P90: FN's Bullpup PDW

Published on July 2, 2021
Duration: 16:21

The FN P90 is a unique bullpup PDW developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s, specifically designed to defeat body armor with its 5.7x28mm cartridge. Its innovative top-mounted, 50-round magazine and ambidextrous controls contribute to its futuristic design and operational efficiency. Despite its advanced features and effectiveness, it did not achieve official NATO adoption.

Quick Summary

The FN P90 is a bullpup Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s. It was designed to defeat advanced body armor using its unique 5.7x28mm cartridge and features a distinctive top-mounted 50-round magazine with a rotary feed system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Development of the P90
  2. 01:13P90 Design Purpose: Countering Body Armor
  3. 03:06FN P90's Unique Magazine System
  4. 04:075.7x28mm Cartridge Technicals
  5. 05:44P90 Rotary Feed Mechanism Explained
  6. 07:23P90 Ergonomics and Ambidextrous Controls
  7. 08:29P90 Optics and Sights
  8. 09:48P90 Disassembly and Internal Mechanics
  9. 11:55FN P90 Fire Control Group
  10. 13:41P90 NATO Trials and Adoption History

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary design purpose of the FN P90?

The FN P90 was designed in the late 1980s by FN Herstal primarily to counter Russian paratroopers equipped with advanced body armor. Standard 9mm rounds were ineffective, so FN developed the P90 with a new armor-piercing cartridge.

How does the FN P90's magazine system work?

The P90 features a unique 50-round translucent polymer magazine mounted horizontally on top of the weapon. It uses a rotary feed mechanism that turns the rounds 90 degrees before they are fed into the chamber.

What are the key features of the 5.7x28mm cartridge used in the P90?

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a small-diameter, high-velocity round with a hardened core designed for armor penetration. It has a straight-walled case with a thin polymer coating to aid feeding and extraction.

Is the FN P90 ambidextrous?

Yes, the FN P90 is designed with highly integrated ergonomics and fully ambidextrous controls. This includes dual non-reciprocating charging handles and a downward ejection port for spent casings.

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