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The MK 556 is a gas operated, select fire assault rifle that fires from a [[closed bolt|closed]] [[rotating bolt|rotary bolt]].
The MK 556 is a gas operated, select fire assault rifle that fires from a [[closed bolt|closed]] [[rotating bolt|rotary bolt]].


The MK 556 is based on the [[AR-15 style rifle|AR-15 platform ergonomic architecture]], but uses a [[Gas-operated reloading#Short-stroke piston|short-stroke gas piston operating system]] (unlike the [[Colt_AR-15#Operating_mechanism|AR-15's piston-operated gas impingement system]]) with a user-adjustable gas system.<ref name="S&T"/> With the help of the regulator, the gas system can be adjusted to function reliably with various propellant, projectile, fouling, operating environment and configuration specific pressure behavior. The barrel has a {{convert|178|mm|abbr=on|1}} [[twist rate]] and features a standard A2-style [[flash suppressor]] at its muzzle end.<ref name="haenel"/> The MK 556 shares many design aspects with the [[Haenel CG 223]] semi-automatic rifle, which is marketed for civilian and police use. and used by the [[Saxony]] [[Landespolizei]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The German Military Replacing the H&K G36 With a Haenel Carbine |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/german-military-replacing-hk-g36-haenel-carbine-169089 |date=17 September 2020 |accessdate=18 September 2020 |agency=nationalinterest.org}}</ref>
The MK 556 is based on the [[AR-15 style rifle|AR-15 platform ergonomic architecture]], but uses a [[Gas-operated reloading#Short-stroke piston|short-stroke gas piston operating system]] (unlike the [[Colt_AR-15#Operating_mechanism|AR-15's piston-operated gas impingement system]]) with a user-adjustable gas system.<ref name="S&T"/> With the help of the regulator, the gas system can be adjusted to function reliably with various propellant, projectile, fouling, operating environment and configuration specific pressure behavior. The barrel has a {{convert|178|mm|abbr=on|1}} [[twist rate]] and features a standard A2-style [[flash suppressor]] at its muzzle end.<ref name="haenel"/> The MK 556 shares many design aspects with the [[CAR 816]] assault rifle, manufactured under licence by C. G. Haenel on behalf of its parent company, [[Caracal International]] and the [[Haenel CG 223]] semi-automatic rifle, which is marketed for civilian and police use. and used by the [[Saxony]] [[Landespolizei]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The German Military Replacing the H&K G36 With a Haenel Carbine |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/german-military-replacing-hk-g36-haenel-carbine-169089 |date=17 September 2020 |accessdate=18 September 2020 |agency=nationalinterest.org}}</ref><ref name="mdr.de">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-04-244|title=Suhler Waffenhersteller C.G. Haenel liefert Gewehre an Polizei in Sachsen|url=https://www.mdr.de/thueringen/sued-thueringen/suhl/waffenhersteller-haenel-gewehre-polizei-sachsen-100.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|date=2019-11-07||access-date=2020-09-22|website=mdr.de|language=de}}</ref>

<ref name="mdr.de">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-04-244|title=Suhler Waffenhersteller C.G. Haenel liefert Gewehre an Polizei in Sachsen|url=https://www.mdr.de/thueringen/sued-thueringen/suhl/waffenhersteller-haenel-gewehre-polizei-sachsen-100.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|date=2019-11-07||access-date=2020-09-22|website=mdr.de|language=de}}</ref>


=== Stock ===
=== Stock ===

Revision as of 08:09, 23 September 2020

Haenel MK 556
The Haenel CR223 semi-auto version of the MK 556 rifle
TypRifle
Carbine
Light machine gun
Squad automatic weapon
Place of originDeutschland
Production history
DesignerC. G. Haenel
ManufacturerC. G. Haenel
Specifications
Mass3.6 kg (7.94 lb) 408 mm barrel
3.5 kg (7.7 lb) 368 mm barrel
3.4 kg (7.5 lb) 318 mm barrel
3.35 kg (7.4 lb) 266 mm barrel
Length923–838 mm (36.34–32.99 in) 408 mm barrel
838–798 mm (33.0–31.4 in) 368 mm barrel
812–748 mm (32.0–29.4 in) 318 mm barrel
781–696 mm (30.7–27.4 in) 266 mm barrel
Barrel length408 mm (16.1 in)
368 mm (14.5 in)
318 mm (12.5 in)
266 mm (10.5 in)

Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
ActionShort-stroke piston, rotating bolt
Feed systemdetachable STANAG magazine, 100-round detachable Beta C-Mag
References[1]

