General Facts

TYPE
Light machine gun

ORIGIN
Germany

NICKNAMES
MG43 (during development)

DESIGNED
Mid 1990s - 2001

DESIGNER
Heckler & Koch

PRODUCTION
2003 - present

PRODUCERS
Germany - Heckler & Koch

QUANTITY
Unknown

UNIT COST
Unknown

CHARACTERISTICS
Rugged and reliable
Good accuracy for a light machine gun
Various accessories can be fitted
Heavier than similar weapons

Introduction

The MG4 is a modern light machine gun of German origin. It was developed by Heckler & Koch in order to provide the German military with a light machine gun in order to supplement the older and heavier MG3. The MG4 is a direct competitor to the widely used Belgian FN Minimi.

Design

The MG4 is a belt fed gas operated weapon with a rotating bolt. The quick change barrel is hammer forged and comes in two lengths. A polymer pistol grip, handguard and folding butt are fitted. Various accessories can be fitted including several types of mechanical and optical sights. Normally the MG4 is used on its bipod, but the M122 tripod can also be used.

Firepower

The MG4 fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from disintegrating belts. The only fire mode is fully automatic at a rate of fire of about 890 rpm, or about 775 rpm for the export model. The effective range is about 400 m against point targets and 800 m against area targets. When mounted on a tripod or vehicle the maximum range is quoted to be 1 km.

Users

The MG4 is the standard platoon light machine gun of the German army. It has also been exported to several nation in Europe and around the world. Being a recent design the MG4 will likely be sold and used for many years to come.

MG4

The MG4 is a contemporary light machine gun with conventional layout and design. It is belt fed only. The baseline model can be configured with different optics, accessories and barrel lengths.

MG4: Original model as designed to German military specifications. Fitted with combination of optical sight and carrying handle.
MG4E: Export version that is very similar to the MG4. A different gas assembly results in a lower rate of fire.
MG4KE: An MG4E fitted with shorter barrel.
MG4 vehicle weapon: An MG4 configured for use as a vehicle or coaxial machine gun. Has no butt, sights or bipod fitted. These can be fitted for dismounted use.

Specifications:
MG4
MG4E
MG4KE
MG4 vehicle weapon

Type	Light machine gun
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Magazine	Belt fed, 100 or 200 rounds
Operation	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Fire selector	0-F
Rate of fire	830 - 950 rpm

Barrel length	450 mm
Rifling	178 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity	920 m/s
Stock	Foldable
Length	1.030 mm / 830 mm
Width	96 mm

Height	228 mm without optics
Weight	8.15 kg empty, 8.85 kg with bipod
Sights	Iron sights, 100 to 1.000 m gradations, 490 mm sight radius, optional optical sights
Remarks	Bipod, optional tripod

Type	Light machine gun
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Magazine	Belt fed, 100 or 200 rounds
Operation	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Fire selector	0-F
Rate of fire	725 - 825 rpm

Barrel length	450 mm
Rifling	178 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity	920 m/s
Stock	Foldable
Length	1.030 mm / 830 mm
Width	96 mm

Height	228 mm without optics
Weight	7.9 kg empty, 8.4 kg with bipod
Sights	Iron sights, 100 to 1.000 m gradations, 490 mm sight radius, optional optical sights
Remarks	Bipod, optional tripod

Type	Light machine gun
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Magazine	Belt fed, 100 or 200 rounds
Operation	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Fire selector	0-F
Rate of fire	725 - 825 rpm

Barrel length	370 mm
Rifling	178 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity	880 m/s
Stock	Foldable
Length	950 mm / 750 mm
Width	96 mm

Height	228 mm without optics
Weight	7.7 kg empty, 8.2 kg with bipod
Sights	Iron sights, 100 to 1.000 m gradations, 490 mm sight radius, optional optical sights
Remarks	Bipod, optional tripod

Type	Light machine gun
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Magazine	Belt fed, 100 or 200 rounds
Operation	Gas operated, rotating bolt
Fire selector	0-F
Rate of fire	830 - 950 rpm