Jump to content

Steyr AUG

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Asams10 (talk | contribs) at 23:19, 10 August 2008 (removing tempting items that do not apply to this type of firearm.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

AUG
Steyr AUG A1 with 508 mm (20.0 in) barrel
TypeAssault rifle
Place of origin Austria
Service history
In service1978–present
Used bySee Users
WarsEast Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq
Production history
DesignerSteyr Mannlicher
Designed1977
ManufacturerSteyr Mannlicher
Produced1978–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass3.6 kg (7.9 lb) (standard rifle)
3.3 kg (7.3 lb) (carbine)
3.2 kg (7.1 lb) (subcarbine)
3.9 kg (8.6 lb) (LMG)
3.3 kg (7.3 lb) (SMG)
Length790 mm (31.1 in) (standard rifle)
690 mm (27.2 in) (carbine)
630 mm (24.8 in) (subcarbine)
900 mm (35.4 in) (LMG)
665 mm (26.2 in) (SMG)
Barrel length508 mm (20.0 in) (standard rifle)
407 mm (16.0 in) (carbine)
350 mm (13.8 in) (subcarbine)
621 mm (24.4 in) (LMG)
420 mm (16.5 in) (SMG)
Height275 mm (10.8 in)
266 mm (10.5 in) (SMG)
Cartridge5.56x45mm NATO
9x19mm Parabellum (SMG)
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire680–850 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity940 m/s (3,084 ft/s) (standard rifle)
Effective firing rangeSighted for 300 m
Feed system30 or 42-round box magazine
SightsSwarovski 1.5x telescopic sight, back-up iron sights

The AUG is an Austrian 5.56 mm assault rifle, designed in the early 1970s by Steyr Mannlicher GmbH & Co KG (formerly Steyr-Daimler-Puch). The AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr - "universal army rifle") was adopted by the Austrian Army as the StG 77 (Sturmgewehr 77) in 1977,[1] where it replaced the aging 7.62 mm StG 58 automatic rifle (a license-built FN FAL).[2] In production since 1978, it is the standard small arm of the Austrian Bundesheer and various police units. It has also been adopted by the armed forces of Argentina, Australia (accepted into service in 1985 and manufactured by Australian Defence Industries in Lithgow, this Austeyr model is also in use by New Zealand), Bolivia, Ecuador (1988), Ireland, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia (introduced in 1978), Pakistan and since 1988, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Design details

Austrian soldiers deployed with the Steyr AUG.
An Austrian soldier equipped with the standard-length Steyr AUG.

The AUG was designed as a family of rifles that could be quickly adapted to a wide variety of roles with the change of the barrel to a desired length and profile, among which are: a compact 350 mm (13.8 in) barrel, 407 mm (16.0 in) carbine barrel, 508 mm (20.0 in) standard rifle-length barrel, and 621 mm (24.4 in) light machine gun barrel.[3] The AUG is a modular, bullpup configuration rifle that employs a high level of synthetic and advanced alloy components.

The primary variant of the rifle designated the AUG A1, consists of six main assemblies: the barrel, receiver with integrated telescopic sight, bolt and bolt carrier, trigger mechanism, stock and magazine.[3] The AUG is a selective fire rifle with a gas piston operated action that fires from a closed bolt.[3] The rotating bolt features 7 radial locking lugs and is unlocked by means of a pin on the bolt body and a recessed camming guide machined into the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier itself is guided by two rods inside the receiver with two recoil springs directly behind it, around the two spring guides. The bolt contains a claw extractor that forms the eighth locking lug and a spring-loaded "bump"-type casing ejector. The AUG has a short-stroke piston system where the right guide rod serves as the action rod, transmitting the rearward motion of the gas-driven piston to the bolt carrier. The left-hand rod provides retracting handle pressure when connected by the forward assist and can also be used to remove fouling in the gas cylinder by utilizing the left-hand guide rod as a reamer. The firearm uses a 3-position gas valve (the first setting, marked with a small dot, is used for normal operation, the second setting illustrated with a large dot - fouled conditions while the third, "GR"-marked, closed position is used to launch rifle grenades of the non-bullet trap type), a two-stage trigger (pulling the trigger halfway produces semi-automatic fire, pulling the trigger all the way to the rear produces fully automatic fire) and a safety mechanism (cross-bolt, button type), located above the grip.[3] In its “safe” position (white dot) the trigger is mechanically disabled, pressing the safety button to the left exposes a red dot and indicates the weapon is ready to fire. Some versions have an ALO or "automatic lockout", a small projection at the base of the trigger. In the exposed position the ALO stops the trigger being squeezed past the single shot position. If needed, the ALO can be pushed up to permit automatic fire.[4]

