Accuracy International AW50
Anti-materiel rifle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 sniper rifle (the standard issue sniper rifle in the British forces).
| Accuracy International Arctic Warfare .50 | |
|---|---|
Royal Marine sniper with the AW50 | |
| 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] |
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 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.
AW50F
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.
Users
Australia: AW50F.[3]
Germany: Designated G24.[4][5][6]
Indonesia: Used by Indonesian Air Force Bravo Detachment 90.[7]
Ireland: Used by ARW marksmen.[8]
Malaysia: Used by Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL.
Portugal: AW50 is used by GNR (Republican National Guard).[9]
Slovakia: AW50F Used by 5th Special Operations Regiment.[10]
South Korea: Used by UDT/SEAL.[11]
Thailand: Used by Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Navy SEALS.[12]
United Kingdom L121A1 Used in limited quantities by EOD units, UKSF[3] and Royal Marine Maritime Sniper Teams[13]
