Steyr AUG: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Austrian bullpup assault rifle}} |
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{{redirect|StG 77|the Luftwaffe dive bomber wing|Sturzkampfgeschwader 77}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}} |
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{{Infobox weapon |
{{Infobox weapon |
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|name=Steyr AUG |
| name = Steyr AUG |
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| image= AUG A1 508mm 04.jpg |
| image = AUG A1 508mm 04.jpg |
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|caption= |
| caption = AUG A1 with {{convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} barrel |
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|type=[[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]]<br />[[Carbine]]<br />[[Light machine gun]] |
| type = [[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]]<br />[[Carbine]]<br />[[Light machine gun]] (''HBAR'')<br />[[Submachine gun]] (''AUG 9mm, AUG 40'') |
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<!-- Type selection -->| service = 1978–present<ref name="hogg2002">{{cite book |first=Ian |last=Hogg |year=2002 |title=Jane's Guns Recognition Guide |series=Jane's Recognition Guides |publisher=Jane's Information Group and Collins Press |location=Glasgow |isbn=978-0-00-712760-3}}</ref> |
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<!-- Type selection --> |
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| wars = See ''[[#Conflicts|Conflicts]]'' |
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|service=1978–present<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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<!-- Production history -->| designer = Horst Wesp<br />Karl Wagner<br />Karl Möser |
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| number = |
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|designer=Horst Wesp<br />Karl Wagner<br />Karl Möser |
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| length = {{convert|790|mm|1|abbr=on}} (''20 in barrel'')<ref name="hogg2002"/><br />{{convert|725|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''16.4 in barrel'')<br />{{convert|690|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''15 in barrel'')<br />{{convert|900|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''HBAR'')<br />{{convert|665|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''AUG 9mm'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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|number= |
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| width = |
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|length= |
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| height = |
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* {{convert|790|mm|1|abbr=on}} (''Standard'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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| diameter = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> |
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* {{convert|690|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''Carbine'') |
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| action = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]] |
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* {{convert|630|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''Subcarbine'') |
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| image_size = 300 |
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* {{convert|900|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''HBAR'') |
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| origin = Austria |
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* {{convert|665|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''Para'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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| is_ranged = Yes |
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|width= |
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<!-- Service history -->| used_by = See ''[[#Users|Users]]'' |
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|height= |
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| design_date = |
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|diameter= |
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| manufacturer = [[Steyr Arms]]<br />[[Thales Australia]], Lithgow Facility<br />[[SME Ordnance]]<br>Dasan Machineries |
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<!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> |
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| unit_cost = |
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|action=[[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]] |
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| production_date = 1977–present<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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| image_size = 300 |
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| variants = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]'' |
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|origin=Austria |
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<!-- General specifications -->| weight = {{convert|3.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (''20 in barrel'')<br />{{convert|3.3|kg|abbr=on}} (''16.4 in barrel'')<br />{{convert|3.2|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (''15 in barrel'')<br />{{convert|4.9|kg|lb|abbr=on|1}} (''HBAR'')<br />{{convert|2.97|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (''AUG 9mm'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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|is_ranged=Yes |
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| part_length = {{convert|508|mm|abbr=on|0}} (''AUG'')<ref name="hogg2002"/><br />{{convert|417|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''AUG'')<br />{{convert|382|mm|abbr=on|0}} (''AUG'')<br />{{convert|621|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''HBAR'')<br />{{convert|325|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} (''AUG 9mm'')<br />{{convert|350|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''AUG 9mm'')<br />{{convert|365|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''AUG 9mm'')<br />{{convert|420|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''AUG 9mm'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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<!-- Service history --> |
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| cartridge = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]<ref name="hogg2002"/><br />[[.300 AAC Blackout]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/03/04/idex-2019-steyr-aug-300-blk-and-stm556-from-austria/|title=[IDEX 2019] Steyr AUG .300 BLK and STM556 from Austria -|date=4 March 2019}}</ref><br />[[9×19mm Parabellum]]<ref name="hogg2002"/><br />[[.40 S&W]] |
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|used_by=See ''[[#Users|Users]]'' |
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| rate = 680–750 rounds/min (AUG, HBAR)<ref name="aug-a1-a2" /><br />650–720 rounds/min (AUG 9mm)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS |url=http://www.steyrmannlicher.ro/pdf/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_9mm_XS_press_01.pdf }}</ref> |
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|design_date=1977 |
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| velocity = {{convert|970|m/s|0|abbr=on}} (20 in barrel) |
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|manufacturer=[[Steyr Mannlicher]]<br />[[Thales Australia]], Lithgow Facility<br />[[SME Ordnance]] |
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| range = {{convert|300|m|yd|abbr=on}} |
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|unit_cost= |
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| max_range = {{convert|2700|m|yd|abbr=on}} |
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|production_date= |
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| feed = * [[5.56×45mm NATO]]: 30- and 42-round proprietary detachable [[box magazine]]s<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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* 1978–present (''Standard'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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* |
* [[9×19mm Parabellum]]: 25- and 32-round detachable [[Steyr MPi 69|MPi 69]] box magazines<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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* [[.40 S&W]]: Glock magazines |
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* 2004–present (A3) |
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| sights = Swarovski 1.5× [[telescopic sight]], emergency battle sights, and Picatinny rail for various optics |
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* 2007–present (A3 SF) |
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|variants=See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]'' |
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<!-- General specifications --> |
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|weight= |
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* {{convert|3.6|kg|abbr=on}} (''Standard'') |
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* {{convert|3.3|kg|abbr=on}} (''Carbine'') |
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* {{convert|3.2|kg|abbr=on}} (''Subcarbine'') |
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* {{convert|3.9|kg|abbr=on}} (''HBAR'') |
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* {{convert|3.3|kg|abbr=on}} (''Para'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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|part_length= |
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* {{convert|508|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''Standard'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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* {{convert|407|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''Carbine'') |
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* {{convert|350|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''Subcarbine'') |
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* {{convert|621|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''HBAR'') |
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* {{convert|420|mm|abbr=on|1}} (''Para'')<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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|cartridge= |
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* [[5.56×45mm NATO]]<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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* [[9×19mm Parabellum]]<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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* [[.300 AAC Blackout|.300 BLK]]<ref>https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/03/04/idex-2019-steyr-aug-300-blk-and-stm556-from-austria/</ref> |
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|rate=680–750 RPM<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A1_A2_press_01.pdf|title=STEYR AUG A1 / A2|accessdate=14 November 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430052543/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A1_A2_press_01.pdf|archivedate=30 April 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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|velocity=Standard rifle: {{convert|970|m/s|0|abbr=on}} |
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|range={{convert|300|m}} |
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|max_range={{convert|2700|m}} |
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|feed= |
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* [[5.56×45mm NATO]]: 30-, 42-round detachable [[box magazine]],<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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* [[9×19mm Parabellum]]: 25-, 32-round detachable [[Steyr MPi 69|MPi 69]] box magazine<ref name="hogg2002"/> |
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|sights=Swarovski 1.5× [[telescopic sight]], emergency battle sights, and Picatinny rail for various optics |
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}} |
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The '''Steyr AUG''' ( |
The '''Steyr AUG''' ({{Langx|de|Armee-Universal-Gewehr|lit=army universal rifle}}) is an [[Austria]]n [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] chambered for the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] [[intermediate cartridge]], designed in the 1960s by [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]], and now manufactured by [[Steyr Arms]] GmbH & Co KG. |
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It was adopted by the [[Austrian |
It was adopted by the [[Austrian Federal Army|Austrian Army]] in 1977 as the '''StG 77''' (''Sturmgewehr 77''),<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.bmlv.gv.at/waffen/waf_stg77.shtml |title=Bundesheer |author=BMLVS – Abteilung Kommunikation – Referat 3 |publisher=bmlv.gv.at}}</ref> where it replaced the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] [[Sturmgewehr 58|StG 58]] [[automatic rifle]].<ref name="ezell_223">Ezell (1993) p. 223</ref> In production since 1977, it is the standard small arm of the ''[[Bundesheer]]'' and various [[Federal Police (Austria)|Austrian federal police]] units and its variants have also been adopted by the armed forces of dozens of countries, with some using it as a standard-issue [[service rifle]]. |
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Steyr AUG importation into the |
Steyr AUG importation into the [[United States]] began in the 1980s as the AUG/SA (SA denoting semi-automatic). The AUG was banned from importation in 1989 under [[President George H. W. Bush]]'s [[executive order]] restricting the import of foreign-made semiautomatic rifles deemed not to have "a legitimate sporting use." Six years into the ban, AUG buyers gained a reprieve as cosmetic changes to the carbine's design allowed importation once again. Changes included redesigning its [[pistol grip]] into a thumbhole stock, and leaving its barrel [[threading (manufacturing)|unthreaded]] to prevent attachment of a [[flash hider]] or [[suppressor]]. |
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The [[Federal Assault Weapons Ban]], passed in 1994, further prohibited the manufacture of additional Steyr AUGs or their copies. The ban expired in 2004, and in 2008, [[Steyr Arms]] worked with [[Sabre Defence]] to produce parts legally in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Steyr AUG A3: The Incomparable, Futuristic Carbine |language=en-US |work=RECOIL |url=https://www.recoilweb.com/the-incomparable-steyr-aug-a3-117210.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=NRA Staff |date=2010-05-11 |title=Steyr AUG/A3 SA USA |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/steyr-aug-a3-sa-usa/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |work=American Rifleman}}</ref> |
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==Design details== |
==Design details== |
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The |
The Steyr AUG is a [[selective-fire]], [[bullpup]] assault rifle with a conventional [[Gas-operated reloading|gas-piston-operated]] action that fires from a [[closed bolt]].<ref name="ezell_224" /> It is designed as a [[Modular Weapon System]] that could be quickly configured as an [[assault rifle]], a [[carbine]], a [[submachine gun]] and even an [[open-bolt]] [[light machine gun]]. |
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The AUG is chambered for the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] cartridge and has the standard 1:9 [[rifling]] twist that will stabilise both SS109/M855 and M193 rounds. Some nations including Australia, Ireland and New Zealand use a version with a 1:7 twist optimised for the SS109 NATO round. The submachine gun variants are chambered in either [[9×19mm Parabellum]] or [[.40 S&W]]. |
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The AUG consists of six interchangeable assemblies: the [[barrel (firearms)|barrel]], [[receiver (firearms)|receiver]] with integrated [[telescopic sight]] or [[Picatinny rail]], [[Bolt (firearm)|bolt carrier assembly]], [[trigger (firearms)|trigger mechanism]], [[Stock (firearms)|stock]] and [[magazine (firearms)|magazine]].<ref name="ezell_224" /> The AUG employs a very high level of advanced firearms technology and is made with the extensive use of polymers and aluminium components. |
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The AUG comes with a muzzle cap, spare bolt for left-handed shooters, blank-firing adaptor, cleaning kit, sling and either an American [[M7 bayonet|M7]] or German KCB-77 M1 bayonet.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}} |
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===Operating mechanism=== |
===Operating mechanism=== |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2021}} |
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The AUG has a [[rotating bolt]] that features 7 radial locking lugs and is unlocked by means of a pin on the bolt body and a recessed camming guide machined into the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier itself is guided by two guide rods brazed to it and these rods run inside steel bearings in the receiver. The guide rods are hollow and contain the return springs. The bolt also contains a claw extractor that forms the eighth locking lug and a spring-loaded "bump"-type casing ejector. |
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The AUG has a [[rotating bolt]] that features 7 radial locking lugs and is unlocked through a pin on the bolt body and a recessed camming guide machined into the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier itself is guided by two guide rods brazed to it and these rods run inside steel bearings in the receiver. The guide rods are hollow and contain the return springs. The bolt also contains a claw extractor that forms the eighth locking lug and a spring-loaded "bump"-type casing ejector. |
