FN SCAR and SHRIKE 5.56

[Blackblood 0]

Nothing important really. Just wanted to share how it's progressing.

First try in editor. Ignore the mountings. Just threw something on for fun. This is early versions in prototype black.

"Mom, my nose is stuck...!"

"Mom, my finger's stuck...!"

(Sorry for being ignorant and showing the weps with UK blokes and not US guys.)  

[CanadianTerror 0]

I wouldnt be offended by downloading that.

[Blackblood 0]

Well that's good to hear.  

I've put the Shrike in the freezer while concentrating on the SCAR. To be defrosted asap.

About the new stock design:

An everchanging project as you can see. My version is kinda like a mix between all three. That's the beauty of making something that lacks a permanent design...Will ofcourse change it accordingly in due time.

[Desert-Rat 0]

Wow this weapon is great , where you all get those cool textures?

really cool thing

[Blackblood 0]

That's just the problem. There are high res pics of the gun, but only of the oldest layout. I have to make textures with crappy quality pictures as reference. Fun all the way!  

Just google "FN SCAR" and you'll see what i mean.

[Desert-Rat 0]

ya i know tried to find some textures for my BAR but all i found was very little pictures or a bad quality all i found was the wood textures the rest i did with paint and some finer effects with Photo Impression and Photoshop

[PSYCHOSIM 0]

Looks very nice mate, and don't worry about the pics with British troops, besides SAS and SBS probably get to play with all the new toys that are being developed, They helped with the development of the HK MP7!

Any how, keep it up fella.

[Blackblood 0]

Small update. Trying the 7.62x39 SCAR. The mag well is just a basic 5.56 one. Will fix that.

All textures are 512x512.

*IMPORTANT AS HELL*

The Urban SEAL character is an import from CS. It's not authorized (yet) nor finished. All credit to addonmakers Laca and DOD Team.

[echo1 0]

Any idea on when it will be released.

[marine26thmeu 0]

Great looking rifles BB, do you have any idea how you're going to do the iron sights? Keep up the awesome work!

[Blackblood 0]

Ironsight? Nope, haven't started yet.

Additional paintjobs under dev.

...there's a lot of texturing left. But you get the general idea.

[PSYCHOSIM 0]

Looking sweet fella.....

Keep it up and that will be one nice rifle!

[Cpt. FrostBite 0]

Awesome

[Blackblood 0]

Thanx fellas!

Having trouble with weird lighting due to normals not acting normal atm. Sharpen this, smooth that...yawn.

Went back to tweak the Shrike upper - and that's one detailed reciever! Gonna sue ARES for making it hard for us 3d-blokes.

This is gonna take more than 5 min to throw together...

[PSYCHOSIM 0]

No matter how long it takes, from the quality of your previous releases this will be worth the wait!

[Rikki Tikki Tavi 0]

Awesome work BB, just remember not to utter the words "estimated release date" in the same sentence.  

[Blackblood 0]

Those words will never leave the tip of my fingers.

[PSYCHOSIM 0]

Are you developing the grenade launcher (as shown on the blueprint) for this?

That would make one mean weapon system!

[Blackblood 0]

Are you developing the grenade launcher (as shown on the blueprint) for this?

Oh yeah. Too cool design to disregard.

And this will be fitted on the Shrike.

(LMT M203/2003 railmounted GL)

[R0adki11 3949]

oh very nice rifle, that thing packs osme serious punch

[PSYCHOSIM 0]

Fantastic news, looking forward to that GL version!

[mechastalin 0]

Very nice weapons!

[miss_cleo 0]

you might want to consider a version of the SCAR with the rail mounted M203 as well.. Probably a more likely set-up for any SCARs entering US service...

[Blackblood 0]

you might want to consider a version of the SCAR with the rail mounted M203 as well.. Probably a more likely set-up for any SCARs entering US service...

Too lazy to come up with own words...quoting:

The EGLM (Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module) is a 40mm grenade launcher with a side-opening breech to allow loading longer munitions, and demonstrates a target ranging and ballistic solution enhanced fire control system. Comes in a stand-alone version aswell.

I'll include a railm-GL version, altho i don't see why the SOF would be more likely to fit the SCARS with a more basic setup.

There must be a reason why the EGLM is part of the three-element SCAR program/contract.

No need to stretch it tho. I'll include a "basic" GL as an option.

[akd 0]

Jane's update and (I think) new photos:

Quote[/b] ]"The US Special Operations Community has long had issues with the M4A1 Carbine (see IDR 10/2005, pp62-65).

The Joint Operational Requirements Document (JORD) for the SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) was approved in September 2003 and actual development and competition began in January 2004. After 10 months of development and competition between prospective manufacturers, a production contract was awarded to FN Herstal. The SCAR programme was unique in that it was developed with full input and participation from special operations forces of all four services. The SCAR will be manufactured in the US in FN Herstal's Columbia, South Carolina facility. In fact, most of the personnel involved in testing the SCAR prototypes were active duty special forces personnel.

