FN BRG-15
| FN BRG-15 | |
|---|---|
| general information | |
| Developer / Manufacturer: | Fabrique Nationale Herstal |
| Manufacturer country: |
 Belgium
|
| Weapon Category: | Heavy machine gun |
| Furnishing | |
| Overall length: | 2150 mm |
| Weight: (unloaded) | approx. 60 kg |
| Barrel length : | 1500 mm |
| Technical specifications | |
| Caliber : | 15.5 × 106 |
| Ammunition supply : | double ammunition belt |
| Cadence : | approx. 600 rounds / min |
| Charging principle: | Multiple loaders |
| Lists on the subject | |
The FN BRG-15 was a heavy machine gun that was developed by the Fabrique Nationale de Herstal as a possible replacement for the Browning M2HB .50 caliber machine gun .
history
In October 1983 it was announced that FN wanted to develop a more powerful replacement for the M2HB in the 12.7 × 99 mm NATO caliber. This should be able to fight lighter armored vehicles better. In fact, it was actually supposed to become a Western equivalent of the Soviet CPV machine gun . FN initially chose the 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS 404 (20 × 110 mm) as the base and reduced the neck of the bottle neck sleeve to 15 mm. The case itself was extended to 115 mm, so that the caliber 15 × 115 mm came out. The weapon and the ammunition that went with it had a lengthy development. Ultimately, the 15 × 115 mm ammunition was dropped due to the rapid wear and tear of the barrel and the lack of precision. Instead, the caliber was increased to 15.5 mm and the case lengthened to 115 mm. This new 15.5 × 115 mm caliber was in competition (from FN) with another approach. This envisaged widening the caliber 14.5 × 114 mm to 15 mm or 15.5 mm. However, this approach was also dropped, so it stayed at the 15 × 106 mm.
An unusual double ammunition feeder was used in which the link ammunition belt was fed from both the right and left. As with the later FN P90 , the used cartridge cases were ejected from the bottom of the machine gun. The quick change tube system developed for the BRG-15 was later adapted and used for use in an updated version of the M2HB.
The project was canceled in the early 1990s. One reason was the loss of the Soviet Union as an opponent of NATO and the associated poorer sales prospects (similar to H&K G11). Another was the development work on the FN P90 .
Web pages
- Garry Nildram: MILITARY CARTRIDGE RELATIONSHIPS
- Modern Firearms - FN BRG-15
- Historical Firearms - FN BRG-15
- Small Arms Review - FN BRG-15
Individual evidence
- ↑ 15.5 × 106 mm Heavy Machine Gun , International Ammunition Association, Inc.