Lithgow F89

Light Machine Gun (LMG) [ 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.

Right side view of the Lithgow F89 light machine gun

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

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.©MilitaryFactory.com

Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications

Service Year

1989

Origin

Australia

Classification

Light Machine Gun (LMG)

Lithgow Small Arms - Australia

(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)

Australia

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Fire Support
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.

Overall Length

1,038 mm
40.87 in

Empty Wgt

15.17 lb
6.88 kg

Action

Gas-Operated; Automatic Fire Only

Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.

(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)

Caliber(s)*

5.56x45mm

Sample Visuals**

Graphical image of a 5.56mm intermediate rifle cartridge

Rounds / Feed

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

*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.

Max Eff.Range

3,281 ft
(1,000 m | 1,094 yd)

Rate-of-Fire

725
rds/min

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

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Military lapel ribbon for pioneering aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.

Images Gallery

1 / 3

Right side view of the Lithgow F89 light machine gun

2 / 3

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

3 / 3

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

❮ ❯

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Chart Military Ranks DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2023 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2023 (20yrs)