The Assault Rifles Of The Near Future

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5.56mm FAMAS with night/day video sight. Part of France’s current “future soldier” experiment.


Bushmaster Adaptive Combat Rifle

Note: This article has been updated.

With the advent of Picatinny rails, standardized ammunition calibers, and new plastic materials, the assault rifle has evolved beyond anyone’s expectations.

When one considers the shift from conventional wars to low-intensity urban conflicts, the radical changes in how rifles are built and designed seems inevitable.

This explains why the rifles that emerged in the past decade are not only recognized as daring ideas made real–universal weapon systems with interchangeable parts–but as feats of ingenuity borne from the protracted US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are exceptions to this prevailing mindset, however.

Below is a selection of current rifles that are available on the global arms market. Some are being mass-produced, others aren’t. All are innovative.




Adaptive Combat Rifle

Recent experience has blurred the lines between rifles and carbines. The Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR) is proof of this. A product of multiple companies (Remington‘s is pictured above), the ACR is the culmination of modular features in a common design. This trend explains why the current generation of rifles from different countries are almost indistinguishable from each other.

Whether it’s the extensive Picatinny rails to accommodate tactical gear or polymer receivers, the ACR series has taken the concept of a modern gun to an exciting new direction. Like most of its peers, the ACR is outfitted to be altered according to its user’s needs. For example, the barrel assembly can usually be changed to accommodate 7.62mm rounds. Depending on how they’re reconfigured, ACRs can perform multiple roles be it as a precision sniper rifle or a squad automatic weapon.

Note: In 2008 a US company named Magpul licensed their Masada ACR to Bushmaster, which now manufactures the weapon under their brand.



AK-12

The AK-12 was unveiled in Russia last year and cited as a basis for a new family of weapons. The AK-12 is essentially the AK-74 with a retractable/foldable butt stock, an improved upper receiver, an ergonomic fire selector switch, and a pistol grip.

Other changes include Picatinny-like rail amounts on its polymer foregrip, a relocated sight, and a lengthened muzzle brake.

The AK-12, rather than the AN-94 Abakan or the AK-100 series, is being favored as the latest next-generation assault rifle for Russia’s sprawling military.

According to state-owned news organ RIA Novosti, the AK-12enters service in 2014.



ARX-160

Italy’s Beretta are no slouches when it comes to providing new guns for emerging markets.

Not to be outdone by FN or Heckler & Koch, the 5.56mm ARX-160 is the most exciting assault rifle/carbine from the European Union in the past several years,

The semiautomatic delayed blowback ARX-160 dates to 2008 and remains a closely watched model that has done the rounds in trade shows. As of this year, the ARX-160 is already in its A3 variant with slight improvements to its foregrip/heat shield ventilation and pistol grip.

Like most rifles of its generation the ARX-160 is easily broken down into a handful of working parts and can fit different barrels. It features a sliding foldable butt stock, Picatinny mounts and ergonomic fire selection switch.

The ARX-160 is under consideration as a replacement for the Indian Army’s current INSAS assault rifle.


Via Barret

Barret REC7

Eight years ago the venerable US gunmaker Barret rolled out a new carbine based on the lower receiver of the M16.

The 5.56mm REC7, sometimes called the RC7, adhered to the newfangled principle of stripping down a firearm to its fundamental working components. The result was indistinguishable from similar efforts by Colt, Adcor Defence, FN Herstal, and Heckler & Koch.

The REC7 is basically a reinforced aluminum receiver–note the round trigger guard–attached to a barrel assembly and a retractable polymer stock. Its flip sights along its upper Picatinny mounts are the same as those found on later generation modular assault rifles. Tactical accessories and optics are optional.

The REC7′s most distinguishable feature is a robust steel firing mechanism that Barret insists is tougher than most AR-based firearms.

 

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BEAR Elite

When the US Army were searching for a new carbine in the late aughties, among the contenders was the Brown Enhanced Automatic Rifle (BEAR) from military contractor Adcor Defence.

Combining features of the proven M4 and the FN SCAR, the BEAR Elite is essentially a gas piston receiver connected to a barrel assembly and a folding stock.

