The FN Minimi (short for French: mini-mitrailleuse; "mini machine gun") is a Belgian 5.56mm or 7.62mm light machine gun, also classified as a squad automatic weapon developed by Ernest Vervier for FN Herstal. Introduced in the late 1970s, it is in service in more than 75 countries. The weapon is manufactured at the FN facility in Herstal and their U.S. subsidiary FN Manufacturing LLC.
The Minimi fires from an open bolt. It is an air-cooled, gas operated long-stroke piston weapon that is capable of fully automatic fire only. It can be belt fed or fired from a magazine. The Minimi is configured in several variants: the Standard model as a platoon or squad support weapon, the shortened Para version for paratroopers and the Vehicle model as secondary armament for fighting vehicles.
Design details
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Operating mechanism
.jpg)
The Minimi uses a gas-actuated long-stroke piston system. The barrel is locked with a rotary bolt, equipped with two massive locking lugs, forced into battery by a helical camming guide in the bolt carrier. Upon firing, the piston is forced to the rear by expanding propellant gases bled through a port in the barrel near the muzzle end. The piston rod acts against the bolt carrier, which begins its rearward motion guided on two rails welded to the receiver walls, while the bolt itself remains locked. This sequence provides a slight delay that ensures chamber pressure has dropped to a safe level by the time a cam in the bolt carrier rotates and unlocks the bolt, increasing extraction reliability as the empty cartridge casing has had the time to cool down and contract, exerting less friction against the chamber walls.
The Minimi fires from an open bolt, which reduces the danger of a round cooking off after extended periods of continuous fire, since a cartridge is only momentarily introduced into the chamber prior to ignition, and the movement of the bolt and bolt carrier forces air through the chamber and barrel after each shot, ventilating the barrel and removing heat. Gas escaping the gas cylinder is directed upward, avoiding kicking up dust and debris that would reveal the shooter's position.
Features
The Minimi has a manually adjustable gas valve with two positions, normal and adverse. The adverse setting increases the cyclic rate of fire from 700–850 rounds per minute to 950–1,150 rounds per minute and is used only in extreme environmental conditions or when heavy fouling is present in the weapon's gas tube. The spring extractor is located inside the bolt, while the tilting lever ejector is contained inside the receiver housing. Spent casings are removed through a port located at the bottom of the right side of the receiver, protected from debris with a spring-loaded dust cover. The Minimi is striker-fired and the bolt carrier functions as the striker mechanism.
The Minimi has a push-button type manual safety installed in the trigger housing, above the pistol grip. In the "weapon safe" position, it disables the sear mechanism; pushing the button to the right side exposes a red-coloured rim on the left side of the firearm and indicates the weapon is ready to fire. The black polymer pistol grip from the FAL and FNC rifles was initially used, but the Minimi is currently fitted with a modified grip with lateral grooves, installed at a smaller angle to the receiver.
The Minimi features a welded receiver made from stamped steel. Both the standard and Para variants are equipped with a fixed, folding bipod mounted to the gas tube and stowed under the handguard. The bipod can be adjusted in height and each leg has three height settings. The bipod also offers a 15° range of rotation to either side. With the bipod fully extended, the bore axis is elevated to a height of 465 mm (18.3 in). The Minimi can also be fired from the Belgian FN360° tripod or the American M122 mount using an M60 pintle. The vehicle-mounted Minimi is fitted with an electrically powered trigger that enables it to be fired remotely from within an armoured fighting vehicle.
The standard light machine gun version has a 465 mm (18.3 in) barrel and a skeletonized aluminium stock with a folding wire shoulder strap. The shortened Para model has a 349 mm (13.7 in) barrel and a collapsible metal stock, while the vehicle-mounted model has a 465 mm (18.3 in) barrel but does not have a stock or iron sights. All models can alternatively be fitted with a fixed synthetic stock, the same used on the M249, which contains a hydraulic buffer that contributes to stabilizing the rate of fire and reducing recoil forces.
