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The '''GMD-3''' ({{Wpl|Irish language|Aisling}}: ''Gunna Meaisín Dearadh 03'', Machine Gun Design 03)
The '''GMD-3''' ({{Wpl|Irish language|Aisling}}: ''Gunna Meaisín Dearadh 03'', Machine Gun Design 03) is a {{wpl|general purpose machine gun}} designed and developed by [[Brais Roi Arsenal]] of [[Temuair]] in the 1960's for the [[Aisling Defense Force]].  The GMD-03 is chambered in the {{wpl|Cartridge (firearms)|8x50 mm}} cartridge. It is a belt fed weapon feeding from either 50, or 250 round belts, depending on the configuration. It is available in both a light (GMD-03É) and heavy (GMD-03T) configuration; the light configuration having only a {{wpl|bipod}} for stabilization, whereas the heavy configuration features a tripod mount, which is used for engaging standard ground targets, while an additional anti-aircraft adapter also available. Reconfiguration of the weapon for light to heavy roles can be completed within several seconds, with replacement of the barrel and mounting or dismounting it onto / from tripod.
 
The GMD-03 is chambered in the {{wpl|Cartridge (firearms)|8x50 mm}} cartridge. It is a belt fed weapon feeding from either 50, or 250 round belts, depending on the configuration. It is available in both a light (GMD-03É) and heavy (GMD-03T) configuration; the light configuration having only a {{wpl|bipod}} for stabilization, whereas the heavy configuration features a tripod mount, which is used for engaging standard ground targets, while an additional anti-aircraft adapter also available. Reconfiguration of the weapon for light to heavy roles can be completed within several seconds, with replacement of the barrel and mounting or dismounting it onto / from tripod.
 
A {{wpl|Weapon mount|co-axial}} mounted version for vehicles (GMD-03C) also exists.  


==History and development==
==History and development==
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The GMD-03 is a {{wpl|Gas-operated reloading|gas operated}}, {{wpl|Belt (firearm)|belt fed}} {{wpl|machine gun}} firing from the {{wpl|open bolt}} configuration. Both versions feature quick detach barrels, though the light barrel is slightly (100 mm) shorter than the standard heavy barrel. both barrel types are equipped with conical muzzle flash devices. It uses underballel gas piston that operates the bolt carrier with tilting bolt, that locks into the receiver. Although it uses a rimmed cartridge, it utilizes a straight feed system, meaning the cartridges are fed straight forward from the belt pocket and into the chamber. This is achieved by the use of non-disentegrating 50 rounds metallic belt with open cartridge pockets. These non-disintegrating  belts can be linked together to form the longer 250 round belts. When deployed in the light configuration, the belts are loaded into metal containers, which are then clamped to the right side of the receiver.
The GMD-03 is a {{wpl|Gas-operated reloading|gas operated}}, {{wpl|Belt (firearm)|belt fed}} {{wpl|machine gun}} firing from the {{wpl|open bolt}} configuration. Both versions feature quick detach barrels, though the light barrel is slightly (100 mm) shorter than the standard heavy barrel. both barrel types are equipped with conical muzzle flash devices. It uses underballel gas piston that operates the bolt carrier with tilting bolt, that locks into the receiver. Although it uses a rimmed cartridge, it utilizes a straight feed system, meaning the cartridges are fed straight forward from the belt pocket and into the chamber. This is achieved by the use of non-disentegrating 50 rounds metallic belt with open cartridge pockets. These non-disintegrating  belts can be linked together to form the longer 250 round belts. When deployed in the light configuration, the belts are loaded into metal containers, which are then clamped to the right side of the receiver.
[[File:Kulomet UK-L vzor 59 detail.jpg|thumb|Top view of the GMD-03É, showing the bolt and attached belt container.]]
[[File:Kulomet UK-L vzor 59 detail.jpg|thumb|Top view of the GMD-03É, showing the bolt and attached belt container.]]
There is no conventional charging handle for the AU-7171, with the charging action being accomplished via a device on the pistol grip. The operator presses a button on the receiver and then, while depressing the trigger, cycles the pistol handle forward and then back, thus charging the weapon. Further, a manual safety is located on the left side of the receiver.  
There is no conventional charging handle for the GMD-03, with the charging action being accomplished via a device on the pistol grip. The operator presses a button on the receiver and then, while depressing the trigger, cycles the pistol handle forward and then back, thus charging the weapon. Further, a manual safety is located on the left side of the receiver.  


