Ever Shot A Pod?

by
posted on September 29, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
50calPOD.jpg

Ever shot a “Pod?” Well, the “American Rifleman Television” crew had not either until last week at FN Herstal in Belgium, formerly known as Fabrique Nationale Herstal. What might a pod be? It is a complete weapons system mounted, well, in a container or “pod,” underneath either a rotary or fixed wing aircraft. The Systems Department of FN Herstal makes these units for military customers around the world. What's the difference between this pod and others? Inside is a .50 cal. FN M3P machine gun, along with either 250 (FN HMP250—HMP standing for Heavy Machine Gun Pod) or 400 (FN HMP400) rounds of ammunition, depending on the pod. Also in there is a remote firing system and a method to collect either the links or cases or both. The FN M3P is an update of the World War II vintage AN/M2 .50 caliber machine gun. Of course, the original M2, which fires approximately 550 rounds per minute, is a John Moses Browning-based design produced in updated form by FN today. What the Belgian company has done with the .50 cal. FN M3P is to up the rate of fire to around 1,100 rounds per minute, essentially doubling the firepower of the gun. And there is another FN pod, the FN RMP LC (RMP standing for Rocket Machine Gun Pod), that can fire up to three 2.75 inch rockets in addition to 250 rounds with the exclusive FN M3P.

On the range—even while not mounted on a rotary or fixed wing aircraft—the FN pod is extremely impressive, and this is but one part of the FN Systems product line. There are electronics involved in its operation (remember the unit hangs under a helicopter so it's not like the pilot can reach down to cock the thing). It also has sophisticated targeting and fire control systems for inside the cockpit well.

In the video, there are two FN M3Ps firing about 2,200 rounds of .50 cal. tracer ammunition (also made by FN). Look for more on the “FN pod” as well as other FN systems on the next season of “American Rifleman Television.”

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.