FN Herstal 125 years of excellence

FN Herstal 125 years of excellence The FN SCAR assault rifle here in its FN SCAR-L short-barrel close quarters combat configuration was initially developed to meet the most stringent requirements of demanding customers in the special forces world TR Equipement On July 3, 1889, a company was established in the town of Herstal in Belgium to manufacture 150,000 Mauser rifles for the Belgian government. From the seed planted that day grew the world s leading developer of small arms FN Herstal. Throughout the 20th century the company flourished as it developed a series of world-leading weapons and ammunition, and in the 21st century has continued to add to its reputation for innovation and reliability. Having been established as a rifle factory as Fabrique Nationale d Armes de Guerre, FN added a cartridge factory in 1898, and began gathering expertise in the production of ammunition. Shortly after, the factory struck up a cooperation with the renowned US firearms designer John M. Browning, and between the two they developed a series of world-beating weapons. Browning s first pistols were produced before World War I, and it is thought that a 1910 model was the weapon that was used to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand, an act that precipitated the conflict. However, it was the BAR rifle of the 1920s that first marked out FN as a leading gun manufacturer on the world scale. In 1935 the influential 9mm Hi Power pistol entered production, having been designed by Browning before he died in 1926, in collaboration with the Belgian Dieudonné J. Saive. The pistol is still widely used around the world today. In the post-world War II era FN continued to develop important weapons and ammunition. The FN FAL rifle of the 1950s became one of the most widely used in the world, while the first NATO-standard round in 7.62mm calibre was developed by FN. In the 1970s the company also developed NATO s standard 5.56mm SS109 round. The year 1970 saw changes for the company as it altered its name to Fabrique Nationale Herstal and, more importantly, it acquired the Browning Arms Company, enabling the company greater access to the US market and marking a major milestone in its global expansion. Before long new equipment was being sold to the US military, initially in the form of the FN MAG (M240) 7.62mm machine gun and followed up in the 1980s by the FN MINIMI (M249) 5.56mm weapon. In the early 2000s the FN SCAR assault rifle was developed to meet a US specification, and has subsequently become a popular weapon with many forces. In the late 1970s FN Herstal also began to broaden its activities to include weapon mounting systems, and self-contained gun pods for aerial use. This opened up a new business line that has expanded to now include remote weapon stations. After 125 years of existence, and nearly a century as one of the world s leading firearms companies, FN Herstal today has grown in both size and reputation to become one of the most trusted names in defence equipment. Although the weapons and technologies may have changed, since the early years, the company remains committed to providing the best weapons in the world, supported by the best service capabilities. 1

Herstal Group FN MINIMI 5.56 Mk3 light machine gun. The weapon can be fed from a 200-round box or, as here, an ammunition pouch of either 100- or 200-round capacity. Standard M16 30-round magazines can also be used With a workforce of around 2,500 and owned by the Walloon Region, the Herstal Group covers the operations of two divisions. Products for the civilian hunting, shooting and outdoor markets are handled under the Browning and Winchester Firearms* brands, while the defence and law enforcement markets are covered by FN Herstal products. While the products are marketed under separate brands, there are significant synergies between the two sides of the house to drive forward innovations that can benefit both. A ramp-mounted FN M3M heavy machine gun can provide suppressive fire, including when arriving at or departing a hot landing zone. Development of pintles and pods, and later of remote weapon stations, is indicative of FN Herstal s move into complementary technologies to support the core firearms business In previous times the Herstal Group had diversified outside its normal boundaries for additional business, including manufacturing in the motorcycle, auto and aero engine business. However, in recent times it has adopted a different strategy of broadening its activities within the firearms field. This more focused diversification has driven the development of integrated weapon systems and, more recently, the integration of electronic systems to improve weapon efficiency and capability. This focus has been supported through targeted acquisitions. In 2011 the Finnish electro-optics specialist Noptel was added to the FN Herstal stable, bringing with it expertise in laser range-finding equipment. The Herstal Group s overall turnover was 639 million in 2013. Global company While the Herstal Group is