GPMGs
General-purpose machine gun (GPMG) is a class of belt-fed, air-cooled, gas-operated firearms designed to function as both a light machine gun and a medium machine gun. In its light role, a GPMG is deployed with a bipod to provide squad-level fire support; in its heavy role, it is mounted on a tripod or vehicle for sustained, more accurate fire.
Most GPMGs are chambered for 7.62×51 NATO cartridges, though variants exist in other calibers such as 7.62×54R.
The GPMG concept emerged in the mid-20th century as armies sought a single weapon system capable of
Notable examples include the FN MAG family (Belgian origin), giving rise to the U.S. M240 in service.