| FN EVOLYS | |
|---|---|
| Type | Light machine gun |
| Place of origin | Belgium |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | FN Herstal |
| Produced | 2021–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | ± 5.5 kg (5.56 mm) ± 6.2 kg (7.62 mm) |
| Length | Fully extended: 950mm (37.40") Fully retracted: 850mm (33.46") (5.56 mm) Fully extended: 1,025mm (40.35") Fully retracted: 925mm (36.42") (7.62 mm) |
| Barrel length | 355mm (14") (5.56 mm) 406mm (16") (7.62 mm) |
| Width | 133 mm (5.56 mm) 135 mm (7.62 mm) |
| Caliber | 5.56×45mm NATO 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Gas operated short-stroke piston, open bolt |
| Rate of fire | Cyclic rate: 750 RPM |
| Maximum firing range | 800 m (5.56 mm) 1000 m (7.62 mm) |
| Feed system | 100 or 200 round ammunition belt (5.56 mm) 50 round ammunition belt (7.62 mm) |
| References | [1][2] |
The FN EVOLYS is a light machine gun designed by FN Herstal in 2021, chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO. The EVOLYS was designed to be lighter and more ergonomic than other machine guns, such as the FN Minimi.
On 22 April 2021, FN Herstal created a teaser trailer, showcasing a new machine gun with the title "A New Chapter Begins".[3] On May 6, FN Herstal released a 20 minute promotional video, discussing the new design, including its technical aspects, and revealing its name: the EVOLYS.[4] In September 2021, the EVOLYS was first displayed to the public at the Defence and Security Equipment International trade show in London,[5] and it began to enter pre-production the same month.[6]
The EVOLYS was designed from the ground up for use in urban warfare, which has become more common, and which holds specific requirements.[7] Rather than taking the base of fire from a squad, the EVOLYS was designed to improve the amount of firepower that could be provided by a single soldier.[7] It is select fire, with the option between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes.[8] The EVOLYS uses a lateral feed mechanism with the belt at a 45° angle, and it is fully ambidextrous,[9] with all its controls accessible on both its sides, and it can be loaded with one hand.[10]
The firing operation is unusual as it uses an open bolt, firing with a separate hammer upside down inside the upper receiver. This prevents accidents and runaways as even if the bolt moves forward, it won't fire unless the hammer is released by a trigger pull.[11] A single accessory rail mounted on the top of the receiver allows for the mounting of various optics, allowing for better target acquisition.[12] Previous machine gun designs had to use multiple rails, which were not integral to the receiver, making the attachment and usage of optics more difficult.[7] Due to the increased use of suppressors, the EVOLYS was designed to be capable of having a suppressor permanently fitted without it affecting the weapon's performance.[13]
The EVOLYS was constructed using 3D printing and polymers, which help to reduce its weight. At 5.5 kilograms (12 lb), the EVOLYS is up to 30% lighter than competing machine guns such as the FN Minimi.[5][14] The EVOLYS is chambered for 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm, with 6.5mm Creedmoor and .260 Remington variants in development for potential use by special forces.[6]
Belgium: Belgian Armed Forces: 20 EVOLYS bought for evaluation purposes.[15]
France: French Special Forces[16][17]
United Kingdom: British Army for test purposes[16][17]
United States: United States Army for test purposes in Next Generation Squad Weapon Program[18][19]