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{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
| name = FN EVOLYS
| name = FN EVOLYS
| image = File:FN EVOLYS.2png.png|thumb|A FN EVOLYS light machine gun with various attachments
| origin = Belgium
| origin = Belgium
| type = [[General purpose machine gun]]
| type = [[Light machine gun]]
| is_ranged = yes
| is_ranged = yes
| manufacturer = [[FN Herstal]]
| manufacturer = [[FN Herstal]]
| production_date = Since 2021
| production_date = 2021–present
| weight = ± 5.5 kg (5.56 mm) <br> ± 6.2 kg (7.62 mm)
| weight = ± 5.5 kg/11.025 lb (5.56 mm) <br> ± 6.2 kg/13.227 lb (7.62 mm)
| caliber = [[5.56×45mm NATO]] <br> [[7.62×51mm NATO]]
| cartridge = [[5.56×45mm NATO]] <br> [[7.62×51mm NATO]]
| action = [[Gas operated reloading|Gas operated short-stroke piston]], [[open bolt]]
| action = [[Gas operated reloading|Gas operated short-stroke piston]], [[open bolt]]
| rate = Cyclic rate: 750 RPM
| rate = Cyclic rate: 750 RPM
Line 19: Line 18:
}}
}}


The '''FN EVOLYS''' is a [[general purpose machine gun]] designed by [[FN Herstal]], chambered for [[5.56×45mm NATO]] and [[7.62×51mm NATO]] ammunition. It is produced since 2021. The EVOLYS was designed to be lighter and more ergonomic than other machine guns, such as the [[FN Minimi]].
The '''FN EVOLYS''' is a [[light machine gun]] designed by [[FN Herstal]] in 2021, chambered for [[5.56×45mm NATO]] and [[7.62×51mm NATO]]. The EVOLYS was designed to be lighter and more ergonomic than other machine guns, such as the [[FN Minimi]].


== History ==
== History ==
On 22 April 2021, FN Herstal created a [[teaser trailer]], showcasing a new machine gun with the title "A New Chapter Begins".<ref>{{Cite web|title=FN HERSTAL: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS|url=https://www.teaser.fnherstal.com/en|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal}}</ref> On May 6, FN Herstal released a 20 minute [[promotional video]], discussing the new design, including its technical aspects, and revealing its name: the EVOLYS.<ref>{{Cite web|last=B|first=Eric|date=2021-05-06|title=FN Herstal's New Ultralight Machine Gun: EVOLYS|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/05/06/fn-evolys-new-ultralight-machine-gun/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> In September 2021, the EVOLYS was first displayed to the public at the [[Defence and Security Equipment International]] trade show in London,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=FN EVOLYS: THE NEW ULTRALIGHT MACHINE GUN BY FN HERSTAL|url=https://www.fnherstal.com/en/news/new-ultralight-machine-gun-fn-evolys|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal|language=en}}</ref> and it began to enter pre-production the same month.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Moss|first=Matthew|date=2021-09-21|title=FIRST LOOK: FN EVOLYS|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/09/21/first-look-fn-evolys/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>
On 22 April 2021, FN Herstal created a [[teaser trailer]], showcasing a new machine gun with the title "A New Chapter Begins".<ref>{{Cite web|title=FN HERSTAL: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS|url=https://www.teaser.fnherstal.com/en|access-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal|archive-date=2021-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506173506/https://www.teaser.fnherstal.com/en|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 6, FN Herstal released a 20 minute [[promotional video]], discussing the new design, including its technical aspects, and revealing its name: the EVOLYS.<ref>{{Cite web|last=B|first=Eric|date=2021-05-06|title=FN Herstal's New Ultralight Machine Gun: EVOLYS|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/05/06/fn-evolys-new-ultralight-machine-gun/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> In September 2021, the EVOLYS was first displayed to the public at the [[Defence and Security Equipment International]] trade show in London,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=FN EVOLYS: THE NEW ULTRALIGHT MACHINE GUN BY FN HERSTAL|url=https://www.fnherstal.com/en/news/new-ultralight-machine-gun-fn-evolys|access-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal|language=en}}</ref> and it began to enter pre-production the same month.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Moss|first=Matthew|date=2021-09-21|title=FIRST LOOK: FN EVOLYS|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/09/21/first-look-fn-evolys/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>