The GMD-03 utilizes standard folding leaf rear sights combined with a hooded front post. A rear rail allows for the mounting of a 4x optical magnification device; and later, for night vision or thermal weapons sights. Range increments on the iron sights range from 100 meters out to 2,000 meters.
The GMD-03 utilizes standard folding leaf rear sights combined with a hooded front post. A rear rail allows for the mounting of a 4x optical magnification device; and later, for night vision or thermal weapons sights. Range increments on the iron sights range from 100 meters out to 2,000 meters.
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==Variants==
==Variants==


* '''GMD-03É''': The GMD-03É (''Éadrom'', light) is the light version of the GMD-03 and is equipped with a bipod for stabilized fire. It is fed from 50 round belts of {{wpl|Cartridge (firearms)|8x50 mm}} which are generally contained in a metal container clamped to the right side of the receiver. The GMD-03É can be converted into the heavy configuration within a matter of second by simply replacing the lighter barrel with the heavier version and attaching the standard tripod mount. The barrel of the GMD-03É is 100 mm shorter than its heaver counterpart, at 550 mm (21.7 in) in length and weighs 8.67 kg (19.1 lb). It can accept a 4x optical sight in place of the equipped iron sights, or newer models (designated AU-71LVN) can accept night vision of thermal optics.
* '''GMD-03É''': The GMD-03É (''Éadrom'', light) is the light version of the GMD-03 and is equipped with a bipod for stabilized fire. It is fed from 50 round belts of {{wpl|Cartridge (firearms)|8x50 mm}} which are generally contained in a metal container clamped to the right side of the receiver. The GMD-03É can be converted into the heavy configuration within a matter of second by simply replacing the lighter barrel with the heavier version and attaching the standard tripod mount. The barrel of the GMD-03É is 100 mm shorter than its heaver counterpart, at 550 mm (21.7 in) in length and weighs 8.67 kg (19.1 lb). It can accept a 4x optical sight in place of the equipped iron sights, or can accept night vision of thermal optics.
* '''GMD-03T''': The GMD-03T (''Trom'', heavy) is the heavy configuration of the GMD-03T, and is the standard in heavy weapons squads. It is equipped with a tripod for engaging ground targets, with a AA mounting system also available. The GMD-03T weighs 9.28 kg (20.5 lb), slightly heavier than the light version, with a barrel length of 650 mm (25.6 in). It can be easily reconfigured to the light verso by swapping the current barrel for the the lighter version, and detaching the weapon from its tripod. It can accept a 4x optical sight in place of the equipped iron sights, or newer models (designated AU-71PVN) can accept night vision of thermal optics.  
* '''GMD-03T''': The GMD-03T (''Trom'', heavy) is the heavy configuration of the GMD-03T, and is the standard in heavy weapons squads. It is equipped with a tripod for engaging ground targets, with a AA mounting system also available. The GMD-03T weighs 9.28 kg (20.5 lb), slightly heavier than the light version, with a barrel length of 650 mm (25.6 in). It can be easily reconfigured to the light verso by swapping the current barrel for the the lighter version, and detaching the weapon from its tripod. It can accept a 4x optical sight in place of the equipped iron sights, or can accept night vision of thermal optics.  
* '''GMD-03C''': Version designed for vehicle co-axial mounts, Used on various armored vehicle designs.
* '''GMD-03C''': Version designed for vehicle co-axial mounts, Used on various armored vehicle designs.



Latest revision as of 21:00, 24 November 2020

GMD-3
Machine Gun Design 03
Gunna Meaisín Dearadh 03
MEM-1971 Light.jpg
MEM-1971 heavy.jpg
Top:: GMD-03É in light machine gun configuration.
Bottom: GMD-03T in heavy (GPMG) configuration.
TypeGeneral purpose machine gun
Place of origin Temuair
Service history
In service1971–present
Used bySee users
Production history
Designed1960 - 1971
ManufacturerBrais Roi Arsenal
Produced1971 - Present
VariantsGMD-03É
GMD-03T
GMD-03C
Specifications
WeightGMD-03É: 9.28 kg (20.5 lb)
GMD-03T: 8.67 kg (19.1 lb)
LengthGMD-03É: 1,215 mm (47.8 in)
GMD-03T: 1,115 mm (43.9 in)
Barrel lengthGMD-03É: 650 mm (25.6 in)
GMD-03T: 550 mm (21.7 in)

