FN SCAR
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| FN SCAR | |
|---|---|
 FN SCAR / Mk.16 (top) and Mk.17 rifle prototypes (3rd generation, mid 2006) |
|
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | USA/Belgium |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | FNH USA, U.S. based subsidiary of FN Herstal |
| Variants | SCAR-L (Mk.16) for light SCAR-H (Mk.17) for heavy |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | SCAR L-6.9 pounds unloaded/
SCAR H-7.2 pounds unloaded |
|
|
|
| Cartridge | 7.62 × 51 mm NATO (SCAR-H) 5.56 × 45 mm NATO (SCAR-L) |
| Action | Gas-operated, Rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 550 to 600 Rounds per Minute |
The SOF Combat Assault Rifle[1], or SCAR, is a modular rifle made by Fabrique Nationale (FN) for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types. The SCAR-L, for light, is chambered in the 5.56 mm NATO cartridge and the SCAR-H, for heavy, fires 7.62 mm NATO ammunition. Both are available in further variants such as sniper or CQC (Close Quarters Combat). Having won the competition, the FN SCAR system is, as of late 2006, in final development and testing phases.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The SCAR is available in a number of calibers and in versions for short and long range combat. It emerged as the winner of a US SOCOM competition to find a new rifle for special forces begun in 2003. It won out against the Robinson Arms XCR and others.
The SCAR will be made in two main variants; Light (SCAR-L (Mk 16)) and Heavy (SCAR-H (Mk 17)). The L version fires 5.56 mm NATO using improved M16 rifle magazines. The H fires the more powerful 7.62 NATO from a newly designed 20-round magazine. Different length barrels will be available for close quarters battle and for longer-range engagements.
Barrel lengths of the Mk 16 will be manufactured in three different lengths: 253 millimeter (9.96 inch), 351 millimeter (13.82 inch) and 457 millimeter (18 inch).
Barrel lengths of the Mk 17 will be manufactured in three different lengths: 330 millimeter (13 inch), 400 millimeter (15.75 inch) and 500 millimeters (19.68 inch).
Regardless of caliber-related parts and barrel length, controls, servicing and options (such as sights) will be the same between versions; 60% of the components for the L and H version are identical, whereas their subversions share 90% of the components. A future, common upper receiver has been announced but the status of is development is unknown.
The Mk 16 will be replacing the M4A1, the Mk 18 Close Quarters Battle Rifle (CQBR) and the Mk 12 SPR currently in SOCOM service. The Mk 17 will replace the M14 and Mk 11 sniper rifles.
The SCAR features an integral, uninterrupted Picatinny rails on the top of the aluminum receiver, two removable side rails and a bottom one that can mount any MIL-STD-1913 compliant accessories. The original SCAR prototypes used the same Pistol grip and lower receiver design as the FN FNC.
Second generation SCAR prototypes no longer resemble the FNC at all, now sporting a polymer lower receiver that more resemble that of an AR-15 Rifle (compatible pistol grip included), with raised area around magazine release and bolt release buttons. The fixed, Minimi-like front sight on the gas block has been replaced by a flippable one. The rifle uses a 'tappet' type of closed gas system much like the M1 Carbine while the bolt carrier otherwise resembles the Stoner 63 or Heckler & Koch G36.
3rd Generation Variants now have more improvements, including: Flared Magazine well, Flat Dark Earth color and a slightly redesigned butt stock. Delivery of first 1,000 out of 85,000 rifles included under the SOCOM contract are scheduled to be delivered by January 2007. The SCAR will be built at the FN Manufacturing LLC, plant in Columbia, South Carolina.
Fabrique Nationale Herstal announced plans to introduce (around 2008) a semi-automatic version of the SCAR modular rifle system, designed for the law enforcement and commercial markets.
[edit] Purchase
In 2004, US SOCOM issued a request for purchase, with following projected procurement amounts:
| Item/Configuration | Engineering Test Units | Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) | Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCAR-L | |||
| Standard | 12 | 250 | 83,738 |
| CQC | 6 | 80 | 27,914 |
| Sniper Variant (SV) | 1 | 10 | 11,989 |
| SCAR-H | |||
| Standard | 1 | 68 | 14,931 |
| CQC | 0 | 810 | 6,990 |
| Sniper Variant (SV) | 0 | 10 | 11,990 |
| Standard (7.62x39mm) | 0 | 68 | 2,932 |
- ^ SOF is an abbreviation for Special Operations Forces.