The rifle is fed from translucent, double-column box magazines (molded from a high-strength polymer) with a 30-round capacity and an empty weight of 130 g (4.6 oz). The light machine gun version of the AUG uses an extended 42-round magazine.

The quick-change barrels used in the AUG series are cold hammer forged by GFM-GmbH of Steyr Austria for increased precision and durability, their bores and certain components of the gas system are chrome-plated. The barrels all have 6 right-hand grooves and a rifling twist rate of 228 mm (1:9 in). The barrels lock into a steel insert inside the receiver via eight lugs around the chamber end and are equipped with folding, vertical grips that help to pivot the barrels and withdraw them during barrel changes. The most compact of the barrels has a fixed vertical grip. Three-pronged, open flash hiders were used on the 350 mm (13.8 in), 407 mm (16.0 in) and 508 mm (20.0 in) length barrels, whereas the 621 mm (24.4 in) light machine gun barrel received a closed-type ported muzzle device (combination flash suppressor and compensator) and an integral, lightweight folding bipod. Rifles outfitted with 407 mm (16.0 in) and 508 mm (20.0 in) barrels are able to launch rifle grenades. 508 mm (20.0 in) pattern barrels produced for military purposes are also equipped with a bayonet lug. The manufacturer offers two other 508 mm (20.0 in) barrel configurations: the first – fitted with a fixed, post foresight (used on the standard rifle version with aperture iron sights) and the second type – equipped with a 40 mm M203 grenade launcher that can be used mounted on the standard length rifle or autonomously – as a stand-alone grenade launcher after attaching a shoulder pad to the end of the 5.56 mm barrel.

The receiver housing is a steel-reinforced aluminum extrusion finished with a baked enamel coating.[3] The non-reciprocating plastic cocking handle is located at the left side and is connected with the bolt carrier's left guide rod. The cocking handle has a forward assist feature - alternatively called a "silent cocking device" - used for pushing the bolt shut without recocking the rifle.[3][5] A bolt hold-open device locks the bolt carrier assembly back when changing magazines.[5] The AUG lacks a bolt release button, and the cocking handle must be retracted to release the bolt group after a new magazine has been inserted. Integrated with the receiver is a fixed carry handle that contains a 1.5x telescopic sight made by Swarovski Optik.[3] It contains a simple ring reticle with a basic range finder that is designed so that at 300 m (984.3 ft) a 177 cm (5 ft 9.7 in) tall man-size target will completely fill it giving the shooter a relatively accurate method of estimating range. The sight cannot be set to a specific range but can be adjusted for windage and elevation for an initial zero and is usually calibrated for 300 m. The rifle also has a back-up iron sight with a rear notch and front blade, cast into the top of the aluminum optical sight housing, used in case of failure or damage to the primary optical sight. The sight is also equipped with a set of three illuminated dots (one at the front blade and two at the rear) for use in low-level lighting conditions. In order to mount a wide range of optics and accessories, a receiver with a NATO-standard Picatinny rail and detachable carry handle was also developed.

An Australian infantryman on exercise with the F88 Austeyr variant equipped with an M203 grenade launcher.

The rifle’s stock, made from fiberglass-reinforced polyamide 66, has a pistol grip with an enlarged trigger guard that allows the rifle to be fired with winter gloves.[3]

The AUG uses the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and will stabilize both SS109/M855 and M193 bullets.

The rifle is fully ambidextrous (after swapping out the bolt and replacing ejection port covers).[3]

A single fire version of the rifle known as the AUG P is available to the civilian and law enforcement markets. It features a shorter, 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel and a modified bolt, carrier and trigger assembly that will only allow semi-automatic fire.

The light machine gun variant can be modified to fire from an open bolt (called the AUG LMG in this configuration). To accomplish this, a modified bolt carrier, striker and trigger mechanism with sear are used.

