Videos tagged with NATO Trials

The FN P90 is a unique 5.7x28mm bullpup PDW known for its compact size and high capacity. Its progressive trigger allows for controlled full-auto fire, and it features innovative backup sights. Developed for NATO trials, it utilizes a distinctive magazine with a 90-degree rotation mechanism for feeding.

The HK USP 9, developed for US Special Operations Command trials, is a robust 9mm combat handgun known for its durability and reliability. It features unique polymer magazines, multiple trigger/safety configurations (DA/SA, LEM), and a corrosion-resistant nitro-carburized finish. While larger than newer HK models like the P30 and VP9, the USP remains a dependable 'tank' with a functional trigger and excellent accuracy, proven in range testing.

The 5.7x28mm cartridge, developed by FN, offers high velocity and superior armor penetration compared to 9mm, capable of piercing Level IIIA armor at 200 meters with the SS190 round. Despite its technical advantages demonstrated in NATO trials, it was not standardized due to political disagreements. The FN PS90 bullpup rifle showcases unique features like horizontal top-loading magazines and ambidextrous ejection. The market for 5.7x28mm is expanding with new platforms from Ruger, Diamondback, and CMMG, alongside traditional firearms like the H&K SP5.

The EM2 rifle was a significant contender in the 1950 NATO trials, showcasing British innovation in bullpup design and intermediate cartridges. Despite its technical merits, political and economic factors, including Churchill's preference for the FN FAL, led to its rejection in favor of NATO standardization. The EM2's integrated optic was a necessary feature to overcome the short sight radius inherent in its bullpup configuration.

This video explores a rare .280 British prototype FAL from the 1950s NATO trials, showcasing its unique features like a straight-in magazine well and removable inspection plate. It details the cartridge's development, the political pressures that led to the 7.62 NATO standard, and the FAL's eventual redesign. The prototype represents a significant 'what-if' in firearms history, a missed opportunity for an intermediate battle rifle.

The H&K G41 is a product-improved HK33 that integrated M16 features like standard NATO magazines, a dust cover, and a bolt hold-open. It was the first HK rifle to use bullet pictograms on its selector switch, which offered safe, semi, 3-round burst, and full auto. Despite these advancements, the G41 was a commercial failure due to its increased weight and complexity compared to the HK33.

The British EM-2 was a revolutionary bullpup battle rifle designed around the intermediate .280 British cartridge and an integrated optical sight. Despite its advanced features and brief adoption in 1951, political pressure from the US regarding cartridge standardization led to its un-adoption in favor of the FN FAL. Its design incorporated a G43-inspired flapper-locked action and a unique automatic bolt release.

This review delves into the rare XL60 series prototypes, the direct precursors to the British SA80 rifle, developed at RSAF Enfield. It highlights their experimental 4.85x49mm chambering and design influences from the AR-180. The video details significant engineering flaws, such as unsupported locking lugs and dirt ingress points, which plagued later production models, and contrasts early control schemes with later iterations.