Two tactical machine gun systems put into operation in the Armed Forces of Ukraine
19 September, 2023 Khyzhak machine gun system. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine allowed the use of two RBPP-500 and Khyzhak machine gun systems.
The Ministry of Defense reported about this on Tuesday. The systems proved their effectiveness after being tested by Ukrainian soldiers. In particular, the Khyzhak machine gun system is designed for the placement and continuous supply of machine gun belts equipped with 7.62x54 mm caliber cartridges for PK-type machine guns.
Khyzhak machine gun system.
Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
The RBPP-500 system is designed to carry 7.62x51 mm cartridges for the M240 machine gun.
RBPP-500 system. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that both systems have proven their reliability and effectiveness after successfully passing the tests. Militarnyi previously reported that the Ukrainian military had received a batch of backpack belt feed systems for American M240 machine guns.
The system allows to continuously feed cartridges to the machine guns such as M240, PKM and its modifications.
"Murena" backpack belt feed system for the American M240 machine guns of the Ukrainian military. March 2023. Ukraine.
Frame from the "MURENA" video
These backpacks are made by Ukrainian specialists, who called their system MURENA. The manufacturer claims that in comparison with other similar systems, the MURENA system has an increased number of ammunition - 650 rounds.
"Murena" backpack belt feed system for the American M240 machine guns of the Ukrainian military. March 2023. Ukraine.
Frame from the "MURENA" video
Claimed weight:
- Nominal (box, sleeve, backpack) - 9 kg.
- Kerb weight (650 rounds, additional barrel, system) - 28 kg.
The MURENA system has a catcher for the empty belt, which is attached to the bracket under the receiver.
This catcher is not part of the bracket attached to the "sleeve" of the cartridge, but if necessary, it can be quickly removed or installed.