is locked with a slotted brake, and the gas cylinder is located under the assembly. A rotatable bipod is attached to the cylinder, while the barrel has a front sighting device.

A Picatinny rail sits above the receiver, allowing a variety of accessories to improve accuracy. The sight is located on the far back of the receiver. The pistol grip and trigger assembly is mounted under the receiver as usual.

As a "universal" weapon, the MG5 can be fired from its traditional bipod (making it semi-portable), mounted on a tripod (as a stronger defense), or mounted on a vehicle for better Mobility to match mission needs. All GPMGs today require this versatility, making them a key component of any war machine.

As such, the weapon can be used as a squad-level troop suppression solution, or as a long-range attacker/defender when mounted on a vehicle/tripod. In addition, such weapons can also attack low-flying aircraft if necessary, adding another element to the arsenal.

The notable variant in the series is the base MG5, followed by the specialised MG5A2, MG5A1 and MG5S. The MG5 stands for a "universal" form factor that fits almost any character and features a folding stock to keep it compact when traveling. The MGA1 is a vehicle/aircraft derivative with a full inventory, while the MGA2 is a light (5.5 lb) infantry-grade model with a fixed inventory.

The MG5S is a Special Forces issue type that offers the shortest available (unfolded) overall length (39.8 inches) despite having a fixed stock.

Since August 2020, the MG5 has been in service with the armed forces of Albania (Army), Germany (Army), Chile (Marine Corps) and Malaysia (Special Forces). The MG5 will be adopted by the Bundeswehr in 2020 in several thousand units - up to 12,700 are expected to be procured.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service

2015

Origins

Germany

Categories

General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)

Manufacturer

Heckler & Koch GmbH - Germany

Carrier

Albania;Chile;Germany;Malaysia;Portugal

Roles

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Air Defense

Able to attack low-flying threats from the air.

Special Forces

The quality of this weapon has proven its value to Special Forces who need a versatile and reliable solution to the rigors of special operations.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,160 mm

45. 67 inches

Barrel length

550mm

21. 65 inches

Cured weight

24.69 lbs

11.20 kg

Attractions

Arrangement of diopter aiming.

Action

Gas powered; rotary bolt action rifle

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

7.62x51mm NATO

Circle/Feed

50 or 120 turn resolution band.

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

3,280 feet

(1,000m | 1,093m)

Rate of fire

720

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

2,660 ft/s

(811 m/s)

VARIANTS

MG5 - name of the basic series; basic operating mode; foldable shaft; 1,160 mm length; 550 mm barrel length; 24.7 lbs. MG5A1 - Mounted; fixed bearing; 1,055mm length; 663mm barrel length; 22 lbs. MG5A2 - Infantry variant; fixed bearing; 1,160mm length; 460mm barrel length; 21.8 lbs weight.

MG5S - Special Forces variant; fixed bearing; 1,012mm length; 550mm barrel length; 26.7 lbs weight.