MIC Uirapuru GPMG General Purpose Machine Gun

The MIC Uirapuru general purpose machine gun received a second life of sorts when it was accepted into service with the Brazilian Army

 Updated: 7/27/2010; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com

Originally rejected by the Brazilian Army, the Uirapuru received a second life in 1976 after refinements were imposed. The weapon was an initial design as put together by members of the Brazilian Army's engineering institute with one of the original members later tabbed to continue the development and make several key changes in making the weapon system serviceable by Brazilian Army standards.

Classified as a general purpose machine gun, the system can be vehicle (including armor in the coaxial role), sea-going vessels or aircraft-mounted as well as part of an infantry squad in the support firing role. The Uirapuru fires the 5.56x51mm NATO standard cartridge from a belt fed ammunition system of varying lengths. The barrel offers a quick change system and a flash suppressor as well as a handy bipod and wooden butt for supportive fire. An optional tripod is also available for the sustained fire role as is an awkwardly-angled carrying handle for increased portability.