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The gas cylinder is offset to the right side of the barrel and works with one of the two guide rods. The AUG uses a short-stroke piston system where the right guide rod serves as the action rod, transmitting the rearward motion of the gas-driven piston to the bolt carrier. The left-hand rod provides retracting handle pressure when connected by the forward assist and can also be utilised as a reamer to remove fouling in the gas cylinder. The firearm uses a 3-position gas valve. The first setting, marked with a small dot, is used for normal operation. The second setting, illustrated with a large dot, indicates fouled conditions. The third, "GR" closed position is used to launch [[rifle grenade]]s (of the non-bullet trap type). |
The gas cylinder is offset to the right side of the barrel and works with one of the two guide rods. The AUG uses a short-stroke piston system where the right guide rod serves as the action rod, transmitting the rearward motion of the gas-driven piston to the bolt carrier. The left-hand rod provides retracting handle pressure when connected by the forward assist and can also be utilised as a reamer to remove fouling in the gas cylinder. The firearm uses a 3-position gas valve. The first setting, marked with a small dot, is used for normal operation. The second setting, illustrated with a large dot, indicates fouled conditions. The third, "GR" closed position is used to launch [[rifle grenade]]s (of the non-bullet trap type). |
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The AUG is hammer-fired and the firing mechanism is contained in the rear of the stock, near the butt, covered by a synthetic rubber shoulder plate. The hammer group is made entirely of plastics except for the springs and pins and is contained in an open-topped plastic box which lies between the magazine and the buttplate. During firing the recoiling bolt group travels over the top of it, resetting the hammer. Since the trigger is located some distance away, it transmits its energy through a sear lever which passes by the side of the magazine. The firing pin is operated by a plastic hammer under pressure from a coil spring. |
The AUG is hammer-fired and the firing mechanism is contained in the rear of the stock, near the butt, covered by a synthetic rubber shoulder plate. The hammer group is made entirely of plastics except for the springs and pins and is contained in an open-topped plastic box which lies between the magazine and the buttplate. During firing the recoiling bolt group travels over the top of it, resetting the hammer. Since the trigger is located some distance away, it transmits its energy through a sear lever which passes by the side of the magazine. The firing pin is operated by a plastic hammer under pressure from a coil spring. |
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=== Engineering === |
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[[File:1st Mech Rec Pln Passing Out (12120862885).jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG with a German KCB-77 M1 bayonet.]] |
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The quick-change barrel used in the AUG is cold hammer-forged for increased precision and durability, its bore, chamber and certain components of the gas system are [[chrome plating|chrome-plated]] (currently nitride on US market rifles). The standard rifle-length barrel features 6 right-hand grooves and a rifling twist rate of 228 mm (1:9 in). An external sleeve is shrunk on to the barrel and carries the gas port and cylinder, gas valve and forward grip hinge jaw. There is a short cylinder which contains a piston and its associated return spring. The barrel locks into a steel insert inside the receiver through a system of eight lugs arranged around the chamber end and is equipped with a folding vertical grip that helps to pivot and withdraw the barrel during barrel changes. The most compact of the barrels has a fixed vertical grip. |
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[[File:30 Schuss .223 Remington für STG77 - AssE3.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG with a loaded 30-round magazine.]] |
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[[File:Scope StG 77.JPG|thumb|The Steyr AUG's telescopic sight. Note the backup iron sights on top of it.]] |
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The receiver housing is a steel-reinforced aluminium extrusion finished with a baked enamel coating.<ref name="ezell_224" /> It holds the steel bearings for the barrel lugs and the guide rods. The non-reciprocating plastic cocking handle works in a slot on the left side of the receiver and is connected to the bolt carrier's left guide rod. The cocking handle has a [[forward assist]] feature—alternatively called a "silent cocking device"—allowing the user to fully push the bolt home without racking the charging handle.<ref name="ezell_224" /><ref name="Choat" /> A bolt hold-open device locks the bolt carrier back after the last round has been fired.<ref name="Choat" /> The newer AUG A3s feature a bolt release button; prior to this development, all AUGs and the USR required the user to rack the charging handle to disengage the bolt hold-open after inserting a fresh magazine. Older versions of the AUG can be upgraded to use the newer A3 stock and hammer pack. |
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The rifle's stock is made from fibreglass-reinforced [[Nylon 66|polyamide 66]]. At the forward end is the pistol grip with an enlarged forward trigger guard completely enclosing the firing hand that allows the rifle to be operated with winter gloves.<ref name="ezell_224" /> The trigger is hung permanently on the pistol grip, together with its two operating rods which run in guides past the magazine housing. Behind that is the locking catch for the stock group. Pressing this to the right will separate the receiver and stock. The magazine catch is behind the housing, on the underside of the stock. Above the housing are the two ejector openings, one of which is always covered by a removable strip of plastic. The rear of the stock forms the actual shoulder rest which contains the hammer unit and the end of the bolt path. The butt is closed by an endplate which is held in place by the rear sling swivel. This swivel is attached to a pin which pushes in across the butt and secures the plate. There is a cavity under the buttplate that holds a cleaning kit. |
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=== Features === |
=== Features === |
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==== Receivers ==== |
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The AUG comes standard with four magazines, a muzzle cap, spare bolt for left-handed shooters, blank-firing adaptor, cleaning kit, sling and either an American [[M7 bayonet|M7]] or German KCB-77 M1 bayonet. |
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[[File:Interpolitex 2011 (405-9).jpg|thumb|Steyr AUGs with tan and black finish. Note the different type of Picatinny rail upper receivers]] |
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The AUG's receiver can be changed from the standard model with a carrying handle and built-in 1.5× optical sight<ref name="auto1" /> to the 'Special Receiver' which has a STANAG [[scope mount]] to allow for the use of a variety of scopes and sights.<ref name="auto1" /> In later models (A2 and A3), it has several different types of receivers with Picatinny rails.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://steyrarms.com/steyr-aug-a3-m1.html|title=Steyr AUG A3 M1|work=steyrarms.com|access-date=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210045813/http://steyrarms.com/steyr-aug-a3-m1.html|archive-date=10 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==== Sights ==== |
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[[File:Scope StG 77.JPG|thumb|Steyr AUG's telescopic sight. Note the backup iron sights on top of the scope]] |
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A three-pronged, open-type flash suppressors were used on the {{convert|350|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|508|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} length barrels, whereas the {{convert|621|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} light machine gun barrel received a closed-type ported muzzle device (combination [[flash suppressor]] and compensator) and an integral, lightweight folding [[bipod]]. The flash suppressors are screwed to the muzzle and internally threaded to take a [[Blank-firing adaptor|blank-firing attachment]]. |
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The AUG has a 1.5× telescopic sight that is integrated with the receiver casting and is made by [[Swarovski Optik]]. It contains a simple black ring [[reticle]]. The sight cannot be set to a specific range but can be adjusted for windage and elevation for an initial zero and is designed to be calibrated for 300 m. It also has a backup iron sight with a rear notch and front blade, cast into the top of the aluminium optical sight housing, in case of failure or damage to the primary optical sight. The sight is also equipped with a set of three illuminated dots (one on the front blade and two at the rear) for use in low-level lighting conditions. In order to mount a wide range of optics and accessories, a receiver with a [[NATO]]-standard Picatinny rail and detachable carrying handle was also developed and introduced in December 1997.<ref name="ezell_224" /> Modern AUGs are equipped with, or can have the Picatinny rail swapped out with, an A3SF 60mm height x3 optic with optional riser and additional crosshair within the "donut" black ring. This specific optic can be piggybacked with other optics on top, as is the norm with Austrian special forces, due to the Picatinny rail included on top of the optic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://steyr-arms.us/product/aug-optics/ |title=AUG Optics }}</ref> |
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==== Stock ==== |
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While the AUG is not fully ambidextrous, it can be configured to be used by left- or right-handed operators by changing the bolt to one that has the extractor and ejector on the appropriate side and moving the blanking plate to cover the ejection port not in use. However, there exists also a right-hand-only stock that allows for the use of [[STANAG magazine]]s.<ref name="steyr-aug.com">{{cite web|url=http://steyr-aug.com/Am161.jpg|url-status=dead|title=Steyr Daimler Puch AG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026033320/http://steyr-aug.com/Am161.jpg|archive-date=2014-10-26|access-date=2023-08-19|format=jpg}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://steyrarms.com/accessories/aug/aug-stock-sa-black.html|title=Steyr AUG NATO Conversion kit – AUG Accessories – Accessories|access-date=14 November 2014}} {{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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==== Ammunition and magazine ==== |
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[[File:30 Schuss .223 Remington für STG77 - AssE3.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG with a loaded 30-round proprietary magazine]] |
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The AUG is fed from a detachable proprietary translucent-polymer double-column box magazine with either a 30- or 42-round capacity.<ref name="steyr-aug-catalogue">{{Cite web |date=February 2019 |title=STEYR ARMS Military & Law Enforcement 2019 Catalogue |url=https://www.winchesteraustraliamle.com.au/ts1661394200/attachments/Category/93/LEandM2019.tag.catalogue.pdf }}</ref> Optional NATO stock for STANAG magazine compatibility is also available.<ref name="aug-a1-a2">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A1_A2_press_01.pdf|title=STEYR AUG A1 / A2|access-date=14 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430052543/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A1_A2_press_01.pdf|archive-date=30 April 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="steyr-aug-catalogue" /> |
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==== Firing mechanism ==== |
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The AUG's firing mechanism can also be changed at will, into a variety of configurations, including semi-auto and full-auto, semi-auto and three-round-burst, semi-auto-only, or any other combination that the user desires.<ref name="auto1">''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide'', Ian Hogg & Terry Gander, HarperCollins Publisher, 2005, pp. 273 and 361</ref> It can also be converted into an open-bolt full-auto-only mode of fire, which allows for improved cooling and eliminates [[cook off]] problems when the AUG is used as a light machine gun.<ref name="auto1" /> |
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====Trigger==== |
====Trigger==== |
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The AUG features |
The AUG features a [[progressive trigger]] (pulling the trigger halfway produces [[semi-automatic fire]], pulling the trigger all the way to the rear produces [[fully automatic fire]]), and a safety mechanism (cross-bolt, button type) located immediately above the hand grip.<ref name="ezell_224" /> In its "safe" position (white dot), the trigger is mechanically disabled; pressing the safety button to the left exposes a red dot and indicates the weapon is ready to fire. Some versions have an ALO or "automatic lockout", a small projection at the base of the trigger. This was first included on the Irish Defence Forces variant of the rifle, and soon after, the Australian Defence Forces variant. In the exposed position, the ALO stops the trigger being squeezed past the semi-automatic position. If needed, the ALO can be pushed up to permit automatic fire.<ref>Manual of the Steyr rifle, Irish Defence Forces</ref> |
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==== Barrels and muzzle devices ==== |
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[[File:Steyr AUG A1 and AG-C.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG A1 with a 40 mm AG36 grenade launcher]] |
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The AUG is fed from a translucent, double-column [[Box magazine#Box|box magazines]] (molded from a high-strength polymer) with a 30-round capacity and an empty weight of {{convert|130|g|abbr=on}}. The [[light machine gun]] variant of the AUG uses an extended 42-round magazine. An Argentine variant of the [[FN FAL]] chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge and known as the FALMP III Type 2 also uses the same magazine. |
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The AUG features quick detachable barrels and are available in different lengths; including a {{convert|382|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} compact length, {{convert|417|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} carbine length and {{convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} standard rifle-length. The muzzle device primarily used for these barrel lengths is a three-pronged, open-type flash suppressor. The flash suppressors are screwed to the muzzle and internally threaded to take a [[Blank-firing adaptor|blank-firing attachment]]. AUGs equipped with the {{convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} pattern barrels produced for military purposes are also equipped with bayonet lugs. The {{convert|417|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} barrels are capable of launching NATO STANAG type 22 mm rifle grenades from their integral flash hiders without the use of an adapter. AUG barrels can also mount [[40 mm]] [[M203 grenade launcher|M203]] or [[Heckler & Koch AG36|AG36]] [[grenade launcher]]s. Steyr also offers {{convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} barrel configurations fitted with a fixed, post front-sight used on the rifle version with aperture [[iron sight]]s.<ref name="ezell_224">Ezell(1993) p. 224</ref> A {{convert|621|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} heavy barrel with an integrated lightweight folding [[bipod]] with a closed-type ported muzzle device (combination of [[flash suppressor]] and compensator) is also available, primarily used on the AUG HBAR.<ref name="auto1" /> |
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==Variants== |
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=== AUG === |
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The AUG has a 1.5× telescopic sight that is integrated with the receiver casting and is made by [[Swarovski Optik]].<ref name="ezell_224"/> It contains a simple black ring [[reticle]] with a basic [[rangefinder]] that is designed so that at {{convert|300|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} a 180 cm (5 ft 11in) tall man-size target will completely fill it, giving the shooter an accurate method of estimating range. The sight cannot be set to a specific range but can be adjusted for windage and elevation for an initial zero and is designed to be calibrated for 300 m. So when it is set, aiming at the centre of a target will produce a hit at all ranges out to 300 m. It also has a backup iron sight with a rear notch and front blade, cast into the top of the aluminium optical sight housing, used in case of failure or damage to the primary optical sight. The sight is also equipped with a set of three illuminated dots (one on the front blade and two at the rear) for use in low-level lighting conditions. In order to mount a wide range of optics and accessories, a receiver with a [[NATO]]-standard [[Picatinny rail]] and detachable carrying handle was also developed and introduced in December 1997. |
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[[File:AUG A1 407mm 03.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG A1 with a {{convert|417|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel]] |
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[[File:AUG A2 407mm klein 03.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG A2 with a {{convert|417|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel and a Picatinny rail on the upper receiver in place of the integral optic]] |
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[[File:Steyr AUG A3.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG A3-CQC prototype with a Leupold CQ/T optic and Surefire M900 weapon light foregrip]] |
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The Steyr AUG can also be fitted with either an [[M203 grenade launcher|M203]] or [[Heckler & Koch AG-C/EGLM|AG-C]] [[grenade launcher]]. |
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==Engineering== |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A1''' is fitted with an integral 1.5x optic and is available with a choice of olive or black furniture.<ref name="aug-a1-a2" /> |