Feeding
The weapon is fed from the left-hand side by disintegrating-link M27 ammunition belts (a miniaturized version of the 7.62mm M13 belt), from either an unsupported loose belt, enclosed in a polymer ammunition box with a 200-round capacity attached to the base of the receiver, or from detachable STANAG magazines, used in other NATO 5.56 mm assault rifles such as the M16 and FNC. Magazine feeding is used only as an auxiliary measure, when belted ammunition has been exhausted. The ammunition belt is introduced into the feed tray, magazines are seated inside the magazine port at a 45° angle, located beneath the feed tray port. When a belt is placed in the feed tray it covers the magazine port. Likewise, a magazine inserted into the magazine well will prevent the simultaneous insertion of a belt. The magazine port, when not in use, is closed with an L-shaped hinged flap equipped with a tooth, which engages a corresponding opening in the magazine and serves as a magazine release. This feature was developed by FN's Maurice V. Bourlet and allows the Minimi to be instantly changed from belt feed to magazine feed without any modification.
The pawl-type feeding mechanism is modelled on the system used in the MAG general-purpose machine gun, which was originally used in the World War II-era MG 42. The belt is moved in two stages during both the forward and rearward movement of the reciprocating bolt carrier, which provides for a smooth and continuous feeding cycle. The feeding mechanism top cover features a device that indicates the presence of a cartridge in the feed path.
Barrel
The barrels used in the Minimi have an increased heat capacity for sustained fire, feature a chrome-lined rifled bore (six right-hand grooves) and are manufactured in two versions: with a 178 mm (1:7 in) twist rate used to stabilize the heavier Belgian 5.56×45mm SS109 projectile, or a 305 mm (1:12 in) twist for use with American M193 ammunition. The barrels have a quick-change capability; a lever is provided on the left side of the weapon that unlocks the barrel allowing the shooter to push it forward removing it from its trunnion. A carrying handle is also fixed to the barrel and assists in the barrel change process. A trained soldier can perform a barrel change and ready the weapon for aimed fire in 6 to 7 seconds. Early models of the Minimi had a flash suppressor with side ports as seen on the FN FAL, FN CAL, and FN FNC rifles; new production guns have a shorter, cone-shaped slotted flash suppressor.
Sights
Both the standard and Para models come with a rear sight, adjustable for windage and elevation, that provides a peep aperture for ranges from 300–1,000 m (980–3,280 ft), in 100 m (330 ft) increments. The sight line radius is 490 millimeters (19.3 in). The hooded front sight is installed in a post on the gas block and is also adjustable for elevation and windage. Early models of the Minimi had the rear sight mounted forward of the feed cover and the front post secured to the barrel, closer to the muzzle end. An adapter can also be used that allows the use of standard NATO night and day sights.
Accessories
Standard equipment supplied with the Minimi consists of three ammunition boxes, a cleaning kit stored inside the forearm, lubricant bottle, sling and blank-firing barrel.
Variants
| This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (November 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
M249
The M249 version of the Minimi was adopted by the US military in 1982; since 1984, production for the US military has been carried out entirely in the US by a local subsidiary, FN Manufacturing LLC in South Carolina.
As part of the US military's M249 Product Improvement Program (PIP), the M249 was updated with: a new synthetic stock and modified buffer assembly, a single-position gas regulator, a so-called birdcage type flash hider/compensator from the M16A2, a polymer barrel heat guard, and a folding carry handle. As a result, the weapon's weight increased to 7.47 kg (16.5 lb). Many of the PIP upgrades were later incorporated by FN for the Minimi.
A lightweight variant of the Para with a Picatinny top cover rail adapter is known as the Minimi Special Purpose Weapon (SPW). It had the magazine feed port removed to further reduce weight, and a railed MIL-STD-1913 handguard was used that enables the use of standard tactical accessories.
Another variant of the SPW requested by the US Special Operations Forces is the Mk 46 Mod 0 that incorporates a lightweight fluted barrel but lacks the magazine feed system, vehicle mounting lugs and carry handle. A railed forearm ensures modularity and mission-adaptability permitting the use of flashlights, vertical grips, and infrared laser designators. An improved variant known as the Mk 46 Mod 1 with an improved forward rail and lightweight titanium bipod has been adopted by the United States Navy.
