AI Arctic Warfare .50 | |
---|---|
Type | Anti-materiel rifle |
Place of origin | 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[]
- Australia: AW50F.[3]
- Germany: Designated G24.[4][5][6]
- Ireland: Used by ARW.[7]
- Malta[citation needed]
- Portugal: AW50 is used by GNR (Republican National Guard).[8]
- South Korea: Used by UDT/SEAL.[9]
- Thailand: Used by Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Navy SEALS.[10]
- United Kingdom[3]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 AW50 information from Accuracy International
- ↑ "Accuracy International AW50 Information". http://www.accuracyinternational.com/AW50.php. Retrieved 2009-10-29.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
- ↑ http://www.europaeische-sicherheit.de/Ausgaben/2006/2006_04/08_Jaeger/2006,04,08.html
- ↑ http://www.spezialeinheiten.net/index.php?action=ksk
- ↑ Kommando International Special Operations Magazine, K-ISOM, Ausgabe 5, Mai/Juni 2009
- ↑ http://www.independent.ie/national-news/snipers-equipped-with-recordbreaking-rifle-2927099.html
- ↑ http://www.operacional.pt/segurex-2011/
- ↑ http://m.asiae.co.kr/view.htm?no=2011012116350460900
- ↑ http://www.thaiarmedforce.com/inventory/129-rtn-inventory.html
External links[]
The original article can be found at Accuracy International AW50 and the edit history here.