The rifle comes standard with four magazines, a muzzle cap, spare bolt for left-handed shooters, blank-firing adaptor, cleaning kit, sling and either an American M7 or Austrian KCB bayonet.

Based on the AUG, Steyr developed the 9 mm AUG submachine gun that fires the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge. It is an automatic, blowback-operated model that fires from a closed bolt. Unlike the rifle variants, this SMG has a unique 420 mm (16.5 in)* barrel with 6 right-hand grooves at a 250 mm (1:9.8 in) rifling twist rate, ended with a recoil compensator, a slightly different charging handle and a magazine well conversion insert enabling the use of standard 25-round box magazines from the Steyr MPi 81 and TMP submachine guns. A conversion kit used to transform any rifle variant into the submachine gun is also available. It consists of a barrel, bolt, adapter insert and magazine.

Variants

Steyr AUG A1 (407 mm (16.0 in) barrel).
Steyr AUG A2 (407 mm (16.0 in) barrel). MIL-STD-1913 rail attached
Steyr AUG A3.
Steyr AUG 9 mm.
  • Steyr AUG A1: Standard version introduced in 1977. Available with a choice of green or black furniture.
  • Steyr AUG A2: Similar to the A1, but features a redesigned charging handle and a detachable telescopic sight which can be replaced with a MIL-STD-1913 rail.
  • Steyr AUG A2 Commando: Similar to the A2, variant for the Austrian Special Forces introduced in late 2007.[6] Features telescopic sight and side mounted MIL-STD-1913 rails.
  • Steyr AUG A3: Upper rail and integrated MIL-STD-1913 railed foregrip. It can be ordered with features such as a STANAG magazine stock group and an external bolt release.
  • Steyr AUG P: Semi-automatic AUG A1 with a shorter, 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel.
  • Steyr AUG P Special Receiver: Railed version of the AUG P.
  • Steyr AUG 9 mm (AUG SMG/AUG Para): Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum differs from A1 model in barrel, bolt, magazine and a magazine well adapter[7] which allows the rifle to feed from Steyr MPi 69 magazines. This version operates as a blowback firearm, without use of the rifle's gas system. For some time a kit of the above components was available to convert any AUG into a 9 mm SMG.
  • Steyr AUG M203: An AUG modified for use with the M203 grenade launcher.
  • Steyr AUG LSW (Light Support Weapon): A family of light support versions of the AUG.
  • Steyr AUG HBAR (Heavy-Barreled Automatic Rifle): A longer, heavier-barreled version for use as a light machine gun.
  • Steyr AUG LMG (Light machine gun): Based on the AUG HBAR, fires from an open bolt, has 4x rather than 1.5x optic of the base AUG.
  • Steyr AUG LMG–T: Same as LMG, but has rail similar to the AUG P Special Receiver.
  • Steyr AUG HBAR–T: A designated marksman rifle based on the HBAR with a universal scope mount cast into the receiver and fitted with a Kahles ZF69 6x42 optical sight.
  • Steyr AUG Z: Semi-automatic version, somewhat similar to the A2, intended primarily for civilian use.
  • Steyr AUG SA: Semi-automatic version of the A1 variant; built for civilian use and import to the US before being banned from importation in 1989.
  • Steyr USR: A Steyr AUG A2 modified to meet BATF regulations.

American

  • MSAR STG-556: Introduced at the 2007 SHOT Show, the MSAR STG-556 is manufactured by Microtech Small Arms Research Inc. (a subsidiary of Microtech Knives) and is an AUG A1 clone significantly re-engineered in its working system and principle as it features a forward assist and a bolt hold-open device as seen on the M16 rifle; otherwise the MSAR STG-556 retains the original AUG features, such as feeding from proprietary translucent plastic magazines and having the quick-change barrel option. The rifle can be converted from either having a telescopic sight or a MIL-STD-1913 rail. It is available in either civilian, semi-automatic only and military/LE, select-fire variants. [8][5]
  • TPD USA AXR: Revealed at the 2007 SHOT Show, manufactured by Tactical Products Design Inc. as an AUG A2 clone capable of semi-automatic only fire, aimed for both the civilian and law enforcement markets, and fed by STANAG magazines; the manufacturer sells clear plastic magazines which are STANAG 4179 compliant and will readily fit in any rifle with a compatible magazine catch. [9]