Minimi 7.62
The Minimi prototype was originally designed in 7.62×51mm NATO, and later redesigned for the 5.56 mm cartridge. When the USSOCOM issued the requirements for the Mk 48 Mod 0 in the early 2000s, the original plans for the Minimi were retrieved and used to develop this new model. As a result of favourable reviews of the Mk 48 Mod 0 and increasing demand for a more powerful variant of the Minimi, FN Herstal introduced the Minimi 7.62. In November 2006, a FN Herstal press release said the Minimi 7.62 had recently been "launched onto the market" and was available "with a fixed or telescopic buttstock and a standard or triple rail handguard". Apart from the different caliber, the Minimi 7.62 incorporates a non-adjustable, self-regulating gas system and a hydraulic recoil buffer in the buttstock assembly. The Minimi 7.62 also has a different sight setup calibrated for the larger cartridge. The rear sight is adjustable from 300–1,000 m (980–3,280 ft), in 100 m (330 ft) increments. The sight can also be corrected for windage. The Minimi 7.62 TR is a variant equipped with a Picatinny rail handguard from the factory. In Australian service, the Minimi 7.62 is known as the "Maximi".
Minimi Mk3
In November 2013, FN Herstal unveiled the Mk3 version of the Minimi light machine gun the Minimi 5.56 Mk3 and the Minimi 7.62 Mk3. The Mk3 upgrades were based on operational experience and user feedback over the past 10 to 15 years. The stock is 5-position adjustable that is also adjustable for cheek rest height with a folding shoulder rest and hydraulic buffer. The feed tray has retaining pawls to hold ammunition from the belt in place while loading. The handguard has three forward picatinny rails. A new bipod is 3-position height adjustable and seamlessly integrates into the shape of the handguard when folded back regardless of accessories that may be attached. Others features include a more ergonomic cocking handle and an optional heat shield, enabled by an added on long pin, to protect from barrel heat. The Minimi 7.62 Mk3 can be converted to fire 5.56×45mm rounds. Users that already have Minimi machine guns can partially or completely upgrade their existing weapons with the Mk3 features.
Production in other countries
The Minimi is being licence-built in Canada, Australia, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Sweden, Greece and Switzerland by Colt Canada, Lithgow Arms, Beretta, Pindad, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Bofors Carl Gustaf, and Astra Arms S.A. respectively.
Copies of the Minimi have been produced for export by Norinco and made by Changfeng Machinery Co., Ltd in China without license, designated as CS/LM8 [zh] in 2011, and chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. Another clone, known as the XY 5.56, is made by Yunnan Xiyi Industry Company Limited. This was supposed to be mistaken for the CS/LM8 when news of the weapon was made in 2008.
Taiwan also produced the Minimi without license, as the T75. In addition, Egypt also produces the Minimi under license.
Users
Canadian soldier training with the C9A1. The C9A1 is a Belgian-made Minimi Standard equipped with a 3.4× C79 optical sight.
A Minimi Para gunner of the French Army
An Australian F89A1 Minimi. Fitted is a blank-firing barrel and the standard issue 1.5× power scope common with the F88 assault rifle..webp)
Spanish soldier with an FN Minimi while on a NATO FTX in Romania in May 2021.
An Indonesian-made Minimi, Pindad SM3 Para with black and tan parts. Equipped with an ACOG sight.
A JGSDF soldier with a Sumitomo Minimi. Fitted is a blank-firing barrel.
The Minimi has been adopted by over 45 countries. Users include:
Argentina: M249 variant in use.
Australia: Designated F89 in Australian service. It is manufactured by Lithgow Arms. Both the Standard and Para versions are used, with the Standard version usually being equipped with a 1.5x sight, and the Para variant usually equipped with a holographic sight, a removable forward grip and a detachable bipod. The 7.62 mm model is known as the Maximi. The Maximi was issued in 2011 after being trialled in Afghanistan and is in limited service.
Belgium: Standard infantry support weapon of the Belgian Army. Uses both the standard (called the Minimi M2) and Para (Minimi M3) models.
Brazil: Used by the Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE) from Military Police of Rio de Janeiro, Coordenadoria de Recursos Especiais from the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro, Federal police GPI, as well by the Brazilian Army, Marine Corps (399 by 17 military organization, with 13 adopting the Minimi 5,56 Standard and 4 adopting the Minimi 5,56 Para) and Brazilian Air Force. The Army Special Forces uses 38 Minimi 5,56 Special Purpose Weapon (SPW).
Burundi: Burundian rebels.
