Heckler & Koch HK13
Heckler & Koch · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1972
Also known as: HK13E
Overview
The Heckler & Koch HK13 is a 5.56x45mm NATO magazine-fed light machine gun, part of H&K's modular roller-delayed blowback support weapon family that includes the 7.62mm HK11 and belt-fed HK21/HK23. The HK13 shares its action with the G3/HK33 rifle line and feeds from standard 25- or 40-round HK33-pattern box magazines, with a quick-change barrel and folding bipod for the squad automatic role.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 8000 g (282.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1030 mm (40.55") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1767 J (1303 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington (parent)
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Selector Lever
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Folding Bipod, Magazine Fed, Interchangeable With Hk33 Magazines, Fluted Chamber
Variants
- Heckler & Koch HK13E — Export Improved
- Heckler & Koch HK23 — Belt Fed
Service history
Operators
- Malaysian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1972-1990s
Modest production; saw limited export adoption compared to the belt-fed HK21 family
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch
Notes
The improved HK13E export variant added a STANAG/M16-magazine adaptor and a three-round-burst option. The HK13 used the same fluted chamber and roller-delayed action as the rest of the H&K small-arms family, easing logistics and training.
Background
The HK13 was H&K's bid for a true squad automatic weapon that could share magazines, training and 80% of its parts with the soldier's standard rifle, anticipating the SAW concept that the FN Minimi would later dominate.