Can a 30mm Machine Gun be Carried and Used by a Soldier Like a Rifle?
The 30 calibre machine gun, often used in weapons platoons, is typically fired from a prone position and requires a loader. The gunner may pick it up and fire it while in a standing position, but this is not a usual firing position due to the weapon's weight and complexity.
Machine Gun Categories and Characteristics
Machine guns are classified based on their calibres, which range from 7 to 15mm. Larger weapons, such as cannons, have a calibre of over 15mm and fire exploding shells. Such large weapons are far too heavy and cumbersome to be carried by a soldier on foot.
For instance, the GAU-8 Avenger, a 30mm gun, has a 91-inch barrel to achieve its armor-piercing capability. Even with advancements like exoskeletons, it would still be impractical to carry a 30mm machine gun as a shoulder-fired weapon due to its significant weight and recoil.
30mm Machine Guns and Related Weapons
It's important to note that there are no 30mm machine guns. Weapons of this calibre are typically autocannons. Even if one were to consider a 30mm automatic grenade launcher, such as the AGS-17, it is still a crew-served weapon that cannot be fired like a rifle. The AGS-17 weighs 620 pounds without any ammunition and is deployable only on an aircraft or a vehicle. It also requires a reliable power source, such as an electrical system or a lot of batteries.
Another example is the AGS-30, developed by the Eastern Bloc. This weapon, at its stated weight, could be deployed by a single person and fires continuously from a belt or belt in drum cartridges. However, it was not designed to be used as a rifle and has controls that do not allow semi-auto fire. Its “handles” are part of the pintle.
Modern Developments and Task-Based Design
Modern machine guns require a balance between task effectiveness and portability. The M19, for instance, is a machine gun that meets these criteria. It is rifled and fires 40mm rounds, although these rounds are larger and would be too heavy for a single soldier to carry. The AGS-30, while more portable, has a distinct design for its specific use as a heavy support weapon.
South African development, such as their 20mm versions, could be scaled up to 30mm, suggesting that smaller, more portable 30mm machine guns are a possibility. However, the task of an infantry automatic rifle is different from that of a traditional machine gun. The role of a machine gun is to provide support for advancing infantry, rather than being highly mobile like a standard rifle.
Historically, the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and its successors, like the US M240, have demonstrated that a 30-caliber, man-portable, fully automatic weapon can be achieved. However, these designs require a bipod and a two-man crew to operate effectively in the field.
Future Developments
Ukraine is currently experimenting with new designs for 30mm grenade launchers, focusing on range and design. The future of man-portable 30mm automatic weapons will depend more on the development of projectiles than on the gun itself. These designs are aimed at balancing firepower and mobility in modern warfare.
In conclusion, while a fully automatic 30mm weapon can be designed for portability, it is more effective in a support role that requires a crew and specialized equipment. Modern technology and design principles allow for more flexible and practical solutions, but the task at hand remains the primary determinant of a weapon's design.