Canada: The Canadian Forces C9 LMG is a standard factory FN Minimi with a steel tubular buttstock. The C9A1 comes fitted with a Picatinny rail on the feed cover mounting a 3.4× ELCAN C79 telescopic sight and can mount a vertical grip on the underside of the stock for added stability in prone firing. The C9A2 mid-life upgrade introduced a second barrel which was shorter (both with an upgraded muzzle device), reduced IR green furniture, a C8-style collapsible stock, folding vertical foregrip and a laser aiming module (LAM) C9-specific TRIAD. Two C9s are carried by each infantry section.
Chile: Used by Chilean Army.
China: Locally-made clones are used by Chinese police.
Colombia: Used by Colombian military (M249 and MK3).
Croatia:
Cyprus: Used by the Cypriot National Guard.
Czech Republic: 7.62×51mm NATO Minimi adopted as the standard machine-gun for the Czech Army replacing the Uk vz. 59. 317 delivered as of January 2016. The 601st Special Forces Group uses the Mk 48 Mod 0. 5.56mm M249 variant were also in use.
Denmark: Used by the Jægerkorps.
East Timor: Timor Leste Defence Force
Egypt: Produced locally under license.
France: The Para version is widely used by the French Army. Fielded alongside the FN MAG GPMG.
Greece: Used by the Hellenic Army.
Hungary: M249 SAW is used by the Hungarian Special Force.
Indonesia Standard light machine gun of Indonesian Armed Forces. Made under license by Pindad as Pindad SM-3.
Iraq
Ireland: Para in use with the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) special forces.
Italy: The Minimi is made under license by Beretta, which has a partnership with FN, and is employed by the Italian Armed Forces, replacing the MG 42/59 (a variant of the WWII MG 42, which still sees widespread mounted use) in the squad automatic weapon role. The Minimi is being widely employed by Italian forces in all the most recent and current international theaters of operation.
Japan: Partially replaced the NTK-62 with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces. It is manufactured under license by Sumitomo Heavy Industries. The JGSDF is making plans to replace them, but SHI has confirmed that it will not be involved in a potential LMG tender. In January 2023, the FN-made Minimi MK3 was selected and designed as MINIMI(B). Around 3,100 Mk3s are set to be imported.
Latvia: Standard light machine gun in Latvian inventory.
Lebanon
Libya
Lithuania: 7.62×51mm FN Minimi MK 3.
Luxembourg: The Luxembourgish Army uses it as a Squad automatic Weapon, The Para variant is used by the Unité Spéciale de la Police intervention unit of the Grand Ducal Police.
Malaysia: The Malaysian Army replaced the HK11A1 machine gun with the Minimi. Also used by police special force units.
Mali: People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad
Mexico: Mexican Air Force uses it on helicopters.
Nepal: Purchased 5,500 units in 2002.
Netherlands: The Royal Netherlands Army has brought in the Para version of the Minimi to replace the FN MAG in some infantry roles. The Dutch Korps Commandotroepen use the Minimi 5.56 para version. The MAG is still being used as a general-purpose machine gun, support fire weapon and as a vehicle-mounted weapon.
New Zealand: The New Zealand Defence Force uses the Minimi under the designation C9 Minimi. This gun has been used as the Army's Light Support Weapon (LSW) since 1988. The 7.62 Minimi TR was selected in Feb 2012 to replace the C9 LSW Minimi and will be known as the 7.62 LSW Minimi in NZDF service.
Norway: Para version in use with HJK/FSK, and MJK since the late 1980s, since 2011 in use with armed forces of Norway (1,900 machine guns were purchased in 2011). In September 2021 FN Herstal and Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency signed a framework agreement for delivery of 4000 Minimi 7,62 Mk3.
Papua New Guinea: Designated F89.
Peru: Used by the Infantería de Marina del Perú (Peruvian Naval Infantry).
Philippines: In use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Purchased the FN Minimi in May 2002 with 402 acquired. Additional order cancelled in favor of rebidding due to corruption allegations during Arroyo Administration.
Poland: JW GROM
Portugal: Portuguese Army received in 2019 Minimi MK3 machine guns in the 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm calibers. In 2022 Portuguese Marine Corps received an unknown amount of 5.56×45mm Minimi MK3.
Serbia: Used by the special forces units of the Armed Forces (72nd Brigade for Special Operations and 63rd Parachute Brigade) and Special Anti-Terrorist Unit of the Police.
