FAMAS
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| Missing image FAMAS-3.jpg FAMAS F1 | |
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| FAMAS F1/G2 Specifications | |
| Country of origin: | France |
| In production: | 1975-present |
| Cartridge: | 5.56×45mm (STANAG 4172 for G2 version) |
| Length: | 757 mm (29.8 in) |
| Weight: | 3.8 kg (8.4 lbs) |
| Barrel: | 488 mm (19.2 in) |
| Rifling: | 6 grooves, right hand twist |
| Magazine capacity: | 25/30 rounds |
| Magazine type: | detachable box |
| Rate of fire: | 950 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity: | 960/925 meters per second |
| Effective range: | 300/450 meters |
| Sights: | standard iron |
The FAMAS is the standard assault rifle of the French military. FAMAS is an acronym for the French words "Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de St-Etienne" (Assault Rifle by St-Etienne Arms Factory). The Saint Étienne arms factory is a member of the French government-owned GIAT Industries complex.
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Development and Production
Development of the FAMAS began in 1967 under the direction of Paul Tellie. After several years of research and development, the first FAMAS prototype was completed in 1971. French military evaluation of the rifle began in 1972, but was not completed until 1978 when the French military finally accepted the rifle as the standard French combat weapon.
After adoption, the FAMAS (designated FAMAS F1) effectively replaced the ageing MAS-49. Production of the rifle was set into full swing soon afterwards. Approximately 400,000 FAMAS F1 assault rifles were produced after which GIAT Industries replaced the FAMAS F1 with the FAMAS G1. The G1 included several minor improvements such as redesigned grips and an enlarged trigger guard. The G1 proved to be an intermediate design, however, as it was soon replaced by the FAMAS G2. The G2 appeared in 1994, and was purchased and adopted by the French Navy in 1995. The French Army followed suite soon thereafter, adopting the rifle itself later.
Design
The FAMAS assault rifle is of bullpup configuration and allows for ambidextrous usage. The ammunition is stored in a magazine behind the trigger and the receiver is housed in strong plastic. The rifle uses lever delayed blowback action, a system developed by Hungarian designer Paul de Kiraly. Fire rate is controlled by the selector just forward of the trigger. The selector has three settings: safe, single shot, and fully automatic fire. Another selector allowing for three-shot burst fire is located under the housing and behind the magazine.
The FAMAS F1 and G1, the original variants, weigh 3.6 kilograms and were designed to use French-made ammunition. This proprietary French ammunition is of a different caliber then NATO's standard ammunition, and therefore, is incompatible with standard NATO weaponry. The FAMAS G2 weighs 3.8 kilograms and uses the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridge. The G2 is designed to accommodate the STANAG magazine as used by the M16, and also has a full length handguard to allow easy use with gloves.
Service
The FAMAS saw service in 1991 in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm and in other various peacekeeping missions afterwards. French military troops found the weapon to be reliable and trustworthy in combat. The FAMAS is affectionately known as Le Clairon ("the bugle", because of its shape) amongst French troops. At the time of this article, an improved version of the FAMAS is to be integrated into the FELIN system.
Other images
Missing image
FAMAS-1.jpg
FAMAS F1 with aimpoint (called Famas infanterie)
Missing image
FAMAS-2.jpg
FAMAS F1 with aimpoint (called Famas infanterie)
External links
- Buddy Hinton French FAMAS Picture Collection (http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/FAMAS/)