PGM Hecate II

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

PGM Hecate II
PGM Hecate II
Type	Sniper rifle
Place of origin	France
Service history
In service	1993
Used by	French military, Swiss military
Wars	Afganistan
Production history
Designer	Gilles Payen
Manufacturer	PGM Precision
Number built	250 in the French Army
Variants	"Wooden" version Polymere version
Specifications
Weight	13.8 kg
Length	1380 mm
Barrel length	700 mm
Crew	1

Cartridge	.50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm)
Calibre	12.7 mm
Action	Bolt-action
Muzzle velocity	825 m/s
Effective range	1800 m
Maximum range	over 2000 m
Feed system	7 round detachable box magazine
Sights	Telescopic sight

The PGM Ultima Ratio Hecate II is the standard heavy sniper rifle of the French Army, sometimes known as FR-12,7 (= "Fusil à Répétition de calibre 12,7mm" = 12.7mm caliber bolt-action rifle).

It is manufactured by PGM Precision of France. This is the largest weapon of the Ultima Ratio rifle family, using the .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) cartridge (as used in Browning M2 heavy machine gun).

Its design is the same metallic-skeleton like the other ones in this family, only scaled up. Equipped with an adjustable bipod, and a rear monopod, for maximum accuracy. The barrel is deeply fluted in order to disperse heat, and is fitted with an extremely high efficiency muzzle brake which reduces the felt recoil to about the level expected of a 7.62 × 51 mm NATO cartridge. The stock is also adjustable.

It is used as anti-material rifle for demolition shooting at long ranges, harassing fire and counter-sniping and the destruction of explosive ordnance (unexploded bombs or sea mines, for example) from a safe distance, with High Explosive Incendiary/Armour Piercing Ammunition (HEIAP).

Standard issue scope is a SCROME J10 10-power scope.