[3] The weapon was originally developed by General Dynamics for Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) Irregular Warfare program, but was later reintroduced by True Velocity for United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) LMG-M program.
The LWMMG is equipped with a quick-change barrel, quad picatinny rails, collapsible stock, and can be used by dismounted troops or mounted on a platform.
While the company is satisfied with the shorter .338NM cartridge's performance, the gun could easily be converted to .338 Lapua Magnum.
The M2 .50-caliber machine gun is too heavy for use by dismounted patrols, and rounds from an M240 begin to drift off-target at 800 meters, especially when shooting upwards.
The Precision Sniper Rifle competition going on at that time also showed the U.S. military was interested in infantry weapons with a 1,500-meter range.
A machine gun was then designed around the concept with Short Recoil Impulse Averaging technology, uses available subsystem components to keep cost down, and has a broad view 6-power scope to enable point target engagement out to 1,000-1,200 meters.
Previously, the gun underwent a firing demonstration with special operations elements at Camp Roberts, California.
[11] LWMMG concept was further developed into RM338 under True Velocity to compete in the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) LMG-M program.