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Military Wiki
AI Arctic Warfare .50
Type Anti-materiel rifle
Place of origin Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
Service history
In service 2000-present
Used by See Users
Production history
Manufacturer Accuracy International
Specifications
Mass 15 kg w/ bipod (33 lbs)
Length 1,420 mm,[1] 1,170 mm (folded) [1]
Barrel length 686 mm (27 inches) [1]

Cartridge 12.7x99mm NATO
Caliber .50 BMG [1]
Action Bolt-action
Effective firing range 1,500 m [2]
Feed system Box magazine, 5 rounds
Sights Mil spec Mk II in 6x, 10x and standard iron sights [1]

The AW50 is a .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle designed by Accuracy International. It is a re-engineered version of the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare L96 sniper rifle (the standard issue sniper rifle in the British military).

Overview[]

The AW50 is intended to engage a variety of targets including radar installations, light vehicles (including light armoured vehicles), field fortifications, boats and ammunition dumps. The standard ammunition combines a penetrator, high explosive and incendiary effect in a single round.

The weight of the weapon (15 kg), combined with a muzzle brake and a hydraulic buffer system in the butt, gives the AW50F relatively low recoil and enhances accuracy.

The MIL STD 1913 sight rail can hold a variety of equipment; the normal sight for the AW50 is the Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II with Al Mil Dot reticle, 0.2 MRad clicks and elevation to 1500 m and laser protection. Night vision device sights such as the Simrad KN series or Hensoldt NSV 80 can also be fitted.

AW50F[]

The AW50F is a folding stock variant which fires the multi-purpose Raufoss Mk 211 cartridge and other rounds. Most of the rifle is made in the United Kingdom; the barrel is Australian, manufactured in Toowoomba, Queensland by Maddco. The weapon's stock folds for portability. It has a fully adjustable bipod and buttstock heel rest. Four sling loops allow shoulder and hand carrying of the rifle.[3]

Weighing 15 kilograms, the AW50F rifle is approximately four times the weight of a typical assault rifle. The NM140 .50 calibre ammunition is also heavy. The weight of the weapon, combined with a muzzle brake on the front end and a hydraulic buffer system in the butt, gives the AW50F a relatively low recoil and enhances accuracy.

Users[]

  • Flag of Australia Australia: AW50F.[3]
  • Flag of Germany Germany: Designated G24.[4][5][6]
  • Flag of Ireland Ireland: Used by ARW.[7]
  • Flag of Malta Malta[citation needed]
  • Flag of Portugal Portugal: AW50 is used by GNR (Republican National Guard).[8]
  • Flag of South Korea South Korea: Used by UDT/SEAL.[9]
  • Flag of Thailand Thailand: Used by Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Navy SEALS.[10]
  • Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom[3]

See also[]

References[]

External links[]

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The original article can be found at Accuracy International AW50 and the edit history here.