Thales F90
Thales Australia · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2012
Also known as: Lithgow F90, Enhanced F88, EF88, F90MBR
Overview
The Thales F90 is a select-fire bullpup assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, developed by Thales Australia at the historic Lithgow Small Arms Factory as the export designation of the Enhanced F88 (EF88). Unveiled in 2012 as a next-generation evolution of the Steyr AUG platform, the standard F90 pairs a 407mm fixed, cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined and fluted barrel with a compact 700mm overall length, weighing 3.25kg empty. The short-stroke gas-piston action drives a rotating bolt and supports both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire at a cyclic rate of around 750 rounds per minute, feeding from a translucent 30-round detachable box magazine. Fully ambidextrous controls, an integrated Picatinny rail system on top, sides, and underside, and a modular open architecture let the rifle be reconfigured across marksman, close-quarters, and grenade-launcher roles. The F90 retains the proven bullpup ergonomics of the AUG lineage while delivering Australian-developed improvements in accuracy, durability, and accessory mounting.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3250 g (114.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Barrel Length | 407 mm (16.02") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 940 m/s (3084 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 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 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
Production
Production years: 2012-present
Marketed internationally as the export variant of the EF88; over 30,000 EF88 rifles ordered by the Australian Defence Force across the family.
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Notes
The F90 is the international export name for the Australian EF88 / Enhanced F88. The base F90 uses a 407mm barrel; the F90M Marksman extends this to 508mm, while the F90 CQB shortens it to roughly 360mm for close-quarters work. The (G) suffix denotes a configuration mounting a 40mm grenade launcher. The F90 has been marketed worldwide by Thales and offered for licensed local production in several countries.
Background
The F90 is built at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory in New South Wales, established in 1912 and the oldest continuously operating small arms factory in the Southern Hemisphere, now run by Thales Australia.