FN SCAR

   The FN SCAR modular assault rifle was developed by the famous Belgian Fabrique Nationale of Herstal (FN Herstal) to meet the requirement, issued by the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM). This requirement was issued in 2003. It requested a new combat rifle for the US Special Forces, available in different calibers. In 2004 it was announced that FN company was selected and deliveries of this new assault rifle commenced in 2009. It is believed that the FN SCAR will gradually replace most of the current rifles (M14, M16, M4 and Mk.11) in service with US SOCOM forces.

   The FN SCAR modular assault rifle platform was designed from the scratch. It is not based on any previous designs. It is a gas operated, selective fire weapon. There are two baseline models - the SCAR-L (light), chambered for 5.56 x 45 mm round and the SCAR-H (heavy) chambered for a more powerful 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition. These were officially designated as the Mk.16 and Mk.17 respectively. Other chambering include the Soviet 7.62 x 39 mm round.

    The key idea of the SCAR modular system, that it will provide the US Special Forces with a wide variety of configurations within the matter of minutes in field conditions. All these configurations have the same layout, controls and maintenance procedures. The SCAR-L and SCAR-H have 90% parts commonality. These weapons are available in three quick-detachable barrel versions - standard (S), close quarters combat (CQC) and long barrel (LB). Different length barrels can be quickly replaced.

   An ambidextrous safety / fire mode selector has the following positions: "safe", "semi-auto" and "full auto". A charging handle can be easily installed from either side of the receiver. Spent case ejection port is located on the right side of the receiver, however it has a deflector, which propels the spent cases away from the left-handed shooters.

   The SCAR-L is fed from improved M16-type 30-round magazines, while the SCAR-H uses 20-round magazines in 7.62 x 51 mm chambering. It is worth mentioning, that the SCAR-H also accepts the standard AK-47 / AKM magazines with the Soviet 7.62 x 39 mm rounds. It allows to fire the enemy ammunition with the alternate barrel, what is very important for operations behind the enemy lines.

   This assault weapon has a full-length rail system for mounting optics. It can be fitted with detachable iron sights or various optical or night vision sights.

   A side-folding buttstock is adjustable for length. It can be completely removed from the weapon. Additional Picatinny-type accessory rails are mounted on both sides and under the foregrip. These are used to mount tactical flashlights, laser pointers, vertical grips and other accessories. It seems that the SCAR assault rifle has no bayonet mount. It is compatible with an underbarrel grenade launcher, which can be used as a stand alone weapon.

Variants

   FN SCAR 17S a semi automatic version, chambered for 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition. It is intended for law enforcement and civil operators;

   FN SCAR 18S a semi automatic version, chambered for 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition. It is intended for law enforcement and civil operators.