Accuracy International AW50F

Infobox Weapon
name= Arctic Warfare AW50F


caption= AW50F
origin=flagcountry|United Kingdom
type= Anti-materiel rifle
is_ranged=yes
is_bladed=
is_explosive=
is_artillery=
is_vehicle=
is_UK=
service=
used_by= Britain, Australia, South Korea
wars= INTERFET, 2001 Afghan War, Iraq War
designer= Accuracy International
design_date=
manufacturer= Accuracy International, Madco
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight= 13 kg (30 lbs)
length= 1,350 mm
part_length 690 mm
width=
height=
crew=
cartridge=12.7x99mm NATO
caliber=
action=Bolt-action
rate=
velocity=
range= 1,500 m (4,920 feet)
max_range=
feed= Box magazine, 5 rounds
sights= Mil spec Mk II in 6x, 10x and standard iron sights

The AW50F is a .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle used by the British, Australian military and South Korean Special Forces. It is a version of Accuracy International AW50 (which in turn is a variant of the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare), but with an Australian produced Madco barrel and a folding stock. It is used with, among other rounds, the multi-purpose Raufoss Mk 211 cartridge.

Overview

The AW50F 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.

Though the rifle is made in the United Kingdom, the barrels are Australian, manufactured in Toowoomba, Queensland by Madco.

Weighing in at 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 high 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.

The MIL STD 1913 sight rail can hold a variety of equipment; the normal sight for the AW50F 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.

The weapon's stock folds to improve carriage. It has a fully adjustable bipod and butt support. Four sling loops allow shoulder and hand carriage or the fitting of a back harness.

External links

* [http://home.swipnet.se/longrange/ACCURACY%20INTERNATIONAL%20.50%20AW.htm AW50F .50 Caliber Rifle]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1061/topstories/story11.htm Australian Army Newspaper]