The M56 Smartgun system consists of four major components — the M56 combat harness, the Head Mounted Sight (HMS), the stabilized articulation arm and the gun itself. The M56 is carried into combat on a self-aiming stabilized mount that is linked to an infrared target tracking system for accurate, autonomous aiming. The mount also negates the traditional need to position or set up the machine gun prior to opening fire. The gun itself is constructed largely from molded carbon fibre and light alloy stampings, though some interior parts are made of high-strength plastics. The weapon's barrel is easily replaceable and air-cooled, although an additional heat sink attachment can be jacketed onto it to further improve sustained fire capabilities. The M56 is 122 cm long, incorporating a 54.5 cm bar