Australian

An Australian army soldier from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment conducts a foot patrol with the F88 Austeyr.
  • F88 Austeyr: The Australian Army's modified version of the Steyr AUG A1, featuring a bayonet lug. The components are built under license at the Australian Defence Industries factory in Lithgow, New South Wales (now known as Thales Australia).[10]
  • F88C Austeyr: A carbine version of the Austeyr F88 featuring a shorter, 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel. The F88C is generally used as a personal defensive weapon where maneuverability is an issue, such as in armoured vehicles.
  • F88S Austeyr: A version of the Australian Austeyr F88 with an integrated Picatinny rail in place of the standard optic that allows the attachment of various sights (night vision devices, magnified and non-magnified optics such as the ELCAN C79, Trijicon ACOG or Aimpoint).
  • F88S-A1C: The Austeyr F88S-A1C is a compact variant of the F88 fitted with a Picatinny rail. The rifle has a 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel. Typically issued to front-line combat infantry units with room and weight constraints such as cavalry, reconnaissance, light horse, paratroopers and airfield defence guards (RAAF).
An Australian soldier briefs a U.S. Navy Admiral on the F88 Austeyr.
  • F88 GLA: Australian Army version with an M203 grenade launcher. It features an Inter-bar (armourer attached) interface, an RM Equipment M203PI grenade launcher, and a Knight's Armament quadrant sight assembly to which a Firepoint red dot sight is attached. The bayonet lugs and forward vertical foregrip are removed.
  • F88T: ADI has developed a .22-caliber training rifle for use by the Australian Army. The rifle provides an economical training alternative, with very low ammunition cost, which can be used in environmentally sensitive training areas and ranges where "overshooting" is an issue, and there is less likely of a chance to injure instructors and other persons[10]. Also used by the Australian Defence Force Cadets.
  • Austeyr F88A4: ADI’s proposed F88A4 will incorporate multiple Picatinny rails for the fitting of legacy systems such as the M203P1 40 mm grenade launcher as well as both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and military off-the-shelf (MOTS) sighting and battle enhancement accessories. Also it must be noted that the A4 has only been bought in limited numbers (reportedly only 10 units) for evaluation purposes.
  • DSTO Advanced Individual Combat Weapon: Experimental weapon combining the barrel, action and magazine of a Austeyr F88 with an enlarged receiver and stock/body that also incorporates a multiple-shot 40 mm grenade launcher.

Users

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b Österreichs Bundesheer - Waffen und Gerät - Sturmgewehr 77
  2. ^ Ezell (1993) p. 223
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Ezell(1993) p. 224
  4. ^ Manual of the Steyr rifle, Irish Defence Forces
  5. ^ a b c Choat, Chris (March 2008), "Microtech's STG-556 An Exclusive First Look", The Small Arms Review, 11 (6): 43–50{{citation}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  6. ^ Steyr AUG A2 Commando
  7. ^ AUG 9mm.
  8. ^ "MSAR - Microtech Small Arms Research Inc" (html). Microtech Small Arms Research. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
  9. ^ TPD-USA - Tactical Products Design Inc. Retrieved on October 12, 2007.
  10. ^ a b Steyr.
  11. ^ http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f34/rhcp04/sold-2.jpg
  12. ^ http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f34/rhcp04/solds-5.jpg
  13. ^ http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f34/rhcp04/sold-1.jpg
  14. ^ Steyr
  15. ^ Defence Forces - Army Steyr Assault Rifle
  16. ^ Steyr AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr - Universal Army Gun).
  17. ^ Lëtzebuerger Arméi - Matériel - Armement
  18. ^ Malaysia inks major rifles deal. Retrieved on November 1, 2007.
  19. ^ The 5.56 X 45mm: 1986-1994. Retrieved on June 21, 2008.
  20. ^ The 5.56 X 45mm: 2004. Retrieved on June 21, 2008.
  21. ^ NZ Army - Personal Weapons
  22. ^ Mutineers Used Hi-Tech Guns Given By US.

References

Ezell, Edward (March 1, 1983), Small Arms of the World, New York: Stackpole Books, p. 894, ISBN 9780880296014 {{citation}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |year= / |date= mismatch (help)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steyr AUG.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steyr_AUG&oldid=231115263"