rooted in its home in the greater Liège area in Belgium, it has become a global company through the opening of facilities and offices in other parts of the world. In the US, FN Herstal has both production and sales/ marketing subsidiaries, while Browning International has a large sales and distribution organisation. Browning also has a production facility in Portugal and participates in the Miroku factory in Japan. FN Herstal also has liaison offices in Dubai and Singapore. Through its long history the Herstal Group has amassed an unrivalled knowledge of firearms, but it is committed to investing heavily to maintain that position. A healthy internal research and development budget drives innovations from within, but the company also partners with many key organisations, including local industries with high technology skills, and with Belgian universities and research centres. State-of-the-art production Production is undertaken using state-ofthe-art tools for barrel and component manufacturing to ensure efficient production and high quality. New techniques for surface and heat treatment are explored to further enhance both the products themselves and the processes by which they are made. A new test centre has been implemented to centralize all testing operations, and provide customers with an ultra-modern and technological environment while attending tests. A new show room has been created for FN Herstal that mirrors the excellence of the company s products. At the same time, the company takes its social responsibilities seriously. New products and processes have been developed that maximise recycling while reducing overall ecological footprint. The Group s employees benefit from stringent health and safety regulations, and also from the Group s desire to develop and invest in its human capital. Recognising the long history of the company, the Ars Mechanica Foundation has recently been established to preserve and protect the company s heritage. * Registered trademark of Olin Corporation 2

Small arms From handguns to heavy machine guns, FN Herstal has been a world-leader in small arms design and manufacture for many decades. The success of the company s early machine gun and pistol designs laid a solid foundation upon which it has developed a series of weapons to maintain its leading position in the small arms marketplace. Today FN Herstal offers a range of weapons that has been exported around the world to many users in the defence and security sectors. The spectrum of products spans from small-calibre pistols to.50 cal machine guns, covering all potential requirements with families of weapons that provide numerous options to match operational needs. Pistols and Submachine Guns Two pistols are produced by FN Herstal, the HP 9x19mm and FN Five-seveN. The HP is the current successor of the classic Browning Hi Power that entered production in 1935, and is still a favoured weapon of many security forces. The FN FiveseveN was developed in the 1990s as part of a new personal defence weapon system built around a company-designed 5.7x28mm cartridge. While the FN Five-seveN is the pistol component of the 5.7mm family, FN Herstal also created the FN P90 submachine gun to use the same ammunition. Extremely compact, the FN P90 is ideal for close-quarters work, and is available in a standard version, or a tactical version with extended rail for mounting sights, image intensifiers, tactical lights and other accessories. Assault rifles FN Herstal has two offerings in the assault rifle category, the FN F2000 and the FN SCAR. Chambered for the NATO 5.56x45mm round, the FN F2000 is of bullpup design to retain full barrel length while keeping the weapon itself extremely short. Like many of FN Herstal s products, the FN F2000 is designed for ambidextrous operation, and can accept a number of accessories mounted on the top rail or handgrip rail. An important add-on is a 40mm grenade launcher that replaces the handgrip. The launcher has been designed so that it can FN Five-seveN Mk2 pistol. The weapon has a high-capacity magazine for 20 rounds, and is equipped with a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories FN SCAR family Designed to meet the demands of the most discerning special forces customers, the FN SCAR assault rifle family was developed to provide variants with two calibres (the FN SCAR-L in 5.56x45mm and FN SCAR-H in 7.62x51mm), and with two barrel length options for each calibre. The barrels can be quickly interchanged to suit the particular needs of the operational situation, and maintain the previously established weapon zeroing. The long barrel is intended for general-purpose use, while the short barrel can be fitted for close-quarters combat. Portability and adaptability were key aspects considered when designing the FN SCAR, and the weapon has folding and adjustable buttstock, ambidextrous operation, simple field stripping, adjustable cheek piece, and Picatinny rails for accepting a wide variety of sighting systems and other accessories. Flip-up mechanical sights are provided as a