Heckler & Koch HK416

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HK416
HK416.jpg
Norwegian Army Heckler & Koch HK416N with 419 mm (16.5 in) long barrel, an Aimpoint CompM4 red dot sight and a vertical foregrip.
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin  Germany
Service history
In service 2005 – present
Used by See Users
Wars War in Afghanistan
Iraq War
Northern Mali conflict[1]
2013 Lahad Datu standoff[2]
Production history
Designer Ernst Mauch[citation needed]
Manufacturer Heckler & Koch
Produced 2005–present
Variants D10RS, D14.5RS, D16.5RS, D20RS, HK416C, MR223, HK417, M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle
Specifications
Weight HK416C: 2.950 kg (6.50 lb)
D10RS: 3.020 kg (6.66 lb)
D14.5RS: 3.490 kg (7.69 lb)
D16.5RS: 3.560 kg (7.85 lb)
D20RS: 3.855 kg (8.50 lb)
M27 IAR: 3.600 kg (7.94 lb)
Length HK416C: 690 mm (27.2 in) stock extended / 560 mm (22.0 in) stock collapsed
D10RS: 797 mm (31.4 in) stock extended / 701 mm (27.6 in) stock collapsed
D14.5RS: 900 mm (35.4 in) stock extended / 804 mm (31.7 in) stock collapsed
D16.5RS: 951 mm (37.4 in) stock extended / 855 mm (33.7 in) stock collapsed
D20RS: 1,037 mm (40.8 in) stock extended / 941 mm (37.0 in) stock collapsed
M27 IAR: 940 mm (37.0 in) stock extended / 840 mm (33.1 in) stock collapsed
Barrel length HK416C: 228 mm (9.0 in)
D10RS: 264 mm (10.4 in)
D14.5RS: 368 mm (14.5 in)
D16.5RS: 419 mm (16.5 in)
D20RS: 505 mm (19.9 in)
M27 IAR: 420 mm (16.5 in)
Width 78 mm (3.1 in)
Height HK416C: 236 mm (9.3 in)
HK416 and M27 IAR: 240 mm (9.4 in)
Cartridge 5.56×45mm NATO
Action Short-stroke piston, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 700 – 900 rounds/min (cyclic)
Muzzle velocity Varies by barrel length and type of round used.
Feed system 20, 30-round STANAG magazine or 100-round Beta C-Mag
Sights Rear rotary diopter sight and front post, Picatinny rail

The Heckler & Koch HK416 is an assault rifle designed and manufactured by Heckler & Koch. It uses the AR-15 platform, originally conceived as an improvement to the Colt M4 carbine family issued to the U.S. military, with the notable inclusion of an HK-proprietary short-stroke gas piston system derived from the Heckler & Koch G36. Military and law enforcement customers have the option of purchasing a new upper receiver, buffer and drive spring to refurbish existing AR-15s or; buy new build complete HK416s.

As of January 2013, the HK416 is a tender participant in the U.S. Army's Individual Carbine competition.

Contents

History [edit]

The United States Army's Delta Force, at the request of R&D NCO Larry Vickers, collaborated with the German arms maker Heckler & Koch to develop the new carbine in the early 1990s.[when?] During development, Heckler & Koch capitalized on experience gained developing the Bundeswehr's Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle, the U.S. Army's XM8 rifle project (canceled in 2005) and the modernization of the British Armed Forces SA80 small arms family.[citation needed] The project was originally called the HK M4, but this was changed in response to a trademark infringement suit filed by Colt Defense.

Delta Force replaced its M4s with the HK416 in 2004 after tests revealed that the piston operating system significantly reduces malfunctions while increasing the life of parts.[3] The HK416 has been tested by the United States military and is in use with some law enforcement agencies and special operations units. It has been adopted as the standard rifle of the Norwegian Armed Forces as well.

A modified variant underwent testing by the United States Marine Corps as the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. After the Marine Corps Operational Test & Evaluation Activity supervised a round of testing at MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, Fort McCoy, and Camp Shelby (for dust, cold-weather, and hot-weather conditions, respectively). As of March 2012, fielding of 452 IARs has been completed of 4,748 ordered. Five infantry battalions; 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, out of Camp Pendleton, CA, First Battalion, 3rd Marines, out of Marine Corps Base HI, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, NC; and 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, out of Fort Devens, MA have deployed the weapon.[4][5]

Design details [edit]

A Norwegian soldier in Afghanistan, armed with the HK416N.