Senegal: Used by Senegalese special forces units.
Slovenia: Minimi Para used by the Military of Slovenia.
Spain: The Spanish Navy acquired Minimi light machine guns in the 5.56×45mm Para and 7.62×51mm versions.
Sri Lanka
Syria: Syrian Arab Army, formerly Desert Hawks Brigade.
Sweden: Known as the Ksp 90 (Kulspruta 90). Para model designated Ksp 90B; both are made by Bofors Carl Gustaf.
Switzerland: Designated LMg 05 (Leichtes Maschinengewehr 05) or FM 05 (Fusil mitrailleur 05).
Taiwan: Used by the Republic of China Army; a version re-engineered for local production, designated T75, is in use by the Republic of China Marine Corps.
Thailand: Used by the Royal Thai Navy Marine Corps and by the Royal Thai Army (M249 variant).
Tunisia
Turkey: Used by General Directorate of Security and Turkish Land Forces. Also CS/LM8s purchased from China as replacement of older FN Minimi MK 1s used by Police Special Operation Department.
Ukraine: Received from Canada and Belgium in 2022 and used during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom: Used standard and Para variants, designated L108A1 and the L110A2 respectively. The Army equipped each four-man fireteam with the Para variant. The LMG was usually fitted with the 4× SUSAT standard-issue rifle sight. It was also used by the Royal Navy, Royal Marines Commandos and the RAF Regiment. Some 7.62 Minimis are in service. The L110A3 was phased out by early 2019 in favour of the earlier L7A2 general purpose machine gun, Joint Force Command users retained their stocks of the weapon.
United States: United States Armed Forces use it designated as the M249 light machine gun.
Vietnam: FN Minimi Mk 3 are used by the Vietnamese Marines.
Yemen: FN Minimi Reported by Amnesty to be used by a militia during the Hodeidah offensive in 2018
Former users
Afghanistan: The Afghan National Army made use of U.S.-supplied M249s during the Taliban insurgency.
Non-state users
Free Aceh Movement
Taliban: Former Afghan government stocks. 59 ex-British Minimis were also used by the Taliban during the War in Afghanistan.
See also
- List of machine guns
- List of dual-feed firearms
- Ares Shrike 5.56
- Daewoo Precision Industries K3
- FN MAG
- FN EVOLYS
- HK MG4
- HK MG5
- Knight's Armament Company LMG
- IWI Negev
- Negev NG7
- M60 machine gun
- PK machine gun
- PKP Pecheneg machine gun
- QJY-88
- QJS-161
- RPL-20
- SIG LMG 6.8
- Ultimax 100
Notes
- ^ McNab 2017, p. 56.
- McNab 2017, pp. 56–57.
- ^ Schroeder, Matt (2013). "Captured and Counted: Illicit Weapons in Mexico and the Philippines". Small Arms Survey 2013: Everyday Dangers. Cambridge University Press. pp. 290, 303. ISBN 978-1-107-04196-7. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 24, 2013.
- McNab 2017, p. 45.
- McNab 2017, p. 60.
- "Maré terá 6 UPPs até o fim do ano, diz governador do Rio". 23 May 2014.
- Richard, Christophe (Spring 2014). "Shooting practice with the " Steel battalion "" (PDF). Fantassins. No. 32. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
- ^ McNab 2017, p. 57.
- ^ Ferguson, Jonathan (April 2, 2016). "Minimi type light machine gun with pro-Assad group in Syria". armamentresearch.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2018.
- Capdeville, Thibault (Spring 2014). "Infantry units fires during OP Serval" (PDF). Fantassins. No. 32. pp. 55–58. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-12-15. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
- "YouTube". www.youtube.com.
- ^ "(No Longer) A Show Of Shame - Belgian Weapons Deliveries To Ukraine". Archived from the original on August 8, 2023.
- McNab 2017, p. 18.
- "FN Herstal Showcases its State-of-the-art Firepower for Land, Air, and Sea at IDEX 2015". Archived from the original on 2015-03-16. Retrieved 2015-03-23.
- "The MINIMI 5.56 can be fitted with a hydraulic buffer for stabilized rate of fire and reduced recoil forces. The design of the buttstock contributes to simple, comfortable and accurate firing."—MINIMI 5.56 Standard Archived 2008-08-23 at the Wayback Machine, FNHerstal.com.