back-up. Complementing the FN SCAR is the FN40GL 40mm grenade launcher that can be adapted for use with all assault rifle versions. With a trigger module fitted, the grenade launcher is mounted over the rifle s magazine so that its trigger function can be operated without changing hand position. A stand-alone FN40GL version is also available. Building on the success of the FN SCAR assault rifles, FN Herstal has also developed a precision rifle version. Chambered for the 7.62x51mm round, the FN SCAR-H PR retains the buttstock of the assault rifle, but has a 20-inch free-floating barrel and two-stage trigger module for greater accuracy at ranges of up to 800 metres. The FN SCAR-H TPR version has a new sniper-style buttstock and cheek piece with greater degrees of adjustment. The FN SCAR is a versatile weapon that has different barrellength options. The short barrel keeps the weapon compact for close quarters combat such as might be encountered in urban scenarios, while the standard barrel is fitted for longer distances 3

be fired without the user having to move their hand from the normal rifle grip. FN SCAR is yet another success story for FN Herstal. This weapon was developed initially for US Special Forces, and encompasses a family of weapons that can be adapted with a variety of accessories. The company has also recently expanded the family with a precision rifle variant. Proven widely in combat, the FN SCAR has become extremely popular, especially among elite units. Machine Guns FN Herstal offers a range of machine gun options that cover tasks from light support weapon to fixed-platform heavy duties. The lightest of them is the FN MINIMI 5.56mm weapon, first produced in 1981. Later a 7.62mm version was introduced to complement the widely used FN MAG weapon. At the high end of the range are the FN M2HB-QCB and FN M3 family of.50-calibre guns. FN Armatronics To complement its range of weapons, FN Herstal introduced the FN Armatronics concept to combine advanced electronics with the company s weapons to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency. In the early 2000s FN Herstal began working with Noptel in Finland to develop a fire control system, later designated as FN FCU, and in 2011 acquired the company outright. FN MINIMI 7.62 Mk3. The weapon here is fitted with an optional foldable pistol grip, and optional heatshield over the barrel. The bipod support has three adjustable positions, while the ergonomic buttstock has five length and four cheek rest positions The FN FCU is seen mounted on an FN SCAR in closequarter combat configuration with a grenade launcher. The FN FCU greatly improves the accuracy with which grenades can be fired FN machine guns FN Herstal garnered a reputation for producing world-leading machine guns in the form of the Browning.30 and.50 weapons, and continues to be a pioneer of machine gun design. Its weapons have been selected by numerous forces around the world, including those of the US. FN MINIMI is a family of light weapons that was initially chambered for the NATO 5.56x45mm round, fed from belt, box or pouch, or even from a standard M16 magazine. Now in its third major incarnation, the versatile FN MINIMI 5.56 incorporates numerous modifications resulting from operational feedback, with the accent placed on better ergonomics and mobility, and improved accessory integration. In the beginning of the 2000s, a 7.62x51mm version of the FN MINIMI was introduced to offer greater firepower, combined with the ability to be fired from all positions. Like the 5.56 version, it has been upgraded recently to reflect modern operational needs. FN Herstal offers a comprehensive upgrade service for bringing existing FN MINIMIs up to current standards. FN Herstal designed the FN MAG and is the original manufacturer. With over 200,000 units supplied to over 90 countries since it entered service in 1958 and manufactured under FN license in a dozen countries worldwide, the FN MAG is still a leading reference in the field of 7.62x51mm NATO general-purpose machine guns in terms of accuracy, reliability and durability. It is the perfect choice for use on tripods and vehicles. The FN MAG is in service alongside the FN MINIMI, each weapon complementing the other in terms of their individual advantages. In terms of heavy weapons, the company manufactures the Browning M2HB.50 calibre gun, one of the most successful heavy machine guns of all time. An innovative quickchange barrel was developed to allow the gun to maintain fire over a long period with only a short interruption. A second.50-calibre weapon, the FN M3, is also manufactured, offering a high rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute. This gun is used in pintle-, pod- and coaxial-mounted applications. The FN FCU was developed to provide accurate aiming for the 40mm grenade launchers that are often attached to assault rifles. It comes in two versions, the FN FCU-850N and the FN FCU-1.5M that has an eye-safe and undetectable laser. Using a laser rangefinder and clinometer, the FN FCU has a compact ballistic computer to