The HK416 uses a HK-proprietary short-stroke gas system derived from the HK G36, forgoing the direct impingement gas system standard in AR-15 rifles.[6] The HK G36 gas system was in turn partially derived from the AR-18 assault rifle designed in 1963.[7] The HK system uses a short-stroke piston driving an operating rod to force the bolt carrier to the rear. This design prevents combustion gases from entering the weapon's interior, a shortcoming with direct impingement systems.[8] The reduction in heat and fouling of the bolt carrier group increases the reliability of the weapon and extends the interval between stoppages. It also reduces operator cleaning time and stress on critical components. According to H&K "experience that Heckler & Koch gained during its highly successful 'midlife improvement programme' for the British Army SA80 assault rifle, have now borne fruit in the HK416".[6]

The HK416 is equipped with a proprietary accessory rail forearm with MIL-STD-1913 rails on all four sides. This allows most current accessories, used on M4/M16-type weapons, to be fitted to the HK416. The HK416 rail forearm can be installed and removed without tools by using the bolt locking lug as the screwdriver. The rail forearm is "free-floating" and does not contact the barrel, improving accuracy.

The HK416 has an adjustable multi-position telescopic butt stock, offering six different lengths of pull. The shoulder pad can be either convex or concave and the stock features a storage space for maintenance accessories, spare electrical batteries or other small kit items.

The trigger pull is 34 N (7.6 lbf). The empty weight of a HK416 box magazine is 250 g (8.8 oz).

The HK416's barrel is cold hammer-forged with a 20,000-round service life and features a 6 grooves 178 mm (7 in) right hand twist. The cold hammer-forging process provides a stronger barrel for greater safety in case of an obstructed bore or for extended firing sessions. Modifications for an over-the-beach (OTB) capability such as drainage holes in the bolt carrier and buffer system are available; enabling the HK416 to be fired safely after being submerged in water.

Differences from the M4 [edit]

The HK416 is a modified variant of the American carbine, the M4. It includes international symbols for Safe, Semi-Automatic, and Fully automatic, a redesigned retractable stock which allows the user to rotate the butt plate, a new pistol grip designed by H&K, made to more ergonomically fit the hand and, attached to the rifle is a new single-piece hand guard with a free floating RI system, used for mounting accessories. The most notable internal difference is the short stroke gas piston system, derived from the HK G36. To compensate for increased pressure due to the new gas system, a thicker barrel was also integrated. Furthermore, adjustable gas block with piston allows reliable operation on short-barrelled models with or without a suppressor attached. Finally, the HK416 includes a folding front sight, and a rear sight similar in design to the G3. The HK416 system is offered as an upper receiver, separate from the rest of the rifle, as a replacement to the standard issue M4 upper receiver. It can be attached to any existing AR-15 family rifles, giving them the new gas system, the new hand guard, and sights, while retaining the original lower receiver. The Heckler & Koch 416 can also be purchased as a fully assembled, stand alone carbine.

Evaluation [edit]

In July 2007, the U.S. Army announced a limited competition between the M4 carbine, FN SCAR, HK416, XCR, and the previously-shelved HK XM8. Ten examples of each of the four competitors were involved. Each weapon fired 6,000 rounds in an "extreme dust environment". The purpose of the shoot-off was for assessing future needs, not to select a replacement for the M4.[9][10] The XM8 scored the best, with only 127 stoppages in 60,000 total rounds, the FN SCAR Light had 226 stoppages, while the HK416 had 233 stoppages. The M4 carbine scored "significantly worse" than the rest of the field with 882 stoppages.[3]

In December 2009, a modified version of the HK416 was selected for the final testing in the Infantry Automatic Rifle program, designed to partially replace the M249 light machine gun at the squad level for the United States Marine Corps.[11] It beat the three other finalists by FN Herstal and Colt Defense. In July 2010, the HK416 IAR was designated as the M27, and 450 were procured for additional testing.[12]

The Norwegian Army made an extensive evaluation before selecting the HK416 as its new primary firearm.

The Turkish company MKEK - Makina ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumuhas ("Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation") has been manufacturing a copy of the HK416 as the MKEK Mehmetçik-1 for the Turkish Armed Forces.

Individual Carbine Competition [edit]

The HK416 was one of the weapons displayed to U.S. Army officials during an invitation-only Industry Day on November 13, 2008. The goal of the Industry Day was to review current carbine technology prior to writing formal requirements for a future replacement for the M4 carbine.[13][14] The HK416 is now an entry in the Individual Carbine competition to replace the M4. The weapon submitted is known as the HK416A5.[15] It features a stock similar to that of the G28 designated marksman rifle, except slimmer and non-adjustable. The rifle features an improved adjustable gas regulator which can accommodate barrel lengths down to 267 mm (10.5 in) without modifications. It also features ambidextrous fire controls, a repair kit housed inside the pistol grip, and a Flat Dark Earth color-scheme.[16] The stock has a fixed buttplate and no longer has a storage space, as well as the sling loops removed from it. The V2 HK Battle grip is incorporated, which has the V2 grip profile with the storage compartment of the V1 grip for tools. The handguard uses a new hexagonal-shaped cross bolt that cannot be removed by the bolt locking lugs, but instead by the takedown tool housed inside the grip.[17]

Variants [edit]

A U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Group soldier armed with a HK416 D14.5RS (foreground) in June 2006, during the Iraq War.
A suppressed D10RS in service with Polish GROM commandos at a media demonstration in May 2011.

