FG.42 44 (FG.42)
- Year Built: 1944-1945
- Calibre: 7.92x57mm
- Load: 20 rounds / Magazine fed
- Action: Semi / Fully-Automatic, Recoil operated, Air Cooled
- Rate of Fire: 900rpm early model / 600 rpm
- Weight: 4,2 kg early model / 5 kg late model
The FG-42 (Fallschirmjägergewehr-42 or Paratrooper’s rifle, Model 1942) is a light and powerful weapon, specifically designed for German airborne soldiers. The paratroopers were an elite unit of German armed forces and belonged to the Luftwaffe. Paratroopers usually operate far from home bases and had to have all their firepower at hand. The Luftwaffe issued the request for universal hand held weapon, intended to replace the bolt-action rifles, submachine guns and machine guns then in service. The design specifications were for a selective fire, lightweight rifle, firing the standard issue 7.92x57mm ammunition, and capable of controllable full automatic fire, as well as accurate single shot semi-automatic fire.