PAPOP
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| Poly-Arme Polyprojectile | |
|---|---|
 PAPOP-1 (top) and 2 (bottom) | |
| Type | Bullpup assault rifle with Grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | Prototype |
| Production history | |
| Designer | GIAT |
| Designed | July 1995[1] |
| Manufacturer | GIAT |
| Unit cost | 3000 Euros[2] |
| Produced | Cancelled |
| Variants | PAPOP 1 PAPOP 2 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.5 kg unloaded[2] 7 kg with ammunition |
| Length | 830 mm (33 in) |
| Width | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Height | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO 35mm grenade |
| Cartridge weight | 12.31 g (190.0 gr) 200 g (3,100 gr)[3] |
| Caliber | 5.56 mm (0.219 in) 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Barrels | 2 |
| Action | Selective fire (rifle) Semi-automatic (grenade launcher) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,500 m/s (4,900 ft/s) (rifle) 1,650 m/s (5,400 ft/s) (grenade launcher) |
| Effective firing range | 600 meters |
| Feed system | 25-round detachable box magazine (both versions) 3-round tubular magazine (PAPOP 1 grenade launcher)[3] 2-round tubular magazine (PAPOP 2 grenade launcher)[4] |
| Sights | Gun camera[4] |
| Filling | High-Explosive Fragmentation |
| Filling weight | 43 g (1.5 oz)[3] |
Detonation mechanism | Time fuze, Contact fuze |
The PAPOP (PolyArme POlyProjectiles, "multi-projectile multi-weapon") was a French project to construct a computerized infantry weapon for the FÉLIN system, capable of hitting hidden or protected targets. It would have combined a 35 mm grenade launcher with a 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle, both in a bullpup configuration, complete with targeting aids and an unorthodox sight.
Development of the PAPOP began in July 1995. The project aimed to provide a replacement for the FAMAS then in service with the French Army by the year 2010.[1] It was envisioned as a versatile weapon capable of engaging enemy infantry, even protected, with a range of up to 600 metres.[4]
An industrial partnership was set up to answer the request, GIAT being the main contractor. The subsystems were designed by FN Herstal (for the assault rifle), Sfim ODS (targeting system), Euroimpact and Lacroix (grenades).[3]
Phase 1
A first prototype was proposed with 3 grenades in an internal tubular magazine. The prototype was deemed too heavy (8 kg) and bulky to be acceptable, which led to the design of a second prototype.[4]
Phase 2
The second prototype aimed at correcting the issues of the first one, reducing the weight to 6 kg and making the whole system more compact. A particular emphasis was put on usability in urban warfare.
The PAPOP-2 carries 25 5.56 mm cartridges and only two grenades, though a platoon-level configuration allows carrying 5 grenades, at the expense of the weight which then rises to 10 kg.[4]
PAPOP 1
PAPOP 2. The silhouette of the first prototype is shown for comparison
