Mk 48 machine gun
| Mk 48 Mod 0 | |
|---|---|
Mk 48 Mod 0 | |
| Type | General-purpose machine gun |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing |
| Designed | 2003 |
| Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing |
| Produced | 2003–present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8.2 kg (18.0779 lb) empty 11.2 kg (24.7 lb) w/ 100 rounds |
| Length | 1,000 mm (39.75 in) |
| Barrel length | 502 mm (19.75 in) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO (STANAG 2310) |
| Action | Gas-operated, open bolt |
| Rate of fire | 650–730 rounds/min |
| Effective firing range | 800 m (~875 yd), area target |
| Maximum firing range | 3,600 m (~3,940 yd) |
| Feed system | Non-disintegrating DM1 or disintegrating M13 linked belt |
The Mark 48, or Mk 48, is a belt-fed general-purpose machine gun developed and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing Inc., a division of FN Herstal based in the United States, for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO and is belt-fed by M13 disintegrating links or German DM1 non-disintegrating belts. USSOCOM has adopted the weapon and started its fielding process, beginning with special operations units.