The stark simplicity allows its user to customize as they see fit, including optics and tactical attachments on its Picatinny rails.

Like the FN SCAR, the BEAR Elite was designed to be easily field stripped and modified. Its available barrel lengths allow for long range, CQB, and even firing 7.62mm rounds, depending on the mission.


CZ 805 Bren

BREN

The open secret in contemporary small arms is the AK-47 serves as the fundamental template when designing for simplicity and ease-of-use. So it is with the CZ 805 BREN, whose firing system is derived from the CZ 58, which is an improvement over the AK-47.

The CZ 805 BREN manufactured by gunmaker CZ-UB was first revealed in 2008. Since then it has become the main battle rifle of the Czech military.

The gas operated BREN’s firing mechanism uses a rotating bolt and is encased in a plastic receiver. Designed to be field stripped with ease, the BREN can operate as a CQB carbine or a sharpshooter rifle depending on the user’s choice of barrel assembly. This allows the BREN to fire either 5.56x45mm NATO or Russian 7.62mmx39mm rounds.

The rest of the BREN’s features borrow from its contemporaries, including a side-folding stock, Picatinny mounts for optics and an under-barrel grenade launcher, plus air vents along the length of its foregrip.

The BREN is now being marketed for export.



CM901

The Colt Modular Carbine CM901 was the gunmaker’s entry for the US Army’s 2010-2013 Individual Carbine Competition. It’s basically the M4 stripped to its bare working parts and given the modular features of the FN SCAR.

For example, the 16-inch 5.56mm barrel assembly is replaceable with a barrel that fires 7.62mm rounds. The upper receiver has been reduced to fit an extended Picatinny rail mount running the length of the foregrip/heat shield, whose sides and bottom may carry accessories and tactical gear. The carbine’s sights are adjustable or can be removed for mounting more powerful optics.

The CM901 retains a steel-polymer sliding butt stock and the familiar lower receiver of the Colt weapons family.


via Rogueadventurer.com

EF-88/P90

Unveiled in 2012, the EF-88/P90 is a radical improvement over the license-built 5.56mm Steyr AUG used by the Australia and New Zealand militaries.

Based on available photos, the P90 made by defense contractorThales Group features a new aluminum upper receiver for mounting optics, an under-barrel grenade launcher, and sights. It likely allows the user to change the barrel assembly with ease as well.

As of this writing, it’s still under evaluation.



FN F2000

The F2000 was introduced 14 years ago as FN Herstal’s first and only bullpup assault rifle. Since then it has gained wide acceptance for its simplicity and cutting edge engineering.

The F2000 represents an out-of-the-box approach to assault rifle design. Aside from its cousin the P90 submachinegun, it counts itself among the very few small arms in existence designed from an ergonomic point of view. For example, consider the curved ambidextrous pistol grip that also serves as the magazine well; the polymer contours housing its barrel assembly as well as the optical sight; and the sturdiness of its bulky stock, a rare feature for an assault rifle.

The F2000, though futuristic in appearance, is chambered for the 5.56mm NATO round and accepts M16 type clips, with an optimal range of 400 meters. Being easy to disassemble and upgrade with tactical gear, it also supports a 40mm under-barrel GL1 grenade launcher.

FN Herstal, which is state-owned, offers the F2000 as a customizable firearm that works with a variety of modifications.

Since its debut at the turn of the century, eager customers from a dozen countries have embraced the F2000.



FN SCAR

The US subsidiary of Belgian gunmaker Fabrique Nationale are responsible for the current modular small arms trend. (See ACR.)

All the way back in 2003, when US special forces were expanding their missions around the globe, a need arose for a tough new assault rifle.

The winner among multiple entries was FN USA’s Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) that used a polymer-based lower receiver together with milled aluminum parts. Among the SCAR’s impressive features were its M16/M4 series direct impingement gas block, which allowed the user to endure less recoil on a weapon that operated like the M16/M4 they trained with,

But the SCAR was very different from any of its peers. Extensive Picatinny rails meant it could support a lot of tactical gear and mount an under-barrel grenade launcher. Variants also had multiple barrel assemblies for different missions and could fire standard NATO 5.56x45mm rounds (SCAR-L) and both NATO 7.62×51 or Russian 7.62x39mm rounds (SCAR-H).

