The introduction of the Maxim gun in 1884 signaled the start of major transformations in warfare. Over the next century, machine gun technology progressed rapidly. Some designs were made lighter to improve infantry mobility, while others were mounted in fixed positions or integrated into vehicles to boost firepower. The M240 exemplifies this evolution, continuing to serve as a crucial tool for the United States and many NATO allies.
Design and development of the M240
The M240, designed by the Belgian firearms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal, was introduced to the US Army in 1977 for use in tanks. Its versatile design eventually led to its broader adoption by both the Army and the Marine Corps.
This gas-operated medium machine gun, equipped with a belt feed system, uses the standard 7.62 x 51 mm NATO cartridge. It provides three selectable firing rates: 650 to 750 rounds per minute, 750 to 850 rounds per minute, and 850 to 950 rounds per minute.
Following extensive evaluations assessing factors such as mean rounds before stoppage and mean rounds before failure, the US military chose to replace the M73 and its successor, the M219, with the M240. Its exceptional performance in these tests played a key role in the Army’s decision.
Adopted by branches of the US military
Though both the US Army and the Marine Corps use the M240, their methods are different. The former uses the firearm with an M192 Lightweight Ground Mount tripod (introduced in 2005), famous for its swift adjustments and lightweight design, making it easy to transport in the field.
In contrast, the Marines use a modern version of the famous M2 tripod. This newer version, the M122A1, enables field use with just one hand and can be equipped by various machine guns without requiring an adapter.
Use of the M240 in battle
The M240 has been used by American soldiers in a number of different conflicts. The first was during the Gulf War. The weapon was also carried by infantrymen during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Iraqi forces used the machine gun to fight against ISIL and ISIS.
The M240 has been carried by members of the Free Syrian Army throughout the Syrian Civil War. Units have been fitted onto technicals, which are improvised military vehicles created by fitting standard pick-up trucks or similar automobiles with military weapons, such as machine guns, anti-aircraft guns or a recoilless rifle.
Many other nations have equipped the M240
Several other nations also utilize the M240. The Indonesian Army has mounted the machine gun on its Leopard 2 tanks, while Poland equips its M1A2 Abrams fleet with the weapon. Spain’s Army Airmobile Force attaches the M240 to its Chinook helicopters. In 2017, Georgia switched from Russian-made guns to the M240, and in 2021, the Joint United States Military Assistance Group supplied models to the Philippines.
The Americans and NATO have also supplied M240s to armies seeking to defend themselves. Iraq received them to support their fight against groups like the Taliban, and Ukraine has been provided an undisclosed number to support their efforts against the ongoing Russian invasion.
There are a number of variants
Since its debut, there have been many versions of the M240 developed. The M240E1 is used by the Marines to mount on the likes of the LAV-25, and the service also uses the M240B as its standard medium-sized infantry machine gun. The “B” variant is also used by the US Coast Guard.
The M240L can be more easily carried. Rather than being built from steel, it’s produced from titanium, making it 18 percent lighter than the standard model. The only drawback is that it takes longer to produce and has to have extra protections added to defend against the weather.
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There’s also the Barrett 240LW machine gun, made using the M240’s specifications, but aimed toward making it significantly lighter. Arms maker Barrett was able to reduce the weight through the use of different materials and through more efficiently manufacturing the gun. A shortened version, the Barrett 240LWS, was also developed.