LAPA FA-03
Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Armamento Automatico · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1983
Also known as: Fusil de Assalto Modelo 03, LAPA FA Modelo 03
Overview
The LAPA FA-03 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Armamento Automatico since 1983. 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) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 738 mm (29.06") |
| Barrel Length | 490 mm (19.29") |
| Sight Radius | 374 mm (14.72") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| 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 | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| 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: Double Action Trigger, Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Select Fire, Three Round Burst, Double Action Trigger System, Ambidextrous Cocking Handle, Switchable Ejection Port, Rotating Bolt, All Polymer Housing, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Integrated Carrying Handle, Flash Hider
Production
Estimated total produced: 1 · Production years: 1983
Only a single prototype was ever built. The rifle was never adopted or put into series production.
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Designer: Nelmo Suzano
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
The FA-03's most notable feature was its double-action trigger system, which allowed safe carry with a loaded chamber and the safety disengaged - the first shot required a longer, heavier trigger pull similar to a double-action pistol, while subsequent shots were single-action. The fire selector offered semi-automatic, 3-round burst, and full-automatic modes. The rifle used M193 55-grain ammunition exclusively due to its 1:12 inch twist rifling, which was insufficient to stabilize the heavier SS109 62-grain rounds. Brazilian military testers reportedly rejected the FA-03 partly because its lightweight all-polymer construction made it feel 'like a toy.' The production model was projected to weigh as little as 2.8kg. Despite its rejection, the FA-03 represented remarkably forward-thinking design for the early 1980s, predating many bullpup concepts that would gain acceptance in other militaries.
Background
The FA-03 was ahead of its time in many ways - its bullpup layout, all-polymer construction, and double-action trigger mechanism anticipated features that would become mainstream decades later. Brazilian soldiers who tested it allegedly rejected it because it 'looked like a toy' due to its plastic construction and unfamiliar bullpup shape, at a time when military rifles were expected to be heavy and made of wood and steel.