See Also: q-machine(medicine)
CPM machine(health)
MACHINE(law)
machine(medicine)
machine gun(dictionary)
machine-gun(dictionary)
machine(1)(dictionary)
machine(2)(dictionary)
machine-gun(dictionary)
machine gun(encyclopedia)

machine gun (sh)




Automatic weapon capable of rapid, sustained fire, usually 500-1,000 rounds per minute.

Developed in the late 19th century by such inventors as Hiram Maxim, it profoundly altered modern warfare. The World War I battlefield was dominated by the belt-fed machine gun, which remained little changed into World War II. Modern machine guns are classified into three groups: the squad automatic weapon, chambered for small-calibre assault-rifle ammunition and operated by one soldier; the general-purpose machine gun, firing full-power rifle ammunition and operated by two; and the heavy machine gun, firing rounds of 12.7 mm (.5 in) or higher and often mounted on an armoured vehicle. See also submachine gun.