Which rate of fire is higher: rapid or sustained for the M240?

The rapid rate of fire for the M240 is defined as the number of rounds it can fire in a given time period when suppressing a target or area, typically around 200 rounds per minute. This higher rate is intended for short bursts to maintain effective firepower during critical situations. In contrast, the sustained rate of fire is significantly lower, designed for prolonged engagements without overheating the weapon, usually around 100 rounds per minute.

This difference reflects the operational needs and the design of the machine gun, as rapid fire allows for immediate impact while sustained fire focuses on maintaining fire over time. Understanding the distinction between these rates is crucial for effective engagement strategies on the battlefield.