Mekanika Uirapuru
Mekanika Indústria e Comércio Ltda. · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1976
Also known as: Uirapuru, Mtr 7,62 Uirapuru, MG Uirapuru
Overview
The Mekanika Uirapuru is a Brazilian general-purpose machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Developed in the 1970s and named after the uirapuru songbird, it is a gas-operated, belt-fed weapon firing from an open bolt with a quick-change barrel. Mounted on a bipod for the light role or a tripod for sustained fire, it was adopted by the Brazilian Armed Forces as a domestically produced squad and vehicle machine gun. Production was later taken over by the state arms manufacturer IMBEL.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 13000 g (458.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1300 mm (51.18") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3441 J (2538 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Bipod, Tripod Compatible, Disintegrating Link Belt
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian Army · adopted 1976 · as Mtr 7,62 Uirapuru
- Brazilian Marine Corps
Production
Production years: 1976-1980s
Manufactured by Mekanika and later by IMBEL; produced in limited numbers for the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Designer: Olympio Vieira de Mello
Notes
Designed to give Brazil an indigenous 7.62mm NATO machine gun rather than relying on imported designs. The name refers to the uirapuru, a small Amazonian songbird prized in Brazilian folklore.
Background
Named after the uirapuru, a small Amazonian wren whose song is celebrated in Brazilian folklore as enchanting all who hear it, the machine gun was Brazil's bid for a fully indigenous 7.62mm NATO support weapon during the 1970s.