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[[File:Bundesheer at Airpower11 01.jpg|thumb|[[Austrian Armed Forces|Austrian soldiers]] equipped with the standard-length Steyr AUG.]] |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A2''', introduced in December 1997, features a redesigned charging handle and a detachable telescopic sight which can be replaced with a [[Picatinny rail]]. Its modularity allows a 24.4-inch barrel to be used, and the folding grip can be replaced with a Picatinny rail section, to which a bipod can be installed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Armamento utilizado por el Ejército Nacional del Uruguay - Taringa!|url=https://www.taringa.net/posts/info/19285398/Armamento-utilizado-por-el-Ejercito-Nacional-del-Uruguay.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424172458/http://www.taringa.net/posts/info/19285398/Armamento-utilizado-por-el-Ejercito-Nacional-del-Uruguay.html|archive-date=24 April 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref> |
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[[File:Austrian forces at Combined Resolve II (14236023945).jpg|thumb|[[Austrian Armed Forces|Austrian soldiers]] train with the Steyr AUG A3 SF.]] |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3''' features a Picatinny rail on top of the receiver and an external bolt release.<ref name="A3">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_press_01.pdf&t=1244186156&hash=03cbd910081364335b9d679102a4ef4e|title=Steyr AUG A3|publisher=Steyr Mannlicher|format=PDF|access-date=4 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214644/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_press_01.pdf&t=1244186156&hash=03cbd910081364335b9d679102a4ef4e|archive-date=13 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, Steyr Arms introduced a [[.300 AAC Blackout]] variant of the AUG A3.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/03/04/idex-2019-steyr-aug-300-blk-and-stm556-from-austria/|title=[IDEX 2019] Steyr AUG .300 BLK and STM556 from Austria -|date=4 March 2019}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Durden |first=Tyler |date=2022-07-13 |title=The Steyr AUG A3 in .300 Blackout |url=https://armsjournal.net/2022/07/13/steyr-aug-a3-300-blackout/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=Loaded for Bear Arms Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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**The '''Steyr AUG A3 SF''' features a Picatinny rail mounted on the telescopic sight and on the right side of the receiver, and includes an external bolt release.<ref name="A3SF">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3SF_press_01.pdf&t=1244186187&hash=8af3affc13f53d7bd8ccdafe807c9f75|title=Steyr AUG A3 SF|work=Steyr Mannlicher|format=PDF|access-date=4 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214634/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3SF_press_01.pdf&t=1244186187&hash=8af3affc13f53d7bd8ccdafe807c9f75|archive-date=13 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The integrated telescopic sight is offered in 1.5× or 3× magnification. |
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**The '''Steyr AUG A3-CQC''' was a cancelled prototype development of the AUG A3 and was first displayed by Steyr at the SHOT Show in 2006 and 2007. It differs in having a railed handguard attached ahead of the receiver and features an {{convert|18|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} barrel. Because this extra railed section needed to be removed to strip the rifle for cleaning, the left side featured a quick detach lever. Due to the concerns over the extra cost and weight, along with potential issues with the reliability and consistency of the detachable handguard, the prototypes received little interest and were last seen promoted by Steyr in 2008.<ref>{{Citation |title=The most desirable AUG - Steyr AUG A3 CQC | date=21 August 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kueCU9QB_M8 |access-date=2023-05-15 |language=en}}</ref> In 2012, the American company PJA obtained the five original prototypes from Steyr and reverse engineered them in order to produce a US-made AUG A3-CQC and conversion kits.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AUG A3-CQC |url=http://www.steyrauga3cqc.com/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=www.steyrauga3cqc.com}}</ref> |
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=== AUG HBAR === |
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The quick-change barrel used in the AUG is cold hammer-forged by GFM-GmbH of [[Steyr]] Austria for increased precision and durability, its bore, chamber and certain components of the gas system are [[chrome plating|chrome-plated]]. The standard rifle-length barrel features 6 right-hand grooves and a rifling twist rate of 228 mm (1:9 in). An external sleeve is shrunk on to the barrel and carries the gas port and cylinder, gas valve and forward grip hinge jaw. There is a short cylinder which contains a piston and its associated return spring. The barrel locks into a steel insert inside the receiver through a system of eight lugs arranged around the chamber end and is equipped with a folding, vertical grip that helps to pivot and withdraw the barrel during barrel changes. The most compact of the barrels has a fixed vertical grip. |
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The '''Steyr AUG HBAR''' (Heavy Barrelled Automatic Rifle), also known as the AUG LMG ([[light machine gun]]), is essentially an [[automatic rifle]] variant of the AUG. It features a heavier and longer {{convert|621|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel with an integrated bipod, and the standard AUG receiver with 1.5× magnification scope. It fires from an [[open bolt]] to be more suitable for sustained fire, mitigating accidental cook offs. To accomplish this, it uses a modified bolt carrier, striker and trigger mechanism with sear.<ref name="auto1" /> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG HBAR-T''' (Heavy Barrelled Automatic Rifle-Telescope) is similar to the AUG HBAR, but features a special receiver with a STANAG scope mount system usually fitted with a Schmidt & Bender 4×25 or Kahles ZF69 6×42 optical sight. |
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The receiver housing is a steel-reinforced aluminium extrusion finished with a baked enamel coating.<ref name="ezell_224"/> It holds the steel bearings for the barrel lugs and the guide rods. The non-reciprocating plastic cocking handle works in a slot on the left side of the receiver and is connected to the bolt carrier's left guide rod. The cocking handle has a [[forward assist]] feature—alternatively called a "silent cocking device"—used for pushing the bolt shut without recocking the rifle.<ref name="ezell_224"/><ref name="Choat"/> A bolt hold-open device locks the bolt carrier assembly back after the last round has been fired.<ref name="Choat"/> The newer AUG A3s possess a bolt release button, prior to this development all AUGs and the USR required the cocking handle being retracted to release the bolt group after a new magazine has been inserted. Older versions of the AUG can be upgraded to use the newer A3 stock and hammer pack. |
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=== AUG 9mm === |
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The rifle's stock is made from fibreglass-reinforced [[polyamide]] 66. At the forward end is the pistol grip with an enlarged forward trigger guard completely enclosing the firing hand that allows the rifle to be operated with winter gloves.<ref name="ezell_224" /> The trigger is hung permanently on the pistol grip, together with its two operating rods which run in guides past the magazine housing. Behind that is the locking catch for the stock group. Pressing this to the right will separate the receiver and stock. The magazine catch is behind the housing, on the underside of the stock. Above the housing are the two ejector openings, one of which is always covered by a removable strip of plastic. The rear of the stock forms the actual shoulder rest which contains the hammer unit and the end of the bolt path. The butt is closed by an endplate which is held in place by the rear sling swivel. This swivel is attached to a pin which pushes in across the butt and secures the plate. There is a cavity under the buttplate that holds a cleaning kit. |
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[[File:AUG 9mm 03.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG 9mm with {{convert|420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel]] |
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The '''Steyr AUG 9mm''', also known as the AUG Para, is a [[submachine gun]] variant of the AUG chambered for the [[9×19mm Parabellum]] cartridge and has been produced since 1988.<ref name="hogg2002" /> It differs from the rifle variants by having a unique {{convert|420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel with six right-hand grooves at a 250 mm (1:9.8 in) rifling twist rate, with a recoil compensator, a slightly different charging handle, and a magazine well adapter enabling the use of [[Steyr MPi 69]] 25- and 32-round box magazines. It is [[blowback (arms)|blowback]]-operated and fires from a closed bolt, omitting the original rifle's gas system.<ref name="9mm">{{cite web|title=Steyr AUG 9mm|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_9mm_press_01.pdf&t=1244186229&hash=6cfc561eebb60151883a5ec12f877966|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214623/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_9mm_press_01.pdf&t=1244186229&hash=6cfc561eebb60151883a5ec12f877966|archive-date=13 July 2009|access-date=4 June 2009 |publisher=Steyr Mannlicher |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="REMTEK 9mm">{{cite web |title=AUG 9mm |url=http://remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/aug9/aug9mm.htm|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714061534/http://remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/aug9/aug9mm.htm|archive-date=14 July 2009|access-date=4 June 2009|publisher=REMTEK|df=dmy-all}}{{Self-published source|date=February 2015}}</ref> A conversion kit used to transform any assault rifle configuration into the submachine gun configuration is also available. The conversion kit consists of a barrel, bolt, adapter insert, and magazine. |
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== Modularity == |
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* The '''Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS''' is a 9×19mm variant of the AUG A3. It fires at a cyclic rate of around 650–720 rounds per minute. It is available in either a {{convert|325|mm|in|1|abbr=on}},<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS |url=http://www.steyrmannlicher.ro/pdf/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_9mm_XS_press_01.pdf}}</ref> {{convert|350|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, {{convert|365|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, {{convert|420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel lengths, and features a Picatinny rail system similar to the AUG A3.<ref name="steyr-aug-catalogue" /> |
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[[File:Interpolitex 2011 (405-9).jpg|thumb|Steyr AUGs with green and black stocks, different type of Picatinny rail receivers and different sights.]][[File:Steyr AUG A1 and AG-C.jpg|thumb|Steyr AUG A1 with a 40 mm AG36 grenade launcher.]] |
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* The '''Steyr AUG 40''' is a [[.40 S&W]] variant of the AUG A3 9mm XS that uses [[Glock]]-compatible double-stack .40 S&W magazines. It is offered with a {{convert|332|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-20 |title=AUG 40 - STEYR ARMS |url=https://www.steyr-arms.com/en/military-law-enforcement/assault-rifles/aug-40/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120131249/https://www.steyr-arms.com/en/military-law-enforcement/assault-rifles/aug-40/ |archive-date=20 January 2022 }}</ref><ref name="aug-40" /> |
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=== Austrian adopted variants === |
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[[File:Austrian forces at Combined Resolve II (14236023945).jpg|thumb|Austrian soldiers with an StG 77 KPE during a combat exercise]] |
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While the AUG is not fully ambidextrous, it can still be configured to be use for left- or right-handed operators by changing the bolt with one that has the extractor and ejector on the appropriate side, and moving the blanking plate to cover the ejection port not in use. However, there exists also a right-hand-only stock that allows for the use of M16 type [[STANAG magazine]]s.<ref name="steyr-aug.com">http://steyr-aug.com/Am161.jpg</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://steyrarms.com/accessories/aug/aug-stock-sa-black.html|title=Steyr AUG NATO Conversion kit – AUG Accessories – Accessories|accessdate=14 November 2014}}{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref> |
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[[File:Jagdkommando trainiert (29592668671).jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Austrian Armed Forces|Austrian]] special forces with an StG 77 A2 Kommando during a training exercise]] |
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The '''StG 77''' (Sturmgewehr 77) is the designation given by the [[Austrian Armed Forces]] when they adopted the Steyr AUG in 1977.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sturmgewehr StG 77 (Steyr AUG) |url=http://www.doppeladler.com/oebh/infanterie/stg77.htm |access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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=== Receivers === |
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The AUG's receiver may also be changed from the standard model with a carrying handle and built-in 1.5× optical sight,<ref name="auto1" /> to the "'''T'''" model receiver which has a universal scope mount to allow for the use of a variety of scopes and sights.<ref name="auto1" /> The rifle also has several different types of receivers with [[Picatinny rail]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://steyrarms.com/steyr-aug-a3-m1.html|title=Steyr AUG A3 M1|work=steyrarms.com|accessdate=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210045813/http://steyrarms.com/steyr-aug-a3-m1.html|archive-date=10 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> It has proven to be an effective [[sniper]] or [[designated marksman rifle]] when configured with the {{convert|621|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} [[light machine gun]] barrel, the universal scope mount fitted with a Kahles ZF69 6×42 optical sight and the semi-auto-only trigger group. |
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*The '''StG 77 A2 Kommando''' is the designation given by the Austrian Special Forces ([[Jagdkommando]]) for the Steyr AUG A3 SF when it was adopted in late 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-01 |title=POTD: The 1st of AUGtober - Sturmgewehr 77 A2 - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/10/01/potd-1st-augtober/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Sturmgewehr 77 A2 Kommando | date=29 March 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UI-FUzpYJ8 |access-date=2023-05-15 |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Firing mechanism === |
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*The '''StG 77 KPE''' is the Austrian Army's designation for an upgraded StG 77. Where the A1 housing group was replaced with the A3 SF housing and was adopted in 2017. |
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The AUG's firing mechanism may also be changed at will, into a variety of configurations, including semi-auto and full-auto, semi-auto and three-round-burst, semi-auto-only, or any other combination that the user may desire.<ref name="auto1">''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide'', Ian Hogg & Terry Gander, HarperCollins Publisher, 2005, pp. 273 and 361</ref> It may also be converted into an open-bolt full-auto-only mode of fire, which allows for improved cooling and eliminates [[cook off]] problems when the AUG is used as a [[light machine gun]] or [[squad automatic weapon]].<ref name="auto1" /> |
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*The '''StG 77 A1 MP''' is the Austrian Military Police's designation for the StG 77. The rifles differ from the StG 77 by having a Picatinny rail for an [[Aimpoint]] Micro T1 and [[red dot magnifier]], a [[Flash suppressor|flash hider]] from Ase-Utra, and [[Rheinmetall]] Vario Ray [[Laser sight (firearms)|laser and light module]] mounted on the right side. Adopted in 2018. |
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*The '''StG 77 A1 MOD''' is the Austrian Army's designation of a further modified StG 77. A total of 14,400 rifles will be issued to both the militia and cadre presence units.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-09 |title=Austria Begins Issuing Upgraded Steyr AUG Rifles |url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2023/03/09/austria-begins-issuing-upgraded-steyr-aug-rifles/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=Overt Defense |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=redaktion |first=spartanat |date=2023-02-17 |title=STG77 A1 MOD: MODIFIZIERTE STURMGEWEHRE FÜR DIE TRUPPE |url=https://www.spartanat.com/2023/02/stg77-a1-mod-modifizierte-sturmgewehre-fuer-die-truppe/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=SPARTANAT |language=de-DE}}</ref> |
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===Australian adopted variants=== |
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{{anchor |Australian variants}} |
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All AUGs are equipped with quick detachable barrels; including compact {{convert|350|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrels, {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} carbine barrels, {{convert|508|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} standard rifle-length barrels and {{convert|621|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} [[light machine gun]] barrels.<ref name="ezell_224">Ezell(1993) p. 224</ref> Rifles equipped with {{convert|508|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} pattern barrels produced for military purposes are also equipped with bayonet lugs. The {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|508|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrels are capable of launching NATO STANAG type 22 mm rifle grenades from their integral flash hiders without the use of an adapter. AUG barrels can also mount [[40 mm]] [[M203 grenade launcher|M203]] or [[Heckler & Koch AG36|AG36]] [[grenade launcher]]s. Steyr also offers {{convert|508|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel configurations fitted with a fixed, post front-sight used on the standard rifle version with aperture [[iron sight]]s. |
