EF88 Austeyr
Thales Australia · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2015
Also known as: F90, Enhanced F88, F90MBR, Lithgow F90
Overview
The EF88 Austeyr is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Thales Australia since 2015. Safety features include ambidextrous safety selector, trigger block, magazine release safety, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 113 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Thales Australia brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3390 g (119.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 802 mm (31.57") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 930 m/s (3051 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 450 m (492 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 740 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 228 mm (8.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Cerakote |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Trigger Block, Magazine Release Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Rotating Bolt, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Select Fire, Picatinny Rail Top, Picatinny Rail Sides, Picatinny Rail Bottom, Ambidextrous Controls, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Fluted Barrel, Threaded Muzzle, Bolt Hold Open, Translucent Magazine, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Variants
- F90 — Export Designation
- F90 CQB — Close Quarters
- F90M Marksman — Marksman
- F90(G) — Grenade Launcher
- F90M(G) — Grenade Launcher Marksman
- F90MBR — Modular
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Australian Defence Force · adopted 2016 · as EF88
- Royal Australian Navy · adopted 2016 · as EF88
- Royal Australian Air Force · adopted 2016 · as EF88
Production
Estimated total produced: 30,000 · Production years: 2015-present
Over 30,000 ordered by the Australian Defence Force. Export orders under the F90 designation add to the total.
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Notes
The EF88 retained the bullpup configuration and many design elements of the Steyr AUG platform while incorporating numerous Australian-developed improvements. Key changes from the F88 include elimination of the quick-change barrel feature in favor of a fixed, lighter barrel for improved accuracy, ambidextrous controls throughout, chrome-lined bore and chamber, and a modular Picatinny rail system. The rifle is manufactured at the historic Lithgow Small Arms Factory, which was established in 1912 and is now operated by Thales Australia. Over 30,000 EF88 rifles have been ordered by the Australian Defence Force. The F90 export variant has been licensed for production in India and South Korea under local partnerships.
Background
The EF88 is manufactured at the historic Lithgow Small Arms Factory in New South Wales, which has been producing military firearms since 1912 and is the oldest continuously operating small arms factory in the Southern Hemisphere.