Accuracy International AW50
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged with Accuracy International AW50F. (Discuss) Proposed since February 2012. |
| AI Arctic Warfare .50 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-materiel rifle |
| Place of origin |  United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2000-present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Accuracy International |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 15 kg w/ bipod (33 lbs) |
| Length | 1,420 mm [1], 1,170 mm (folded) [1] |
| Barrel length | 686 mm (27 inches) [1] |
| Cartridge | 12.7x99mm NATO |
| Caliber | .50 BMG [1] |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Effective firing range | 1,500 m [2] |
| Feed system | Box magazine, 5 rounds |
| Sights | Mil spec Mk II in 6x, 10x and standard iron sights [1] |
The AW50 is a .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle designed by Accuracy International. It is a re-engineered version of the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare L96 sniper rifle (the standard issue sniper rifle in the British military).
Overview
The AW50 is intended to engage a variety of targets including radar installations, light vehicles (including light armoured vehicles), field fortifications, boats and ammunition dumps. The standard ammunition combines a penetrator, high explosive and incendiary effect in a single round.
The weight of the weapon (15 kg), combined with a muzzle brake and a hydraulic buffer system in the butt, gives the AW50F relatively low recoil and enhances accuracy.
The MIL STD 1913 sight rail can hold a variety of equipment; the normal sight for the AW50 is the Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II with Al Mil Dot reticle, 0.2 MRad clicks and elevation to 1500 m and laser protection. Night vision device sights such as the Simrad KN series or Hensoldt NSV 80 can also be fitted.
AW50F
Thw AW50F is a folding stock variant which fires the multi-purpose Raufoss Mk 211 cartridge and other rounds. Most of the rifle is made in the United Kingdom; the barrel is Australian, manufactured in Toowoomba, Queensland by Maddco. The weapon's stock folds for portability. It has a fully adjustable bipod and buttstock heel rest. Four sling loops allow shoulder and hand carrying of the rifle.[3]
Users
Australia: AW50F.[3]
Germany: Designated G24.[4][5][6]
Portugal: AW50 is used by GNR (Republican National Guard) [7]
Thailand: Used by Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Navy SEALS.[8]
United Kingdom[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e AW50 information from Accuracy International
- ^ "Accuracy International AW50 Information". Retrieved 2009-10-29.
- ^ a b c Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
- ^ http://www.europaeische-sicherheit.de/Ausgaben/2006/2006_04/08_Jaeger/2006,04,08.html
- ^ http://www.spezialeinheiten.net/index.php?action=ksk
- ^ Kommando International Special Operations Magazine, K-ISOM, Ausgabe 5, Mai/Juni 2009
- ^ http://www.operacional.pt/segurex-2011/
- ^ http://www.thaiarmedforce.com/inventory/129-rtn-inventory.html