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The [[Australian Defence Force]] (ADF) adopted a modified Steyr AUG designated as the F88 Austeyr.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=17}} From the late 1980s, the F88 became the ADF's standard individual weapon replacing the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|L1A1 SLR]] and [[M16 rifle|M16A1]] in the [[Australian Army]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Masters |first1=Chris |title=Sticking to our guns: A troubled past produces a superb weapon |date=October 2019 |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute Limited |location=Barton, ACT |isbn=9781925229547 |pages=9, 10, 15, 17 |url=https://ad-aspi.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2019-10/Sticking%20to%20our%20guns.pdf |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref> From the mid 2010s, the Enhanced F88 (EF88) Austeyr replaced the F88.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=67}} |
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== Military adoption == |
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==== F88 Austeyr ==== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Australian soldiers Afghanistan March2010.jpg|thumb|Australian soldiers on patrol with an F88 Austeyr fitted with an M203 grenade launcher]] |
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[[File:Australian soldier in training exercise at Hohenfels, Germany 2008.jpg|thumb|Australian soldier with an F88A1 Austeyr]] |
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[[File:F88 Austeyr Navy.jpg|thumb|An Australian soldier briefs a [[U.S. Navy]] ([[United States Seventh Fleet|Seventh Fleet]]) [[Vice admiral (United States)|vice admiral (VADM)]] on the F88 GLA Austeyr. Note: the grenade launcher has been removed and is being held by the VADM.]] |
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[[File:Australian |
[[File:Australian soldiers assigned to Task Group Taji demonstrate proper weapons handling techniques during the beginning stages of urban operations training at Camp Taji, Iraq.jpg|thumb|Australian soldiers with an F88SA2 Austeyr]] |
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In 1985, the ADF ordered 67,000 F88 Austeyrs that were manufactured by Australian Defence Industries (now Thales Australia) at their [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory]] under licence from Steyr Mannlicher AG.<ref>{{cite web |title=F88 Austeyr |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/weapon/f88-austeyr |website=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref>{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=15}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Australian rifles too costly: audit |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127529849 |access-date=9 May 2023 |work=The Canberra Times |date=10 June 1995 |page=8}}</ref> |
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The [[Australian Army]] adopted the Steyr AUG A1 and designated it as the F88 Austeyr. It has a cyclic rate of fire of around 680–850 rounds per minute (RPM).<ref name=":0" /> |
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*The '''F88 Austeyr''' was the standard-issue rifle that had a barrel length of {{convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="ArmyNews1988"/> |
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The Australian F88 Austeyr was tested with a new grenade launcher specifically designed for it called the '''ML40AUS GLA''' (Grenade Launcher Assembly), one of the lightest underbarrel grenade launchers at less than {{convert|1|kg|lb|abbr=on}} due to steel, aluminium, and synthetic parts. The GLA is mounted on the rifle's bottom accessory rail with the trigger moving through a removable plug in the trigger guard that allows for operation of the launcher inside of it, moving it further back than other launchers to maintain centre of balance and improve handling. The ML40AUS differs from the M203 by having a side-opening breech to allow for longer grenade rounds, a cross-bolt safety, and a new quadrant sight that mounts to the top rail alongside the rifle's optics.<ref>[http://sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=1702 Testing & Evaluating the EF88 Assault Rifle] – SAdefensejournal.com, 4 March 2013</ref> On 21 January 2014 however, Thales announced they had instead selected the Steyr '''SL40''' grenade launcher due to "significant" engineering concerns with the ML40AUS. The SL40 is a derivative of the [[Steyr GL40]] launcher designed specifically for the EF88. It weighs {{convert|1.025|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and has a {{convert|180|mm|in|abbr=on}} long barrel. Though marginally heavier than the ML40AUS, it has the same attachment, firing mechanism, and control layout.<ref>[http://rogueadventurer.com/2014/01/21/thales-selects-steyr-sl40-grenade-launcher-for-ef88/ Thales selects Steyr SL40 grenade launcher for EF88] – Rogueadventurer.com, 21 January 2014</ref> |
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*The '''F88C''' '''Austeyr''' was the [[carbine]] variant of the F88 Austeyr that featured a shorter {{convert|407|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} barrel and was without a bayonet lug.<ref name="ArmyNews1988">{{cite news|title=Basic Models |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267089167/29909702 |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=18 August 1988 |publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=6|issn=0729-5685|edition=722}}</ref>{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=28}} The F88C was issued to armoured, helicopter and [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|parachute]] units.<ref>{{cite news|title=Press 'maligns' Steyr |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267354970 |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=8 June 2000|publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=3|issn=0729-5685|edition=1003}}</ref> |
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*The '''F88T''' '''Austeyr''' is a [[.22 Long Rifle]] training rifle that entered service in 1999.<ref name="ADI">{{cite web|url=http://www.adi-limited.com/site.asp?page=148|title=Steyr.|website=Thales Australia|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607115127/http://www.adi-limited.com/site.asp?page=148|archive-date=7 June 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=.22 cal Steyr goes to school |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267228539 |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=14 October 1999 |publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=7|issn=0729-5685|edition=987}}</ref> The F88T was issued to infantry units, training units and to the [[Australian Army Cadets]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Cooper |first=Cpl Wayne |title=.22 cal Steyr set for rigorous testing |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267229393 |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=24 June 1999 |publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=5|issn=0729-5685|edition=979}}</ref> |
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*The '''F88S''' (Special) '''Austeyr''' was a variant of the F88 Austeyr that entered service in 1993 with an Accuracy International Mounting System (AIMS) to allow the attachment of a different sighting device.<ref>{{cite news |title=Land Warfare - Austeyr: Small arms big business |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/56D2AD90-F807-11DD-8DFE0050568C22C9 |access-date=9 May 2023 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=1 October 2008}}</ref>{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=28}} |
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*The '''F88SA1 Austeyr''' was an upgrade of the F88 Austeyr that entered service in 2003. The F88SA1 had an integrated [[Picatinny rail]] in place of the standard optical sight.{{sfn|Masters|2019|pp=36-37}} The rail enabled the fitting of the Elcan [[C79 optical sight|Wildcat sight]], an [[AN/PVS-4]] night vision sight and a night aiming device.<ref name="ArmyNewsApril1999">{{cite news |last=Cooper |first=Cpl Wayne |title=Wildcat: Sight improves section power |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267228237 |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=29 April 1999 |publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=1|issn=0729-5685|edition=975}}</ref><ref name="DMO2014">{{cite web |author1=Defence Material Organisation |title=Armament Systems Program Office Product Catalogue |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/Multimedia/ARMTSPO_Catalogue_-_Web_(2)-9-5618.pdf |website=Department of Defence |archive-url=http://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20150623125036/http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/Multimedia/ARMTSPO_Catalogue_-_Web_(2)-9-5618.pdf |archive-date=23 June 2015 |date=30 September 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=10 May 2023 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The F88S was withdrawn from service.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=36}} |
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*The '''F88SA1C''' '''Austeyr''' was the carbine variant of the F88SA1 Austeyr that had a barrel length of {{convert|407|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="DMO2014"/> |
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*The '''F88SA2''' '''Austeyr''' was an upgrade of the F88 Austeyr that entered service in 2009, issued to units serving in the [[Military history of Australia during the War in Afghanistan|war in Afghanistan]]. It was withdrawn due to issues and re-entered service in the end of 2010.{{sfn|Masters|2019|pp=50-53}} The rifle had a two-tone colour with a "dark khaki undercarriage and a light brown upper" to match the [[Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform|Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform]].{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=51}} Design improvements included a modified gas system for increased reliability, an enlarged ejection port, a longer Picatinny Rail on top of the weapon, a modified sight housing and a side rail mount for a torch and Night Aiming Device (NAD).<ref name="dtic.mil">{{cite web|url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011smallarms/WednesdayInter12397Evenden.pdf|title=Improving In-Service Small Arms Systems: An Australian Experience|publisher=Thales Australia|date=1 June 2011|access-date=12 August 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020204550/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011smallarms/WednesdayInter12397Evenden.pdf|archive-date=20 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Thales upgrades Austeyr rifle to meet ADF operational needs |url=http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Australia_291008/ |website=Thales Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724112450/http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Australia_291008/ |archive-date=24 July 2009 |date=29 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The F1A1 ammunition was improved to suit the F88SA2.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=53}}<ref name="dtic.mil" /> The rifle could be fitted with a standard 1.5x sight or the Trijicon [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight]] (ACOG).<ref>{{cite web |title=F88 Austeyr - F88A2 with ring sight and F88A2 with ACOG RMR and GLA |url=https://www.army.gov.au/our-work/equipment-uniforms/equipment/small-arms/f88-austeyr-f88a2-ring-sight-and-f88a2-acog-rmr-and-gla |website=Australian Army |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref> |
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F88 Austeyrs that were fitted with the [[M203 grenade launcher]] from the M16A1 had a barrel length of {{convert|620|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="ArmyNews1988"/><ref name="ArmyNews2001">{{cite news |date=24 May 2001 |title=40mm given green light |edition=1027 |work=Army: The Soldiers' Newspaper |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra, Australia |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1027/story01.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010720160309/http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1027/story01.htm |archive-date=20 July 2001 |issn=0729-5685}}</ref> In 2001, the Grenade Launcher Attachment (GLA) replaced the M203 from the M16A1 and also the [[M79 grenade launcher]].<ref name="ArmyNews2001"/><ref name="ArmyNews2000">{{cite press release |title=New Grenade Launcher for the Australian Defence Force |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DeptTpl.cfm?CurrentId=329 |website=Department of Defence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010711090859/http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DeptTpl.cfm?CurrentId=329 |archive-date=11 July 2001 |id=99/00 |date=17 May 2000 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The ADF ordered 3167 GLAs.<ref name="ArmyNews2000"/> The GLA featured an Inter-bar (armourer attached) interface, a RM Equipment M203PI grenade launcher, and a [[Knight's Armament Company|Knight's Armament]] quadrant sight assembly to which a Firepoint [[red dot sight]] was attached.<ref name="ArmyNews2001"/><ref name="ArmyNews2000"/> The bayonet lug and forward vertical grip were removed to fit the Inter-bar.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=36}} |
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[[Defence Science and Technology Organisation|DSTO]] [[Advanced Individual Combat Weapon]] was an experimental weapon combining the barrel, action and magazine of an F88 Austeyr with an enlarged receiver and stock/body that also incorporates a multiple-shot 40 mm grenade launcher. |
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The [[Advanced Individual Combat Weapon]] (AICW) developed by the [[Defence Science and Technology Group|Defence Science and Technology Organisation]], Tenix Defence Systems, ADI, NICO and [[Metal Storm]] was an experimental F88 Austeyr that incorporated a top barrel for Metal Storm 30 mm rounds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Advanced Individual Combat Weapon Capability Technology Demonstrator |website=Tenix |url=http://www.tenix.com.au/PDFLibrary/150.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030516070851/http://www.tenix.com.au/PDFLibrary/150.pdf |date=2002 |archive-date=16 May 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DSTO runs into storm |edition=1033 |work=Army: The Soldiers' Newspaper |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra, Australia |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267096981 |date=16 August 2001 |page=3 |issn=0729-5685}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ballistics demo unveiled |edition=1042 |work=Army: The Soldiers' Newspaper |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra, Australia |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267107010 |date=17 January 2002 |page=5 |issn=0729-5685}}</ref> |
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*The '''F88 Austeyr''' is the standard individual weapon of the [[Australian Defence Force|Australia Defence Force]]. It is manufactured under licence from Steyr Mannlicher AG at the [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory|Thales Lithgow Small Arms Factory]], which is now owned by Thales Australia. It is issued and supplied to the armed forces of Australia and New Zealand and incorporate a crosshair doughnut sight, it is also in service in 30 different countries.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/weapon/f88-austeyr|title=F88 Austeyr|last=Navy|first=corporateName=Royal Australian|website=navy.gov.au|access-date=23 June 2017}}</ref> There are changes and differences between the original Steyr AUG and the F88 Austeyr. The changes includes a bayonet lug, a 1:7 in rifling pitch as found in the M16A2 assault rifle, optimised for the heavier 62-grain NATO-standard SS109/M855 round and an "automatic lockout" trigger that can physically disable the fully automatic position of the two-stage trigger mechanism found on the standard AUG.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.gov.au/our-work/equipment-and-clothing/small-arms/f88-austeyr-f88a2-with-ring-sight-and-f88a2-with-acog-rmr|title=F88 Austeyr – F88A2 with ring sight and F88A2 with ACOG RMR and GLA|last=ChrisBurritt|date=21 September 2016|website=army.gov.au|access-date=23 June 2017}}</ref> It won a competition against the prototype of what would become the [[Bushmaster M17S]]. [[Australian Defence Force Cadets]] also use this firearm for drill and training exercises. |
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*The '''F88C''' '''Austeyr''' is a [[carbine]] variant of the F88 Austeyr that features a shorter {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel. It is generally used as a personal defensive weapon where manoeuvrability is an issue, such as in armoured vehicles. |
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*The '''F88SA1 Austeyr''' is a variant of the F88 Austeyr with an integrated [[Picatinny rail]] in place of the standard optical sight that allows the attachment of various other sighting devices (night vision scopes, magnified and non-magnified optics such as the [[C79 Optical Sight|ELCAN C79]], Trijicon [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|ACOG]] or [[Aimpoint]]). |
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*The '''F88SA1C''' '''Austeyr''' is a compact variant of the F88 Austeyr fitted with a Picatinny rail. The rifle has a {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel. Typically issued to front-line combat infantry units with room and weight constraints such as cavalry, Military Police, reconnaissance, light horse, paratroopers and airfield defence guards (RAAF). |
