7.62×51mm ROTARY-BARREL MACHINE GUN
CS/LM12
The CS/LM12 is a multi-barrel, externally-powered rotary machine gun chambered for the standard 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. Developed for police/security and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) missions, it is deployable across a wide range of platforms, including vehicles, helicopters, and naval vessels.
Building on the proven architecture of different classic rotary guns, the CS/LM12 incorporates a number of indigenous design improvements. An electric motor drives the barrel cluster, completing the automatic feeding, firing, extraction, and ejection cycle independently of propellant gas pressure. A flexible belt links the ammunition box to the feed mechanism, ensuring a safe and reliable continuous ammunition supply.
The weapon is fitted with an electronic fire-control system offering selectable firing modes and a real-time display of rate of fire, rounds fired, and remaining ammunition. Two cyclic rates are selectable via a rear-mounted control button — a low rate of 2,500 rpm and a high rate of 6,000 rpm. An integrated spent-case and link collector prevents ejected components.
Specifications
Specifications
Type | Rotary-barrel machine gun | Firing Mode | Fully automatic (continuous) |
Caliber | 7.62×51mm NATO | Input Voltage | 26 ± 24 V DC |
Overall Length | 1,300 mm (51.18 in) | Input Power | Electric motor, ≤2.3 kW to rotate the barrel cluster |
Weight | ≤90 kg (≤198.42 lb) | Elevation Angle | −45° to +60° |
Muzzle Velocity | ≥845 m/s | Traverse Angle | ±180° (360° coverage) |
Rate of Fire (theoretical) | Low speed: 2,500 rpm | High speed: 6,000 rpm | Barrel Life | ≥60,000 rounds per barrel |
Feed System | Ammunition belt box; standard capacity 1,000 rounds (other capacities optional) | Standard Accessories | 1,000-round belt box ×3, maintenance toolkit ×1, operation manual ×1 |
Effective Range | 1,000 m |
KEY FEATURES
- NATO-Standard Calibre — Fires the widely available 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, ensuring logistical compatibility with international forces.
- Dual-Rate Selectable Fire — Offers two cyclic rates — 2,500 rpm (low) and 6,000 rpm (high) — allowing the operator to match firepower to the tactical situation.
- External Electric Drive — Powered by an electric motor requiring ≤2.3 kW; barrel rotation and the automatic cycle are independent of propellant gas pressure, enhancing reliability.
- Large-Capacity Ammunition Feed — Standard supply is a 1,000-round belt box, with other capacities available on request, providing sustained firepower.
- Wide Firing Arcs — Elevation from −45° to +60° and traverse of ±180° (full 360° coverage) enable engagement of targets in virtually any direction.
- Exceptional Barrel Life — Each barrel is rated for ≥60,000 rounds, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
- Flexible Belt-Feed System — A compliant ammunition belt between the box and the gun ensures smooth, jam-resistant feeding at high cyclic rates.
- Integrated Fire-Control & Display — An electronic control unit with display shows real-time mode, rate, rounds fired, and remaining ammunition count.
- Multi-Platform Adaptability — Can be mounted on ground vehicles, naval mounts, and helicopters, meeting diverse operational requirements across land, sea, and air.
- Safety-Oriented Design — A collector for spent cases and disintegrating links prevents foreign-object debris that could endanger the platform or crew.
Parameter | M134 Minigun (US) | CS/LM12 (China) |
Caliber | 7.62×51mm NATO | 7.62×51mm NATO and |
Maximum Rate of Fire | 6,000 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
Selectable Rate of Fire | No | Yes |
Effective Range | ~1,000 m | 1,000 m |
Feed Mechanism | Single-direction feed | Bidirectional feed |
Ammunition Compatibility | NATO only | NATO + 7.62×54mmR |
Power Requirement | ~2.3 kW (24V DC) | ≤2.3 kW (24V DC) |
Spent Case/Link Collector | Optional | Standard (critical for deck safety) |