What benefit does using a suppressor with a machine gun provide?

Using a suppressor with a machine gun significantly reduces the sound of the gunfire and minimizes the visibility of the muzzle flash. This is particularly advantageous in tactical situations where maintaining stealth is crucial. The reduction in sound allows operators to maintain a lower profile, minimizing the chance of detection by the enemy. Additionally, the suppression of muzzle flash provides greater concealment, preventing opponents from easily pinpointing the shooter's location during engagements or while moving through an area. This capability is vital for special operations and other scenarios where stealth is essential to achieving mission objectives effectively.

The other options do not provide the same strategic advantages. While a suppressor does add some weight to the overall system, this is not considered a beneficial feature in the operational context. Similarly, higher volumes of fire and improved barrel life are not directly related to the use of a suppressor, which primarily focuses on sound and flash mitigation. Thus, the benefit of reducing sound and minimizing muzzle flash stands out as the key operational advantage of employing a suppressor with a machine gun.