GMD-3
| GMD-3 Machine Gun Design 03 Gunna Meaisín Dearadh 03 | |
|---|---|
  Top:: GMD-03É in light machine gun configuration. Bottom: GMD-03T in heavy (GPMG) configuration. | |
| Type | General purpose machine gun |
| Place of origin |  Temuair |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1971–present |
| Used by | See users |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1960 - 1971 |
| Manufacturer | Brais Roi Arsenal |
| Produced | 1971 - Present |
| Variants | GMD-03É GMD-03T GMD-03C |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | GMD-03É: 9.28 kg (20.5 lb) GMD-03T: 8.67 kg (19.1 lb) |
| Length | GMD-03É: 1,215 mm (47.8 in) GMD-03T: 1,115 mm (43.9 in) |
| Barrel length | GMD-03É: 650 mm (25.6 in) GMD-03T: 550 mm (21.7 in) |
| Cartridge | 8x50 mm |
| Action | Gas-operated, tilting breechblock |
| Rate of fire | 700-800 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | GMD-03É: 830 m/s (2,723 ft/s) GMD-03T: 810 m/s (2,657 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 100 to 2000 m sight adjustments |
| Feed system | Belt-fed; 50-round or 250 round belt |
| Sights | Hooded 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.
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.
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 newer models (designated AU-71LVN) 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-03C: Version designed for vehicle co-axial mounts, Used on various armored vehicle designs.