== Design ==
== Design ==
The EVOLYS was designed from the ground up for use in [[urban warfare]], which has become more common, and which holds specific requirements. Rather than taking the [[base of fire]] from a [[squad]], the EVOLYS was designed to improve the amount of firepower that could be provided by a single soldier.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Events|url=https://www.events.fnherstal.com/en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506164528/https://www.events.fnherstal.com/en|archive-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal}}</ref> It is [[select fire]], with the option between [[Semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]] and [[Automatic firearm|fully automatic]] fire modes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/fn-evolys-the-new-ultralight-machine-gun-by-fn-herstal|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=EDR Magazine|language=en-GB}}</ref> The EVOLYS uses a lateral feed mechanism with the belt at a 45° angle, and it is fully ambidextrous,<ref>{{Cite web|title=The new FN EVOLYS ultralight machine gun for the first time at DSEI|url=https://www.army-technology.com/contractors/machine_guns/fnherstal/pressreleases/fn-evolys-ultralight-machine-gun/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Army Technology}}</ref> with all its controls accessible on both its sides, and it can be loaded with one hand.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FN Herstal unveils Evolys multipurpose machine gun|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/fn-herstal-unveil-multipurpose-machine-gun-fn-evol/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Shephard Media|language=en}}</ref>
The EVOLYS was designed from the ground up for use in [[urban warfare]], which has become more common, and which holds specific requirements.<ref name=":1" /> Rather than taking the [[base of fire]] from a [[squad]], the EVOLYS was designed to improve the amount of firepower that could be provided by a single soldier.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Events|url=https://www.events.fnherstal.com/en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506164528/https://www.events.fnherstal.com/en|archive-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal}}</ref> It is [[select fire]], with the option between [[Semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]] and [[Automatic firearm|fully automatic]] fire modes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/fn-evolys-the-new-ultralight-machine-gun-by-fn-herstal|access-date=2021-05-06|website=EDR Magazine|language=en-GB}}</ref> The EVOLYS uses a lateral feed mechanism with the belt at a 45° angle, and it is fully ambidextrous,<ref>{{Cite web|title=The new FN EVOLYS ultralight machine gun for the first time at DSEI|url=https://www.army-technology.com/contractors/machine_guns/fnherstal/pressreleases/fn-evolys-ultralight-machine-gun/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Army Technology}}</ref> with all its controls accessible on both its sides, and it can be loaded with one hand.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FN Herstal unveils Evolys multipurpose machine gun|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/fn-herstal-unveil-multipurpose-machine-gun-fn-evol/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Shephard Media|language=en}}</ref>


The firing operation is unusual as it uses an open bolt, firing with a separate hammer upside down inside the upper receiver. This prevents accidents and [[Firearm malfunction|runaways]] as even if the bolt moves forward, it won't fire unless the hammer is released by a trigger pull.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS|url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/belgium-machineguns/fn-evolys-2/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Modern Firearms|language=en}}</ref> A single [[Rail system (firearms)|accessory rail]] mounted on the top of the [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] allows for the mounting of various optics, allowing for better target acquisition.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal|url=https://fragoutmag.com/fn-evolys-new-ultralight-machine-gun-fn-herstal/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Frag Out! Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Previous machine gun designs had to use multiple rails, which were not integral to the receiver, making the attachment and usage of optics more difficult.<ref name=":1" /> Similarly, because of the increased use of [[Silencer (firearm)|suppressors]], the EVOLYS was designed to be capable of having a suppressor permanently fitted, without it affecting the weapon's performance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Eger|first=Chris|title=FN Debuts New, Ultralight, Evolys Machine Gun Series :|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2021/05/14/fn-debuts-new-ultralight-evolys-machine-gun-series|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-18|website=Guns.com|language=en}}</ref>
The firing operation is unusual as it uses an open bolt, firing with a separate hammer upside down inside the upper receiver. This prevents accidents and [[Firearm malfunction|runaways]] as even if the bolt moves forward, it won't fire unless the hammer is released by a trigger pull.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS|url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/belgium-machineguns/fn-evolys-2/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Modern Firearms|language=en}}</ref> A single [[Rail system (firearms)|accessory rail]] mounted on the top of the [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] allows for the mounting of various optics, allowing for better target acquisition.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal|url=https://fragoutmag.com/fn-evolys-new-ultralight-machine-gun-fn-herstal/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Frag Out! Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> Previous machine gun designs had to use multiple rails, which were not integral to the receiver, making the attachment and usage of optics more difficult.<ref name=":1" /> Due to the increased use of [[Silencer (firearm)|suppressors]], the EVOLYS was designed to be capable of having a suppressor permanently fitted without it affecting the weapon's performance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Eger|first=Chris|title=FN Debuts New, Ultralight, Evolys Machine Gun Series|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2021/05/14/fn-debuts-new-ultralight-evolys-machine-gun-series|access-date=2021-05-18|website=Guns.com|language=en}}</ref>

⚫
The EVOLYS was constructed using [[3D printing]] and [[polymers]], which help to reduce its weight. At {{Convert|5.5|kg|lb}}, the EVOLYS is up to 30% lighter than competing machine guns such as the [[FN Minimi]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-09|title=POTD: FN EVOLYS Ultralight Machine Gun|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/06/09/potd-fn-evolys-ultralight-machine-gun/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-10|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> The EVOLYS is chambered for 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm, with [[6.5mm Creedmoor]] and [[.260 Remington]] variants in development for potential use by special forces.<ref name=":2" />