work out the trajectory, in turn generating a moving red reticle aimpoint in the sight. Another FN Armatronics product is the FN SmartCore, a shot counter and weapon analysis system that is packaged into the handgrip of a weapon. The sealed system has a 10- year power supply, and gathered data can be downloaded to a computer for analysis. The FN SmartCore records the number of shots (blanks and live), rates of fire and firing cycles. This information can be transmitted through personal communications in real-time into a battle management system. Coupled with armourer software, the system also records any repairs and alterations to the weapon, and allows armourers to streamline logistics and maintenance requirements, and so assist fleet wear management. Pursuing development initiated with the introduction of the FN FCU and FN SmartCore, FN Herstal is introducing in 2014 additional solutions that integrate modern technologies with weapons to provide enhanced combat, logistical and communication capabilities. 4

Less lethal While for most of its existence FN Herstal has been involved with traditional lethal weapons, for both law enforcement and military purposes, the company identified a void in the market in the early 2000s for a less lethal capability. This was targeted at police and other public security forces who required a capability that lay between the baton and standard firearm. Security personnel enter a room with the FN 303 less lethal projectile launcher at the ready. A more lethal back-up is provided by an FN 9mm handgun Accordingly, FN Herstal developed a family of projectiles that would administer sufficient force to suit the user s needs, but with a far reduced risk of serious injury or death. Known as FN 303, the projectile was designed to provide sufficient impact to shatter a car window, yet when used against a suspect would offer little risk of skin penetration. Furthermore, the projectile required no propellant and generates no noise, heat or flame when fired. To fire the new projectile FN Herstal designed the compressed air-powered FN 303 launcher. Styled in a similar fashion to a compact close-quarters assault rifle, the FN 303 incorporates a sight and is highly accurate at ranges of up to 50 metres. A rotary magazine holds the projectiles, allowing rapid fire in multitarget scenarios. To complement the larger launcher, the pistol-like FN 303 P firing the same projectiles, was also developed. This launcher is easier to carry, and can be used in a confined space such as a small room or prison cell. With the FN 303 products FN Herstal has become a key player in the less lethal market, and has sold its system to many military, law enforcement and special units around the world. Ammunition FN Herstal has a legacy in ammunition design and manufacture that reaches back to 1898, when the first cartridge factory was established. Along the way it has developed cartridges that have been adopted as NATO-standard and have become among the most prevalent in use around the world. In the 1950s FN Herstal developed the 7.62x51mm round that was adopted for NATO s general-purpose machine guns under the SS77 designation. Development of the round was conducted in a short time, and it was selected after rigorous tests that compared it with its competitors. The round is still in mass production today with ball, tracer, armour-piercing and blank options. Two decades later FN Herstal developed the official light rifle calibre round for NATO. Drawing on the.223 Remington round used by the US Army, FN Herstal produced the SS109 5.56x45mm round that was officially adopted by NATO in 1981. This is used in many assault rifles and light support weapons. Subsequently, in the 1990s FN Herstal also developed the 5.7x28mm calibre round for pistols and sub-machine guns available in a number of variants such as ball, tracer, subsonic, soft, frangible and blank. The 5.7 round with the SS190 bullet was recommended by NATO as the new calibre for personal defence weapons. In addition to these three calibres of ammunition, FN Herstal also offers 9x19mm rounds for pistols and submachine guns, and a range of.50 (12.7mm) calibre rounds for heavy machine guns and sniper rifles. The.50-cal range includes armour-piercing, armourpiercing/incendiary and armour-piercing/ explosive/incendiary options. FN Herstal ensures that its ammunition is produced to the highest quality. As the only company in the world that designs and develops both weapons and the ammunition they use, the company can ensure that they function together as a complete system. High levels of quality control ensure that FN Herstal ammunition, such as these.50 rounds, is safe and reliable 5

