New RS556 assault rifle released
A new modular assault rifle has been jointly developed by Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher called the RS556, Rheinmetall announced on 11 January.
Based on Steyr Mannlicher’s STM556, the 5.56mm x 45 calibre weapon will target the German armed forces’ requirement to replace its G36 assault rifle with a more advanced system from 2019.
The gas-operated RS556 has an adjustable short-stroke gas piston system and rotating bolt, the rifle has a 16" barrel (406mm) and a fully loaded, 30-round magazine. It weighs around 4.2kg (just over 9lbs), and the adjustable-length light-weight stock clicks into seven different positions, allowing operators to adjust the weapon to match individual equipment profile.
The hammer-forged barrel can be easily exchanged enabling the weapon to be quickly modified for various missions.
A number of standard barrel lengths are available (14.5", 16", 18" and 20"), and the RS556 features several standard and optional NATO accessory rails with receiver systems designed in accordance with MIL-STD-1913, STANAG 2324 and STANAG 4694. A 40mm grenade launcher can also be mounted on the rifle.
The RS556 is compatible with Rheinmetall’s modular Future Soldier - Expanded System (IdZ-ES), and can also be connected to other soldier systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australian tanks and Milrem UGVs bound for Ukraine]()
Australian tanks and Milrem UGVs bound for Ukraine
Dozens of M1A1 Abrams tanks from Australia are on their way to Ukraine to fight in the ongoing war, while Milrem is set to supply Ukraine more route clearance Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs).
-
![Prototypes ordered for next generation USMC trucks with electric power a focus]()
Prototypes ordered for next generation USMC trucks with electric power a focus
The Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) is slated to replace the existing Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) fleet, including cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor and re-supply variants which are in use with the USMC. Significantly, the vehicles will include hybrid electric technologies and onboard and export power.
-
![Tiberius Aerospace promises big on capability and accuracy with new artillery rocket]()
Tiberius Aerospace promises big on capability and accuracy with new artillery rocket
Tiberius Aerospace has deep roots in the entrepreneurial high-technology Silicon Valley in the US with its owners having established or been involved with major technology companies such as Nest, Veritone, Apple and Google. The owners shifted from this world to that of defence at the outbreak of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
-
![Dutch order for up to 1,570 trucks highlights surging demand]()
Dutch order for up to 1,570 trucks highlights surging demand
The past 12 months has seen billions-of-dollars in logistics, support and supply trucks ordered and delivered. The deals range from a US Army US$1.5 billion contract with Oshkosh, Italy for US$784 million from IDV and Canada’s US$1.8 billion order for Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks to a German order worth US$3.5 billion with Rheinmetall.
-
![Germany and UK to work on Deep Precision Strike weapon]()
Germany and UK to work on Deep Precision Strike weapon
The weapon will have a range of more than 2,000km, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
-
![International consortium bids for Spanish 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle requirement]()
International consortium bids for Spanish 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle requirement
Rival bids are expected for Spain’s 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle requirement, with an international consortium facing competition from major players including GDELS, Rheinmetall and the UAE’s Edge Group.
