Talyn
Emissary
The command that oversees U.S. special operators expects the Flyweight Assault Machine Gun to begin field testing in 2028, a spokesperson said.
U.S. Special Operations Command is looking for a new machine gun that weighs about 10 pounds and fires 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, said Navy Cmdr. Joe Vermette, a spokesperson for the command.
The Flyweight Assault Machine Gun would replace the Mk 46 — a special operations variant of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon — which has been in service for about 30 years, Vermette told Task & Purpose.
“The goal is to replace the MK46 while integrating advancements in material, manufacturing, and technology to provide the operators with a technically superior weapon system that will allow an operator to effectively shoot, maneuver, and lay down suppressive fire,” Vermette said.
The command expects to award a contract for the machine gun in late next year, Vermette said. SOCOM also plans to start fielding the weapon in fiscal year 2028 after testing has been completed, he said.
taskandpurpose.com
U.S. Special Operations Command is looking for a new machine gun that weighs about 10 pounds and fires 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, said Navy Cmdr. Joe Vermette, a spokesperson for the command.
The Flyweight Assault Machine Gun would replace the Mk 46 — a special operations variant of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon — which has been in service for about 30 years, Vermette told Task & Purpose.
“The goal is to replace the MK46 while integrating advancements in material, manufacturing, and technology to provide the operators with a technically superior weapon system that will allow an operator to effectively shoot, maneuver, and lay down suppressive fire,” Vermette said.
The command expects to award a contract for the machine gun in late next year, Vermette said. SOCOM also plans to start fielding the weapon in fiscal year 2028 after testing has been completed, he said.
Special Operations Command wants a 10-pound 5.56mm machine gun
The weapon is expected to have a maximum length of 39 inches, a collapsible stock, and a barrel that can be replaced within 30 seconds.
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