The SCAR was approved for production in 2007 and reached Army and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) personnel by 2009. A new variant, the Mark 17, is being favored by the US special forces community although it’s uncertain if the FN SCAR will remain in their arsenal for long.

Thanks to its brand, extensive product placement in video games and Hollywood movies, and top-notch engineering, the FN SCAR is enjoying brisk sales among law enforcement and counter-terrorist units worldwide.

 

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Heckler & Koch M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle

The M27 came into existence during the US Marine Corp’s 2010 trials for a new squad automatic weapon. This one-off from the prolific gunmaker features an M16-type receiver, a polymer sliding stock, ergonomic pistol grip, extensive Picatinny rails along the barrel assembly, and a gas operated short stroke piston firing mechanism.

Some writers have taken note of the M27′s resemblance to the H&K 416, its “carbinized” sibling.

The original belt-fed M249 SAW, a licensed copy of the Belgian Minimi, entered service in 1984. A quarter century of wars later and the USMC realized it needed a lighter and more accurate option at the squad level. The result was a stripped down rifle that can mount optics, a bipod, and is ideal for focused and precise shooting during small-scale battles.

The M27 is the only automatic rifle–it can fire single shots–in recent memory to replace a belt-fed machinegun. It’s now in limited use by the USMC.



Heckler & Koch G36

The G36 is hands down the best designed assault rifle of the late 20th century. Meant to replace the German Bundeswher‘s dated 7.62mm G3 assault rifles, the G36 entered service in 1996 and set the bar for all infantry small arms, from performance to ruggedness.

The G36 was originally chambered for standard 5.56mm rounds and eschewed sophistication in favor of reliability. This explains its simple layout, a conveniently placed fire-selector switch over an ambidextrous pistol grip, and a plastic see-through magazine ideal for mass production.

During its R&D process in the first half of the 1990s it was engineered to support polymer housing that was lightweight–hence the right folding stock–and easy to field strip for cleaning. The resulting G36 succeeded in both counts despite a built in optical and laser dot sight on its carrying handle. Even without the fancy bells and whistles, the G36 is every bit as tough as an AK-47 or an FAL.

The basic rotating bolt G36 has evolved into multiple variants, from a heavier squad automatic weapon configuration, to a special forces carbine with Picatinny rails.

Owing to its reputation and aggressive marketing via product placement, the G36 is an export success. Used by at least 40 countries, with Mexico even manufacturing their own variant, the G36 will remain in the hands of soldiers and policemen for decades to come.



K11

In the final years of the previous century two experimental weapon systems were combined to maximize the US infantryman’s firepower.

It was called the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) and it was too cumbersome to be feasible. The available technology was spun off into the XM-29 25mm grenade launcher and the equally short-lived H&K XM-8.

The concept was revived years later by South Korea’s Daewoo (who are known to reverse engineer US prototype weapons), who put the resulting K11 in limited production.

Simply put, the K11 is the first of its kind, integrating a 5.56mm carbine with a 20mm air-bust grenade launcher controlled by a large thermal sight.



KH-2002

The KH-2002 is the first bullpup rifle to emerge from Iran, whose government controlled arms industry thrives on reverse engineering a broad range of existing weapons.

The KH-2002 is chambered for indigenous 5.56mm rounds and bears similarities to the US M16 as well as the French FAMAS, with other variants carrying a foldable bipod.

The KH-2002′s pistol grip is supported by a hand guard and an extended ergonomic foregrip underneath the barrel assembly.

It is unclear if all KH-2002 models are fed with 20-round box magazines or if a 30-round version is now available. Though spotted in public military events within Iran, the KH-2002′s combat record is shrouded in mystery. None have surfaced in other countries.



M21

The Zastava M21 was first introduced in 2004 when the resurgent Serbian arms industry began diversifying.

The M21 is a 5.56mmx45mm assault rifle based on the AK-47, which Serbia has manufactured indigenously for several decades now.

