The powerful L1A1 12.7 mm (.50) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) is an updated version of the Browning M2 'Fifty-cal' - recognised as one of the finest heavy machine guns ever developed.

The HMG provides integral close-range support from a ground mount tripod or fitted to a Land Rover using the Weapon Mount Installation Kit (WMIK) and a variety of sighting systems. The performance of the HMG has recently been enhanced with a new 'soft mount' (to limit recoil and improve accuracy) and a quick-change barrel (QCB).

The HMG provides the commander with added capability at greater ranges (1500-2000m) when support from armoured vehicles is not available.

Statistics

Calibre: 12.7 mm

Weight: 38.15 kg (gun only)

Length: 1,656 mm

Muzzle velocity: 915 m/s

Feed: 50-round disintegrating belt

Effective Range: 2,000 m

Cyclic rate of fire: 485 - 635 rounds per minute