Fallschirmjagergewehr FG 42 7.92 mm automatic rifle, 1943 (c)

The FG 42 was designed for use by German airborne troops. In the early years of the war most of their weapons, including light machine guns and submachine guns, were dropped in canisters rather than with each individual soldier, which led to a lack of available firepower immediately on landing. The FG 42 entered service in 1943 and gave paratroopers the firepower of a light machine gun in a lightweight form no heavier than the German Army's standard rifle. It had a rate of fire of around 900 rounds per minute and was fitted with a bipod and 10-20 round detachable box magazine, missing from this example.