Cartridge8x50 mm
ActionGas-operated, tilting breechblock
Rate of fire700-800 rounds/min
Muzzle velocityGMD-03É: 830 m/s (2,723 ft/s)
GMD-03T: 810 m/s (2,657 ft/s)
Effective firing range100 to 2000 m sight adjustments
Feed systemBelt-fed; 50-round or 250 round belt
SightsHooded front post, folding leaf rear sight, sight radius 353 mm (13.9 in), can accept 4x optical night , or night vision/thermal weapons sight.

The GMD-3 (Aisling: Gunna Meaisín Dearadh 03, Machine Gun Design 03) is a general purpose machine gun designed and developed by Brais Roi Arsenal of Temuair in the 1960's for the Aisling Defense Force. The GMD-03 is chambered in the 8x50 mm cartridge. It is a belt fed weapon feeding from either 50, or 250 round belts, depending on the configuration. It is available in both a light (GMD-03É) and heavy (GMD-03T) configuration; the light configuration having only a bipod for stabilization, whereas the heavy configuration features a tripod mount, which is used for engaging standard ground targets, while an additional anti-aircraft adapter also available. Reconfiguration of the weapon for light to heavy roles can be completed within several seconds, with replacement of the barrel and mounting or dismounting it onto / from tripod.

History and development

Design

The GMD-03 is a gas operated, belt fed machine gun firing from the open bolt configuration. Both versions feature quick detach barrels, though the light barrel is slightly (100 mm) shorter than the standard heavy barrel. both barrel types are equipped with conical muzzle flash devices. It uses underballel gas piston that operates the bolt carrier with tilting bolt, that locks into the receiver. Although it uses a rimmed cartridge, it utilizes a straight feed system, meaning the cartridges are fed straight forward from the belt pocket and into the chamber. This is achieved by the use of non-disentegrating 50 rounds metallic belt with open cartridge pockets. These non-disintegrating belts can be linked together to form the longer 250 round belts. When deployed in the light configuration, the belts are loaded into metal containers, which are then clamped to the right side of the receiver.

Top view of the GMD-03É, showing the bolt and attached belt container.

There is no conventional charging handle for the GMD-03, with the charging action being accomplished via a device on the pistol grip. The operator presses a button on the receiver and then, while depressing the trigger, cycles the pistol handle forward and then back, thus charging the weapon. Further, a manual safety is located on the left side of the receiver.

The GMD-03 utilizes standard folding leaf rear sights combined with a hooded front post. A rear rail allows for the mounting of a 4x optical magnification device; and later, for night vision or thermal weapons sights. Range increments on the iron sights range from 100 meters out to 2,000 meters.

Variants

  • GMD-03É: The GMD-03É (Éadrom, light) is the light version of the GMD-03 and is equipped with a bipod for stabilized fire. It is fed from 50 round belts of 8x50 mm which are generally contained in a metal container clamped to the right side of the receiver. The GMD-03É can be converted into the heavy configuration within a matter of second by simply replacing the lighter barrel with the heavier version and attaching the standard tripod mount. The barrel of the GMD-03É is 100 mm shorter than its heaver counterpart, at 550 mm (21.7 in) in length and weighs 8.67 kg (19.1 lb). It can accept a 4x optical sight in place of the equipped iron sights, or can accept night vision of thermal optics.
  • GMD-03T: The GMD-03T (Trom, heavy) is the heavy configuration of the GMD-03T, and is the standard in heavy weapons squads. It is equipped with a tripod for engaging ground targets, with a AA mounting system also available. The GMD-03T weighs 9.28 kg (20.5 lb), slightly heavier than the light version, with a barrel length of 650 mm (25.6 in). It can be easily reconfigured to the light verso by swapping the current barrel for the the lighter version, and detaching the weapon from its tripod. It can accept a 4x optical sight in place of the equipped iron sights, or can accept night vision of thermal optics.
  • GMD-03C: Version designed for vehicle co-axial mounts, Used on various armored vehicle designs.

Users