FN EVOLYS
FN Herstal · Machine Gun · In Production · 2021
Also known as: EVOLYS
Overview
The FN EVOLYS is an ultralight, gas-operated, belt-fed machine gun introduced by FN Herstal in 2021 in both 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x51mm NATO. Weighing as little as around 5.5 kg (5.56) to 6.2 kg (7.62) - roughly the mass of an assault rifle - it uses a short-stroke gas piston and an innovative side-mounted belt feed with lateral ejection and an open-top receiver, allowing optics and accessories to be mounted along an uninterrupted full-length Picatinny rail. Its low weight and ambidextrous, single-operator-friendly controls let one soldier carry and fire it like a rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6200 g (218.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1025 mm (40.35") |
| Folded Length | 925 mm (36.42") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 50 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
- 5.56x45mm NATO · 5.56mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm, SS109
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Controls
- Features: Side Belt Feed, Lateral Ejection, Open Top Receiver, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Controls, Quick Change Barrel, Folding Telescopic Stock, Single Operator Friendly
Variants
- FN EVOLYS 5.56 — Caliber
Service history
Operators
- French Special Forces
Production
Production years: 2021-present
In production; entering service with special forces and undergoing military trials
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: FN Herstal
Notes
The defining innovation is the lateral/side belt feed that keeps the top of the receiver clear for a continuous optics rail. The 5.56mm model weighs about 5.5 kg with a 355mm barrel and feeds from 100/200-round belts; the 7.62mm model weighs about 6.2 kg with a 406mm barrel and a 50-round belt. Specs here reflect the 7.62mm variant.
Background
FN designed the EVOLYS to break a decades-old machine-gun trade-off: by moving the belt feed to the side and keeping the receiver top open, it freed an entire Picatinny rail for optics while shaving the weapon down to assault-rifle weight, so a single soldier can carry and fight with belt-fed firepower.