Accuracy International AW50

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).

AI Arctic Warfare .50
Australian Army AW50Fs alongside semi-automatic 0.50 cal M82 Barrett rifles.
TypeAnti-material rifle
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service2000-present
Used bySee Users
Production history
ManufacturerAccuracy International
Specifications
Mass15 kg w/ bipod (33 lbs)
Length1,420 mm,[1] 1,170 mm (folded) [1]
Barrel length686 mm (27 inches) [1]
Cartridge12.7×99mm NATO
Caliber.50 BMG [1]
ActionBolt-action
Effective firing range1,500 m [2]
Feed systemBox magazine, 5 rounds
SightsMil spec Mk II in 6x, 10x and standard iron sights [1]

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

The AW50F is a folding stock variant which fires the multi-purpose Raufoss Mk 211 cartridge and other rounds. Most of the rifles are made in the United Kingdom; the barrels are sourced from three different manufacturers: Lothar Walther, Border and 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]

Weighing 15 kilograms, the AW50F rifle is approximately four times the weight of a typical assault rifle. The NM140 .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.

Users

See also

References
  1. "The AW50 model". Ketmer.com. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  2. "Accuracy International AW50 Information". Accuracyinternational.com. Archived from the original on 2010-07-24. Retrieved 2009-10-29.
  3. Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  4. Archived October 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  5. "Einheitenprofile : Deutschland : KSK". Spezialeinheiten.net. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  6. Kommando International Special Operations Magazine, K-ISOM, Ausgabe 5, Mai/Juni 2009
  7. "Snipers equipped with record-breaking rifle". Independent.ie. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  8. Dan, Alex (9 February 2016). "PASKAL Malaysian Special Forces Weapons". Military Factory (Small Arms). Archived from the original on 14 February 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  9. "SEGUREX 2011 - Operacional". Operacional.pt. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  10. "Equipment of 5th Special Operations Regiment (in Polish language)".
  11. "최강 UDT가 해적진압에 사용한 저격용 소총은 - 아시아경제". M.asiae.co.kr. 2011-01-22. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  12. Archived October 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
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