Military and law enforcement [edit]

The HK416 models chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO available to the military and law enforcement market are:

  • D10RS: sub-compact with a 264 mm (10.4 in) barrel
  • D14.5RS: carbine rifle 368 mm (14.5 in) barrel
  • D16.5RS: rifle with 419 mm (16.5 in) barrel
  • D20RS: full-sized rifle 505 mm (19.9 in) barrel

HK416 based derivates [edit]

  • HK416C: ultra-compact variant originally developed after a UKSF tender. The HK416C has a 228 mm (9.0 in) barrel and is expected to produce muzzle velocities of approximately 730 m/s (2,395 ft/s).[18] The firearm's precision is specified as ≈ 4 MOA (12 cm at 100 m) by Heckler & Koch.[18][19][20] Though the HK416C has a high degree of component commonality with the HK416 family it has a HK416C specific shortened buffer tube and a sliding collapsible butt-stock similar to the ones used on compact variants of H&K's MP5 sub-machine gun, and the HK53 carbine which is often used by close protection teams within the British military.
  • M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle: squad automatic weapon developed from the D16.5RS for the United States Marine Corps
  • HK416A5: Improved carbine entered in the Individual Carbine competition[16]

Large caliber [edit]

Civilian [edit]

Civilian variants of the HK416 and HK417 introduced in 2007 were known as MR223 and MR308.[21] Both are semi-automatic rifles with several "sporterized" features. At the 2009 SHOT Show, these two firearms were introduced to the American civilian market renamed respectively MR556 and MR762.[22] There is another variant of the MR556 called the MR556A1, which is an improved version of the former.[23] It was created with input from American special forces units.[24] The MR556A1 allows the upper receiver to be attached to any M16/M4/AR-15 family lower receiver, as the receiver take-down pins are in the same standard location. The original concept for the MR556 did not allow for this, as the take-down pins were located in a "non-standard" location. The MR223 maintains the "non-standard" location of the pins, disallowing attachment of the upper receiver to the lower receivers of any other M16/M4/AR-15 family of rifles. As of 2012, the MR556A1 upper receiver group will fit standard AR-15 lower receivers without modification and will function reliably with standard STANAG magazines[25]

Users [edit]

