MAG 58
 |
| Function |
General Support Machine Gun |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FN Herstal) |
| Designed |
1958 |
| Action |
Gas-operated |
| Modes |
Fully automatic |
| Feed | Belt-fed |
| Rate of Fire |
750-1000 rounds per minute |
| Ammunition |
ball and tracer |
| Caliber |
7.62 millimetre |
| Range | 800 metres (LSW: maximum effective) |
The 7.62MM MAG 58 General Support Machine Gun (GSMG) is a fully automatic crew-serviced weapon that is mounted on the starboard side door of Navy's MH-60R and MRH-90 helicopters. It is equipped with a laser for targeting which also has illuminating capabilities for night usage.
Ammunition usually consists of a combination of ball and tracer rounds belt-fed from 200 round ammunition containers. A brass catch bag that holds 400 empty cases hangs under the gun.
The MAG 58 is also used by Navy personnel as a Light Support Weapon (LSW) usually fired from a bipod. The maximum effective range of the GSMG MAG 58 in the LSW role is 800 metres.
Leading Seaman Aircrew Michael Sales conducts pre-flight inspections of a Mag 58 machine gun on the Seahawk MH-60R helicopter embarked on HMAS Parramatta.
Leading Seaman Aircrewman Jason Griffiths mans the MAG 58 light support weapon in HMAS Stuart's MH-60R helicopter to provide support during a boarding operation serial for Exercise MASTEX 19 during the East Asia Deployment.
Leading Seaman Boatswains Mate Lukasz Byzdra maintains essential weaponry skills by conducting live fire drills with a Mag 58 machine gun on the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide.