Integrated weapon systems This AgustaWestland AW101 carries an FN HMP400 gun pod on the starboard side, with an FN RMP pod to port. The latter combines a self-contained gun with 70mm rocket launching tubes beneath In 1978 FN Herstal embarked on a new product line that would grow to be a huge success. Rather than just produce the weapons, the company began to integrate them on pintles, or in pods, for application to a wide range of aircraft and helicopters, military and security vehicles, and on naval vessels. Integrating such systems requires a deep understanding of the nature of the weapons themselves, and their effects on their immediate surroundings. FN Herstal was ideally placed to engineer the mountings, ammunition feeds and spentcase disposal systems. These took into account the requirements of the operator and the environment in which the weapon was intended to be used. In some cases, such as external pods, the weapon had to be self-contained, whereas in other applications, such as a helicopter door gun, the system had to be designed to be easy to operate yet not interfere with the aircraft s own systems, or unnecessarily obstruct the doorway. FN Herstal has been highly successful since entering this market, and over 4,000 aircraft and helicopters have been outfitted with the company s integrated weapon systems. This activity remains an important part of FN Herstal s business, and a range of integrated systems is offered. Furthermore, experience in the sector has allowed the company to take the next step to develop remote weapon stations. Airborne pods In the air domain FN Herstal supplies a range of pintle- and pod-mounted systems. For use with both helicopters and fixed-wing light attack aircraft the company developed a self-contained FN HMP pod. The self-contained unit is carried from NATO-standard 14-inch lugs, and comes in a number of variants. All mount the FN M3 machine gun To build on the success of the FN M2HB-QCB FN Herstal designed and developed a new.50-calibre weapon in the form of the FN M3. The gun was created as the basis of a family that could be adapted to a number of applications, including pintle mounts, podded systems and axial/coaxial mounts. The FN M3 is at home on land or sea, and in the air. At the heart of the M3 s capabilities is its high rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute. Compared to earlier heavy machine guns, this enables the weapon to put down a concentrated weight of fire in a short time, reducing the time required on target. It has either left- or right-side feeding, increasing its adaptability, and can be fitted with a range of sighting systems. Maximum range is 6,500 metres, with effective range at 2,500 metres. FN M3Ms are seen on the Medium Door Pintle mounts of a Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk. The ability of the weapon to be fed from either side increases its flexibility The pintle-mounted version is known as the FN M3M, and in its door/ window mounted version is armed with 300 or 600 rounds, all of which can be expended in a single burst in an emergency situation. It also forms part of the FN MVP (Medium Vehicle Pintle) system, which is fed from quickchange 300-round ammunition boxes. The FN M3P is intended primarily for pod, fixed open-air and axial/coaxial installations, and the FN M3R for remote weapon stations. 6

FN M3P.50-calibre heavy machine gun as standard. FN HMP250 LCC is a version with a 250-round capacity, while the FN HMP400 carries 400 rounds. It comes in the LC sub-variant, with a collector for links only, and the LCC that additionally collects cases. A further version is the FN RMP, which combines the FN M3M with 250 rounds and three launch tubes for 70mm rockets. Partnering its podded weapons, FN Herstal offers analog armament management systems for installation in aircraft and helicopters. Current innovative development includes digital armament management systems. Pintle mounts Airborne pintle systems have been developed for mounting in the doors, windows or rear loading ramps of helicopters, or on external mounts. The company works directly with the helicopter manufacturer and/or end-user to ensure high levels of integration, while it also provides high-quality after-sales support. Pintle mounts for helicopters provide a fully mechanical soft mount for the weapon that absorbs recoil forces and provides outstanding balance for greater accuracy. The open-bolt firing mode of FN weapons prevents cook-off, ensuring full safety and reliability. Depending on whether the user requires light or medium firepower, FN Herstal offers the FN MAG 58M 7.62mm gun or the FN M3M.50-calibre weapon. Both are equipped with twin spade grip handles. Based on the same recoil-absorbing soft mount developed for airborne uses, FN Herstal also offers a range of pintle mounts for vehicles and boats. Weapons that can be fitted include the 7.62mm FN MAG 58M, and FN M2HB-QCB and FN M3M 50-calibre guns. These weapons have been adapted to the vehicle application through various modifications, such as a telescopic shoulder brace and flash suppressor for the FN M3M, anti-aircraft sights and quickrelease attachments so that the weapons can be quickly removed and stowed. Remote weapon systems In the mid-2000s FN Herstal developed its first remote weapon station, the FN ARROWS project undertaken in partnership with Rheinmetall Canada. Both the Belgian and French armies procured FN ARROWS through