FN launches lighter-variant .50 cal crew-served weapon system

Belgian arms manufacturer FN has developed a new lightweight variant of its widely fielded .50 cal crew-served weapon system, the company announced on 10 June 2025.

The new weapon leverages the use of advanced composite materials to achieve a 40% weight reduction compared to previous examples of the system.

“With payload being a crucial consideration for aviation platforms, particularly rotary-wing aircraft, this weight reduction will have significant operational benefits, allowing operators to carry more passengers, fuel, ammunition or supplies,” FN explained. “This innovation is focused specifically on the FN Medium Door Pintle (MDP) Turning System, which mounts the combat-proven .50 cal FN M3M [machine gun]. The FN MDP Turning System allows the crew-served weapon system to be easily retracted or removed when not in use, making it a highly versatile capability.”

The Turning System is mounted using a connection plate, typically from a machined block of aluminium. This is then fitted to the helicopter floor using existing strong points that help distribute the mechanical forces that occur when the weapon is being operated. FN has driven the development of a new composite plate that replaces the aluminium example and reduces weight without compromising quality. This new composite plate has already passed rigorous MIL-STD-810G qualifications standards, which is critical for frontline equipment, FN noted.

The lightweight variant also meets the same 20G crash test safety standards to which other FN products are subjected.

The new lightweight .50 cal crew-served weapon, which will be presented at the upcoming Paris Air Show from 16-22 June, is now ready for serial production, with FN stating that several projects involving it are underway, either with original equipment manufacturers or with end users directly.