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*The '''F88 GLA''' '''Austeyr''' is a variant is for the Australian Army with an [[M203 grenade launcher]]. It features an Inter-bar (armourer attached) interface, an RM Equipment M203PI grenade launcher, and a [[Knight's Armament Company|Knight's Armament]] quadrant sight assembly to which a Firepoint [[red dot sight]] is attached. The bayonet lug and forward vertical grip are not present in this model. |
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*The '''F88T''' is a training rifle that is chambered in [[.22 Long Rifle]] cartridge developed by ADI, to be used by the Australian Army, [[Australian Army Cadets]], [[Australian Air Force Cadets]] and [[Australian Navy Cadets]]. The rifle provides an economical training alternative, with very low ammunition cost, which can be used in environmentally sensitive training areas and ranges where "overshooting" is an issue, and there is a lower risk of injuring instructors and other persons.<ref name="ADI">{{cite web|url=http://www.adi-limited.com/site.asp?page=148|title=Steyr.|website=adi-limited.com|accessdate=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607115127/http://www.adi-limited.com/site.asp?page=148|archivedate=7 June 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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*The '''F88SA2''' '''Austeyr''' is an evolutionary upgrade of the current rifle to fulfil an operational capability gap. Deliveries of several thousand were completed in late-2009 to selected units for overseas service. (Afghanistan) Technical improvements in the F88S-A2 include: Modified gas system for increased reliability and increased interoperability with U.S ammo. An enlarged ejection port. A longer Picatinny Rail on top of the weapon, a modified sight housing, a side rail mount for a torch and Night Aiming Device (NAD). The colour of the barrel, sight and barrel assembly has been changed to khaki to reduce the recognition signature.<ref name="dtic.mil">{{cite web|url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011smallarms/WednesdayInter12397Evenden.pdf|title=Improving In-Service Small Arms Systems: An Australian Experience|publisher=Defence Material Organisation|date=1 June 2011|accessdate=12 August 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020204550/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011smallarms/WednesdayInter12397Evenden.pdf|archivedate=20 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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==== |
==== EF88 Austeyr ==== |
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[[File:EF88 Austeyr rifles during RIMPAC 2022.jpg|thumb|EF88 Austeyr displayed during RIMPAC in 2022]] |
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The '''Lithgow''' '''F90''' was official adopted the Australian Defence Force and designated it as the '''Enhanced F88''' (EF88) Austeyr. The EF88 is part of the LAND 125 Soldier Combat System project and is a significant upgrade to the F88SA2. It was developed and produced at the Australian Defence Industries factory in [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory]], which is now owned by [[Thales Australia|Thales]] Australia to fulfil current and near future requirements for the Australian Defence Force. It was first displayed to the public in the middle of 2012 and the initial production was scheduled for 2013, its final design and testing ended later on that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://modernfirearms.net/assault/austr/f90-e.html|title=Modern Firearms – Thales EF88 / F90 assault rifle (Australia)|website=modernfirearms.net|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> Internally and externally the EF88 is still similar to the Steyr AUG, although it has received many distinctive upgrades and changes. Upgrades include the following: |
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[[File:1st Armored Division trains with Australian Army (Image 3 of 9).webp|thumb|US Army soldiers with EF88C Austeyr]] |
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:1. [[Length of pull]] has been shortened by 15 mm. (The distance between the stock backplate and the grip; too long and it becomes difficult to handle on close quarters) |
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:2. Longer top rail and a modular lower forend with side and bottom rails. |
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:3. Floating barrel which increases accuracy. |
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:4. Fluted Barrel which dissipates heat from automatic fire. |
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:5. Folding charging handle. |
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:6. Improved butt design which has increased strength and a recessed ejection port cover to improve reliability. |
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:7. Bolt-together butt for easier disassembly. |
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:8. Provision for electronic architecture to allow centralised control and power management of ancillary devices. |
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:9. Primarily uses the side-loading grenade launcher (Steyr-Mannlicher SL40) which can fire all currently available 40 mm low velocity grenades. |
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:10. Improved grenade launcher mount which improves the balance of the weapon. |
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:11. Improved grenade launcher safety, the new KORD RIC (Rifle Input Control) electronic control system made by Thales will also be integrated into the rifle.<ref name="dtic.mil" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.w54.biz/showthread.php?79-EF88-Rail-Configuration|title=EF88 Rail Configuration|accessdate=14 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiandefence.com/forums/military-forum/14952-australia%92s-next-gen-rifle-ef-88-a.html|title=Australia's Next Generation Rifle|work=Indian Defence Forum|accessdate=19 June 2016}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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:In June 2012, Thales debuted the F90 at the [[Eurosatory]] military exhibition in Paris. Key additions include a bottom rail and a detachable side rail, optional compatibility with STANAG magazines (F90MBR), weight savings over the F88SA2 with a base weight of {{Convert|3.25|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}} and the large trigger guard has been reshaped to serve as a vertical foregrip. Thales in partnership with Steyr-Mannlicher are pursuing small arms procurement programs such as the planned replacement of [[FAMAS]] used by the French military.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thales debuts new assault rifle – the F90|url=http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Markets/Defence/2012/Thales_debuts_new_assault_rifle_%E2%80%93_the_F90/|work=Press release|publisher=Thales|accessdate=11 June 2012|date=11 June 2012|quote=The F90 is identical to the EF88-designated weapon currently being developed by the company for Australia's LAND 125 program, and is based on the F88 platform that has been in service and evolved in Australia since the late 1980s. ... Thales is in cooperation with Austrian company Steyr Mannlicher to pursue specific opportunities, such as the French DGA FAMAS replacement project, utilising Steyr Mannlicher's manufacturing experience and facilities.|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130203161923/http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Markets/Defence/2012/Thales_debuts_new_assault_rifle_%E2%80%93_the_F90/|archivedate=3 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Low Rate Initial Production of the F90 began in September 2014.<ref>[https://archive.is/20140924200508/http://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/thales_australia_f90_assault_rifle_to_enter_low_rate_initial_production_.html Thales Australia F90 assault rifle to enter low rate initial production] – Armyrecognition.com, 24 September 2014</ref> Dasan Manufacturing will be licensed to manufacture them in an effort to bid them to the South Korean military for future replacements of the Daewoo K2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3685|title=ADEX 2015|website=Small Arms Defense Journal|accessdate=21 May 2017}}</ref> At the Defexpo 2018 convention, MKU has Indian licensing rights to manufacture the F90 for Indian contracts.<ref>http://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2018_india_news_show_daily/thales_and_mku_have_signed_mou_to_produce_f90_assault_rifle_in_india.html</ref> In April 2019, the F90CQB variant was planned to be submitted in conjunction with the Kalyani Group for Indian Army requirements on a 5.56 mm NATO carbine.<ref>https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/04/15/thales-partner-with-kalyani-for-indian-army-carbine-competition/</ref> |
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:Lithgow Arms offers the F90 in three different barrel lengths: {{Convert|360|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}, {{Convert|407|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}, and {{Convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}. The rifle can also be fitted with the SL40 underbarrel grenade launcher. |
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'''F90 ATRAX''' is a planned semi-automatic only variant of the F90 intended for the American civilian market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/01/30/shot-2018-lithgow-atrax-production-usa-now/|title=[SHOT 2018] Lithgow Atrax IN PRODUCTION in USA Now|work=The Firearm Blog|accessdate=22 May 2018}}</ref> It was announced by Thales that plans to release the rifle will be discontinued for ethical reasons.<ref>https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/04/10/thales-cancels-plans-to-sell-atrax-bullpup-rifle-on-us-civilian-market/</ref> |
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The '''EF88''' (Enhanced F88) was developed by [[Thales Australia]] for the Australian Defence Force under Project LAND 125 Phase 3C to replace the F88 Austeyr.<ref name="EF88">{{cite web |title=Enhanced F88 Austeyr |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/project/enhanced-f88-austeyr |website=Department of Defence |access-date=5 May 2023 |date=November 2021}}</ref><ref name="ArmyNewsFeb2012">{{cite news|last1=Hetherington|first1=Sgt Andrew|title=Light, accurate, modular |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1275/1275.pdf |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=16 February 2012|publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=5|issn=0729-5685|edition=1275 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227190155/http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1275/1275.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ADMSept2015">{{cite news |last1=Kerr |first1=Julian |title=Land Warfare: EF88 debuts in the ADF |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/land-warfare-ef88-debuts-in-the-adf |access-date=5 May 2023 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=2 September 2015}}</ref> Thales Australia offers an export version of the EF88 the '''F90'''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=McLennan |first1=Lt Col Benjamin |title=ADF gets new rifle enhanced F88 EF88 |journal=CONTACT Air Land & Sea |date=September 2015 |issue=47 |page=34 |url=https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/free_contact/contact47/contact47.pdf |access-date=5 May 2023 |publisher=Contact Publishing |location=Minnamurra |issn=1449-2385}}</ref><ref name="SteyrSL40">{{cite press release |title=Steyr Mannlicher grenade launcher chosen for new Australian rifle |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/australia/press-release/steyr-mannlicher-grenade-launcher-chosen-new-australian-rifle |website=Thales Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403021759/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/australia/press-release/steyr-mannlicher-grenade-launcher-chosen-new-australian-rifle |archive-date=3 April 2014 |date=21 January 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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=== Austrian military === |
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[[File:Irishamylebanon.jpg|thumb|Irish Army peacekeepers in Lebanon armed with the Steyr AUG fitted with bayonets.]] |
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[[File:New Zealand Army soldiers prepare to clear a room during a live-fire scenario June 13, 2013, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during exercise Dawn Blitz 2013 130613-M-GO800-004.jpg|thumb|The New Zealand Army with the IW Steyr on a military live fire scenario exercise.|alt=]] |
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The EF88 is produced at Thales Australia's [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory|Lithgow Arms]] factory.<ref name="Thales2015">{{cite press release |title=New era as F90 assault rifle enters Australian Defence Force service |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/press-release/new-era-f90-assault-rifle-enters-australian-defence-force-service |website=Thales Group |access-date=5 May 2023 |date=4 August 2015}}</ref> The contract to develop an improved lighter version of the F88 Austeyr was signed with Thales Australia in December 2011.<ref name="ArmyNewsFeb2012"/> In September 2014, Thales Australia was awarded a [[low rate initial production]] contract after achieving provisional design acceptance.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Innovative F90 Assault Rifle to enter Low Rate Initial Production |url=https://www.lithgowarms.com/innovative-f90-assault-rifle-to-enter-low-rate-initial-productionx/ |website=Lithgow Arms |access-date=5 May 2023 |date=26 September 2014}}</ref> In June 2015, EF88s from the low rate initial production were issued to the Army infantry battalion [[1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|1 RAR]] to trial before the anticipated rollout of the EF88 in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McLennan |first1=Lt Col Benjamin |title='Exceptional' weapon |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1353/1353.pdf |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=18 June 2015 |publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|page=3 |issn=0729-5685|edition=1353 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20151020162404/http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1353/1353.pdf |archive-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="ADMSept2015"/> In July 2015, the ADF placed an initial order of 30,000 rifles in two versions a standard rifle with a {{Convert|20|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} barrel and a carbine with a {{Convert|16|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} barrel.<ref name="Thales2015"/><ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews |title=Government approves contract to maintain ADF small arms manufacturing in Australia |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2015-07-06/minister-defence-government-approves-contract-maintain-adf-small-arms-manufacturing-australia-6-july-2015 |website=Department of Defence Ministers |date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="EF88"/> |
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The Austrian Army adopted the Steyr AUG in 1978 and designated it as the Sturmgewehr 77 (StG 77). |
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In July 2020, a second order was placed for an additional 8,500 rifles.<ref name="EF88"/><ref>{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds |title=Morrison Government invests in additional Australian made soldier capability for Defence |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2020-07-13/morrison-government-invests-additional-australian-made-soldier-capability-defence |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=6 May 2023 |date=13 July 2020}}</ref> Internally and externally the EF88 is still similar to the Steyr AUG, although it has received many distinctive upgrades and changes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://modernfirearms.net/assault/austr/f90-e.html|title=Modern Firearms – Thales EF88 / F90 assault rifle (Australia)|website=modernfirearms.net|date=14 February 2013|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> The colour that was chosen was a black-finish compared to the two-tone colour with a "dark khaki undercarriage and a light brown upper" finish of the F88A2s.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=60}} |
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*The '''StG 77''' is the Austrian Army's designation for the Steyr AUG. |
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*The '''StG 77 A2''' is the Austrian Army's designation for the Steyr AUG A3 SF. It was adopted by the Austrian Special Forces ([[Jagdkommando]]) in late 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doppeladler.com/oebh/infanterie/stg77.htm|title=Steyr AUG A2 Commando|accessdate=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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*The '''StG 77 KPE''' is the Austrian Army's designation for an upgraded StG 77. Where the A1 housing group was replaced with the A3 SF housing and was adopted in 2017. |
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*The '''StG 77 A1 MP''' is the Austrian Army designation for the StG 77 used by military police. The rifles differ from the standard StG 77 by having a Picatinny rail for an Aimpoint Micro T1 Red Dot Sight and magnifier, a flash hider from Ase-Utra, and Rheinmetall Vario Ray laser and light module mounted on the right side. Adopted in 2018. |
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Upgrades include the following: |
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=== Irish military === |
