FN Minimi Para
M249 Para
Overview
Minimi Para TR
Dutch soldier holding a Minimi Para TR fitted with Aimpoint COMP-M4 red dot sight during an exercise in 2015.
Source: US Army -
© Public domain
United States - FN Manufacturing
Sweden - Bofors Carl Gustav
L110A1 and A2 (UK service)
Ksp 90B (Swedish service)
Minimi M3 (Belgian service)
Description
Introduction
The Minimi Para is a light machine gun of Belgian origin. It was developed in the 1990's as a more portable variant of the full size Minimi. The Para model was originally developed for paratrooper use. In practice the Para model has slowly taken over the role of the full size Minimi as a general issue weapon. The Para model is more portable and better suited for mechanized infantry and more portable on patrols.
Design
The Minimi Para was developed from the full size Minimi Mk 2 light machine gun. The Para model has a shorter barrel and retractable folding stock. The retractable stock still has space for a hydraulic buffer. The Para model retains the ability to feed from magazines, in addition to the regular belt feed. Over time the Para model received similar updates as the full size Minimi. Most Para models have eventually been fitted with an optical sight.
Firepower
The Minimi Para fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round. It is usually used with 100 round belts in an assault pouch. The 200 round belt box can still be used. The Minimi Para fires fully automatic only at a cyclic rate of fire of 700 to 850 rounds per minute. Point targets can be engaged to about 400 meters and area targets to 600 to 800 meters.
Users
The Minimi Para has been adopted by a wide range of countries around the world, but mostly in the West. Many nations adopted the Para model as the standard issue light machine gun at the platoon level. Several nations, such as the USA, transferred to the Para model as a more portable weapon over time.
Variants
Minimi Para
First variant of the Minimi Para. Based on the Minimi Mk 2. This has a shorter barrel and tubular retractable paratrooper stock. At a later stage a Picatinny rail was introduced on the feed cover allowing the use to mount an optical sight of choice.
Minimi Para TR
Version of the Minimi Mk 2 Para fitted with a triple Picatinny rail forearm. This allows for mounting vertical grip and laser and light modules.
M249 Para
American variant of the Minimi Para. This is a further development of the M249 PIP and the third iteration of M249 in US service. The M249 Para is very similar to the Para TR, but differs in having a heat shield over the quick change barrel and a different type of retractable stock. This looks similar to the retractable stock of the M4 carbine, but has a larger tube diameter and a cheek riser.
Minimi Mk 3 Para
Most recent model of the Minimi Para. The Mk 3 features a shorter plastic forearm fitted with short Picatinny rails in front, removing the need for a separate TR model. The Mk 3 is available with either Para stock or the newer 5-position retractable stock with adjustable cheek riser.
Details
Media
Minimi Para
Right side view of an original Minimi Para derived from the Minimi Mk 2 model.
Source: FN Herstal
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Minimi Para TR
Dutch soldier holding a Minimi Para TR fitted with a scope during an exercise in 2013.
Source: Archangel12
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Minimi Mk 3 Para
Left side view of Minimi Mk 3 Para with conventional Para retractable stock.
Source: FN Herstal
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Minimi Mk 3 Para
Left side view of Minimi Mk 3 Para with new Tactical stock.
Source: FN Herstal
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Minimi Mk 3 Para
Oblique view of Minimi Mk 3 Para with conventional Para retractable stock.
Source: FN Herstal
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Minimi Mk 3 Para
Stock photo of Minimi Mk 3 Para with new Tactical stock.
Source: FN Herstal
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