There are two versions of the SCAR - the Mark 16 SCAR Light (SCAR-L) and Mk17 SCAR Heavy (SCAR-H). Both are essentially multicalibre modular carbines with 90 per cent parts interchangeability. The two SCAR variants replace five existing small-arms systems in the US Special Operations Community - the M4A1, the Close Quarters Battle Rifle (CQBR), the Mk12 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR), the M14 and Mk11 (SR-25). The SCAR was developed entirely using FN Herstal funding except for the government testing and the SCAR-H was demonstrated six months ahead of schedule, saving tax dollars and enabling the new weapons to get to the troops who need them more expeditiously.

The SCAR carbines significantly improve the overall performance of their predecessors. The SCAR stock both telescopes and folds. The telescoping feature is necessary for adapting the length of pull for different personal equipment configurations, armour, or clothing that may cause changes in the position of the carbine with respect to the distance between the user's shoulder and trigger. The folding stock is a preferred option because special forces operators must be able to conceal their carbines under clothing and fire them with the stock folded. The folding stock also enhances operations from vehicles, helicopter insertions, parachute operations and other missions. The SCAR cheekpiece is sloped and adjustable so that the user has the capability to tailor the stock to their body and aid in obtaining the proper eye relief regardless of the optical sight mounted.

Getting a grip

The SCAR pistol grip was developed using extensive anthropometrical measurements to determine the best overall design and size to suit most users. Adapters are available so that individual users can modify the pistol grip to suit their hand size - from small to large. The redesigned pistol grip offers better control and more positive engagement of the controls.

The SCAR fire controls are optimised for easy engagement. The selector switch moves from safe to semi-automatic to full automatic and return to safe in only 90o and is fully ambidextrous instead of the 180o throw of the M4A1 selector switch that is not ambidextrous in its 'as-issued' configuration. Like the selector switch, the SCAR magazine release is fully ambidextrous and protected on both sides against inadvertent release. The bolt release is also ambidextrous and optimised for all hand sizes. Not only is the charging handle ambidextrous, but also serves as a forward assist mechanism and backup bolt release. The SCAR's cyclic rate is only about 600 to 650 rounds per minute versus the M4A1's 900 rounds per minute. This not only facilitates weapon control, but enables the user to squeeze off short bursts by trigger control. There is no need for a burst-fire feature.

The SCAR tappet gas system is a departure from that of the M4A1 and resolves a problem that has plagued the AR family since its original design - fouling and particulate matter being blown directly back into the receiver. Not only does this make for a very 'dirty' gun that requires fairly intensive maintenance, but with the wrong powder excessive fouling can actually cause stoppages. This was the case when the original M16A1s were fielded. The US Army specified the wrong powder and in the crucible of Vietnam, many soldiers and Marines lost their lives when their rifles ceased to function due to excessive fouling. This problem was resolved nearly 40 years ago, but the M16 rifle and M4 carbine still get a blast of hot gases and fouling with every shot fired. Nearly as bad, the hot gases and fouling directed into the AR's receiver cause the weapons to rapidly heat up under full automatic-fire conditions. This is not much of an issue with semi-automatic only guns, but with Special Forces carbines that are frequently fired extensively on full automatic, heating is critical.

The SCAR tappet impacts against the upper operating rod portion of the bolt carrier and drives it to the rear, unlocking the bolt via a cam. Excess gases and fouling are vented into the air.

We fired several hundred rounds through the SCAR-L to see just how well the gun stood up to heavy use and the receiver did not become hot, as would have been the case if we were shooting an M4A1 or M16. In addition, the SCAR gas system is consistent regardless of barrel length, because the distance of the gas port from the receiver is the same. This makes the SCAR less susceptible to function problems with suppressors and different types of ammunition. Just as important to the user is the fact that the SCAR family is much easier to clean and maintain than the M4A1.

The SCAR's monolithic MIL-STD-1913 rail system provides an uninterrupted top surface for mounting optical sights and night-vision optics such as the recently adopted AN/PVS-22 Universal Night Sight. Of course, both SCAR versions are fully compatible with all SOPMOD components. The SCAR monolithic rail forend also free floats the barrel, a factor that enhances accuracy. Because the barrel has a quick-change feature, users can change barrels in a matter of minutes, varying the length to mission profile. Standard barrel length is 353 mm, while a 251 mm barrel is optional for CQC/entry work and a 457 mm barrel can be mounted when optimum accuracy is desired. Since the barrel can quickly be changed, the capability exists to change calibres as well. The recently developed 6.8 x 43 mm can be adopted by simply changing barrel, bolt head and magazine in only a few minutes, where converting an M4A1 to 6.8 mm involves changing the entire upper receiver, which is much more expensive, not to mention the need to maintain entire upper receivers for conversion. In addition, it is envisioned that the Mk17 will eventually be available in 7.62 x 39 mm.

Headspace is fixed and is not affected when barrels are changed. Any type of ammunition that can be fired from an M4 or M14 can also be fired from a SCAR-L or SCAR-H. For example, some users are conjecturing about the possibility of using special-purpose cartridges such as the .50 Beowulf, a devastating close-quarters combat cartridge. All that would be required would be a barrel change.

