Ares Shrike 5.56
Ares Defense Systems · Machine Gun · Limited Production · 2002
Also known as: Ares Defense Shrike, AMG-2 Shrike, Shrike 5.56
Overview
The Ares Shrike 5.56 is a modular American light machine gun built as a complete upper receiver assembly that mates to a standard AR-15/M16 lower receiver. Gas-operated with a short-stroke tappet piston and firing from an open bolt, it offers dual-feed capability: it can fire M27-linked belted ammunition from soft pouches or hard containers, as well as STANAG box magazines and Beta C-Mag drums. The design, by Geoffrey Herring, was influenced by the Stoner 63 system and aimed to give AR-pattern users a squad-automatic-weapon option without a dedicated weapon.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 940 m/s (3084 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1767 J (1303 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington (similar)
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: M27 Disintegrating Link Belt, Stanag Magazine, Beta C Mag Drum
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Dual Feed Belt Or Magazine, Ar15 Lower Compatible, Quick Change Barrel, Picatinny Rail, Modular Upper Receiver
Production
Production years: 2002-present
Low-volume commercial and demonstration production; never adopted as a standard military weapon
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Geoffrey Herring
Notes
Sold primarily as a Shrike upper receiver/conversion rather than a complete firearm. Barrel options range from roughly 330 mm (13 in) to 508 mm (20 in); 406 mm (16 in) is the common configuration. Marketed by Ares Defense Systems (later FightLite Industries).
Background
The Shrike was conceived to turn any ordinary AR-15 into a belt-fed light machine gun by swapping only the upper receiver, letting a soldier reuse a familiar lower while gaining 200-round suppressive firepower.