FN Herstal Unveils New Flex-Fire Weapon System
BELGIUM’S FN Herstal showcased its innovative External Mount Gun System (EMGS) to the global market for the first time at the Paris Airshow 2025. The FN EMGS is a fully qualified flex-fire weapon system that supports both fixed-forward and crew-served operations and is now operational with the US Air Force on board its HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter.
The weapon system allows for suppressive fire against light armoured vehicles, suppressive fire in landing zones, and ground and aerial threat suppression. It can support both .50BMG (GAU-21/ GAU-18/FN M3M) and 7.62mm calibre (GAU-2) weaponry.
In 2017, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation selected FN to design, produce, and deliver a new family of Airborne Flex-Fire Weapon System Solutions for the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, which resulted in the development of the FN EMGS. Multi-year production and delivery of FN EMGS began in 2022, and more than 60 aircraft fitted with the weapon system have been delivered to the US Air Force to date.
The USAF requested multi-weapon support capability on the system, so in addition to carrying the FN-developed .50BMG FN M3M machine gun, the FN EMGS marked the first time in FN history that third-party weapons would be integrated into an FN-designed airborne weapon system.
This includes the GAU-21 (modified) & GAU-18/A (unmodified) .50BMG machine guns and the Dillon Aero M134 7.62mm minigun, which in this case are integrated onto the HH-60W’s windows. Dedicated fire control systems are provided for each weapon configuration and ammunition boxes are supplied for each ammunition calibre.
Offering much more than a conventional weapon system, the FN EMGS allows side-firing crew-served operation by the gunner and remote firing by the pilot in fixed forward mode. This unique hybrid solution offers the user the capability to maximise the use of the machine gun in a wide firing window, allowing both lateral and fixed forward protection or target engagement.
The EMGS is provided in both left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) configurations, and thanks to reduced footprint, the cabin is optimised to accommodate increases in crew, passengers and mission equipment.
An FN statement read, “FN is the only system supplier in the world to provide the weapon system, the machine gun and associated accessories and ammunition under a unique, global warranty that covers the entire system, delivering a one-stop-shop solution to demanding customers worldwide.”
“FN’s comprehensive solutions encompass the design, development, manufacturing, qualification (MIL-STD 810 & support to flight test) and full integration of airborne weapon systems, offering complete mission capability, maximum crew safety, and carrier protection, alongside 360-degree service support” it added.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:FN)