Common ground

As mentioned, both SCAR variants have 90 per cent of their components in common - never before achieved in two rifles in calibres so divergent as the 5.56 x 45 mm and 7.62 x 51 mm. The only parts that are different for each SCAR variant are those that are calibre specific, namely the polymer lower, which must accept the 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm magazine, the barrel, the bolt head and the ejection port. Magazines are, of course, different. The Mk16 uses standard M16 magazines. The aluminium upper receiver is an extrusion that is identical for both carbine variants, except the size of the ejection port. Everything else interchanges. To put this achievement in perspective, it is the equivalent of taking an AR-15 and an AR-10 and making them share every component except lower receiver, bolt head, barrel and magazine.

The SCAR makes use of the most modern manufacturing techniques, keeping its cost on a par with the M4A1, despite its dramatic improvements in just about every way. The manufacturing process required a minimum investment in tooling and personnel training, since most processes are computer controlled. The unstressed upper receiver is an aluminium extrusion. The lower is likewise unstressed, lending itself to polymer construction. All stressed components are steel.

Production Mk16 and Mk17 carbines will be finished in colour, specifically FS595B Flat Dark Earth that is a good compromise colour for deployment in most environments. There are very few straight lines and very little black in nature, so special forces personnel have been camouflaging their weapons with common spray paint for years. The dark earth colour gives them a base upon which to build camouflage to suit their specific needs.

Magazine interchange

A further significant improvement over current small-arms systems involves the redesigned steel magazine that interchanges with current magazines. Not only are the SCAR magazines steel, but have been redesigned with modified feed lips and follower. The SCAR-H magazine externally appears to be a modified FAL magazine, but is totally different and will not function in a FAL, nor will FAL magazines function in a SCAR-H. Each version of the SCAR will be shipped with 10 magazines.

Sources within the special operations community have mentioned that the SCAR's reliability is literally AK-like, which if true, means that the SCAR is a quantum leap ahead of the M4A1 in this respect as well. As such, the SCAR barrel life is stated to be 35,000 rounds and the service life of the overall system is stated to be 90,000 rounds. Of course, when and if barrels are worn out, they can be replaced in minutes by removing two bolts. Mean number of rounds between stoppages is 2,000 rounds.

As if this were not enough, FN Herstal also developed a new underbarrel grenade launcher for the SCAR programme.

The new Enhanced Grenade Launcher Modular (EGLM) mounts to a MIL-STD-1913 rail beneath the SCAR barrel and opens to the side, allowing long 40 mm grenades to be inserted, a major shortcoming of the current M203. Like everything else about the SCAR, FN Herstal's new EGLM is ambidextrous and can be pivoted either right or left to chamber a round. The barrel locks via lugs and rotates to unlock when moved forward. The user can either eject the spent round or not. A stock is available so the EGLM can be used as a stand-alone. The EGLM fire control is state of the art and features a laser rangefinder with automatic elevation built in. When the EGLM is aimed low, the sight reticle blinks red. If the round will go high, the reticle is constant red. If the EGLM is on target the reticle glows green. For hidden targets or those in defilade, the sight gives the distance to the target so it can be engaged. The EGLM sight is compatible with the latest programmable 40 mm ammunition that gives air bursts over targets.

Although we were unable to conduct in-depth accuracy testing of the Mk16 and Mk17 SCAR variants, we had the opportunity to shoot the Mk16 extensively and to examine and fire a few rounds through the Mk17 SCAR-H at FN Herstal's Virginia, US facility. We adjusted the Mk16 using the adjustable stock and cheekpiece to achieve the optimum configuration for our shooting style. Controls were "just right" and in the appropriate location for access with either hand. Both variants were controllable on full automatic. The low cyclic rate enabled us to select bursts from three to five rounds or even single shots with ease. The first Mk16 SCAR-L carbines will be in the hands of Special Forces troops in late 2005.

M16 steps down

It has been a long time since the M16 was first modified into a carbine configuration - more than 40 years. The AR carbine has been a good servant during its lifetime, but all things must come to an end and the US service career of the M4A1 seems to be about over. The M16 is also apparently approaching the end of its service life.

The fate of the M4A1 is already sealed, however. The Mk16 will replace it and all other AR-derived small arms in the US special operations community, although it will be many years before the Mk16 replaces all M4A1 carbines.

Since the only difference between the M4 and M4A1 is one of burst-fire or full automatic capability, US units using M4s may also eventually replace them with Mk16s, since it is a significant improvement over any AR-derived small arm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Mk16 SCAR-LMk17 SCAR-H

Calibre5.56 x 45 mm basic

6.8 x 43 mm possible

.50 Beowulf possible

6.5 Grendel possible7.62 x 51 mm basic

7.62 x 39 mm

.300 WSSM or .300 RSAUM possible

Operation Gas, select fire Gas, select fire

Length, std configuration 620-848 mm, 769-995 mm

Barrel length Varies Varies

Empty weight 3.5 kg 3.85 kg

Cyclic rate 600 rounds/minute 600 rounds/minute

Magazine capacity 30 rounds standard, 100 rounds optional (C-Mag)

20 rounds (7.62 x 51 mm) 30 rounds (7.62 x 39 mm)"

Hope it is useful Blackblood. Looks like a great project.