Accuracy International 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 | .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO) [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 forces).
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 Picatinny 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.
The AW50F is a folding stock variant of the AW50, which fires the multi-purpose Raufoss Mk 211 cartridge and other rounds. It has a fully adjustable bipod and buttstock heel rest. Four sling loops allow shoulder and hand carrying of the rifle. [3] Weighing 15 kilograms (33 pounds), the AW50F rifle is approximately four times the weight of a typical assault rifle. The Raufoss Mk 211 (NM140 MP) .50 calibre ammunition is also heavy. The weight of the weapon, combined with a muzzle brake on the front end and a hydraulic buffer system in the butt, gives the AW50F a relatively low recoil and enhances accuracy. Most of the rifles are made in the United Kingdom. The barrels are sourced from three different manufacturers: Lothar Walther, Border and Maddco.
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