Kulspruta 90 (KSP 90)
FN Herstal · Machine Gun · In Service · 1990
Also known as: FN Minimi, Ksp 90, M249 (US designation)
Overview
The Kulspruta 90 (KSP 90) is the Swedish Armed Forces' designation for the FN Minimi light machine gun, adopted in 1990 to replace the older 7.62mm KSP 58 in the squad automatic weapon role. Belgian-designed and built by FN Herstal under license arrangements with Bofors, it is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed LMG firing the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. Sweden fields the standard infantry KSP 90, the shorter KSP 90B paratrooper variant with collapsible stock, and the vehicle-mounted KSP 90C.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6830 g (240.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1040 mm (40.94") |
| Folded Length | 766 mm (30.16") |
| Barrel Length | 465 mm (18.31") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 925 m/s (3035 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1712 J (1263 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 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 · 5.56 NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 100 Round Soft Pouch Belt, 200 Round Metal Link Belt, Stanag Magazine Emergency Use
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Integral Bipod, Carry Handle, Open Bolt Operation, Dual Feed Belt Or Magazine
Variants
- KSP 90B (Para) — Paratrooper
- KSP 90C — Vehicle Mounted
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1990 · as Kulspruta 90
Conflicts
- ISAF Afghanistan deployment (2002-2014)
- Mali (Operation Barkhane / MINUSMA support) (2014-2023)
Production
Production years: 1990-present
Sweden's Försvarsmakten is the primary user; total Swedish inventory is classified but believed to be in the low thousands
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Ernest Vervier (FN Herstal)
Notes
While mechanically identical to the FN Minimi / M249 SAW, the Swedish version retains its unique national designation. The KSP 90B Para has a shorter 349 mm barrel and collapsible metal stock.
Background
Swedish soldiers nicknamed the KSP 90 'minkan' - a play on the gun's Belgian name 'Minimi' - and contrast it with the heavier KSP 58 (the FN MAG) which still serves the GPMG role in the same squad.