- Supply device for a portable firearm Patent number: 4112817, Google patents.
- "Infantry News". Infantry. 65 (4): 10. July–August 1975. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
- "MINIMI Machine Gun 7.62 x 51 mm". FN Herstal (Press release). 13 November 2006. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
- ^ Juchniewicz, Maj Nathan; Manchip, Capt James (12 May 2011). "Gun maximises combat power" (PDF). Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper (1258 ed.). Canberra: Department of Defence. p. 4. ISSN 0729-5685. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 August 2019.
- "The World Famous FN MINIMI Adapts to New Operational Conditions". FN Herstal (Press release). 19 November 2013. Archived from the original on 14 April 2015.
- "中国CS/LM8型的5.56毫米轻机枪" [China type CS/LM8 5.56 mm light machine gun] (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 21 June 2017.
- ^ Popenker, Maxim & Williams, Anthony G., page 41.
- "图文: 外销型XY 5.56MM通用机枪主要数据_新浪军事_新浪网". jczs.news.sina.com.cn. Archived from the original on 2016-11-04.
- "FN Herstal – Major Product Achievements". FN Herstal. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
- "OOW M249P, la nueva ametralladora de las tropas de operaciones especiales del Ejército Argentino". June 9, 2021. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
- Small Arms Survey (2007). Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the city (PDF). Cambridge University Press. p. 18. ISBN 978-0-521-88039-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-06-14. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
- Wachsberger, C. (June 1994). "Experiments to determine the effects of different flash suppressor designs on accuracy of an F89 Light Machine Gun" (PDF). DSTO Formal Reports: 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 August 2011. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
- "Maximi". Australian Army. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
- ^ Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. ISBN 1-84065-245-4.
- "Landcomponent". Archived from the original on 2012-03-07.
- "Polícia faz megaoperação em favelas do Rio de Janeiro". Noticias Band.com.br. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- "World Infantry Weapons: Brazil". 2016-06-02. Archived from the original on 2016-06-02. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
- "Brazil adopts Minimi machine gun across land forces". www.janes.com. 3 November 2013. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
- "FN MINIMI - EB aposenta o FAP e adota a FN Mini Mitrailleuse" (in Portuguese). 2013-10-20. Archived from the original on 2016-10-12. Retrieved 2016-10-11 – via DefesaNet.
- Small Arms Survey (2007). "Armed Violence in Burundi: Conflict and Post-Conflict Bujumbura" (PDF). The Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City. Cambridge University Press. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-521-88039-8. Archived from the original on 2018-08-27. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
- C9A1 LIGHT MACHINE-GUN
- "Canadian Small Arms – Automatic Rifles – A Visual Guide". Canadian American Strategic Review. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
- "El Ejército de Chile compró 1.225 ametralladoras Minimi y 2.000 fusiles Galil en 2014". Archived from the original on 2016-04-03.
- McNab 2017, p. 36.
- U.S. Army Weapons Systems, 2010–2011. Skyhorse Publishing. 2010. p. 279. ISBN 978-1-60239-725-5. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
- InfoDefensa, Revista Defensa. "Colombia adquirirá más ametralladoras FN Herstal para sus Fuerzas Especiales". Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-11-19.
- Šurbek, Ivan (23 May 2024). "Tigrovi u akciji s puškostrojnicom FN Minimi". Hrvatski vojnik (in Croatian). Retrieved 26 May 2024.
- Vlassis, Savvas (2017-09-30). "Τα νέα φορητά όπλα και άλλα υλικά της Εθνικής Φρουράς". Δούρειος Ίππος. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
- Grohmann, Jan. "MINIMI - nový standardní kulomet pro Armádu České republiky". Armádní noviny. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- "Ministr obrany" (PDF). ods.cz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-07-12. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- "Zbraně používané u 601.skupiny speciálních sil". 601. skss. Archived from the original on 12 October 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- "Lehký kulomet - 5,56 mm kulomet univerzální FN Minimi (M249 SAW) | Armáda ČR". acr.army.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- "Fdselsdagsjgere ver p Aalborg Havn". Archived from the original on 6 November 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- Jane's Sentinel Security Assessment – Southeast Asia. Issue 20 – 2007. Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group. pp. 146 and 152.
- "Weapon Systems, FN Minimi". Archived from the original on 2014-07-15.
