FX-05 Xiuhcoatl

   The FX-05 Xiuhcoatl assault rifle was developed in Mexico to replace the ageing HK G3, which was produced under license. The Xiuhciatl, or fire snake, was first publicly revealed in 2006. Currently this assault rifle is produced in small numbers and is operational with some special units. In the near future it might become a standard issue service rifle with the Mexican Army.

   The FX-05 is a gas operated, selective fire weapon, chambered for the standard NATO 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition. It's design was heavily influenced by the Heckler & Koch G36, however the Xiuhciatl has many internal differences and is considered as an original design.

   Most external parts of the Xiuhcoatl are made form polymers.

   Ambidextrous safety / fire mode selector switches are located on both sides of the weapon, above the pistol grip. It has semi-auto and full-auto modes. There is one ejection port on the right side of the receiver, however it has a spent cases deflector, which propels ejected cases from the left-handed shooter. A charging handle can be mounted from either side of the housing.

   This rifle is fed form 30-round box-shaped magazines, made form translucent plastic. Two or three magazines can be clipped together for rapid reloading. It seems that after some adjustments this rifle becomes compatible with any standard NATO magazines, intended for the 5.56-mm ammunition.

   A polymer shoulder stock folds to the right side. It can be adjusted for length. When folded it do not obstructs the ejection port, so the rifle can be fired with the stock folded.

   The Xiuhcoatl assault rifle comes with integral Picatinny-type rail on top of the receiver. It can be fitted with removable carrying handle with a built-in optical sight or detachable iron sights. It is also compatible with a wide array of scopes and night vision sights.

Variants

   Carbine, fitted with a shorter barrel. Otherwise it is similar to the standard assault rifle;

   Short carbine,  fitted with a shorter barrel and shorter foregrip.