| FAMAS | |
|---|---|
| Origin |  European Federation (France)
|
| Type | Assault Rifle |
| Manufacturer | Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne |
| Primary user | European Federation Army |
| General characteristics | |
| Weight | 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) ("FAMAS G2") |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO |
The FAMAS (French: Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne) is a bullpup assault rifle manufactured by Nexter Systems (formerly GIAT Industries) that chambers the 5.56x45mm NATO round. The weapon has gone through many variants since its introduction, including the original FAMAS F1 variant, and the following G1, G2, and FÉLIN variants.
The soldiers of the European Federation Army are armed with the FAMAS G2, which involves a changed magwell to accept 30-round STANAG magazines, as well as the regular 25-round straight F1 magazines. The additions of a larger trigger guard was also added, as well as fibreglass handguards. The FAMAS is a select fire weapon with options for semi-automatic, three round burst (Rafale) and full automatic fire. The cyclic rate of fire is about 1000 rpm. The FAMAS is capable of launching rifle grenades, a practice which is widely used in French service.
The FAMAS has a bullpup design and can be easily identified by its oversized carrying handle. The FAMAS uses the uncommon lever delayed blowback action also found on the AAT-52 machine gun. A metal receiver is used which is mostly covered by a plastic frame. It can be used by both right and left handed persons since the ejection mechanism can be reversed. The sights are mounted on the carrying handle. A bipod is fitted as standard and straddles along the forearm when not in use. The FAMAS is also used in the French FÉLIN future soldier programme, in which the carrying handle is replaced by optical sights. Other variants include the FAMAS Surbasé (Lowered), Valorisé (Valued), the short barrel Commando version, the 9mm FAMAS submachine gun version and the FAMAS sniper version.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
Concept art of the EFEC Kommandos showing the FAMAS FÉLIN.
- In the original concept art, the EFEC Kommandos and Grenadiers were armed with FAMAS FÉLIN rifles, but this was changed to the Belgian FN E3000, as the EFEC was already deemed too French. Curiously, these rifles are seen being used by some Russian soldiers in the EndWar trailer.[1]