As a derivative of the AK-47, the M21 takes after the Israeli Galil and the Finnish Valmet with external improvements that enhance the weapon’s performance.

Designed as a family of small arms that includes a CQB carbine, the M21′s most distinctive features are a lengthened barrel assembly with a muzzle brake. The sight has been moved above the gas chamber, which is encased in a plastic heatshield/foregrip that replaces the usual wooden furniture. Recent variants of the M21 now carry under-barrel and upper receiver Picatinny-like rails to support optics, a grenade launcher, plus other tactical accessories.

The M21 also uses a different polymer magazine shape and comes with an ergonomic pistol grip and a side-folding stock.

The Zastava M21 is the star of its maker’s extensive product line that includes 12.7mm machineguns, automatic grenade launchers, and civilian sporting arms.

 

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Modern Infantry Rifle Project

Seen above is the only credible photo of Turkey’s Modern Infantry Rifle Project (MIRP). It was first mentioned in an earlier postand since then scant details have been published about the weapon.

It’s also unclear what caliber the MIRP is chambered for, though if it retains its similarities with the H&K G3 it might as well remain a 7.62mm assault rifle. Whether the MIRP stays a delayed blowback rifle like the G3 is unknown.

What is obvious from the photo is FN SCAR-like rail mounts, adjustable sights, open slots to cool the barrel assembly, and a folding butt stock have all been added to a conventional and proven weapon.



MSBS Radon

The existence of the Radon dates to 2007. But it first came to light at a trade show in 2012 when publicly displayed by its manufacturer. Based on its appearance, it adheres to the standards of the Adaptive Combat Rifle, the FN-SCAR, and the H&K G36.

Although chambered for the 5.56mm NATO round, the Radon’s specifications aren’t too well-known. This is understandable, considering it will only be issued to Poland’s military in the coming years.

Judging by available pictures, however, the Radon is meant to be very modular, with all the usual tactical attachments and interchangeable parts, even alternating configurations like a bullpup CQB variant.



Norinco QBZ-95

It remains unclear when the QBZ-95 was first issued to the Chinese military. Even less is known about its development even as China’s economy opened up to the world in the 1980s and 90s.

What became apparent upon its first public display in Hong Kong during the 1997 handover to China is it represented a radical departure from the PLA’s prevailing infantry rifles.

The QBZ-95 is a bullpup design reliant on extensive polymer housing. It fires a unique 5.8x42mm round, a caliber allegedly superior to those used by either NATO or the Soviet Union.

The QBZ-95′s adoption eventually overshadowed the Type-81, a derivative and an improvement over the ubiquitous AK-47, which China’s manufacturers have knocked off in the millions.

The QBZ-95 features a unique trigger guard doubling as a foregrip. Its stock flips open and houses a cleaning kit. A carrying handle also serves as a mount for optics and protects the bolt that’s configured the same way as the French FAMAS. The QBZ-95 supports rifle grenades and under-barrel grenade launchers, be they imitations of Russian, US, and European models.

The QBZ-95′s manufacturer, state-owned Norinco, sells a 5.56mm variant called the Type-97. Its only noticeable difference is the more conventional trigger assembly.

As the basis for a family of weapons, the QBZ’s lineage includes a machine gun variant with an extended barrel, a bi-pod, and fits a drum magazine; a sniper rifle; and a shortened ‘commando’ carbine.



SAR-21

The current assault rifle of Southeast Asia’s best equipped military, the Singapore Armed Forces. The Singapre Assault Rifle 21 is a compact design reflecting the influence of predecessors like the British SA80, French FAMAS, the Israeli Tavor, and the Austrian Steyr.

The 5.56mm SAR-21 follows a conventional bullpup layout, supporting a 30-round magazine, a pistol grip molded into a handguard, and an optical/laser dot sight with the bolt underneath. At just 32 inches long, the SAR-21 is transformable into a squad automatic weapon and a marksman’s rifle with a maximum range (on paper) of 800 meters.

According to its manufacturer ST Kinetics, the basic SAR-21 is ideal for close-quarters battle (CQB) and modifications based on the infantryman’s needs. Recent upgrades are a plastic see-through magazine and Picatinny rails for its barrel assembly.