Country Organization name Model Quantity Date Reference
 Australia Special Operations Command of the Australian Defence Force D10RS Tender evaluation- Contract awarded, soon to enter service with Tactical Assault Group. 2010 [26][27][28]
 Brazil COT (Special Operations Command) Brazilian Federal Police [29]
 Canada Ville de Québec Police [30]
 France Commando Parachutiste de l'Air n°10 of the French Air Force [31]
Commando Parachutiste de l'Air n°20 of the French Air Force [32]
13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment of the French Army [33]
1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment of the French Army [34]
Naval commandos of the French Navy [34]
 Germany German Special Forces Command (Kommando Spezialkräfte, KSK) of the German Army [35]
 Ireland Army Ranger Wing [36]
 Italy Italian special forces [35]
 Japan Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Tender evaluation [37]
 Malaysia Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) Counter-Terrorism unit of the Royal Malaysian Navy D16.5RS 180 2010 [38]
[39]
[40]
Pasukan Gerakan Khas Counter-Terrorism divisions of the Royal Malaysia Police D10RS
D14.5RS		 [41]
 Netherlands Korps Commandotroepen of the Royal Netherlands Army D10RS
D14.5RS		 July 2010 [42]
[43]
[44]
[45]
[46]
Unit Interventie Mariniers of the Netherlands Marine Corps
Maritime Special Operations Forces of the Netherlands Marine Corps
Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten of the Royal Marechaussee
 Norway Norwegian Armed Forces HK416N 8200 2008 [47][48]
 Poland Wojska Specjalne D10RS
D14.5RS
D16.5RS
D20RS also with AGLM		 2008 [49][50]
Policja D10RS, C 2006, 2011 [51]
 Serbia Special Brigade HK416 2010 [52]
 Singapore Special Operations Force 2011 [citation needed]
 Slovakia 5th Special forces regiment 2010 [53]
 South Korea Naval Special Warfare Flotilla of the Republic of Korea Navy [54]
 Turkey Turkish Armed Forces MKEK Mehmetçik-1 [55][56]
 United States Joint Special Operations Command [57][58][59]
Asymmetric Warfare Group of the United States Army [60]
Containment and Emergency Response Team (CERT) of the United States Capitol Police [61]
Special Response Team (SRT) of the Kentucky State Police [citation needed]
NASA Emergency Response Teams [62]
Los Angeles Police Department Special Weapons And Tactics team [63][64]
FBI Hostage Rescue Team [65][66]
United States Marine Corps M27 IAR 4476 [67][68]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Keaten, Jamey (Jan 19, 2013). "Africa forces' role in Mali faces diverse snags". WTOP. Retrieved 23 Jan 2013. 
  2. ^ SabahDaily. "Intruders photo in Sabah" (in Malay). Retrieved 2013-03-02. 
  3. ^ a b Newer carbines outperform M4 in dust test
  4. ^ Lamothe, Dan (August 9, 2010). "SAW replacement set for real world testing". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved 10 August 2010. 
  5. ^ Lamothe, Dan (Mar 11, 2012). "Corps ramps up fielding of new auto rifle". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved 25 March 2012. 
  6. ^ a b "Heckler-Koch.de – HK416". Retrieved 2010-02-12. 
  7. ^ "A Historical Review of Armalite, page 6". ArmaLite, Inc. January 4, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2011. 
  8. ^ Animation of the gas system of the HK416
  9. ^ Lowe, Christian (2007-06-27). "Army Agrees to M4 Sand Test Shoot-Off". Military.Com. Retrieved 2007-09-22. 
  10. ^ "M4 to face new rifles in dust-chamber test". Retrieved 2007-09-22. 
  11. ^ Lamothe, Dan (December 14, 2009). "Frontrunner chosen in IAR contest". Marine Corps Times. p. 20. 
  12. ^ Lamothe, Dan (July 2, 2010). "Conway eyes additional testing for auto-rifle". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved 2 July 2010. 
  13. ^ Army considers options in replacing the M4 – Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq – Army Times
  14. ^ Military Photos: military images, military pictures, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines – Military Times
  15. ^ HK416A5 – Overhoppers.wordpress.com, October 17, 2012
  16. ^ a b HK416A5 – Thefirearmblog.com, October 17, 2012
  17. ^ HK416A5 – newest evolution of famous assault rifle – Montrala.blogspot.com, October 17, 2012
  18. ^ a b "HK416C – The new ultra compact assault rifle". Heckler & Koch. 2010-10-08. Archived from the original on 2010-10-12. Retrieved 2010-10-12. 
  19. ^ HK416C
  20. ^ HK416c Ultra Compact Assault Rifle data sheet
  21. ^ "The MR223, 416 Piston Drive for German Civilians". Archived from the original on 2008-07-03. Retrieved 2010-10-12. 
  22. ^ "HECKLER & KOCH’s MR556 & MR762 Rifles". Tactical Life. Retrieved 2011-06-22. 
  23. ^ Jorge Amselle. "HECKLER & KOCH MR556A1". Tactical Life. Retrieved 2011-06-22. 
  24. ^ Jorge Amselle. "Sneak Peek: HK’s MR556A1". Tactical Life. Retrieved 2011-06-22. 
  25. ^ "Heckler & Koch HK416". Guns and Weapons. Retrieved 2013-03-22. 
  26. ^ "Contract Notice View – CN253784". AusTender. Australian Government. January 12, 2010. Retrieved 2011-01-30. 