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* Longer [[NATO Accessory Rail|NATO STANAG]] top rail with a NATO STANAG bottom rail and side rail<ref name="ArmyPoster">{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Enhanced F88 Rifle and Grenade Launcher Attachment |url=https://www.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-11/ef88_lrip_poster_4.pdf |website=Australian Army |access-date=5 May 2023}}</ref><ref name="LithgowArms">{{Cite web |title=F90 Automatic Rifle Family |url=https://www.lithgowarms.com/f90/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Lithgow Arms |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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The '''Steyr AUG Mod 14''' is an AUG A1 upgraded by the [[Irish Army]], which was possible due to the modularity of the rifle. It allowed the Irish Army to make modernisation upgrades. They replaced the original A1 housing/receiver group (with 1.5× optical sight) with an A3 housing/receiver group (with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail on top and right side) allowing a modern optical sight to be fitted. The [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|Trijicon ACOG]] 4× sight was selected as the new optical sight of the rifle. The rifle features the ALO "automatic lockout" trigger, which can also be found in the Australian and New Zealand versions. In 2014, they began issuing the rifle to its operational units. |
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* A fixed lighter [[Fluting (firearms)|fluted]] barrel<ref name="ArmyPoster"/>{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=59}} |
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* Folding [[cocking handle]]<ref name="LithgowArms"/><ref name="ArmyPoster"/> |
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* Extended ejection port with recessed covers<ref name="ArmyPoster"/> |
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* Enhanced buttstock profile and improved cheek weld design<ref name="LithgowArms"/><ref name="ArmyPoster"/> |
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* Bolt-release catch on buttstock for faster magazine changes<ref name="ADMSept2015"/>{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=58}} |
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* [[ELCAN Optical Technologies|Elcan]] Spectre DR 1-4x enhanced day sight<ref>{{cite news|last=McLennan |first=Lt Col Ben |title=A lethal fighting force |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1372/1372.pdf |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper|date=5 May 2016 |publisher=Department of Defence|location=Canberra|pages=16–17 |issn=0729-5685|edition=1372 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20160615163924/http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1372/1372.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Australia selects Raytheon ELCAN weapon sight for land forces |url=http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2016-06-14-Australia-selects-Raytheon-ELCAN-weapon-sight-for-land-forces |website=Raytheon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712001930/http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2016-06-14-Australia-selects-Raytheon-ELCAN-weapon-sight-for-land-forces |archive-date=12 July 2016 |date=14 June 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Thales tested two grenade launchers for the EF88 the Madritsch '''ML40AUS''' designed specifically for the EF88 and the Steyr '''SL40'''.<ref>{{cite web |author1=N.R. Jenzen-Jones |title=Update II: EF88/F90 Assault Rifle and Grenade Launcher(s) |url=https://rogueadventurer.com/2013/08/10/update-ii-ef88f90-assault-rifle-and-grenade-launchers/ |website=Rogue Adventurer |access-date=6 May 2023 |date=10 August 2013}}</ref><ref name="FirearmsBlog">{{cite news |last1=Vining |first1=Miles |title=Hands on with the SL40 UBGL/Standalone Grenade Launcher from Lithgow Arms |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/11/16/hands-on-with-the-sl40-ubgl-standalone-grenade-launcher-from-lithgow-arms/ |access-date=6 May 2023 |work=The Firearm Blog |date=16 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=N.R. Jenzen-Jones |title=ML40AUS grenade launcher high-speed video |
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=== New Zealand military === |
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|url=https://rogueadventurer.com/2012/10/03/ml40aus-grenade-launcher-high-speed-video/ |website=Rogue Adventurer |access-date=6 May 2023 |date=3 October 2012}}</ref> In January 2014, Thales selected the Steyr SL40 for the EF88 reportedly the ML40AUS had "significant" engineering concerns.<ref name="SteyrSL40"/><ref name="Rogueadventurer">{{cite web |author1=N.R. Jenzen-Jones |title=Thales selects Steyr SL40 Grenade Launcher for EF88 |url=https://rogueadventurer.com/2014/01/21/thales-selects-steyr-sl40-grenade-launcher-for-ef88/ |website=Rogue Adventurer |access-date=6 May 2023 |date=21 January 2014}}</ref> The ADF ordered 2,277 SL40s.<ref name="EF88"/> The SL40 is mounted on the rifle's bottom accessory rail and its trigger protrudes inside the rifle's trigger guard, and uses a Trijicon holographic sight for its sighting system.<ref name="Rogueadventurer"/><ref name="FirearmsBlog"/> The SL40 is a derivative of the [[Steyr GL40]] grenade launcher and weighs {{convert|1.025|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and has a {{convert|180|mm|in|abbr=on}} long barrel.<ref name="FirearmsBlog"/><ref name="SteyrSL40"/> The SL40 does not require a tool to attach it or remove it from the rifle.<ref name="ADMSept2015"/> |
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Within the Australian Defence Force, there has been some discussion about the suitability of the EF88 when compared against variants of the AR-15 platform such as the [[M4 carbine]] and [[SIG MCX]].<ref>{{cite web |author=WO1 W |date=25 September 2015 |title=The EF88 versus the M4/AR-15: a special operator's perspective |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-ef88-versus-the-m4ar-15-a-special-operators-perspective/ |access-date=25 Sep 2015 |website=Australian Strategic Policy Institute}}</ref> |
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The [[New Zealand Army]] had adopted the F88 Austeyr and designated it as the '''IW Steyr''' (Individual Weapon Steyr). However the [[New Zealand Army]] has since adopted the Mars-L and phased out the IW Steyr.<ref name="stuffnz">https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/93704972/new-59-weapons-package-begins-defence-force-rollout</ref> |
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New Zealand variants of the Steyr were equipped with a single-stage trigger and a two-position safety. The sight added a crosshair to the circle reticule. New Zealand issued both factory and locally-modified carbines alongside the full-length rifle variant. |
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In November 2021, ''Defence Technology Review'' reported that Thales Australia, in collaboration with the Australian Army, were developing a next-generation individual weapon in bullpup configuration chambered for the 6.8 mm calibre.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bostock |first1=Ian |title=Thales developing new 6.8mm close combat weapon |journal=Defence Technology Review |date=November 2021 |issue=81 |pages=6–7 |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/database/document/2021-11/defence-technology-review-issue-81-nov-2021-thales-developing-new-6-8mm-close-combat-weapon.pdf |access-date=6 May 2023 |publisher=Sabot Media Pty Ltd}}</ref> |
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==Variants== |
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=== AUG === |
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[[File:AUG A1 407mm 03.jpg|thumb|A left-side view of the Steyr AUG A1 with a {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel.]] |
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[[File:AUG A2 407mm klein 03.jpg|thumb|A right-side view of the Steyr AUG A2 with a {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel) and a Picatinny rail attached.]] |
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[[File:Steyr AUG A3.jpg|thumb|A left-side view of the Steyr AUG A3-CQC prototype with a Leupold CQ/T optic and Surefire M900 weapon light foregrip.]] |
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==== F90 ==== |
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The Steyr AUG is a [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] chambered in [[5.56×45mm NATO]]. It was introduced in 1978 and was adopted by the Austrian Army and was designated as the StG 77 in 1978, then it was later adopted by several military agencies around the world. |
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In June 2012, Thales debuted the F90 at the [[Eurosatory]] military exhibition in Paris.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Thales debuts new assault rifle – the F90 |url=http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Markets/Defence/2012/Thales_debuts_new_assault_rifle_%E2%80%93_the_F90/|website=Thales Group |date=11 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203161923/http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Markets/Defence/2012/Thales_debuts_new_assault_rifle_%E2%80%93_the_F90/|archive-date=3 February 2013|url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Lithgow Arms offers the F90 in three different barrel lengths: {{Convert|360|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, {{Convert|407|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}, and {{Convert|508|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="F90">{{cite web |title=F90 |url=https://www.lithgowarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ARM_LA_F90_single_page_web_1.pdf |website=Lithgow Arms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109213028/https://www.lithgowarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ARM_LA_F90_single_page_web_1.pdf |archive-date=9 November 2016 |date=2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The barrels are fixed cold hammer forged, chrome lined and fluted.<ref name="F90"/> The rifle has heat-vent cut outs for better heat ventilation.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Lithgow Arms USA F90 Atrax bullpup |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6847L8aEA6A |publisher=Military Arms Channel |type=Youtube video |date=20 October 2016 |access-date=2023-05-05 |language=en}}</ref> The rifle can also be fitted with the SL40 grenade launcher.<ref name="F90"/> Its nominal cyclic rate of fire is 740 rounds per minute.<ref name="LithgowArms" /> |
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In 2017, Dasan Manufacturing was granted the rights to manufacture the F90, in an effort to bid them to the South Korean military for future replacements of the Daewoo [[Daewoo Precision Industries K2|K2]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bolding |first1=Damon |title=ADEX 2015 |journal=Small Arms Defense Journal |date=5 August 2016 |volume=8 |issue=4 |url=https://sadefensejournal.com/adex-2015/ |access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> It is marketed by Dasan as the DSR-90.<ref>{{cite web |title=DSR90 |url=http://dasanusa.com/korea/sub/sub03010203.html?ptype=view&prdcode=1511110007 |website=Dasan Korea |access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A1''' is an improved variant of the AUG and was introduced in 1982. It is available with a choice of olive or black furniture.<ref name="A1A2">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A1_A2_press_01.pdf&t=1244185479&hash=0c46aaef884d605a158cc8f071e0d9f9|title=Steyr AUG A1 / A2|work=Steyr Mannlicher|format=PDF|accessdate=4 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214629/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_A1_A2_press_01.pdf&t=1244185479&hash=0c46aaef884d605a158cc8f071e0d9f9|archive-date=13 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr''' '''AUG M203''' is an AUG A1 fitted with the [[M203 grenade launcher]]. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG AG-C''' is an AUG A1 fitted with the [[AG-C]] grenade launcher. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A2''' features a redesigned charging handle and a detachable telescopic sight which can be replaced with a [[Picatinny rail|MIL-STD-1913 rail]].<ref name="A1A2" /> Due to its modularity, a 24-inch barrel can be used and a Picatinny rail section can be fitted instead of the folding grip, where a bipod can be installed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Archived copy|url=https://www.taringa.net/posts/info/19285398/Armamento-utilizado-por-el-Ejercito-Nacional-del-Uruguay.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424172458/http://www.taringa.net/posts/info/19285398/Armamento-utilizado-por-el-Ejercito-Nacional-del-Uruguay.html|archive-date=24 April 2017|access-date=3 January 2018}}</ref> The rifle was introduced in December 1997. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3''' features a MIL-STD-1913 rail on top of the receiver and an external bolt release.<ref name="A3">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_press_01.pdf&t=1244186156&hash=03cbd910081364335b9d679102a4ef4e|title=Steyr AUG A3|publisher=Steyr Mannlicher|format=PDF|accessdate=4 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214644/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_press_01.pdf&t=1244186156&hash=03cbd910081364335b9d679102a4ef4e|archive-date=13 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 SF''' also known as the '''AUG A2 Commando''', features an MIL-STD-1913 rails mounted on the telescopic sight and on the right side of the receiver, and includes an external bolt release.<ref name="A3SF">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3SF_press_01.pdf&t=1244186187&hash=8af3affc13f53d7bd8ccdafe807c9f75|title=Steyr AUG A3 SF|work=Steyr Mannlicher|format=PDF|accessdate=4 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214634/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3SF_press_01.pdf&t=1244186187&hash=8af3affc13f53d7bd8ccdafe807c9f75|archive-date=13 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The integrated telescopic sight is offered in 1.5× or 3× magnification. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3-CQC''' was a prototype development of the AUG A3 and was first displayed by Steyr at the SHOT Show 2006. It differs in having a railed handguard attached ahead of the receiver. Due to the need to remove this extra railed section in order to strip the rifle for cleaning, it featured a quick detach lever mounted on the left side to remove the rail. Due to the concerns over the extra cost and weight, along with potential issues with the reliability and consistency of the detachable handguard, the prototypes received little interest and were last seen promoted by Steyr in 2008 and likely has been cancelled. In total only 5 prototypes were made, four with standard 18-inch barrels, and one with a longer heavy marksman barrel and a 20-round magazine. In 2012 the American company PJA obtained the 5 original prototypes from Steyr and reverse engineered them in order to produce a US-made AUG A3-CQC and conversion kits.{{cn|date=May 2020}} |
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At the Defexpo 2018 convention, MKU gained Indian licensing rights to manufacture the F90 for Indian contracts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thales and MKU have signed MoU to produce F90 assault rifle in India |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defexpo_2018_india_news_show_daily/thales_and_mku_have_signed_mou_to_produce_f90_assault_rifle_in_india.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=Army Recognition|date=12 April 2018 }}</ref> In April 2019, the F90CQB variant was planned to be submitted in conjunction with the Kalyani Group for Indian Army requirements on a 5.56 mm NATO carbine.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moss |first=Matthew |title=Thales Partner with Kalyani for Indian Army Carbine Competition|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/04/15/thales-partner-with-kalyani-for-indian-army-carbine-competition/ |work=The Firearm Blog|date=15 April 2019 |access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> As of April 2020, Bharat Forge is Thales' partner to manufacture the F90.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Arthur |first1=Gordon |title=Enhancing the Austeyr Australia Defence Force's EF88/F90 Rifle |journal=Small Arms Defense Journal |date=5 April 2020 |volume=12 |issue=3 |url=https://sadefensejournal.com/enhancing-the-austeyr-australia-defence-forces-ef88-f90-rifle/ |access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> BF will market it to Indian military and law enforcement, and for potential export sales.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bharat Forge, Thales Join Hands to Develop F90 Rifles |url=https://raksha-anirveda.com/bharat-forge-thales-join-hands-to-develop-f90-rifles/ |access-date=6 May 2023 |work=Raksha Anirveda |date=6 February 2020}}</ref> |
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=== AUG HBAR === |
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The '''Steyr AUG HBAR''' (Heavy Barreled Automatic Rifle) is a longer heavier-barreled variant of the standard AUG for use as a [[light machine gun]] or [[squad automatic weapon]]. Its telescoping sight has a 4× magnification rather than the 1.5× magnification of the standard AUG. It can be modified to fire from an [[open bolt]] to allow sustained fire. To accomplish this, a modified bolt carrier, striker and trigger mechanism with sear are used. |
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In 2016, ''The Firearm Blog'' reported that a semi-automatic variant of the F90 the '''Atrax''' would be available to the US civilian market.<ref>{{cite news|author=Nathaniel F |title=Lithgow Arms USA Importing Thales Aus. EF88/F90 as "Atrax" Rifle [NRA 2016] |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/05/23/lithgow-arms-usa-importing-thales-aus-ef88f90-atrax-rifle-nra-2016/ |work=The Firearm Blog|date=23 May 2016 |access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> In 2018, ''The Firearm Blog'' reported that Dasan USA had commenced producing components for the Atrax.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/01/30/shot-2018-lithgow-atrax-production-usa-now/|title=[SHOT 2018] Lithgow Atrax IN PRODUCTION in USA Now|work=The Firearm Blog|date=30 January 2018|access-date=22 May 2018}}</ref> In 2019, ''The Firearm Blog'' reported that Thales had cancelled the rifle for "ethical reasons."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-04-10|title=Thales Cancels Plans To Sell Atrax Bullpup Rifle On US Civilian Market|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/04/10/thales-cancels-plans-to-sell-atrax-bullpup-rifle-on-us-civilian-market/|access-date=2021-05-11|work=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG HBAR-T''' (Heavy Barreled Automatic Rifle-Telescope) is a designated marksman configuration of the HBAR that features a special receiver fitted with a Kahles ZF69 6×42 optical sight. |