It can also carry night vision optics, a 40mm grenade launcher, and various tactical gear.



STEYR AUG A3

Forget the backgrounder. The Steyr AUG A3 is just the same bullpup 5.56mm except for a Picatinny mount to replace its original optical sight.

Like the original, this comes in a family. Sleek, dependable, and proven. Available to buyers worldwide.

Under-barrel grenade launcher is optional.



SS2

The SS2 from Indonesian arms manufacturer Pindad is the country’s first locally made assault rifle. Combining features of the M16 and the successful 5.56mm FN FNC, the SS2 is a multi-purpose gas operated selective fire weapon system with a foldable metal stock. The SS2 was designed to support an under-barrel 40mm grenade launcher and Picatinny rail mounts. Conceived as a family of weapons, shortened CQB and a sniper variant are also available.

The SS2 is currently in service with the Indonesian armed forces and being marketed for export to foreign buyers.

In 2012, pictures and models have already surfaced of a bullpup Pindad SS2 designated the SS3.



TAR-21

The Tavor TAR-21 is the first bullpup design produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). True to the spirit of Israeli-made weapons, it’s simple, tough, and versatile. More than an assault rifle, the TAR-21 is equally suited for CQB and precision firing at long range.

The TAR-21 is chambered for the NATO 5.56mm round.

Unlike most entries on this list, the TAR-21 is now used by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and is available for export. The TAR-21 and its shortened commando sibling has found eager customers in South America, the EU, and Asia.



VHS 2

The VHS 2 from Croatia is an improvement over its predecessor, which bore many similarities to the French FAMAS.

The gas operated selective fire VHS 2 features a sturdier carrying handle mounting Picatinny rails, which are also found on the sides and underneath its barrel assembly.

A plastic magazine similar to the Steyr AUG holds 30 NATO 5.56mm rounds. The butt stock was redesigned to allow adjustment.

The VHS 2 has not entered production.



XCR-M

XCR-M

Side-folding, retractable stock? Check.

Picatinny mounts? Check.

Interchangeable barrels? Check.

Streamlined lower receiver functions? Check.

Selective fire mechanism above an ambidextrous pistol grip? Check.

The XCR-M was an entry from Robinson Armament in the doomed Individual Carbine Competition. With so many familiar characteristics that hardly sets it apart from its peers, it’s easy to see why the XCR-M isn’t as distinguished as the CM109 or the venerable FN SCAR.

But hey, it’s now available in the civilian gun market!



XK-8

Very little is known about the XK-8, which was produced by Daewoo a decade ago.

The XK-8 was a selective fire bullpup chambered for the NATO 5.56mm round and had an ambidextrous pistol grip protected by a hand guard. Limited Picatinny rail mounts on its receiver supported a removable scope.

According to available information it’s being offered in the export market but is not in use by South Korea’s armed forces.



ZH-05

For the past several years a combination of grainy footage and random photographs suggested that China’s army had a new assault rifle.

It turns out this wasn’t the case. The ZH-05 is an attempt to produce an advanced infantry weapon with a fire control system and a powerful grenade launcher. Though often considered the Chinese equivalent of an OICW, the mysterious ZH-05 is more than a mere copy.

Without any specifications or widespread online media coverage to reveal such, the ZH-05′s capabilities are unknown. Based on its appearance, however, as well as a single photograph dating to 2011, a few characteristics can be discerned.

The ZH-05 is a combination rifle and grenade launcher for a PLA “future soldier” program. The former appears to be a Type-81 chambered for 5.8mm rounds fed from a polymer magazine. The latter is a yet-to-be-identified 20mm single-shot bolt action grenade launcher loaded from the stock, which may or may not be retractable.

The telescopic sight is allegedly the fire control system whose button controls are embedded on the receiver.
The Assault Rifles Of The Near Future | 21st Century Asian Arms Race
Even if the PLA’s small arms are usually from Norinco, the ZH-05′s manufacturer hasn’t been revealed. Neither is there reliable information on how many have been built and which units use it.