Lithgow F89

Light Machine Gun (LMG)

Australia | 1989

"The F89 is the Australian designation for the FN Minimi, which appears as the M249 SAW in the US inventory."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/01/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Right side view of the Lithgow F89 light machine gun

The Australian F89 light support machine gun is a derivative of the successful Belgium FN Minimi system, which has since been adopted into service by the United States of America, Italy, Belgium and Australia. This particular version of the FN Minimi is more similar to the United States production version better known as the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) than the original base FN model. This particular F89 also varies from the FN model by incorporating Australian production techniques.

Classified as a light machine gun, the F89 fires the Australian SS109 cartridge. The weapon system is called upon to provide portable sustained and suppression fire for mobile fire teams. The system is fitted with a bipod for stationary support fire and can operate from a 30-round box magazine or a choice of 100-count or 200-count disintegrating link belts. No modification is needed in any use of ammunition feeds. Muzzle velocity of the system is reported at 3,000 feet per second with a cyclic rate of fire at 725 rounds per minute. In the sustained fire role, the system is capable of 850 rounds per minute.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Lithgow F89. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,038 mm
40.87 in
O/A Length

15.17 lb
6.88 kg
Weight

Gas-Operated; Automatic Fire Only
Action

5.56x45mm
Caliber(s)

30-round box OR 100 - 200 round disintegrating link belt
Feed

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Lithgow F89. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

3,281 ft
1,000.0 m | 1,093.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

725
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Lithgow F89 Light Machine Gun (LMG) family line.

F89 - Australian designation of the Belgium FN Minimi light machine gun.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Lithgow F89. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Lithgow Small Arms - Australia

[ Australia ]

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Right side view of the Lithgow F89 light machine gun

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Close-up detail view of the receiver on a Lithgow F89 machine gun; note box magazine in feed

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Close-up view of the barrel on a practice Lithgow F89 machine gun

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Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

FIRE SUPPORT

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
The Lithgow F89 Light Machine Gun (LMG) appears in the following collections:

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