IMBEL MD2

Infobox Weapon
name= IMBEL MD-2


caption= IMBEL MD-2 rifle
origin= flagicon|Brazil Brazil
type= Assault rifle
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=Brazilian Army
wars=
designer=
design_date=1983
manufacturer=IMBEL
production_date=1985—
number=
variants= MD-1, MD-2, MD-3 and MD-4
weight= 4.40 kg (9 lb 10 oz)
length= 1,010 mm (39.8 in) (stock extended);
764 mm (30.1 in), stock folded
part_length= 453 mm (17.8 in)
crew=
cartridge=5.56x45mm NATO (STANAG 4172)
caliber=
action= Gas-operated, rotating bolt
rate= 700 rounds/min
velocity=
range= 300 m (~328 yd)
max_range=
feed= Various STANAG Magazines.
sights= Aperture rear sight, hooded post front sight

The IMBEL MD series (MD-1, MD-2, MD-3 and the recent MD-4) of assault rifles are the standard-issue rifles of the Brazilian Army.

History

These rifles are manufactured by IMBEL ("Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil") and are variants of the FN FAL. The first prototype, the MD-1, came out around 1983. In 1985, the MD-2 was presented and adopted by the Brazilian armed forces. The MD-2/MD-3 rifles were built by IMBEL based on the FN FAL, with several modifications, including a change in the locking system, which was replaced by an M16-type rotating bolt, and the different chambering, for use with the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge.

Design

The MD-2 and MD-3 use all M16/AR-15-compatible magazines, and both versions differ from each other by the buttstock — while the MD-2 features a side-folding stock, the MD-3 uses the same fixed polymer stock of the FAL.

The MD-2 is now the Brazilian army's primary assault rifle.

External links

* [http://world.guns.ru/assault/as52-e.htm IMBEL MD-2 and MD-3 at Modern Firearms]