three major programmes (MPPV, AIV and VBCI) that saw over 400 remote weapon stations supplied. Success with this programme led to FN Herstal developing subsequent RWSs on its own, designated as the defnder family. Major contracts have also been secured around the world for the defnder Light and defnder Medium RWSs, involving deliveries in excess of 1,000 units. More recently, FN Herstal developed and qualified the naval version of the defnder Medium that will be launched officially later in 2014. The Sea defnder is already under contract with a NATO navy. FN s Medium Vehicle Pintle mounts an FN M3M.50-calibre weapon. The weapon is lightweight and compact, even with a 300-round box, and is easy to maintain defnder remote weapon stations The remote weapon stations allow under-armour firing from vehicles. Manufactured from light but sturdy aluminium, the defnder family mounts can be fitted to a wide range of carriers. They can be outfitted with optional equipment dependent on customer choice, such as highly sophisticated gyro-stabilisation, day and night infrared sighting systems, target-tracking and image stabilisation functions, ballistic protection, higher capacity ammunition boxes (up to 500.50-calibre rounds), and interfaces with sensors such as BMS, SADLS, LWR and radar. The defnder RWS can also be used in dismounted installations for defence of critical infrastructure, bases or control points. Two baseline mounts are offered, the defnder Light for FN MINIMI 5.56 or 7.62 machine guns, or the FN MAG 7.62 mm weapon, and the defnder Medium that can also mount.50-calibre weapons such as the FN M2HB-QCB and FN M3R, as well as a 40mm grenade launcher. Both RWSs provide 360 firing capability in azimuth, and elevation traverse ranging from +70 to -40 for the Medium system, and +80 to -60 for the defnder Light. The latter can be armed with up to 1,050 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition in high-capacity boxes, while defnder Medium can be armed with up to 500 rounds of.50-calibre ammunition, or 1,000 7.62mm rounds. Mounting a.50-calibre FN M3R machine gun, this defnder Medium remote weapon station is installed in a VAB vehicle 7

FN Herstal a preferred partner The FN SCAR-H precision rifle is one example of the FN Herstal products that are highly respected around the world With a strong, focused commitment to long-term customer partnerships, FN Herstal is an ideal partner. The company brings with it an immaculate pedigree and an undisputed global reputation as a firearms and ammunition designer and manufacturer. However, it has also branched out into multi-disciplinary sectors that draw on state-of-the-art technology that are complementary to the company s core business. This is a key differentiator in terms of systems integration for defence and law enforcement requirements. FN Herstal collaborates closely with both the operational end-user and equipment OEMs such as vehicle and helicopter manufacturers to ensure the efficient and ergonomic integration of its systems and weapons within the context of the operational platform. The company is also engaged closely with lead integrators on a number of Future Soldier programmes. Quality assurance, control and improvement are cornerstones of FN Herstal s activities, and the company holds AS/EN 9100 certification, the most advanced quality management system standard for aerospace and defence industries. The company continues to drive innovation so that it can meet customer requirements. Substantial investment is made not only in research and development of weapons and systems, but also in advanced manufacturing and production techniques. Technology transfer That know-how is on offer for collaborative partnerships through FN Herstal s technology transfer programme. Not only does the company have unrivalled knowhow in weapons and ammunition, but it also has the deep understanding of the manufacturing process that comes from its 125 years in the business. FN has invested in state-of-theart production facilities to ensure the best quality possible, and can provide advice to companies seeking to establish or modernise plants to similar standards FN Herstal can assist with the creation and establishment of firearms production facilities from the initial design of the building, to final production. The company can offer consultation at any point in the process, according to customer requirements, with key expertise in areas such as facility establishment, training, plant and stock management, factory operation, quality control and global maintenance services. After-sales logistics and maintenance services can be instigated, tailored to meet customer needs. FN Herstal committed to providing the best weapons and best service capabilities in the world 8 FN Herstal, S.A. Voie de Liège 33 B-4040 Herstal (Belgium) info@fnherstal.com www.fnherstal.com All trademarks, service brands, logos and brand names as well as copyrights and images used here are trademarks or registered trademarks or copyrights owned by FN HERSTAL, S.A. except otherwise specified