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The
New Steyr AUG A1 Weapon
The decision by
the Defence Forces to adapt the STEYR AUG A1 as the standard issue infantry
weapon represents a major improvement in the firepower capability and
effectiveness of infantry units. The weapon has a calibre of 5.56mm which
means the user can carry twice the amount of ammunition as 7.62 for the
same weight. The new calibre has been adopted by most NATO countries and
a similar calibre has also been adopted by the Warsaw Pact.
The new weapon of
Bullpup design is 25% shorter and 16% lighter than the F.N. 7.62 which
has served the Defence Forces so well for 25 years. It also offeres a
see-through 30 round magazine which allows the firer to easily check its
contents. Semi-automatic or full automatic fire is achieved by varying
the pressure on the trigger, thus alleviating the need for a change lever.
Another major advantage is the optical sight which uses a ring reticule
to achieve excellent shooting results. In this system there is no defined
aiming point, but instead there is a ring (like a cross-hair for instance)
within which the round is guaranteed to impact within a distance of 0-300m
without any adjustment. This makes it possible for the firer to engage
a snap target very quickly and efficiently.
Another feature of
the weapon is that it can be adapted for left and right handed firers
with relative ease. The basic weapon can function as the section automatic
light machine gun, and also sub-machine gun by interchanging a small number
of parts including a barrel and bipod. This feature offers a high degree
of parts interchangeability. Hence the name AUG (Universal Assault Rifle).
The weapon was chosen
after more than two years of exhaustive technical assessment by the Army
Ordnance Corps and field trails by units throughout the Defence Forces.
Initially a total of nine weapons from various countries were evaluated
technically in firing trials, each firing thousands of rounds while their
accuracy and reliability were gauged.
Stringent safety tests
were carried out to ensure maximum protection was afforded the firer in
the event of a barrel obstruction or double load. In total each weapon
was to fire up to 10,000 rounds and a complete picture of its performance
was built up. As a result of these tests a final short-list of 4 weapons
was selected to undergo troop trials with units throughout the Defence
Forces. Each unit participating was issued with all the contenders on
a rotation basis. After initial instruction on the weapons each unit used
them for every-day tasks like patrols, cash escorts, guard duties and
range practices. User comments on such diverse aspects of the weapons
as snagging in clothing, ease of deployment and "feel" were
compiled, cross-referenced and evaluated. From these exhaustive tests
the Steyr AUG emerged as the No. 1 choice of the Defence Forces as a replacement
for the venerable F.N. FAL.
In opting for the
Steyr the Defence Forces have chosen a rifle that is light, accurate,
easy to use and durable. It offers full standardisation of all infantry
small arms, interchangeability of parts and ease maintenance. The state
of the art technology used in its construction ensures that the weapon
will serve well into the 21st century. Deliveries of the weapons are due
to commence in 1988.
Optical Sights
For the first time
in a military weapon, an optical sight has been integrated into the carrying
handle and, thus, is hosed in fully protected fashion. This optical sight
offers a magnification of 1.5 times. This slight magnification means a
wide field of sight (45m at a range of 300m); furthermore it is possible
to fire with both eyes open (as the human eyes are able to adapt themselves
from 1.5 to 1.5 x). Standard: ring reticule diameter of 1.8 m projected
on a distance of 300m.
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