⚫
The EVOLYS was constructed using [[3D printing]] and [[polymers]], which help to reduce its weight. At {{Convert|5.5|kg|lb}}, the EVOLYS is up to 30% lighter than competing machine guns such as the [[FN Minimi]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-09|title=POTD: FN EVOLYS Ultralight Machine Gun|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/06/09/potd-fn-evolys-ultralight-machine-gun/|access-date=2021-06-10|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> The EVOLYS is chambered for 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm, with [[6.5mm Creedmoor]] and [[.260 Remington]] variants in development for potential use by special forces.<ref name=":2" />
== Users ==
== Users ==
[[File:EVOLYS Users.png|thumb|306x306px|Map with EVOLYS users in blue]]
⚫
* {{FRA}}: [[French Special Forces]]<ref name=":3"> {{Cite web|last=Forkert|first=André|date=2022-01-06|title=Ultraleichte Maschinengewehre: Französische Spezialkräfte erhalten FN EVOLYS|url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2022/01/bewaffnung/29673/ultraleichte-maschinengewehre-franzoesische-spezialkraefte-erhalten-fn-evolys/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-10|website=Soldat & Technik|language=de-DE}} </ref><ref name=":4"> {{Cite web|last=Boguslavsky|first=Eyal|date=2022-01-08|title=French Special Forces are Equip with the New Light Machine Gun FN EVOLYS|url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/53261|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-10|website=Israel Defense|language=en}} </ref>
* {{BEL}}: [[Belgian Armed Forces]]: 20 EVOLYS bought for evaluation purposes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forcesoperations.com/la-mitrailleuse-fn-evolys-bientot-evaluee-par-la-defense-belge/ | title=La mitrailleuse FN Evolys bientôt évaluée par la Défense belge | date=26 April 2023 }}</ref>
⚫
* {{FRA}}: [[French Special Forces]]<ref name=":3"> {{Cite web|last=Forkert|first=André|date=2022-01-06|title=Ultraleichte Maschinengewehre: Französische Spezialkräfte erhalten FN EVOLYS|url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2022/01/bewaffnung/29673/ultraleichte-maschinengewehre-franzoesische-spezialkraefte-erhalten-fn-evolys/|access-date=2022-01-10|website=Soldat & Technik|language=de-DE}} </ref><ref name=":4"> {{Cite web|last=Boguslavsky|first=Eyal|date=2022-01-08|title=French Special Forces are Equip with the New Light Machine Gun FN EVOLYS|url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/53261|access-date=2022-01-10|website=Israel Defense|language=en}} </ref>
* {{UK}}: [[British Army]] for test purposes<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
* {{UK}}: [[British Army]] for test purposes<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
* {{USA}}: [[United States Army]] for test purposes in [[Next Generation Squad Weapon Program]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pro-zone/fn-america-will-produce-two-prototypes-for-the-us-army/|title = FN to produce two prototypes for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle program}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fnamerica.com/press-releases/fn-selected-produce-two-prototype-options-u-s-army-next-generation-squad-automatic-rifle-program/|title = FN Down-Selected to Produce Two Prototype Options for U.S. Army Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle Program|date = 16 July 2018}}</ref>
* {{USA}}: [[United States Army]] for test purposes in [[Next Generation Squad Weapon Program]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pro-zone/fn-america-will-produce-two-prototypes-for-the-us-army/|title = FN to produce two prototypes for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle program| date=August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fnamerica.com/press-releases/fn-selected-produce-two-prototype-options-u-s-army-next-generation-squad-automatic-rifle-program/|title = FN Down-Selected to Produce Two Prototype Options for U.S. Army Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle Program|date = 16 July 2018}}</ref>


== See also==
== See also==
* [[Knight's Armament Company LAMG]]
* [[Knight's Armament Company LAMG]]
*[[IWI Negev]]
* [[QJS-161]]
* [[QJS-161]]
* [[QJY-201]]
* [[QJY-201]]
* [[RPL-20]]
* [[RPL-20]]
* [[XM250|SIG LMG 6.8]]