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In March 2018, Thales Australia introduced the '''F90MBR''' (Modular Bullpup Rifle). It is a successor to the F90, which features STANAG magazine compatibility.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=SADJ staff |title=F90MBR: Thale's New Generation Assault Rifle |journal=Small Arms Defense Journal |date=23 March 2018 |volume=10 |issue=2 |url=https://sadefensejournal.com/f90mbr-thales-new-generation-assault-rifle/ |access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> |
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=== AUG Para === |
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[[File:AUG 9mm 03.jpg|thumb|A left-side view of the Steyr AUG Para.]] |
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=== Irish adopted variants === |
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The '''Steyr AUG Para''' also known as the '''AUG SMG''' or '''AUG 9mm''', is a [[submachine gun]] variant of the AUG chambered in [[9×19mm Parabellum]] cartridge and has been produced since 1988.<ref name="hogg2002" /> It differs from the rifle variants by having a different barrel, bolt and magazine. It is an automatic, [[blowback (arms)|blowback]]-operated model that fires from a closed bolt, and does not use of the rifle's gas system.<ref name="9mm">{{cite web|title=Steyr AUG 9mm|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_9mm_press_01.pdf&t=1244186229&hash=6cfc561eebb60151883a5ec12f877966|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214623/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_9mm_press_01.pdf&t=1244186229&hash=6cfc561eebb60151883a5ec12f877966|archive-date=13 July 2009|accessdate=4 June 2009|work=Steyr Mannlicher|format=PDF}}</ref> Unlike the rifle variants, it has a unique {{convert|420|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel with six right-hand grooves at a 250 mm (1:9.8 in) rifling twist rate, with a recoil compensator, a slightly different charging handle and a magazine well adapter enabling the use of standard 25-round box magazines from the [[Steyr MPi 69]] and [[Steyr TMP|TMP]] submachine guns.<ref name="REMTEK 9mm">{{cite web|title=AUG 9mm|url=http://remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/aug9/aug9mm.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714061534/http://remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/aug9/aug9mm.htm|archive-date=14 July 2009|accessdate=4 June 2009|publisher=REMTEK|df=dmy-all}}{{self-published source|date=February 2015}}</ref> A conversion kit used to transform any assault rifle configuration into the submachine gun configuration is also available. The conversion kit consists of a barrel, bolt, adapter insert and magazine. |
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[[File:Overseas (36) (24489994377).jpg|alt=|thumb|Irish soldier with an AUG Mod 14 during a [[United Nations Disengagement Observer Force|UNDOF]] deployment]] |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 Para XS''' is a 9mm variant of the AUG A3. It features a {{convert|325|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel and a Picatinny rail system.<ref name="9mm XS">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads/media/STM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_9mm_XS_press_01.pdf&t=1244186274&hash=7702ca358d8b8e6b19431ab9dc7b0c88|title=Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS|publisher=Steyr Mannlicher|format=PDF|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713214639/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=uploads%2Fmedia%2FSTM_Produktblatt_AUG_A3_9mm_XS_press_01.pdf&t=1244186274&hash=7702ca358d8b8e6b19431ab9dc7b0c88|archive-date=13 July 2009|accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG 40''' is a [[.40 S&W]] variant of the AUG Para that uses [[Glock]] compatible double stack .40 S&W magazines. |
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The Steyr AUG 1 entered service with the Irish Defence Forces in 1988.<ref name="PLW" /> |
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=== Semi-automatic only variants === |
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In 2014, the [[Irish Army]] began a modernisation programme to upgrade their Steyr AUG A1s, which was possible due to the modularity of the AUG. The result was the '''Steyr AUG Mod 14''', and on the same year the army began issuing the rifle to its operational units.<ref name="PLW">{{Cite web|title=Platoon Weapons|url=https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/army/weapons/platoon-level-weapons/platoon-weapons.html|access-date=2021-05-11|website=Irish Defence Forces|language=en}}</ref> |
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A semi-automatic variant of the rifle known as the '''AUG P''' is available to the civilian and law enforcement markets. It features a shorter, {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel and a modified bolt, carrier and trigger assembly that will only allow semi-automatic fire. The rifle also has a slightly different optical sight that features a reticule with a fine dot in the centre of the aiming circle, allowing for more precise aiming. |
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They replaced the original A1 housing/receiver group (with 1.5× optical sight) with an A3 housing/receiver group (with a Picatinny rail on top and right side) allowing a modern optical sight to be fitted.<ref name="PLW" /> The [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|Trijicon ACOG]] 4× sight was selected as the new optical sight of the rifle.<ref name="PLW" /> The rifle features the ALO "automatic lockout" trigger, which can also be found in the Australian and New Zealand variants. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG P''' is a Police semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A1 with a shorter {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG P Special Receiver''' is similar to the AUG P but features a MIL-STD-1913 rail on top of the receiver. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG SA''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A1; built for civilian use and import to the US before being banned from importation in 1989. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z''' is a semi-automatic only variant, somewhat similar to the AUG A2 and is intended primarily for civilian use. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z Sport''' is a semi-automatic only variant, somewhat similar to the AUG Z for shooting use by the BKA in Germany. This variant has a special handguard without the typical front grip. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z A3''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3, and was introduced in 2010. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z A3 9mm''' is a semi-automatic only 9×19mm Parabellum variant of the AUG Z A3. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z A3 SE''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 SF. |
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*The '''Steyr USR''' is an AUG A2 modified to meet the former Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) (or Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act) regulations. The primary difference is the omission of the flash hider. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 SA USA''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 with a {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel, made available for the U.S. civilian market in April 2009.<ref name="USA">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyrarms.com/products/sporting-rifles/steyr-aug-z/|title=Steyr AUG/A3 SA USA|work=Steyr Mannlicher US|publisher=Steyr Mannlicher|accessdate=4 June 2009}}</ref><ref name="A3 USA">{{cite web|url=http://emptormaven.com/2009/10/steyr-auga3-usa/|title=Steyr AUG/A3 USA}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 SA NATO:''' Similar to the AUG A3 SA USA but uses a right-hand-only, [[NATO]] [[STANAG magazine]] stock assembly.<ref name="steyr-aug.com" /><ref name="auto" /> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 SF but with a detachable optical sight which can be replaced with [[Picatinny rail|MIL-STD-1913 rail]]s, manufactured in the US by Steyr Arms since October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hunteroc.com/2014/Steyr_Arms_PR4.html|title=Hunter Outdoor Communications|accessdate=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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=== New Zealand adopted variants === |
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[[File:130416-M-OM885-092 - New Zealanders maneuver, engage targets during Dawn Blitz 2013.jpg|thumb|New Zealand Army with the IW Steyr on a military scenario-driven exercise]] |
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The [[New Zealand Defence Force]] had adopted the F88 Austeyr ordering 15,000 designated the '''IW Steyr''' (Individual Weapon Steyr) that were manufactured in Australia.{{sfn|Masters|2019|p=15}}<ref name="NZArmy">{{cite web|title=Personal Weapons - Steyr Rifle|url=http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/default.htm|url-status=dead|website=New Zealand Army|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218164455/http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/default.htm|archivedate=18 December 2009}}</ref> The IW Steyr entered service in 1988.<ref name="NZArmy"/> In 2013, ''Stuff'' reported that New Zealand had 13,000 IW Steyrs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schouten |first1=Hank |title=Defence seeks upgrade for 25-year-old rifles |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/9144617/Defence-seeks-upgrade-for-25-year-old-rifles |access-date=9 May 2023 |work=Stuff |date=10 September 2013}}</ref> In 2015, New Zealand selected the Lewis Machine and Tool [[Lewis Machine and Tool Company#MARS-L|Mars-L 5.56mm rifle]] to replace the IW Steyr and began transitioning to the new rifle in 2017.<ref name="stuffnz">{{Cite news|last=Lawrence |first=Kirsty |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/93704972/new-59-weapons-package-begins-defence-force-rollout|title=New $59 million weapons package begins Defence Force rollout|work=Stuff |date=15 June 2017 |access-date=9 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Individual Weapons Replacement |url=https://www.defence.govt.nz/what-we-do/delivering-defence-capability/defence-capability-projects/individual-weapons-replacement/ |website=New Zealand Defence Force |access-date=9 May 2023 |date=January 2021}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG SPR''' is a straight pull only configuration, somewhat similar to the AUG A2 and is intended primarily for civilian use. |
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The variants of the New Zealand IW Steyr were equipped with a single-stage trigger and a two-position safety. The sight added a crosshair to the circle reticule. New Zealand issued both factory and locally modified carbines alongside the full-length rifle variant.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} |
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=== Civilian variants === |
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* The '''Steyr AUG P''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A1 available to the civilian and law enforcement markets. It features the carbine length, {{convert|407|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} barrel and a modified bolt, carrier and trigger assembly that will only allow semi-automatic fire. The rifle also has a slightly different optical sight that features a reticule with a fine dot in the centre of the aiming circle, allowing for more precise aiming. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG P Special Receiver''' is similar to the AUG P but features a STANAG scope mount system on top of the receiver. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG SA''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A1, built for civilian use and import to the US before being banned from importation in 1989. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z''' is a semi-automatic only variant in compliance with Austrian weapon laws, somewhat similar to the AUG A2 but lacking the quick detachable barrels and is unable to accept the trigger group from the assault rifles. It is intended primarily for civilian use.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parlamentarische Anfragebeantwortung 3599/AB XXII. GP |url=https://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXII/AB/AB_03599/fnameorig_056189.html |website=Österreichisches Parlament {{in lang|de}}|publisher=Österreichisches Parlament |access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z Sport''' is a semi-automatic only variant, somewhat similar to the AUG Z, for use in sport shooting approved by the BKA in Germany. This variant has a special handguard without the typical front grip.<ref>{{cite web |title=Feststellungsbescheid vom 12.02.2010 |url=https://www.bka.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/UnsereAufgaben/Aufgabenbereiche/Waffen/Feststellungsbescheide/SchussSpielzeugwaffen/100212FbZ175AUG-Z_AUG-ZK.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2 |website=BKA - Homepage {{in lang|de}}|publisher=Bundeskriminalamt |format=PDF |access-date=14 January 2021}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z SP''' was a straight pull only configuration, somewhat similar to the AUG Z, and was intended primarily for civilian use; it was sold only in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gunmart.net/gun-reviews/firearms/rifles/steyr-aug-z-sp|title=Steyr AUG Z SP|publisher=Gun Mart UK|access-date=12 March 2023}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z A3''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG Z similar to the AUG A3 introduced in 2010. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z A3 9mm''' is a semi-automatic only 9×19mm Parabellum variant of the AUG Z A3. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG Z A3 SE''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG Z similar to the AUG A3 SF. |
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*The '''Steyr USR''' is an AUG A2 modified to meet the former Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) (or Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act) regulations. The USR has a thumb hole stock molded in gray polymer. The barrel is made by GSI Inc and is a 20” bull barrel. No threads so no muzzle device. The barrel takedown button has been cut off. |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 SA USA''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 with a {{convert|407|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel, made available for the U.S. civilian market in April 2009.<ref name="USA">{{cite web|url=http://www.steyrarms.com/products/sporting-rifles/steyr-aug-z/|title=Steyr AUG/A3 SA USA|work=Steyr Mannlicher US|publisher=Steyr Mannlicher|access-date=4 June 2009|archive-date=6 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606044949/http://www.steyrarms.com/products/sporting-rifles/steyr-aug-z|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 SA NATO:''' is a semi-automatic only variant similar to the AUG A3 SA USA, but uses a right-hand-only, [[NATO]] [[STANAG magazine]] stock assembly.<ref name="steyr-aug.com" /><ref name="auto" /> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 M1''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 SF with a detachable optical sight which can be replaced with [[Picatinny rail]]s and a {{convert|416|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel length, manufactured in the USA by Steyr Arms US since October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hunteroc.com/2014/Steyr_Arms_PR4.html|title=Hunter Outdoor Communications|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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*The '''Steyr AUG A3 M2''' is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 with an extended Picatinny rail and a {{convert|416|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel length. It reverted to the A1 style charging handle with a push-button forward assist and an added slot to lock it in the forward position. It was designed to accommodate an [[M-LOK]] handguard manufactured by Steyr. It has been manufactured in the USA by Steyr Arms US since April 2024. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-25 |title=AUG SA {{!}} STEYR ARMS |url=https://www.steyr-arms.com/en/sporting-rifles/aug-sa/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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===AUG clones=== |
===AUG clones=== |
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*The '''STG-556''' was introduced at the 2007 [[SHOT Show]], |
* The '''[[STG-556]]''' was introduced at the 2007 [[SHOT Show]], it was manufactured by [[Microtech Small Arms Research]] Inc. (a subsidiary of [[Microtech Knives]]) an AUG A1 clone significantly re-engineered in its working system and principle as it features a bolt hold-open device as seen on the M16 rifle; otherwise the MSAR STG-556 retains the original AUG features, such as feeding from proprietary translucent plastic magazines and having the quick-change barrel option. The STG-556 can be converted from either having a telescopic sight or a Picatinny rail. It is available in either civilian (semi-automatic only) configuration, and military and law enforcement (selective fire) configuration.<ref name="Choat">{{Cite journal| last = Choat| first = Chris| title = Microtech's STG-556 An Exclusive First Look| journal = The Small Arms Review| volume = 11| issue = 6| pages = 43–50| date = March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = MSAR – Microtech Small Arms Research Inc.| publisher = Microtech Small Arms Research| url = http://www.msarinc.com/home.html| access-date = 12 October 2007}}</ref> |
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*The '''AXR''' was revealed at the 2007 [[SHOT Show]], the TPD USA AXR was manufactured by Tactical Products Design Inc. as an AUG A2 clone capable of semi-automatic only fire, aimed for both the civilian and law enforcement markets, and fed by [[STANAG magazine]]s; the manufacturer sells clear plastic magazines which are [[STANAG 4179]] compliant and will readily fit in any rifle with a compatible magazine catch.<ref>[http://www.tpdusa.com/products.php?cat=5 TPD-USA – Tactical Products Design Inc.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017065225/http://tpdusa.com/products.php?cat=5 |date=17 October 2007 }} Retrieved on 12 October 2007.</ref> The rifle does not have the integral scope, allowing users to use any kind of scopes or laser sights on the Picatinny railing.<ref>[https://modernfirearms.net/en/civilian-rifles/u-s-a-civilian-rifles/tpd-axr-rifle-eng/ Modern Firearms' TPD AXR Rifle.] Retrieved on 03 August2019.</ref> |
