IMBEL MD97
Industria de Material Belico do Brasil · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1997
Also known as: MD-97, IMBEL MD-97, Fz 5.56 MD97
Overview
The IMBEL MD97 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Industria de Material Belico do Brasil since 1997. This Brazilian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4100 g (144.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Folded Length | 770 mm (30.31") |
| Barrel Length | 437 mm (17.20") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1693 J (1249 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3800 m (4156 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 900 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, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Select Fire, Three Round Burst, Folding Stock, Picatinny Rail Top, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Rotating Bolt, Polymer Furniture, Chrome Lined Barrel, Bayonet Mount, Flash Hider
Variants
- IMBEL MD97L — Standard
- IMBEL MD97LC — Compact
- IMBEL MD97LM — Railed
- IMBEL MD97A2 — Modernized
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian Army Special Forces · adopted 2004 · as MD97
- Brazilian Federal Police · as MD97
- Sao Paulo Military Police (PMESP) · as MD97
- Rio de Janeiro Military Police (PMERJ) · as MD97
Production
Production years: 2004-present
Limited production numbers. Deployed primarily with Brazilian special operations forces and select police units. Exact figures not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The MD97 represented a major step forward from the MD-2, replacing the heavy steel FAL-type receiver with a lightweight alloy construction and introducing a true rotating bolt with radial lugs locking directly to a barrel extension. This achieved a weight savings of nearly 1kg compared to the MD-2. The rifle fires both M193 (55gr) and SS109 (62gr) ammunition, with muzzle velocities of 840 m/s and 920 m/s respectively from the full-length 437mm barrel. The MD97LC carbine variant has a 330mm barrel and is offered in semi-automatic only configuration. The very high cyclic rate of 850-950 RPM, while providing impressive firepower, can make the rifle harder to control in full-automatic fire. The MD97A2 sub-variant features updated polymer furniture and additional rail mounting options. Barrel life testing showed durability exceeding 5,000 rounds, with some prototypes reaching 8,500 rounds. The rifle uses 1:10 inch (254mm) twist rifling optimized for SS109 ammunition.
Background
The MD97's extremely high cyclic rate of 850-950 RPM - among the fastest of any 5.56mm assault rifle - was both a feature and a liability. While it provided devastating close-range firepower, Brazilian operators found it difficult to control in sustained automatic fire, contributing to the eventual development of the more moderate IA2 with its 750 RPM rate.