DSA 2024: Hiper Firepower From FN Herstal

Renowned Belgian small arms manufacturer FN Herstal is seeking a larger presence in Asia Pacific, particularly Southeast Asia with their participation in DSA 2024. Aside from the tried-and-tested FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) and Minimi light machine guns (LMG), the firm also showcased some of their newer products for the first time in the region.

FN EVOLYS

Among the debutantes is the EVOLYS LMG, a belt-fed ultralight machine gun which fuses machine gun firepower with the ergonomics of an assault rifle. Available in both 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm NATO, it is a short stroke piston, gas-operated platform with a rotating bolt capable of firing up to 750 rounds per minute (RPM). The EVOLYS was designed to overcome several commonly faced obstacles when operating LMGs, namely the insufficient space to mount optics and accessories on the top of the LMG due to the traditional feed tray cover which typically restricts picatinny rail space. FN developed a patented side-opening feed design which holds the ammunition belt at a 45-degree angle. With that, it also solved the problem of lacking real estate for optics, allowing day and night sights to be mounted together. The EVOLYS features a one-piece picatinny top rail from the end of its M-LOK handguard all the way to the end of the receiver. It is also extremely lightweight in comparison to other LMGs, weighing no more than 7 kilograms thanks to the use of 3D printing and polymers. Moreover, the EVOLYS was designed with suppressors in mind, with capability to excel despite being fitted with suppressors. The convenient ambidextrous controls allow for virtually one-handed operations. 

FN HiPER

Another newcomer is the FN HiPer striker-fired pistol chambered in 9x19mm, featuring an ergonomic-centric polymer frame and easy-to-use controls. Its uniquely designed magazine release and well—placed slide catch is one of its main selling points, its magazine release is a downward rotating lever rather than a common push button on either or both sides of the firearm, allowing both left or right-handed users to easily operate it without inadvertently releasing the magazine. The slide catch is also placed further behind on the frame so the slide release and magazine release can both be reached with just a slight movement of the thumb, eliminating the need to shift grip. With a combination of existing technology and new patented features, the pistol grip includes three interchangeable ergonomic grip covers with retention grooves while the frame features non-slip grip surfaces. In addition, the HiPer’s automatic safety system is designed so that the weapon cannot be disassembled unless the magazine has been removed. With a capacity of 15 rounds in a fully polymer magazine, the HiPer will supply users with optimal reliability and safety.

Though the weapons were unveiled in 2021 and 2022 respectively, an FN representative told ADJ that the weapon is now entering large-scale production after extensive trials with various prospective customers.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:ADJ)