Denel DMG-5

Denel Land Systems unveiled the lightest 7.62 mm calibre general- purpose machine gun (GPMG) at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2016. The new weapon, designated the Denel DMG-5, currently weighs 8.4 kg, 20% lighter compared to the company’s current production GPMG, the Denel SS-77, weighing 10.3 kg. This development challenge was given to three young engineers to refine the uniquely South African designed Denel SS-77 that was developed in 1977 by Richard Joseph Smith and Lazlo Soregi. The three young mechanical engineering graduates, Dakalo Nekhumbe, Phindile Mashaba and Marumo Talane a trained electro-mechanical engineer, are all products of the Denel Engineering Academy. [1][2]

The DMG-5 has an effective range of 1 500 m. It has a firing rate of 700 rounds per minute to 900 rounds per minute. With a long stock, it is 1.135 m long and, with a short stock, it is 1.055 m long. It is gas-operated, with a side locking system. As with all GPMGs, it is fed with continuous belts of ammunition. Nominal muzzle velocity is 830 m/sec. It can fire up to 400 rounds before the barrel needs to be cooled down or replaced.[3]

DMG-5 is chambered for 7,62 × 51 mm but could be made in 5,56 × 45 mm. It is slightly shorter than the SS-77 and has a 3,000m maximum, and effective range of 1,300m.

It differs from the SS-77 in most areas except the receiver and fires from an open bolt. The barrel is fluted to lighten it. It has a telescopic stock and a forward handgrip with retractable bipod.[4]

• DMG-5 standard infantry model
• DMG-5 CX heavy barrel and adaptations for vehicle mounts and remote weapon stations