The powerful L1A1 12.7 mm (.50) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) is an updated version of the Browning M2 'Fifty-cal' - recognised as one
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andrew chittock / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
C1M71CFile size:
11.5 MB (337.6 KB Compressed download)Releases:
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2464 x 1632 px | 41.7 x 27.6 cm | 16.4 x 10.9 inches | 150dpiDate taken:
11 February 2006More information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
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. The L1A1 HMG is .50 (12.7mm) caliber heavy machine gun. The HMG is a modernised version of the American-made Browning M2, which served with distinction during World War 2. The belt-fed HMG fires at a rate of 485-635 rounds-per-minute to a range up to 2000 meters. HMGs are mounted on tripods and operated by a crew of 2. They can also be mounted to WMIK Land Rovers. The HMG is operated by both the Paras and Royal Marines. UKSF also mount the HMG on their Land Rovers. The stopping power of the HMG's 12.7mm rounds is excellent and can take on light armour and soft skinned vehicles. The Royal Navy mount the HMG to Sea Lynx helicopters during anti-drug-smuggling operations, where it's used to disable the engines on speed boats. It's believed that the Special Boat Service also mount twin HMGs to their VSVs (Very Slender Vessel), their new long range insertion craft.