| AI Arctic Warfare .50 | |
|---|---|
) Australian Army AW50Fs alongside semi-automatic 0.50 cal M82 Barrett rifles. | |
| Type | Anti-materiel precision 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 | 12.7×99mm 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 precision 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 forces).
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 rifles are made in the United Kingdom; the barrels are sourced from three different manufacturers: Lothar Walther, Border and 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
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Australia: AW50F.[3]
Germany: Designated G24.[4][5][6]
Ireland: Used by ARW marksmen.[7]
New Zealand: Used by New Zealand Army
Malaysia: Used by Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL[8]
Malta
Portugal: AW50 is used by Portuguese Army and GNR (Republican National Guard).[9]
Singapore: AW50.
Slovakia: AW50F Used by 5th Special Operations Regiment[10]
South Korea: Used by UDT/SEAL.[11]
Thailand: Used by Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Navy SEALS.[12]
United Kingdom Used in limited quantities by EOD units and UKSF [3]
Czech Republic Used by Police of the Czech Republic
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See also
References
- ^ a b c d e "The AW50 model". Ketmer.com. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ "Accuracy International AW50 Information". Accuracyinternational.com. Archived from the original on 2010-07-24. Retrieved 2009-10-29.
- ^ a b c Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
- ^ [1] Archived October 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Einheitenprofile : Deutschland : KSK". Spezialeinheiten.net. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ Kommando International Special Operations Magazine, K-ISOM, Ausgabe 5, Mai/Juni 2009
- ^ "Snipers equipped with record-breaking rifle". Independent.ie. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ Dan, Alex (9 February 2016). "PASKAL Malaysian Special Forces Weapons". Military Factory (Small Arms). Archived from the original on 14 February 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
- ^ "SEGUREX 2011 - Operacional". Operacional.pt. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ "Equipment of 5th Special Operations Regiment (in Polish language)".
- ^ "최강 UDT가 해적진압에 사용한 저격용 소총은 - 아시아경제". M.asiae.co.kr. 2011-01-22. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ [2] Archived October 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine