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FN FNC



Overview


FN FNC

Left side view of full size FNC assault rifle with stock in extended position.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Belgium
Type
Assault rifle
Entered service
1979
Status
In service
Development
1975 - 1977
Developer
Belgium - Fabrique Nationale
Production
1979 - 1999 | FN production
Producer
Belgium - Fabrique Nationale
Designations
FNC M2 (FNC in Belgian service)
FNC M3 (FNC Para in Belgian service)
Notable users
Belgium
Sweden
Indonesia

Description


Introduction

The FNC is an assault rifle of Belgian origin. It was developed by Fabrique Nationale in the late 1970's. The FNC was developed as a private venture in order follow the trend in the market that switched from the powerful and heavy battle rifles to intermediate power assault rifles. The earlier CAL 5.56x45mm assault rifle that was derived from the famous FAL battle rifle was unsuccessful. FNC stands for 'Fabrique Nationale Carabine', which is French for 'Fabrique Nationale carbine'.

Design

The FNC was designed with reliability as most important feature. The FNC is gas operated and uses a long stroke gas piston and a rotating bolt. The three position gas valve has a setting for normal use, for adverse conditions and for launching rifle grenades. Except for the handguard and pistol grip the FNC is fully made out of metal. A foldable metal tubular stock is standard but fixed stock models with a plastic stock have also been produced.

Firepower

The FNC fires the 5.56x45mm round from 30 round STANAG magazines. The majority of users fire the NATO round, although versions for the M193 round have been available. The FNC is a select fire rifle with a 3 round burst option and a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rpm. The effective range is about 400 meters. The FNC has the ability to launch rifle grenades. The Swedish model may be fitted with a M203 grenade launcher.

Users

The FNC was primarily developed for export, but several years after its introduction it also became the Belgian standard issue rifle. The main users are Indonesia and Sweden, who also produced the FNC under license. Various other nations adopted the FNC, mostly non-Western nations with harsh climate conditions. The FNC has been replaced on the production line by the F2000, but remains in widespread use.

Variants


FNC

The full size version of the FNC is the original version all others were derived from. The vast majority of the FNC are of the Model 2000 type and fire the NATO round, while the Model 0000 fires the M193 round. The FNC is capable of launching rifle grenades and mounting a bayonet.

FNC Para

The carbine version of the FNC is similar to the full size rifle, except for the length of the barrel. For law enforcement use a different carbine is produced. This carbine has an intermediary barrel length and is semi-automatic only. The Model 7030 uses NATO ammunition and the Model 6040 uses M193 ammunition.

Details


Facts FNC FNC (fixed stock) FNC Para FNC Law Enforcement
General
Origin
Belgium
Type
Assault rifle
Caliber
Caliber
5.56x45mm NATO or M193
Feed system
30 round detachable box
Barrel length
449 mm
Rifling
178 mm right hand twist for Model 2000
305 mm right hand twist for Model 0000
Muzzle velocity
925 m/s for NATO
965 m/s for M193
Operation
Action
Gas operated, long stroke gas piston
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1 - 3 - F
Rate of fire
650 - 750 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Side folding
Length
997 mm stock extended
766 mm stock folded
Width
70 mm
Height
238 mm
Weight
4.01 kg
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, post front and flip aperture rear
Range adjustment
250 and 400 m
Sight radius
513 mm
Accessories
Bayonet
Optional
Grenade launching
Can fire NATO standard rifle grenades

Media


Related articles


FN CAL

The FN CAL is the predecessor of the FNC. Both rifles look similar at a glance. The CAL was a somewhat unsuccessful further development of the FAL chambered in 5.56x45mm M193.