M2A1

M2A1 (Heavy machine gun) – 45 000

In service: 1933-present

Manufacturer:

General Dynamics;

Fabrique Nationale;

U.S. Ordnance;

Manroy Engineering (UK)

Produced: 1921-present (M2HB)

Number built: 3 million

Weight:

38 kg;

58 kg with tripod and T&E

Length: 1,654 mm

Barrel length: 1,143 mm

Cartridge: .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO)

Action: Short recoil-operated

Rate of fire:

485-635 rounds/min (M2HB);

750-850 rounds/min (AN/M2);

1,200 rounds/min (AN/M3)

Muzzle velocity: 890 m/s for M33 ball

Effective firing range: 1,800 m

Maximum firing range: 6,800 m

Feed system: Belt-fed (M2 or M9 links)

The XM213/M213 was a modernization and adaptation of existing .50 caliber AN/M2s in inventory for use as a pintle mounted door gun on helicopters using the M59 armament subsystem.

The XM296/M296 is a further development of the AN/M2 machine gun for the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter.

The GAU-15/A is a lightweight member of the M2/M3 family.

The GAU-18/A, is a lightweight variant of the M2/M3, and is used on the USAF's MH-53 Pave Low and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters.