POTD: Aerial Door Gunning with .50 BMG

Eric B
by Eric B

“Here comes Santa from the sky…

Raining .50 BMGs until he runs dry…”

Aerial Door Gunner, taste the words. Isn’t that what we all want to become in our next life?

These pictures are from the German Bundeswehr, with no real reference. To the best of my knowledge they are using a FN M3M (GAU-21) heavy machine gun in .50 BMG, which is also used by the US Navy and US Marine Corps rotary-wing assault aircrafts.

The M3m Is a full-auto, firing from an open bolt. The barrel is Hammer-forged steel, with an estimated lie of around 10,000 rounds.

GAU-21 stands for Gun, Aircraft, Unit-21.

You can check out the details of the M3M here: https://fnamerica.com/products/weapon-systems/fn-m3m-gau-21/

The FN® M3M (GAU-21) is a .50 caliber (12.7x99mm) single barrel rapid-fire machine gun suitable for rotary-wing aircraft applications providing defensive firepower ranging out to nearly 2000 meters. The FN M3M™ was designated by the U.S. Navy as the GAU-21 in 2004. The U.S. D.o.D. has authorized the use of the GAU-21 for all branches of service, and it is currently in operation on multiple rotary-wing platforms of the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and the US Air Force. An evolution of the M3 .50-caliber heavy machine gun, it produces a blistering 1,100 rounds per minute cyclic rate of fire through the use of open-bolt operation and a dual recoil buffer system. Operating independent of either electrical or hydraulic power sources, the FN M3M™/GAU-21’s unique soft mount system enhances weapon accuracy and minimizes the firing vibration transmitted to the airframe.

FN Herstal has been awarded a sole-source U.S. Navy contract to produce the FN M3M .50-caliber machine guns under the Gun, Aircraft, Unit-21 (GAU-21) designation for Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing assault aircraft.

“Send It”. RATE OF FIRE: 950 – 1,100 RPM

Looks like an Aimpoint.

A little video of the GAU-21.

Eric B
Eric B

Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.

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  • Chris Miller Chris Miller on Dec 24, 2017

    Been there, done that. USMC CH-53D Crew Chief. Used both the XM 218 and GAU 21 (the GAU 21's were just being introduced to the left and right window/ door when I first got to the fleet). They had some teething issues, but they have since been remedied. I instantly recognized the 53's tail ramp in the first photo. https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

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    • Hoosier Ed Hoosier Ed on Dec 27, 2017

      @Chris Miller I was with HMH-461 from 86-92. I still miss my "Shitters!" The "Echo's" can lift a lot more than the old "D" models. Looking forward to the new "K" models!

  • Eatgrueldog Eatgrueldog on Dec 26, 2017

    GOT MY GUN BACK

    She said I missed you
    And I did
    She saw the way I touched you
    You felt so good in my hands
    That I couldn't hide it
    Like part of me
    You and I
    Lightning, clouds and thunder
    Raining brass from the sky
    Death no longer silent
    But screaming in joy
    Barking it out loudly
    Singing to the world
    Stirring dust devils
    In the distance
    As we dance

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