- "Mini-mitrailleuse - Minimi" (in French). 19 October 2016. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- "5.56mm Minimi". eas.gr. Archived from the original on 2011-07-18.
- "34. Bercsény László Különleges Műveleti Zászlóalj". ShadowSpear. 12 June 2009. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- Lavery, Michael (18 March 2010). "The Rangers at 30". The Evening Herald. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- "Armi Leggere". Esercito Italiano. Archived from the original on 2011-05-20. Retrieved 2008-08-18.
- Exhibition of Equipments. Archived 2012-03-13 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on July 29, 2008.
- いこまいけ高岡. "5.56mm機関銃(ミニミ軽機関銃、FN Minimi)". Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- "Sumitomo withdraws from Japanese machine gun tender | Shephard".
- "防衛省、SH-60K能力向上型を量産 平均単価81億円" (in Japanese). Jan 24, 2023.
- "陸上自衛隊の新機関銃MINIMI Mk3、新狙撃銃G28" (in Japanese). Feb 17, 2023.
- "FIRST LOOK: Japan's New Type 20 Assault Rifle – Small Arms Defense Journal".
- "National Armed Forces" (PDF). mod.gov.lv. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 October 2008.
- "POTD: Latvian Mechanized Brigade with FN Minimi & HK G36C". The Firearm Blog. 2021-06-26. Retrieved 2021-06-27.
- Al-Balaa, Nadine; Nina Akel Khalil (January 15, 2010), قائد الجيش أشاد بدقة التنفيذ والتنسيق (in Arabic), Lebanese Armed Forces, archived from the original on June 30, 2011, retrieved January 15, 2010
- Jenzen-Jones, N.R.; McCollum, Ian (April 2017). Small Arms Survey (ed.). Web Trafficking: Analysing the Online Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Libya (PDF). Working Paper No. 26. pp. 48, 59. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-10-09. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
- "Replenishment of Lithuanian Armed Forces stocks: MINIMI 7.62 and Carl-Gustaf ammunition on the way". 2 March 2023.
- "Unofficial Pistols Page, Equipment". USP.lu. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-10-06.
- "L'Unite d'Intervention de la Police Luxembourgeoise" (PDF) (in French). RAIDS Magazine. March 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
- Lasterra, Juan Pablo (2004). "UPS Unidad Especial de la Policia Luxembourguesa" (PDF) (in Spanish). ARMAS Magazine. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
- Thompson, Leroy (December 2008). "Malaysian Special Forces". Special Weapons. Archived from the original on 2012-04-02. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
- Small Arms Survey (2005). "Sourcing the Tools of War: Small Arms Supplies to Conflict Zones". Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War. Oxford University Press. p. 166. ISBN 978-0-19-928085-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-08-30. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
- Rachel Crivellaro. "Une commande à destination du Népal". Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- Factbook Korps Commandotroepen: verleden - heden - toekomst (PDF). Koninklijke Landmacht. 2014. p. 25. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-05-05. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
- "Minimi-licht machinegeweer". defensie.nl. 2013-11-04. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- "NZ Army - Our Equipment - Machine Guns". Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2011-06-24. New Zealand Army official site
- Martin, Judith, ed. (February 2012). "New Light Support Weapon for NZ Defence" (PDF). NZ Army News. No. 428. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
The New Zealand Defence Force has selected the FN Herstal 7.62mm Minimi TR as a replacement for the 5.56 mm LSW C9, currently in service. The weapons are being acquired now, with NZ delivery due to start from April this year, and introduction to service and issuing to units planned to occur in last quarter of 2012. The 7.62 LSW Minimi will be issued to certain Army and Air Force Units. This will replace the C9 capability, with priority being given to field force units and regional equipment pools.
- "Norwegian Armed Forces Adopt FN MINIMI™ Machine Gun". Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- "Norway orders 4000 FN Minimi Mk3 7.62mm light machine guns from FN Herstal – NORWAY NEWS – latest news, breaking stories and comment – NORWAY NEWS". 4 September 2021.
- ^ Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
- "Desfile Militar día nacional del Perú. 27 de Julio de 2007" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
- Daniel Watters. "The 5.56 X 45mm: 2002–2003". Archived from the original on 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2009-03-25.
- ^ "DND: P593-M Minimi deal will 'not prosper' (5.56 NATO wackiness)". Archived from the original on 2015-07-22.