The Haenel MK 556 (German: Maschinenkarabiner)[2] is a gas-operated selective-fire 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle designed by C. G. Haenel in Germany. It is a fully automatic version of an earlier Haenel design, the CR223, which was already in limited use by law enforcement agencies.[3] On 14 September 2020, a Haenel MK 556 variant was selected by the Bundeswehr as a replacement for the G36 assault rifle.[4][2]

History

On 21 April 2017, the German Ministry of Defence began its program by putting out a tender to look for a service rifle to replace the Heckler & Koch G36, which has been standard issue in the Bundeswehr since the 1990s.[5] The main issue cited with the G36 was that it became inaccurate when it overheated, either because of continuous fire, or the climate it was in.[6]

Several companies participated, including SIG Sauer with the SIG MCX and Rheinmetall/Steyr with the RS556, but both dropped out early.[7] According to Die Zeit, SIG complained that the tests were not impartial, and were given insufficient testing ammunition in response.[8] The only companies who remained were Heckler & Koch with two separate rifles, the HK416 and the HK433, and C. G. Haenel with the (second generation) MK 556.[2] Heckler & Koch had criticized the Ministry of Defence in 2019 for the strict requirements, advocating for a larger caliber and complaining about a lack of expertise and neutrality in the proceedings.[9]

In September 2020, the MK 556 won the "Assault Rifle System" tender for the future service rifle of the Bundeswehr.[10] The program by putting out a tender to replace the G36, System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr (system assault rifle Federal Defence Forces), calls for up to 120,000 new rifles including accessories with a estimated total worth of € 245 million without VAT. In order for the rifle to see production, a parliamentary consensus is required. The first set of rifles are scheduled to be sent in the final week of October 2020, and the weapon's laser sights, optics, and other attachments in mid-December.[11] Some of the requirements were a rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO or 7.62×51mm NATO, with ambidextrous controls, a maximum weight of 3.6 kg (7.94 lb) without a magazine and aiming optics, box magazines with an empty maximum weight of 160 grams (5.6 oz) and a receiver service life of at least 30,000 rounds (barrel 15,000 rounds) as well as interchangeable long- and short-barrel variants. Accessories required included bayonet, sound suppressor, drum magazine, bipod, forward grip, special bolt for training cartridges, cartridge case catching bag, cleaning kit, carry sling and transport bag.[12] The rifle should be capable to function in areas with climate categories A1-3, B1-3, C0-3 and M1-3 according to STANAG 4370 Environmental Testing Procedures without restriction of functionality (with the exception of electrical components).[13][14]

The decision for the MK 556 was announced on 15 September 2020, but competitors can contest it within two weeks.[15][16] On the same day the decision was announced, the Ministry of Defence released an official statement:

"Berlin, 15 September 2020

The “assault rifle” (System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr) award procedure has made another major step forward. From the now completed evaluation of the offers by the registration office of the procurement office in Koblenz, C.G. Haenel GmbH, limited liability company, emerged as the winner of the tender.

On May 14, 2020, the bidders remaining in the System Assault Rifle Basic Weapon award procedure were asked to submit a Best And Final Offer (BAFO). The deadline for submitting bids ended on June 15, 2020. The bids received from the bidders have meanwhile been evaluated by the contracting authority.

From this evaluation, the C.G. Haenel GmbH, a limited liability company, emerged as the winner of the tender. The result of the evaluation is not yet legally effective. Legal recourse is always open to unsuccessful bidders.

The decision of the registry is also subject to parliamentary approval in the context of the € 25 million bill. The documents required for this are currently being prepared, with the aim of a parliamentary referral at the end of 2020."[17]

Design and features

short-stroke gas piston

The MK 556 is a gas operated, select fire assault rifle that fires from a closed rotary bolt.

The MK 556 is based on the AR-15 platform ergonomic architecture, but uses a short-stroke gas piston operating system (unlike the AR-15's piston-operated gas impingement system) with a user-adjustable gas system.[2] With the help of the regulator, the gas system can be adjusted to function reliably with various propellant, projectile, fouling, operating environment and configuration specific pressure behavior. The barrel has a 178 mm (7.0 in) twist rate and features a standard A2-style flash suppressor at its muzzle end.[1] The MK 556 shares many design aspects with the CAR 816 assault rifle, manufactured under licence by C. G. Haenel on behalf of its parent company, Caracal International and the Haenel CG 223 semi-automatic rifle, which is marketed for civilian and police use. and used by the Saxony Landespolizei.[18][19]

Aktie

The MK 556 handguard features four STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rails that are backwards-compatible with the STANAG 2324/MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.[1] These allow for direct accessory attachment onto the rail mounting points, and can be removed without the usage of tools.

