FERFRANS SOAR
FERFRANS Inc. · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2004
Also known as: SOAR, Special Operations Assault Rifle, FERFRANS SOAR-P
Overview
The FERFRANS SOAR is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by FERFRANS Inc.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3630 g (128.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4110 g (145.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 902 mm (35.51") |
| Barrel Length | 368 mm (14.49") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 792 m/s (2598 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1254 J (925 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 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 Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Stanag Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Selector Lever, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Rate Reduction System, Short Stroke Piston, Adjustable Gas System, Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Slots, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Suppressor Ready Muzzle Brake, Fluted Barrel Nut Heat Sink, Chrome Lined Barrel, Heavy Duty Barrel, Picatinny Rail, Flip Up Sights, Adjustable Stock
Variants
- FERFRANS SOAR-CQB — Compact
- FERFRANS SOAR-IAR — Infantry Automatic
- FERFRANS SOAR-P — Piston
- FERFRANS SOAR-SCW — Sub Compact
Service history
Operators
- Philippine Special Action Force · adopted 2006 · as SOAR
- Malaysian Armed Forces · as SOAR
- Peruvian Armed Forces · as SOAR
- Indonesian Armed Forces · as SOAR
Conflicts
- Moro Conflict (2006-present)
Production
Production years: 2004-present
Produced in limited quantities primarily for military and law enforcement contracts in Southeast Asia and the United States
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Ferdinand Sy, Francis Sy
Notes
The FERFRANS Rate Reduction System works by introducing a mechanical delay in the sear engagement during automatic fire, allowing the bolt carrier more time to settle before the next round is fired. This results in significantly improved controllability and accuracy during sustained full-automatic fire without reducing semi-automatic performance. The system is adjustable, allowing operators to tune the cyclic rate between 550 and 850 RPM. The SOAR family includes five modular configurations sharing common parts and training: the SCW (Sub-Compact Weapon) with 7.5-inch barrel, SOAR-P 10 SBR with 10.5-inch barrel, SOAR-P 14 Carbine with 14.5-inch barrel, SOAR-P 20 Assault Rifle with 20-inch barrel, and the HVLAR High Volume Light Automatic Rifle. The piston-driven SOAR-P variants feature a short-stroke gas system with fully adjustable gas block for use with suppressors. Chrome-lined machine-gun-grade barrels are standard across all variants for sustained fire durability.
Background
The FERFRANS SOAR was born from a Filipino-American garage workshop in California, where brothers Ferdinand and Francis Sy set out to solve one of the M4's fundamental problems: uncontrollable full-auto fire. Their patented Rate Reduction System earned attention from the Philippine Special Action Force, and the rifle has since been deployed in counter-terrorism operations across Southeast Asia, proving that innovative small arms development can come from unconventional origins.