- Wilk (REMOV), Remigiusz. "Nowe gromy GROM". Archived from the original on 2010-03-26.
- "GROM Utility and Equipment". Archived from the original on 2012-02-26. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
- "Portuguese Army advances its soldier modernisation effort". 2021-03-28. Archived from the original on 28 March 2021. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
- "Portuguese Marine Corps FN Minimi Mk3". Twitter. Retrieved 2022-04-24.
- "Blic Online - Spektakl i na nebu i na zemlji". Blic Online. 14 February 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- "Specijalne-jedinice.com - Specijalna antiteroristička jedinica-SAJ". specijalne-jedinice.com. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02.
- Binnie, Jeremy; de Cherisey, Erwan (2017). "New-model African armies" (PDF). Jane's. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 June 2017.
- "Lahka pehotna in podporna oborožitev" (in Slovenian). Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
- "La armada compra 88 nuevas ametralladoras de FN Herstal a través de la empresa SDAL, S.L." (PDF) (in Spanish). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-05. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
- Lätt kulspruta 90. Archived 2008-04-15 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on October 6, 2008. (in Swedish)
- General Purpose Machine Guns of Sweden. Archived 2012-04-18 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on October 9, 2008.
- Einführung Leichtes Maschinengewehr Archived 2011-10-02 at the Wayback Machine (in German).
- Kula, Mehmet Ali (13 September 2022). "Türkiye, Çin'den 3 binden fazla makineli tüfek aldı!". DefenceTurk (in Turkish). Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- "Canadian military support to Ukraine". 6 May 2022. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023.
- land-mediacomms-webcontent@land.mod.uk, The British Army. "The British Army - Light Machine Gun (LMG)". webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 2012-10-18.
- "FN MINIMI™ 7.62 Machine Gun Selected by British Military". Press release via army-technology.com. FN Herstal. June 8, 2011. Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
FN Herstal has recently been awarded a new contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of up to 176 MINIMI™ 7.62 light machine guns by the end of 2011. The contract also includes optional quantities of a further 250 MINIMI 7.62 machine guns to be delivered annually over a three-year period from 2012 to 2014 should these options be exercised.
- "Out with old for infantry weapons". Soldier. British Army. August 2018. p. 16. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- "Soldier Magazine September 2018". British Army. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
- "'Mổ xẻ' biến thể mới nhất súng máy FN Minimi Việt Nam" Archived 2013-12-01 at the Wayback Machine, Kiến thức (in Vietnamese), retrieved 29 November 2013.
- "This type of weapon is being wielded by UAE-backed militias in Yemen's conflict. So why is a Belgian company marketing it at a global arms fair?". www.amnesty.org. 14 February 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-02-17. Retrieved 2019-02-16.
- "Afghan National Security Forces Order of Battle" (PDF). Long War Journal. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
- Capie, David (2002). Small Arms Production and Transfers in Southeast Asia (PDF). Australian National University. p. 40. ISBN 0-7315-5421-3.
References
- McNab, Chris (23 February 2017). The FN Minimi Light Machine Gun: M249, L108A1, L110A2, and other variants. Weapon 53. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4728-1621-4.
- Popenker, Maxim; Williams, Anthony G. (2008). Machine Gun. The Development of the Machine Gun from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day. London: Crowood Press. ISBN 978-1-84797-030-5.
External links
- Official Website (5.56mm)
- Official Website (7.62mm)
- Video of operation on YouTube (in Japanese)
| FN Herstal | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handguns | |||||
| Rifles |
| ||||
| Shotguns | |||||
| Submachine guns | |||||
| Machine guns | |||||
| Miscellaneous | |||||
| Canadian Army | |
|---|---|
| History | |
| Structure | |
| Mechanized brigade groups | |
| Brigade groups | |
| Support brigades | |
| Small arms |
|
| Crewed weapons | |
| Armoured fighting vehicles | |
| Schools | |
| Weapons and vehicles manufactured by Pindad | |
|---|---|
| Sidearms | |
| Submachine guns | |
| Machine guns | |
| Shotguns | |
| Grenade launchers | |
| Artillery | |
| Vehicles | |
| Knives | |
| Assault rifles | |
| Battle rifles | |
| Designated marksman rifles | |
| Sniper rifles | |