Heckler & Koch HK11

Heckler & Koch · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1971

Also known as: HK11A1, HK11E

Overview

The Heckler & Koch HK11 is a 7.62x51mm NATO magazine-fed light machine gun built on H&K's roller-delayed blowback action shared with the G3 battle rifle. The magazine-fed counterpart to the belt-fed HK21, it feeds from 20-round G3-pattern box magazines or an 80-round drum, with a quick-change barrel and folding bipod for the light support role.

Specifications

Weight (empty)8150 g (287.5 oz)
Overall Length1030 mm (40.55")
Barrel Length450 mm (17.72")
Action TypeRoller Delayed Blowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity20 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity800 m/s (2625 fps)
Muzzle Energy3040 J (2242 ft·lbf)
Effective Range600 m (656 yd)
Maximum Range1200 m (1312 yd)
Rate of Fire800 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist305 mm (12.01")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 1971-1990s

Adopted by several export customers as a magazine-fed alternative to the belt-fed HK21

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Heckler & Koch

Notes

The HK11A1 introduced 30-round magazine compatibility; the HK11E added a three-round-burst mode, lengthened barrel and improved sights. Greek state arsenal EBO produced a licensed variant designated EHK11A1.

Background

Because the HK11 shares its roller-delayed action and 7.62mm magazine with the G3 rifle, a squad armed with G3s could feed its support gunner straight from their own rifle magazines, a logistics trick H&K marketed heavily to budget-conscious militaries.