Story ID: 384
FN Debuts Helicopter Gun Systems
By: David Donald
Caption: Aircraft armament specialist offers the HH-60W’s hybrid gun system for export sale
Word Count: 296
Weapons integrator FN is highlighting two of its latest developments this week at the Paris Air Show, including the first showing of a U.S. Air Force external gun system for Sikorsky HH-60W helicopters in the global marketplace. The Belgian company offers weapon systems for both fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms, including crew-served weapons and forward-firing systems for helicopters.
In 2017, Sikorsky selected FN to develop a system to meet the requirements for an airborne flex-fire weapon for the HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search-and-rescue helicopter chosen by the U.S. Air Force. The result was the external mount gun system (EMGS), of which more than 60 have been delivered to date for fitment in the HH-60W’s cabin windows, in both port and starboard installations.
Weapons supported by the EMGS are FN’s M3M, modified GAU-21, and unmodified GAU-18/A 0.50-caliber heavy machine guns, and the M134 7.62mm Minigun. In “door-gun” mode, the weapons are crew-served thanks to the flexible mount but can also be locked in a forward-firing position for operation by the pilot. This hybrid system provides the helicopter with defense to the front and sides in a compact system designed to minimize footprint within the HH-60’s cabin.
Also on display in Paris is the latest version of FN’s widely used medium door pintle (MDP) turning system, a door gun mount for the M3M machine gun. By employing advanced composite materials, the MDP weighs 40% less than previous models, while retaining the full strength of its predecessor.
MDP has been qualified to meet MIL-STD-810G requirements and validated to meet 20g crash safety requirements. The lightweight version is ready for serial production, and discussions are underway with OEMs and end-users.