It's FN HAMR Time!

Logan

30 Oct 2010

Sorry for including MC Hammer in the image file used for this story, I just can't really help it. Though I have to admit I never got to do the Running Man dance properly. But with this new modified SCAR with a cool name to go with, the Heat Adaptive Modular Rifle (HAMR) is FN Herstal's take on the Infantry Assault Rifle (IAR) that has been in the US Marine Corps' specifications that was won by the Heckler & Koch HK416 (with designation as M27 IAR).

So what's so unique about the FN HAMR that makes it different from its predecessors in the name of the MK16 (SCAR-L) and MK17 (SCAR-H)? In an effort to learn from the lessons learned in the bidding process leading up to the M27 IAR, FN Herstal modified the SCAR-L into an IAR that is an assault rifle and a squad automatic weapon at the same time. How will the FN HAMR be able to do this?

The name itself, Heat Adaptive, means that the HAMR can adjust to the heat temperature of the rifle, especially when used as SAW which will put a strain on the barrel and bolt of the rifle due to high heat generated by firing long bursts and sustained firing while doing support role. This means that without intervention from the operator, the rifle can transition from a closed-bolt position to an open-bolt position when a certain temperature is reached to prevent cook-offs. The rifle then has better air flow and can cool down. Being a thermo regulated rifle, the rifle goes back to closed-bolt position when the rifle cools down. So there's no switching to be done by the operator with the firing modes like in previous IARs. More on its features below:

Thermal-actuated transition between closed-bolt and open-bolt operation without operator intervention in both semi-auto and full-auto modes
One minute of angle (1 MOA) accuracy capability in closed-bolt operation
500 meters effective range, point target
Selective fire
Short stroke gas piston
Rotating, locking bolt
650 rounds per minute (RPM) cyclic rate of fire
Compact design
Folding bipod
11.2 lbs., empty

Since it at first glance it's like the SCAR-L, but the SCAR-L is 7.24lbs empty, which will make you wonder why. The use of barrel that can take a higher heat temperature and other cooling system might have caused an increase in its weight. Not much yet has been revealed yet by FN Herstal on how they achieved such functionality and capability, but we expect to learn more very soon. The grip pod system which you'll notice at the front area can also be a contributing factor.

For now, all we can rely is on their press release during the AUSA Annual Meetings and Expositions last 25 October:

FN HAMR unveiled at AUSA

McLean, Va. – In conjunction with the 2010 AUSA Annual Meetings and Exposition being held next week in Washington, DC, FN Herstal is pleased to introduce the new FN Heat Adaptive Modular Rifle (HAMR).

Derived from the innovative FN SCAR™ weapon system, the new FN HAMR is a revolutionary, lightweight, magazine-fed, 5.56x45mm infantry weapon that enhances the automatic rifleman's maneuverability and displacement speed while still providing the ability to suppress or destroy both area targets and point targets in today’s fluid battle space. In addition, the visual profile and the firing signature of the FN HAMR are virtually identical to that of the standard infantry rifle, thus reducing the counter-fire threat from enemy forces.

The high-tech FN HAMR platform is a unique, highly adaptable, fully-modular selective fire weapon system that bridges the gap between an individual battle rifle and a squad automatic light machine gun in one compact package. For enhanced accuracy and greater first-round reliability, the magazine-fed FN HAMR initially fires from the closed bolt in either semi-automatic or full-automatic modes. For added safety during sustained fire situations, the FN HAMR automatically transitions into open-bolt operation in both semi-automatic and full-automatic modes before reaching the cook-off temperature of the chambered cartridge. Once the chamber temperature has dropped to a safe level, the FN HAMR automatically transitions back to closed-bolt mode. These transitions between closed-bolt and open-bolt modes are thermally regulated by the FN HAMR and occur without any manual intervention by the operator.

“We are extremely enthusiastic in presenting the revolutionary technology incorporated into the FN HAMR,” noted Mark Cherpes, Vice President of Military Operations for FNH USA. “The FN HAMR is truly a leap ahead in small arms technology that immediately provides the U.S. Military greater insight into our concepts for the development of a lightweight, multipurpose machine gun / automatic rifle using conventional ammunition. The FN HAMR will provide a springboard to further advancements in weapon designs and high capacity feeding concepts.”

FN HAMR TECHNICAL DATA

Weapon

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Operating Principle: Short-stroke gas piston; firing from closed or open bolt

Bolt: Rotating with multiple lugs

Mode of Fire: Semi-automatic, full automatic

Feed Device: 30-round steel (detachable box) magazine

Barrel Twist: 1 in 7” (right-hand twist)

Maximum Effective Range

Individual/Point Targets: 500 meters

Area Target: 600 meters

Weight