General Purpose Machine Gun

The L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) is a 7.62mm x 51mm belt-fed general purpose machine gun which can be used as a light weapon and in a sustained fire (SF) role.

In the SF role, mounted on a tripod and fitted with the C2 optical sight, it is fired by a two-man team who are grouped in a specialist Machine Gun Platoon to provide battalion-level fire support. In SF mode, the GPMG, with a two-man crew, lays down 750 rounds-per-minute at ranges up to 1800 metres.

The GPMG can be carried by foot soldiers and employed as a light machine gun (LMG). A fold-out bipod is used to support the GPMG in the LMG role.

Versions of the GPMG are mounted on most Army vehicles and some helicopters.

Weight

13.85 kg (gun plus 50-round belt)

Length

1230mm (light role)

Barrel Length

629mm

Muzzle Velocity

838m/s

Feed

100-round disintegrating link belt

Additional Specifications

  • Calibre: 7.62mm
  • Effective range: 800m light role, 1800m SF role

     

  • Cyclic rate of fire: 750 rounds per minute

  • Manufacturer: Manroy Engineering (UK)

GPMG Footage

Members of 6 Rifles demonstrate the L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). An essential addition to any infantry battalion.

In service since the 1960s the GPMG is frequently utilised in the Support Fire role, mounted on a tripod. It is also mounted on most Army vehicles and some helicopters.