How many rounds per minute (RPM) is the rapid rate of fire for the M240B?

The rapid rate of fire for the M240B is defined as 200 rounds per minute (RPM). This rate is intended for sustained engagement of targets while still allowing the gunner to manage the heat produced during firing. The significance of this rate is crucial during sustained firefights, ensuring that the weapon can deliver a high volume of fire without overheating, which could lead to malfunctions or degraded performance.

The specified rapid rate allows the gunner to maintain effective fire on target while ensuring safety and operational capability, balancing the need for quick engagement with equipment functionality. This rate is important for mission planning and when coordinating with other assets on the battlefield to maximize effectiveness without compromising the machine gun's reliability.