The shoulder stock is a telescoping 6 position type stock which is adjustable for length of pull.[1]

Trigger

The trigger is a direct trigger and trigger pull is set at 32 N (7.2 lbf).[1]

Fire selector

The selector settings are marked with letters: "S"—safe ("Sicher"), "E"—semi-automatic fire ("Einzelfeuer") and "F"—continuous fire ("Feuerstoß"). The thrre position fire selector can be ordered in 0°/60°/120° or 0°/90°/180° rotation between the settings variants.[1]

Sights

The MK 556's basic version features rail mounted flip up rear and front iron sights. The integrated rail on the upper receiver and its continuation on the hand guard at the 12 o'clock position allows for the adaptation of various aiming optics.[1]

Feeding

The MK 556 is fed with STANAG magazines with a standard capacity of 30 rounds. Other STANAG compatible box and drum magazines can be used.[1]

Users

Land Organization name Model Quantity Date Reference
 Deutschland The MK 556 was selected by the Bundeswehr on the 14th of September 2020 to replace the G36 as its service rifle MK 556 120,000 ordered, 0 delivered ,0 in use 2020 [2]
 Polen Polish Police ordered the MK 556 as a replacement for the Heckler & Koch HK416 MK 556 546 ordered (279 mm (11.0 in) barrels) 2019 [20][21]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Haenel Defence MK 556". C.G. Haenel GmbH. Retrieved 2020-09-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b c d e Waldemar Geiger: "System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr – C.G. Haenel gewinnt Ausschreibung um die G-36-Nachfolge" soldat-und-technik, 14 September 2020
  3. ^ Newdick, Thomas. "Here Is The Surprise Choice To Become Germany's Standard Assault Rifle". The Drive. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  4. ^ "Waffenschmiede Haenel aus Thüringen soll neues Sturmgewehr liefern". Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Retrieved 2020-09-15.
  5. ^ "Haenel MK556 is a new Assault Rifle for the Bundeswehr (CONFIRMED)". fragoutmag.com. 2019-10-15. Retrieved 2020-09-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ Borrud, Gabriel (2015). "Heckler & Koch G36: the rifle held in all the wrong places". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Steyr-Mannlicher STM-556 / Rheinmetall-Steyr RS-556 Assault Rifle". modernfirearms.net. Retrieved 2020-09-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ "Bundeswehr will Sturmgewehr von Thüringer Waffenhersteller beziehen". zeit.de (in German). Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  9. ^ Müller, Björn (2019-10-12). "Difficult G36 Replacement – Unrealistic demands on the future German Bundeswehr assault rifle?". offiziere.ch. Retrieved 2020-09-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ "Haenel MK 556 – das Sturmgewehr. Entwickelt und produziert in Suhl, Germany". cg-haenel.de (in German). 2020-09-15. Retrieved 2020-09-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ Boguslavsky, Eyal. "Haenel MK556 chosen as new assault rifle of German Army". Israel Defense.
  12. ^ "Germany Selects Haenel MK 556 to Replace HK G36 in Surprise Move". tactical-life.com.
  13. ^ "AECTP 300 CLIMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS (AECTP 300 is one of 5 documents included in STANAG 4370)" (PDF). 2006. Retrieved 2020-09-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ^ Wiegold, T. (2017-04-21). "Bundeswehr schreibt Auftrag für G36-Nachfolger aus – 120.000 Gewehre geplant". augengeradeaus.net (in German). Retrieved 2020-09-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ "Bundeswehr wählt Sturmgewehr von Haenel" Der Spiegel, 15 September 2020
  16. ^ PRESSEMITTEILUNG Heckler & Koch Statement zur Vergabeentscheidung der Bundeswehr Oberndorf, 15. September 2020
  17. ^ B, Eric. "German Ministry of Defence Confirms C.G. Haenel is the Winner". The Firearm Blog.
  18. ^ "The German Military Replacing the H&K G36 With a Haenel Carbine". nationalinterest.org. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  19. ^ "Suhler Waffenhersteller C.G. Haenel liefert Gewehre an Polizei in Sachsen". mdr.de (in German). 2019-11-07. Retrieved 2020-09-22. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ "Nowa broń dla policji. Ponad pół tysiąca karabinków za 6 milionów złotych". tech.wp.pl (in Polish). 2019-11-07. Retrieved 2020-09-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ^ "Haenel MK556 dla Policji". milmag.pl (in Polish). 2019-11-07. Retrieved 2020-09-22. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)