The L7 series of general purpose machine guns is based on the FN MAG system, though with some modifications for British use. By Staff Writer
NOTE: Specifications on this page reflect the L7A2 in the L7 GPMG series.
The British L7 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun - though sometimes called 'Gimpy' or 'Jimpy') series is based on the hugely successful Belgium-designed FN MAG weapon system. Trials in 1956 between the FN MAG, the United States-produced M60 General Purpose Machine Gun and the X11E2 had the FN MAG coming out ahead.
The L7 saw derivatives span into tank, armored vehicle and aircraft mountings. In particular, the L8A1 was a specialized machine gun for co-axial placement on the Chieftain main battle tank whereas the L37A1 was a more generic and universal model to be used on other tank types. The tank variants were fitted with gas regulators and evacuators to keep the vehicles free form the fumes produced by the weapon when firing from inside the tank. Additionally, the L37 model could be modified in a pinch for use as a standard ground support machine gun.
The L19A1 was another variant that addressed the need for constant barrel changing in the sustained fire role by producing the weapon with a heavier barrel. The heavier barrel allowed for better heat dissipation and tolerance.
The L20 was an aircraft mounted version that could be fitted to light strike aircraft or - more importantly - helicopters. These particular versions were made sans sights and could be fed from the right or left side of the weapon.
Though the list of variants seems diverse, there are very little differences between the various types of L7 systems and its offshoots. In all, the L7 series continued the successes of the Fabrique Nationale FN MAG original design.
Variants in the L7 series (and vehicle derivatives) are as follows:
L7A1 - Base Model; fitted with stamped steel bipod; operated with 250 (or other count) round belt.
L7A2 - Mounting points added for 50-round belt feeds.
L8A1 - Chieftain Main Battle Tank machine gun model; produced with bore evacuator to dispel fumes and gas regulator system.
L8A2 - Challenger Main Battle Tank machine gun model.
L19A1 - Heavy Barrel model of the base L7 General Purpose Machine Gun.
L20A1 - General purpose aircraft machine gun for use in helicopters; electrically fired.
L20A2 - Improved L20A1 electrically-fired aircraft model.
L37A1 - L7/L8 hybrid design for tank machine gun and armored vehicle mounting.
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1963
Designation:Enfield L7 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) Classification Type:Light Support Machine Gun Manufacturer:Royal Arms Factory - UK Country of Origin: United Kingdom
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