IWI Negev
Overview
Negev
Israeli soldier firing the full size Negev light machine gun.
Source: Israel Defense Force -
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Description
Introduction
The Negev is a modern light machine gun of Israeli origin. It was developed in the 1980's by Israel Military Industries to replace the Galil ARM light support weapon in Israeli service. The size and performance are practically similar to the widely used Belgian Minimi.
Design
The Negev is a gas operated weapon that uses a short stroke gas piston and a rotating bolt. Externally the Negev looks quite similar to the Belgian Minimi. It is a belt fed weapon that feeds from the left and alternatively Galil type box magazines can be used by inserting them in the magazine well in the bottom. Unlike most light machine guns the Negev is also capable of semi-automatic fire.
Firepower
The Negev fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from belts or box magazines. Normally assault pouches with 150 round belts are fitted to the weapon. Galil magazines can be inserted in the magazine well and STANAG magazines can be used if an adapter is fitted. The gas regulator has three positions: one for 650 to 800 rounds per minute, one for 800 to 950 rounds per minute and a third for launching muzzle grenades.
Users
In 1997 the Negev was officially adopted by the Israel Defense Force. It is the standard light machine gun in Israeli service and was to fully replace the MAG in infantry and vehicle use, a plan which has now been postponed. The Negev has been exported to various nations.
Variants
Negev
The full size Negev is the standard model. It is fitted with a longer barrel than the Negev Commando and a bipod is fitted as standard. Due to the modular design the Negev can be reconfigured to the Negev Commando.
Late production models are known as NG5. They feature a sight rail and have the rear sight moved to the top of the belt cover.
Negev Commando
The Negev Commando is a compact version of the full size Negev. It is fitted with a shorter barrel and instead of a bipod a side grip is fitted. Due to the modular design the Negev Commando can be reconfigured to the standard Negev.
Late production models are known as NG5. They feature a sight rail and have the rear sight moved to the top of the belt cover.
Negev NG7
The Negev NG7 is an upscaled variant chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Since it was introduced 15 years after the original Negev, it features rails for optics and accessories. The NG7 can no longer feed from magazines.
The NG7 is described in a separate article.
Details
Media
Negev
Full size Negev in use with Israeli Defense Force.
Source: Israel Defense Force
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Negev
Full size Negev at the firing range.
Source: Ido 403
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Negev Commando
Negev Commando with 35 round Galil magazine and bipod.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Negev Commando
Forward view of Negev Commando. The old production model requires a special mount for fitting optics.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Negev Commando
Rear view of Negev Commando.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
IWI Negev NG7
The Negev NG7 is an upscaled Negev chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO.