Accuracy International AW50
| AI 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 | |
| Weight | 15 kg w/ bipod (33 lbs) |
| Length | 1,420 mm,[1] 1,170 mm (folded) [1] |
| Barrel length | 686 mm (27 inches) [1] |
| Cartridge | 12.7x99mm NATO |
| Caliber | .50 BMG [1] |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Effective 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 military).
Contents[hide]
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[edit]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.
[edit]AW50F
The AW50F is a folding stock variant which fires the multi-purpose Raufoss Mk 211 cartridge and other rounds. Most of the rifle is made in the United Kingdom; the barrel is Australian, manufactured in Toowoomba, Queensland byMaddco. 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.
[edit]Users
Australia: AW50F.[3]
Germany: Designated G24.[4][5][6]
Ireland: Used by ARW.[7]
Malta[citation needed]
Portugal: AW50 is used by GNR (Republican National Guard).[8]