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 20:44, 3 November 2024

FN EVOLYS
TypeLight machine gun
Place of originBelgium
Production history
ManufacturerFN Herstal
Produced2021–present
Specifications
Mass± 5.5 kg/11.025 lb (5.56 mm)
± 6.2 kg/13.227 lb (7.62 mm)
LengthFully extended: 950mm (37.40")
Fully retracted: 850mm (33.46") (5.56 mm)
Fully extended: 1,025mm (40.35")
Fully retracted: 925mm (36.42") (7.62 mm)
Barrel length355mm (14") (5.56 mm)
406mm (16") (7.62 mm)
Width133 mm (5.56 mm)
135 mm (7.62 mm)
Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
7.62×51mm NATO
ActionGas operated short-stroke piston, open bolt
Rate of fireCyclic rate: 750 RPM
Maximum firing range800 m (5.56 mm)
1000 m (7.62 mm)
Feed system100 or 200 round ammunition belt (5.56 mm)
50 round ammunition belt (7.62 mm)
References[1][2]

The FN EVOLYS is a light machine gun designed by FN Herstal in 2021, chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO. The EVOLYS was designed to be lighter and more ergonomic than other machine guns, such as the FN Minimi.

History

[edit]

On 22 April 2021, FN Herstal created a teaser trailer, showcasing a new machine gun with the title "A New Chapter Begins".[3] On May 6, FN Herstal released a 20 minute promotional video, discussing the new design, including its technical aspects, and revealing its name: the EVOLYS.[4] In September 2021, the EVOLYS was first displayed to the public at the Defence and Security Equipment International trade show in London,[5] and it began to enter pre-production the same month.[6]

Design

[edit]

The EVOLYS was designed from the ground up for use in urban warfare, which has become more common, and which holds specific requirements.[7] Rather than taking the base of fire from a squad, the EVOLYS was designed to improve the amount of firepower that could be provided by a single soldier.[7] It is select fire, with the option between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes.[8] The EVOLYS uses a lateral feed mechanism with the belt at a 45° angle, and it is fully ambidextrous,[9] with all its controls accessible on both its sides, and it can be loaded with one hand.[10]

The firing operation is unusual as it uses an open bolt, firing with a separate hammer upside down inside the upper receiver. This prevents accidents and runaways as even if the bolt moves forward, it won't fire unless the hammer is released by a trigger pull.[11] A single accessory rail mounted on the top of the receiver allows for the mounting of various optics, allowing for better target acquisition.[12] Previous machine gun designs had to use multiple rails, which were not integral to the receiver, making the attachment and usage of optics more difficult.[7] Due to the increased use of suppressors, the EVOLYS was designed to be capable of having a suppressor permanently fitted without it affecting the weapon's performance.[13]

The EVOLYS was constructed using 3D printing and polymers, which help to reduce its weight. At 5.5 kilograms (12 lb), the EVOLYS is up to 30% lighter than competing machine guns such as the FN Minimi.[5][14] The EVOLYS is chambered for 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm, with 6.5mm Creedmoor and .260 Remington variants in development for potential use by special forces.[6]

Users

[edit]
Map with EVOLYS users in blue

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "FN EVOLYS 5.56" (PDF). FN Herstal.
  2. ^ "FN EVOLYS 7.62" (PDF). FN Herstal.
  3. ^ "FN HERSTAL: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS". FN Herstal. Archived from the original on 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  4. ^ B, Eric (2021-05-06). "FN Herstal's New Ultralight Machine Gun: EVOLYS". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  5. ^ a b "FN EVOLYS: THE NEW ULTRALIGHT MACHINE GUN BY FN HERSTAL". FN Herstal. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  6. ^ a b Moss, Matthew (2021-09-21). "FIRST LOOK: FN EVOLYS". The Firearm Blog. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  7. ^ a b c "Events". FN Herstal. Archived from the original on 2021-05-06.
  8. ^ "FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal". EDR Magazine. 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  9. ^ "The new FN EVOLYS ultralight machine gun for the first time at DSEI". Army Technology. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  10. ^ "FN Herstal unveils Evolys multipurpose machine gun". Shephard Media. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  11. ^ "FN EVOLYS". Modern Firearms. 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  12. ^ "FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal". Frag Out! Magazine. 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  13. ^ Eger, Chris. "FN Debuts New, Ultralight, Evolys Machine Gun Series". Guns.com. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  14. ^ "POTD: FN EVOLYS Ultralight Machine Gun". The Firearm Blog. 2021-06-09. Retrieved 2021-06-10.
  15. ^ "La mitrailleuse FN Evolys bientôt évaluée par la Défense belge". 26 April 2023.
  16. ^ a b Forkert, André (2022-01-06). "Ultraleichte Maschinengewehre: Französische Spezialkräfte erhalten FN EVOLYS". Soldat & Technik (in German). Retrieved 2022-01-10.
  17. ^ a b Boguslavsky, Eyal (2022-01-08). "French Special Forces are Equip with the New Light Machine Gun FN EVOLYS". Israel Defense. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
  18. ^ "FN to produce two prototypes for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle program". August 2018.
  19. ^ "FN Down-Selected to Produce Two Prototype Options for U.S. Army Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle Program". 16 July 2018.
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