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.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Milkor tweaks 4x4 APC design]()
Milkor tweaks 4x4 APC design
Feedback from a potential customer has prompted South African firm Milkor to alter the design of its privately funded 4x4 APC.
-
![Brazil disqualifies three contenders from the VBC Cav-MSR competition]()
Brazil disqualifies three contenders from the VBC Cav-MSR competition
The Brazilian Army rejected medium wheeled armoured vehicle proposals from CLS Automotive Technologies, Elbit Systems Land and Tata Advanced Systems on the grounds that they did not meet the requirements of the bidding notice.
-
![How industry is helping the US Army and allies counter the drone threat (Studio)]()
How industry is helping the US Army and allies counter the drone threat (Studio)
Counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology is now a key priority for militaries worldwide. For Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a holistic approach is crucial, with a need to incorporate the systems into a wider air defence architecture.
-
![Ratel IFV benefits from upgrade while Badger remains delayed]()
Ratel IFV benefits from upgrade while Badger remains delayed
The first service life extension upgrade of the Ratel 6x6 IFV contrasts with the continued failure of Denel to deliver the Badger ICV for the South African Army.
-
![Ukraine to receive more Zuzana 2s with trilateral funding]()
Ukraine to receive more Zuzana 2s with trilateral funding
Slovakia will produce 16 Zuzana 2 SPHs for Ukraine, with funding from the Danish, German and Norwegian governments.
-
![British Army’s Icarus programme reaches new phase]()
British Army’s Icarus programme reaches new phase
With an investment boost of £15 million, the British Army will continue to develop future capabilities for a modular, flexible active protection system (APS).