  27. ^ "CQB weapon sought for Oz Special Forces". Australian Defence Magazine. 04 Aug 2009. Retrieved 12 May 2011. 
  28. ^ "Contract Notice View – CN1287251". AusTender. Australian Government. 2013-04-02. Retrieved 2013-04-15. 
  29. ^ http://www.flickr.com/photos/degu_andre/7029709787/sizes/k/in/photostream/
  30. ^ http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/actualites/justice-et-faits-divers/201301/18/01-4612705-val-belair-un-forcene-maitrise-par-les-policiers.php
  31. ^ "L'armée de l'air abandonne (partiellement) le fusil FAMAS". 2009-06-06. 
  32. ^ "Exercice commun pour le CPA n°20 et le 2e REP en Corse". 
  33. ^ "13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment". 
  34. ^ a b "French Special Forces replaced Famas with HK416". 
  35. ^ a b Kemp, Ian (2009). "A New 5.56mm Generation or a Changing of the Guard?". http://asianmilitaryreview.com – Asian Military Review. Retrieved 2010-04-18. 
  36. ^ Tactical Weapons, May 2010 Issue. Guns of the Elite: Multi-Mission Warriors, page 92.
  37. ^ http://www.webcitation.org/6CWrXgHCT
  38. ^ Abas, Marhalim (2009-05-06). "Tender of HK416". Malaysian Defence. Retrieved 2010-02-01. 
  39. ^ Abas, Marhalim (2010-04-23). "DSA 2010 Part III". Malaysian Defence. Retrieved 2010-05-25. 
  40. ^ Abas, Marhalim (2010-04-23). "DSA 2010: The biggest security and defence show in Asia". Malay Mail Online. Retrieved 2010-05-25. 
  41. ^ Abas, Marhalim (2012-06-14). "2012 Supplementary Budget: Anything for Defence, MMEA and PDRM? Updated". Malaysian Defence. Retrieved 2010-05-25. 
  42. ^ KCT operator krijgt nieuw persoonlijk wapen, Dutch Defence Press, 16 July 2010 (Dutch)
  43. ^ Elite operators of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, Dutch Defence Press, 9 October 2010
  44. ^ "Special Forces – Wapens – Heckler & Koch 416" (in Dutch). Netherlands Legermuseum: Collectie Informatie Centrum. Retrieved 2010-09-11. 
  45. ^ HK416 nieuwe wapen commando’s, Dutch Ministry of Defence, 16 July 2010
  46. ^ "HK416" (in Dutch). Dutch Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 2010-09-18. 
  47. ^ Watne, Monique (2008-09-22). "Nye angrepsrifler i Afghanistan". Mil.no. Retrieved 2010-02-04. 
  48. ^ "Norway selects the HK416". Retrieved 2007-09-22. 
  49. ^ Wilk (REMOV), Remigiusz. "Nowe gromy GROM". 
  50. ^ Chloupek, Ireneusz. "Lubliniec". Special Ops (Oficyna Wydawnicza Medium). 
  51. ^ http://bip.kgp.policja.gov.pl/download.php?s=18&id=8523
  52. ^ Društvo : Najsavremeniji „hekleri” za Vojsku Srbije : POLITIKA
  53. ^ "Profesionál, 4. marca 2010". 
  54. ^ "‘아덴만 여명작전’ 참가 장병 수기". 2011-01-25. 
  55. ^ "The Turkish HK416: Mehmetçik-1". 
  56. ^ "MKEK stellt neues türkisches Infanteriegewehr "Mehmetcik-1″ vor". 
  57. ^ Poole, Eric R. (Spring 2012). "Book of the AR-15". http://hk-usa.com. Guns and Ammo. p. 27. Retrieved 11 September 2012. "In 2006 U.S. Special Operations units in Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) began fielding the HK416 as their primary carbine." 
  58. ^ Lowe, Christian (April 30, 2007). "Senator Tells Army to Reconsider M4". Military.com. Retrieved 11 September 2012. "Special operations forces, including "tier one" units such as the Army's Delta Force and the Navy's SEAL Development Group – or SEAL Team Six – have used their own funds to purchase the Heckler & Koch-built 416, which uses a gas-piston operating system less susceptible to failure than Colt's gas-operated design." 
  59. ^ Cox, Matthew (February 20, 2007). "Better than M4, but you can't have one". marinecorpstimes.com. Military Times. Retrieved 11 September 2012. "Members of the elite unit linked up with German arms maker Heckler & Koch, which replaced the M4’s gas system with one that experts say significantly reduces malfunctions while increasing parts life. After exhaustive tests with the help of Delta, the H&K 416 was ready in 2004. Members of the elite commando unit — formally known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta — have been carrying it in combat ever since. ... In addition to Delta, experts say the 416 is also in use by other specialized Army units, including the Asymmetric Warfare Group, as well as the Navy’s elite SEAL Team 6." 
  60. ^ Army takes HK416s from special unit – Army News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports – Army Times
  61. ^ HK Pro article
  62. ^ Andre M. Dall'au. "NASA ERT: Spaceport Protectors". Tactical Life. Retrieved 2010-05-23. 
  63. ^ http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikesphotos_us/5173674713/
  64. ^ http://www.lapdonline.org/lapd_equipment
  65. ^ http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/3664/hrt2010inmc.jpg
  66. ^ http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/feerls/FBIHRT2008-2009B.jpg
  67. ^ IAR What IAR: The USMC’s SAW Substitution
  68. ^ Marines swap firepower for accuracy with IAR - Marinecorpstimes.com, June 29, 2011

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