|
|
AAT-52 (AAT M.1952) / AA 7.62 NF-1
Not much-loved outside of France, the AAT52 was nevertheless the French standard general purpose machine gun since the early 1950s.
By Staff Writer
The AAT52 was the standard general purpose machine gun fielded by French and colony forces beginning in the early 1950s. Though not well thought of in its 7.5mm form, the system underwent a transformation with the inclusion of the 7.62x51mm NATO-standard cartridge. This brought about the designation of AA 7.62 NF-1 and all future 7.5mm production models were halted in favor of this new form. Muzzle velocity of the new round fell slightly from 2,755 ft/sec to 2,723 m/sec.
As a general purpose machine gun, the NF-1 can be fielded in a variety of forms. In the light machine gun role, it is fielded with a bipod (mounted under the barrel) and light barrel and can consequently be upgraded to a tripod with a heavy barrel. For vehicular forms, the NF-1 sees use in tanks (as coaxial mounts), vehicles, and fixed/rotary aircraft - the latter version fired either manually or electrically. A carrying handle is positioned at the rear of the barrel.
At its core, the new NF-1 can fire from a metal link 50-round belt feed from either a bipod or tripod mounting. The belt-feed mechanism is similar to that as found on the World War 2-era German MG42 series of general purpose machine guns. Operation is of delayed blowback via a two-piece bolt. The barrel measures in at 19.3 inches and is of 4-groove, right-hand twist. Cyclic rate-of-fire is roughly 700 rounds-per-minute.
By most accounts the AAT 52/FN-1 is a very average general purpose machine gun with little to recommend itself.
History text ©2003-2009 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved •
No Reproduction Without Permission • Corrections / Comments to MilitaryFactory at Gmail dot com
Last Updated: 1/17/2009
|
| Specifications for the AAT-52 (AAT M.1952) / AA 7.62 NF-1 |
 Operation: |
Action: Delayed Blowback
Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
Feed System: 50-round belt
Muzzle Velocity: 2,723ft/sec (830m/sec)
Cyclic Rate-of-Fire: 700 rds/min
Sights: Front Fixed
|
|
| Dimensions: |
Overall Length: 990mm (38.98in)
Barrel Length: 488mm (19.21in)
Empty Weight: 11.37kg (25.07lbs)
|
|
|
| Special Infantry Weapons Collections |
|
|
| Recent Infantry Weapons Additions |
|
| Contacting MilitaryFactory.com |
| We can only get better if you tell us how. You can contact MilitaryFactory.com at MilitaryFactory at gmail dot com (replace "at" with "@" and "dot with ".") with any questions, comments or corrections. We also accept related military imagery that you approve for us to use on our website. Keep in mind, however, that due to volume, we may not directly respond to your inquiry. Please add us to your list of non-blocked recipients! |
|
|
| Variants |
AAT52, Version Fusil Mitrailleur (AAT Legere) - Shortened version of the base AAT52; offered with a bipod, lightweight barrel system folding but and retractable monopod assembly.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 - Based on the original 7.5mm AAT52 but chambered to fire the NATO-standard 7.62x51mm cartridge; offered in field forms of bipod or tripod mounting for mission-specific roles.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 Char No. 1 (Type A) - Coaxial tank or armored vehicle-mounted machine gun.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 Char No. 1 (Type B) - Coaxial tank or armored vehicle-mounted machine gun; waterproof variant.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 Char No.2 - Tank or armored vehicle-mounted alternative; fitted with trigger mechanism, shoulder stock and lighter weight barrel system.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 Avion No.1 - Aircraft/helicopter machine gun mount.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 Avion No.2 - Aircraft/helicopter machine gun mount.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 Avion No.3 - Aircraft/helicopter machine gun mount.
AAT52 de 7.62 N-F1 Avion No.4 - Aircraft machine gun mount; fitted with manual trigger and iron sights.
|
|
|
