CANiK M3 Heavy Machine Gun

CANiK M3, is a heavy machine gun that fires .50 caliber ammunition. The model has been developed for use in diverse operational environments including mechanized units and aerial platforms.

Technical Specifications and Design

The weapon fires 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) ammunition and is compatible with 12.7x99 mm NATO standard rounds. The muzzle velocity varies depending on the type of ammunition used but is approximately 900 meters per second.

In terms of weight, the weapon’s body weighs 33.4 kilograms, a measurement taken without the flexible ammunition chute, ammunition box, or tripod. The total length of the weapon is specified as 1,460 millimeters; this value may vary depending on the muzzle device used. The firing mechanism is designed for fully automatic operation. The rate of fire ranges between 1,100 and 1,200 rounds per minute.

Performance and Durability

The effective range of the weapon is measured at approximately 1,830 meters, with a maximum range reaching up to 6,800 meters. The barrel has a service life of at least 15,000 rounds. The recoil force is approximately 18.5 kN, with potential variation within a range of ±1.5 kN.

Operational Capacity

The CANiK M3 has been specifically designed for use on highly mobile land and air platforms. The model has been developed to be compatible with integration into crewed helicopters as a door gun, as well as light attack aircraft and unmanned aerial and ground vehicles.

Application Areas

• Crewed Helicopters: Can be configured as a door gun.
• Light Attack Vehicles: Designed for compatibility with vehicle-mounted installations.
• Unmanned Ground and Maritime Vehicles: Capable of integration with remote weapon systems (RWS).

CANiK M3 is designed for use under diverse operational conditions and on multiple platforms. The model supports various mounting and configuration options to ensure adaptability to a range of threat scenarios.

The weapon belongs to the heavy machine gun class due to its high rate of fire, use of .50 caliber ammunition, and robust construction, and offers a configuration suitable for evaluation by both national and international security forces.