Accuracy International AW50

AI Arctic Warfare .50

Australian Army AW50Fs alongside semi-automatic 0.50 cal M82 Barrett rifles.
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
Weight 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 barrels are sourced from three different manufacturers: Loather 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

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "The AW50 model". Ketmer.com. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  2. "Accuracy International AW50 Information". Accuracyinternational.com. Retrieved 2009-10-29.
  3. 1 2 3 Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  4. Archived October 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
  5. "Einheitenprofile : Deutschland : KSK". Spezialeinheiten.net. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  6. Kommando International Special Operations Magazine, K-ISOM, Ausgabe 5, Mai/Juni 2009
  7. "Snipers equipped with record-breaking rifle". Independent.ie. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  8. Dan, Alex (9 February 2016). "PASKAL Malaysian Special Forces Weapons". Military Factory (Small Arms). Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  9. "SEGUREX 2011 - Operacional". Operacional.pt. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  10. "최강 UDT가 해적진압에 사용한 저격용 소총은 - 아시아경제". M.asiae.co.kr. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  11. Archived October 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
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