FN SCAR | |
---|---|
![]() Mk 17 SCAR-H | |
Type | Assault rifle (SCAR-L) Battle rifle (SCAR-H) Squad automatic weapon (HAMR) Designated marksman rifle (Mk 20 SSR) |
Place of origin | Belgium / United States |
Service history | |
In service | 2009–present |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | War in Afghanistan[1] Iraq War[2] Yemeni Civil War Conflict in Najran, Jizan and Asir Russo-Ukrainian War Mexican Drug War M23 offensive (2022–2023) Internal Conflict in Peru |
Production history | |
Designer | FN Herstal / FN America |
Designed | 2004 |
Manufacturer | FN Herstal / FN America |
Produced | 2004–present |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass |
|
Length |
|
Barrel length |
|
Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO (SCAR-L, SCAR PDW, SCAR-HAMR) 7.62×51mm NATO (SCAR-H, Mk 20 SSR) 6.5mm Creedmoor (Mk 20 SSR) .300 Blackout (SCAR-SC) |
Action | Gas-operated short-stroke piston, rotating bolt |
Rate of fire |
|
Muzzle velocity |
|
Effective firing range |
|
Feed system |
|
Sights | Iron sights and Picatinny rail for various optical sights |
The FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle)[3] is a family of gas-operated short-stroke gas piston[4] automatic rifles developed by Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal (FN) in 2004.[5] It is constructed with modularity for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition.[6] This family of rifles consists of two main types. The SCAR-L, for "light", is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO and the SCAR-H, for "heavy", is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. Both types are available in Close Quarters Combat (CQC), Standard (STD), and Long Barrel (LB) variants.
In early 2004, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) issued a solicitation for a family of Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifles, the so-called SCAR, designed around two different calibers but featuring high commonality of parts and identical ergonomics. The SCAR system completed low rate initial production testing in June 2007.[7] After some delays, the first rifles began to be issued to operational units in April 2009, and a battalion of the U.S. 75th Ranger Regiment was the first large unit deployed into combat with 600 of the rifles in 2009.[2] The U.S. Special Operations Command later cancelled their purchase of the SCAR-L and planned to remove the rifle from their inventory by 2013. However, they will continue to purchase the SCAR-H version, and also plan to purchase 5.56 mm conversion kits for the SCAR-H, allowing it to substitute for the SCAR-L.[8]
As of late 2022, the SCAR is in service in over 20 countries.[9]
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)