FAMAS FÉLIN
Nexter Systems (formerly GIAT Industries / MAS) · Assault Rifle · Out Of Production · 2010
Also known as: FÉLIN FAMAS, FAMAS F1 FÉLIN, Fantassin à Équipements et Liaisons Intégrés
Overview
The FAMAS FÉLIN is the French Army's standard FAMAS F1 assault rifle modified for integration with the FÉLIN (Fantassin à Équipements et Liaisons Intégrés - 'Integrated Infantryman Equipment and Communications') future-soldier system. Developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, the upgrade replaces the integral carry handle with a low-profile mount for a day/night/thermal video sight that transmits its image feed to a helmet-mounted eyepiece, allowing the soldier to engage targets from cover without exposing themselves. A new forward grip houses electronics keypad controls. The system entered service in 2010, with first front-line deployment in Afghanistan in September 2010. A total of 31,455 FÉLIN systems were delivered before the FAMAS itself was replaced by the HK416F starting in 2017.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 760 mm (29.92") |
| Barrel Length | 488 mm (19.21") |
| Action Type | Lever Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 925 m/s (3035 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 450 m (492 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1000 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 3 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic, Burst 3
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety, Trigger Safety, Burst Selector
- Features: Bullpup, Integrated Optics Mount, Thermal Video Sight, Helmet Mounted Eyepiece, Data Radio Link, Battery Powered Electronics, Key Pad Controls, Carry Handle, Burst 3 Capable, Bayonet Lug, Rifle Grenade Capable
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French Armed Forces · adopted 2010
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Operation Serval (2013-2014)
- Operation Barkhane (2014-2022)
- Operation Chammal (anti-ISIS) (2014-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 31,455 · Production years: 2010-2014
31,455 FÉLIN systems delivered total: 22,588 infantry, 3,576 engineers, 2,801 armoured cavalry, 2,480 artillery
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Safran Electronics & Defense (FÉLIN integration); Paul Tellié (FAMAS base rifle)
Discontinued: 2017
Notes
The FÉLIN system as a whole weighs approximately 24 kg in full grenadier configuration including body armor, batteries, and electronics. Cost was approximately €38,000 per unit (€49,000 with development amortization). Project budget was €1.1 billion (FY2012). Distribution: 22,588 to infantry, 3,576 to engineers, 2,801 to armoured cavalry, 2,480 to artillery.
Background
The FÉLIN system was France's answer to the U.S. Land Warrior program, but unlike its American counterpart it actually entered widespread service - making the French infantryman one of the first fully networked, sensor-equipped soldiers on the battlefield, peering around corners through a rifle-mounted thermal sight feeding into a helmet eyepiece.