NEGEV NG7

The NEGEV NG7 7.62mm is a light weight advanced machine gun. It is is very reliable under adverse and extreme environmental conditions. The NEGEV NG7 has been chosen by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). It is based on the NEGEV 5.56mm LMG and is designed to meet the modern battlefield demands and has been battle proven all over the world. The manufacturer claims that it is the only LMG 7.62mm with semi-automatic mode, enhancing its use also in CQB (Close Quarter Battle) operations safely.

The NEGEV NG7 7.62mm Light Machine Gun fires from an open bolt position and is drum fed. The NEGEV NG7 includes the IWI ELOG component, which is an innovative computer based, light weapons inventory control and maintenance tool for field armorer level. I don’t think that the FN Herstal Mk. 48 (M249 chambered in 7.62mm) has a semi-automatic fire mode. This feature will allow troops to use the machine gun as a rifle if the situation requires it, for example if they run low on ammo.

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd. has released a new video displaying a new NEGEV light machine gun (LMG). IWI, which also builds the TAVOR is headquartered in a suburb of Tel Aviv and provides tactical instruction as well as firearms manufacturing. The NEGEV NG7 is the latest model in a family of LMGs.

Chambered in 7.2mm and firing from the open bolt position, the NG7 shares multiple components with its 5.56mm caliber cousins. The entire family has been proven operationally in combat in several countries. Weighing in at approximately 17 pounds, the NG7 is somewhat lighter than similar sized 7.62 machine guns and features a semi-auto fire selection that allows it to be used with some sort of magnifying scope (if not as suitable for traditional LMG and GPMG optics). According to IWI, “This is the only 7.62mm caliber LMG in service today that is capable of pinpoint, single bullet shooting. It provides four safety mechanisms to minimize unwanted fire. In automatic mode, rate of fire is over 700 bullets per minute.”

The NEGEV NG7 can be utilized with a variety of mounts, including those for helos and IFVs. It features a gas regulator for additional power in harsh/fouling conditions, tritium night sights, and picattiny rails for optics and other accessories. It can be drum- or belt-fed.

The NEGEV main features are:

• The NEGEV has a gas regulator for rate of fire adjustment.

• The NEGEV has the possibility to use standard Nato magazines, Galil magazines, belt or a drum.

• The NEGEV includes a semi automatic mode that enables accurate and fast controlled fire for close quarter battle or an automatic mode that allows maximum firepower for infantry combat.

• The NEGEV can be fired from a verity of mounts, special helicopter airborne mount, vehicle or sea crafts mounts.

• There are four safety mechanisms that minimize the chances of uncontrolled fire.

• Beta-lights are installed on the sights enabling firing in dim light conditions.

• The NEGEV has a 45° assault handle allowing an excellent grip for charging.

• The NEGEV bipod is extremely robust and durable.

• The NEGEV is equipped with picattiny rails for optical devices.

• The NEGEV can be quickly dismantled on the field for maintenance.

• The NEGEV has true OTB (over the beech) capability.

According to the press release:

“The NEGEV NG7 includes a semi-automatic firing mode that enables accurate fire in combat situations, including ambush, Close Quarter Battle (CQB), and when shooting via telescope – and is the only 7.62 with single bullet firing capability. In automatic mode, its rate of fire is over 700 bullets per minute. Exceptionally lightweight (weighing less than 8 kg), it can be fired from a variety of mounts, including special mounts on helicopters, land vehicles, and naval vessels.

Features include a gas regulator for additional power in harsh conditions such as mud and dirt, tritium night sights, picatinny rails for optical and other devices, and four safety mechanisms to minIWIze unwanted fire. The NEGEV NG7 – which delivers remarkable Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and long service life – is drum or belt-chain fed, fires from an open bolt position, and is easily dismantled for maintenance in the field.”

Specifications

Caliber: 7.62х51 NATO

Weight: 7.6 kg

Total length: 1000 / 820mm

Barrel length: 508mm

Rate of fire: 850 – 1150 rounds per minute