Daewoo K3

Infobox Weapon
name=Daewoo K3


caption=Daewoo K3 LMG
origin=flag|South Korea
type=Light machine gun
is_ranged=yes
service=1991-present
used_by=See Users
wars= 2008 Mindanao Insurgency
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=Daewoo Precision Industries Ltd. Co. [ [http://www.bellum.nu/armoury/DK3.html Daewoo K3.] Retrieved on August 16, 2008.]
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants=
spec_label=
weight=kg to lb|6.85|sp=us|abbr=on|precision=2|wiki=yes
length=mm to in|1030|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
part_length=mm to in|533|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
width=
height=
diameter=
crew=
cartridge=5.56x45mm NATO
caliber=
action=Gas-operated, rotating bolt
rate=900 rounds/min
velocity=M193: convert|960|m/s|0|lk=on|sp=us|abbr=on SS109: convert|915|m/s|0|lk=on|sp=us|abbr=on
range=800 m
max_range=3,600 m
feed=200-round disintegrating-link belt or 30-round STANAG magazine
sights=Iron sights

The Daewoo K3 Light Machine Gun was the third indigenous firearm developed in South Korea, following the K1A and K2. The K3 is inspired by the FN Minimi and the United States-issued M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.

Description

The K3 is a light machine gun resembling the FN Minimi and uses a standard 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. Its greatest advantage is that it is lighter than the M60 and can interchange cartridges with both the K1A and K2. The feed can come from either a 30-round box magazine or a 250-round metal link belt. It can be used with a bipod for the Squad Automatic role, and fitted with a tripod for sustained fire support.

The rear sight is adjustable for elevation and windage, and the foresight can be adjusted for elevation for zeroing. The barrel has a built-in carry handle for ease of changing the barrel. The action is gas piston driven, with a rotating bolt.

Foreign use

A controversy broke out 2007 in the Philippines when the country's Armed Forces initially selected the FN Minimi rather than picking the K3 or the 5.56 mm Ultimax from Singapore. The AFP's Modernization Program was attacked for showing favoritism towards a Western firearms company over Asian arms manufacturers [waybackdate|site=http://www.timawa.net/news.htm|date=20040624190704] .

Ultimately, 2000 K3s were acquired by the Philippine Army for their SAW requirement. They, and 150 newly delivered Kia KM450 trucks, were first shown in public in February 18, 2008.

Users

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References

* Jane's Infantry Weapons - 2002

ee also

* Daewoo K1
* Daewoo K2
* Daewoo K7

External links

* [http://blog.naver.com/pilothjm3?Redirect=Log&logNo=110013659708 K1 through K7 images]
* [http://world.guns.ru/machine/mg27-e.htm K3 image at Modern Firearms]
* [http://timawa.net/forum/index.php/topic,10628.30.html First batch of Daewoo K3 SAW turned-over to Philippine Army]