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* The '''AXR''' was revealed at the 2007 SHOT Show, manufactured by Tactical Products Design Inc. as an AUG A2 clone capab le of semi-automatic only fire, aimed for both the civilian and law enforcement markets, and fed by STANAG magazines; the manufacturer sells clear plastic magazines which are STANAG 4179 compliant and will readily fit in any rifle with a compatible magazine catch.<ref>[http://www.tpdusa.com/products.php?cat=5 TPD-USA – Tactical Products Design Inc.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017065225/http://tpdusa.com/products.php?cat=5 |date=17 October 2007 }} Retrieved on 12 October 2007.</ref> The rifle does not have the integral scope, allowing users to use any kind of scopes or laser sights on the Picatinny rail.<ref>[https://modernfirearms.net/en/civilian-rifles/u-s-a-civilian-rifles/tpd-axr-rifle-eng/ Modern Firearms' TPD AXR Rifle.] Retrieved on 3 August 2019.</ref> |
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*The '''Type 68'''<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="kemp2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200906161450071.pdf |title=A New 5.56mm Generation or a Changing of the Guard? |author=Kemp, Ian |year=2009 |publisher=http://asianmilitaryreview.com – Asian Military Review |accessdate=18 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707175054/http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200906161450071.pdf |archivedate=7 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> is a Taiwanese copy of the AUG with notable differences including a smaller trigger guard and the use of iron sights instead of the original's telescopic sight (although optical sights can still be optionally mounted on the carrying handle). Developed as a potential alternative to the T65 assault rifle and (in the form of a heavy-barrel variant) replacement to the Type 57A squad automatic rifle (licence-built selective fire M14A1), it ultimately did not enter service after the ROC military decided to adopt light machineguns ([[FN Minimi|Minimi]] and [[T75 Light machine gun|T75]]) as their future squad automatic weapons.<ref>Military Hardware of R.O.C. Armed Forces, Land-based Systems (國軍武裝報告書(下)/陸上系統篇). 雲皓出版社; 1st Edition (January 1998). {{ISBN|957-8902-22-0}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.xuite.net/miaomiao1025/myl/5746748|title=二○二兵工廠兵器館巡禮|accessdate=14 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://andro0918.pixnet.net/blog/post/224146103-%E5%9C%8B%E9%80%A068%E5%BC%8F%E6%AD%A5%E6%A7%8D%E2%80%94%E6%84%8F%E5%A4%96%E8%88%87%E5%B0%B7%E5%B0%AC%28%E4%B8%8A%29|title=國造68式步槍—意外與尷尬(上)|accessdate=7 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://andro0918.pixnet.net/blog/post/224176502-%E5%9C%8B%E9%80%A068%E5%BC%8F%E6%AD%A5%E6%A7%8D%E2%80%94%E6%84%8F%E5%A4%96%E8%88%87%E5%B0%B7%E5%B0%AC%28%E4%B8%8B%29|title=國造68式步槍—意外與尷尬(下)|accessdate=7 January 2020}}</ref> |
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* The '''Oberland Arms OA-UG''' is a German clone of the AUG intended for use in Germany in civilian sales.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bullpup.de/semi/oaug/ | title=Bullpup: OA-UG }}</ref> |
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* The '''Type 68'''<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="kemp2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200906161450071.pdf |title=A New 5.56mm Generation or a Changing of the Guard? |author=Kemp, Ian |year=2009 |website=asianmilitaryreview.com |publisher=Asian Military Review |access-date=18 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707175054/http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200906161450071.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> is a Taiwanese copy of the AUG with notable differences including a smaller trigger guard and the use of iron sights instead of the original's telescopic sight (although optical sights can still be optionally mounted on the carrying handle). Developed as a potential alternative to the T65 assault rifle and (in the form of a heavy-barrel variant) replacement to the [[M14_rifle#International service|Type 57A]] assault rifle, it ultimately did not enter service after the ROC military decided to adopt the [[FN Minimi|Minimi]] and [[T75 Light machine gun|T75]] as their future light machine gun.<ref>Military Hardware of R.O.C. Armed Forces, Land-based Systems (國軍武裝報告書(下)/陸上系統篇). 雲皓出版社; 1st Edition (January 1998). {{ISBN|957-8902-22-0}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.xuite.net/miaomiao1025/myl/5746748|title=二○二兵工廠兵器館巡禮|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E5%9C%8B%E9%80%A0t68%E7%8A%A2%E7%89%9B%E5%BC%8F%E6%AD%A5%E6%A7%8D-%E8%83%8E%E6%AD%BB%E8%85%B9%E4%B8%AD%E7%A7%98%E8%BE%9B-010000548.html | title=國造T68犢牛式步槍 胎死腹中秘辛 | date=4 December 2021 }}</ref> |
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==Conflicts== |
==Conflicts== |
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The Steyr AUG has been used in the following conflicts: |
The Steyr AUG has been used in the following conflicts: |
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*[[Gulf War]]<ref name="gulf">{{cite book|title=Armies of the Gulf War|series=Elite 45 |first=Gordon L.|last=Rottman|date=1993|isbn=9781855322776|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=58}}</ref> |
*[[Gulf War]]<ref name="gulf">{{cite book|title=Armies of the Gulf War|series=Elite 45 |first=Gordon L.|last=Rottman|date=1993|isbn=9781855322776|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=58}}</ref> |
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*[[ |
*[[Somali Civil War]] (by [[Unified Task Force]], 1993)<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.defence.gov.au/foi/docs/disclosures/268_1011_Enclosure_1_Item_2_1RAR_Bn_POR.pdf|title= 1 RAR Battlion Group Post Operational Report}}</ref> |
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*[[Kosovo war]] |
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* [[1999 East Timorese crisis|1999]] and [[2006 East Timorese crisis|2006]] East Timorese crises<ref name='SAS 2008 2'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2008/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2008-Chapter-02-EN.pdf|chapter=Arsenals Adrift: Arms and Ammunition Diversion|title=Small Arms Survey 2008: Risk and Resilience|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2008|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=54|isbn=978-0-521-88040-4|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174225/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html|archive-date=30 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
* [[1999 East Timorese crisis|1999]] and [[2006 East Timorese crisis|2006]] East Timorese crises<ref name='SAS 2008 2'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2008/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2008-Chapter-02-EN.pdf|chapter=Arsenals Adrift: Arms and Ammunition Diversion|title=Small Arms Survey 2008: Risk and Resilience|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2008|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=54|isbn=978-0-521-88040-4|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174225/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2008.html|archive-date=30 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* [[Militias-Comando Vermelho conflict|Militias-Comando Vermelho Conflict]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-21 |title=Weapons of Rio's crime war - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/weapons-rios-crime-war/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Após apreensão de armas e drogas, policiais da UPP Providência pedem reforço no policiamento |url=https://extra.globo.com/noticias/rio/apos-apreensao-de-armas-drogas-policiais-da-upp-providencia-pedem-reforco-no-policiamento-16486158.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=Extra Online |date=19 June 2015 |language=pt-BR}}</ref> |
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* [[War in Afghanistan]]{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} |
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* [[Syrian Civil War]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Karouny |first1=Mariam |title=Syria rebels bolstered by new arms but divisions remain |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-weapons/insight-syria-rebels-bolstered-by-new-arms-but-divisions-remain-idUSBRE91P0PQ20130226 |website=Reuters |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=10 February 2019}}</ref> |
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* [[Iraq War]]{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} |
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* [[War in Iraq (2013–2017)|War in Iraq]] |
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* [[Syrian Civil War]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Karouny |first1=Mariam |title=Syria rebels bolstered by new arms but divisions remain |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-weapons/insight-syria-rebels-bolstered-by-new-arms-but-divisions-remain-idUSBRE91P0PQ20130226 |website=Reuters |accessdate=10 February 2019}}</ref> |
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* [[Papua conflict]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-27 |title=Papua Liberation Army sold arms by Indonesian military |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/422136/papua-liberation-army-sold-arms-by-indonesian-military |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Steyr AUG |url=https://www.waronwestpapua.org/steyr_aug |access-date=2022-10-08 |website=War on West Papua |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=kediritangguh |date=2021-05-29 |title=KKB Papua Pamerkan Senapan Canggih Steyr AUG Buatan Austria |url=https://kediritangguh.co/kkb-papua-pamerkan-senapan-canggih-steyr-aug-buatan-austria/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=kediritangguh.co |language=id}}</ref> |
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* [[2013 Lahad Datu standoff]]{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} |
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* [[Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wcz7gd526-k|title=Impact of War on Children in Yemen. Report by ABC correspondent|work=Eye on Yemen War|date=20 October 2016|accessdate=28 June 2017|via=YouTube}}</ref> |
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==Users== |
==Users== |
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[[File:Steyr AUG Operators.png|thumb|Map of Steyr AUG operators |
[[File:Steyr AUG Operators.png|thumb|Map of Steyr AUG operators]] |
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[[File:Argentinean Army soldiers with Steyr AUG rifles in 1986..jpg|thumb|The Argentinian Army with the Steyr AUG in 1986 in Puerto Deseado.]] |
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[[File:EKO Cobra2.jpg|thumb|An officer of the Austrian counter-terrorism unit [[EKO Cobra]] handling the Steyr AUG during an airborne operation.]] |
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[[File:SEK Mann auf dem Dach des Hotels Bayrischer Hof in Muenchen.jpg|thumb|A German [[Special Deployment Commando|SEK]] policeman with the Steyr AUG in Bavaria.]] |
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[[File:Pte Eoin Larkin (4951906097).jpg|thumb|An Irish soldier armed with the Steyr AUG.]] |
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=== Military === |
=== Military === |
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* {{ALG}}: |
* {{ALG}}: [[Special Intervention Detachment]]<ref>{{cite magazine|language=fr|title=Prise d'otages massive au Sahara|page=56|magazine=RAIDS|issn=0769-4814|publisher=Histoire & Collections|issue=322|date=March 2013|first=Emmanuel|last=Vivenot}}</ref> |
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* {{ARG}}: [[Argentine Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australiandefence.com.au/56D2AD90-F807-11DD-8DFE0050568C22C9|title=ADM: Land Warfare – Austeyr: Small arms big business – ADM Oct 08| |
* {{ARG}}: [[Argentine Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australiandefence.com.au/56D2AD90-F807-11DD-8DFE0050568C22C9|title=ADM: Land Warfare – Austeyr: Small arms big business – ADM Oct 08|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{AUS}}: |
* {{AUS}}: The F88 [[Austeyr]] variant, is the standard service rifle of the [[Australian Defence Force]]. It is manufactured, under licence from Steyr-Mannlicher, by [[Thales Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adi-limited.com/site.asp?page=148|title=Steyr|website=adi-limited.com|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607115127/http://www.adi-limited.com/site.asp?page=148|archive-date=7 June 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The F88 Austeyr entered service in January 1989, replacing both the [[M16 rifle#M16A1|M16A1]] and the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|L1A1 Self Loading Rifle]] used by the Australian Army.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/ARMY/F88_AUSteyr.asp |title=F88 AUSteyr – Army Internet – ARMY |publisher=Defence.gov.au |date=14 July 2009 |access-date=17 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109002109/http://www.defence.gov.au/army/F88_AUSteyr.asp |archive-date=9 November 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=September 2018}} The first regular unit to be issued with the F88 Austeyr was [[6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|6 RAR]], which received them in January 1989. |
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* {{AUT}}: Standard |
* {{AUT}}: Standard weapon of the [[Military of Austria|''Bundesheer'']], serving as the StG 77 in official army nomenclature.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> |
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* {{BAN}} |
* {{BAN}}<ref>{{cite web| url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/023/bangladesh.std.en.pdf| title=SALW Guide Global distribution and visual identification Bangladesh Country report| publisher=Bonn International Center for Conversion| access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref> |
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* {{BOL}}<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref> |
* {{BOL}}<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref> |
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* {{CAF}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council |url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014}}</ref> |
* {{CAF}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council |url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{CRO}}: Used by the Croatian Special Forces.<ref name="taclifeaug">{{cite web|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/the-steyr-aug-a3-sf|title=The STEYR AUG A3 SF|work=Tactical Life| |
* {{CRO}}: Used by the Croatian Special Forces.<ref name="taclifeaug">{{cite web|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/online/exclusives/the-steyr-aug-a3-sf|title=The STEYR AUG A3 SF|work=Tactical Life|date=15 December 2009 |access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{DJI}}<ref name="remtek1">{{cite news |url=http://www.remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/edit/augsof.htm |title=STEYR AUG; This Bullpup's No Dog |author=Kokalis, Peter |work=Soldier of Fortune magazine |date=February 1985 | |
* {{DJI}}<ref name="remtek1">{{cite news |url=http://www.remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/edit/augsof.htm |title=STEYR AUG; This Bullpup's No Dog |author=Kokalis, Peter |work=Soldier of Fortune magazine |date=February 1985 |access-date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302053705/http://www.remtek.com/arms/steyr/aug/edit/augsof.htm |archive-date=2 March 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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* {{ECU}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
* {{ECU}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
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* {{GAM}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
* {{GAM}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
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* {{flag|Indonesia}}: Used by [[Kopaska|Komando Pasukan Katak]]'' (Kopaska) tactical diver group and ''[[Kopassus|Komando Pasukan Khusus]]'' (Kopassus) special forces group.<ref name="idnvojnik">{{cite web|url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |title=Kopassus & Kopaska – Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije |language=hr |publisher=Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028150425/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |archive-date=28 October 2012 }}</ref> |
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*{{IND}}: Used in small amount by Special Forces. |
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* {{IRL}}: Standard service rifle of the [[Irish Defence Forces]]. The [[Army Ranger Wing]] special forces uses the Steyr AUG A2 and A3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/army/equipment/weapons/inf/steyr/steyr.htm|title=Defence Forces – Army Steyr Assault Rifle|website=military.ie|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016131830/http://www.military.ie/army/equipment/weapons/inf/steyr/steyr.htm|archive-date=16 October 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.62infantry.com/Weapons_Equipment/Steyr_AUG.shtml|title=Steyr AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr – Universal Army Gun).|access-date=14 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017162913/http://www.62infantry.com/Weapons_Equipment/Steyr_AUG.shtml|archive-date=17 October 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="steyrarms1">{{cite web |url=http://www.steyrarms.com/about/our-history/ |title=Steyr Mannlicher US: Our History |publisher=Steyrarms.com |access-date=17 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212135902/http://www.steyrarms.com/about/our-history |archive-date=12 December 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Indonesia}}: ''[[Polri]]'' 's ''[[BRIMOB]], [[Kopaska|Komando Pasukan Katak]]'' (Kopaska) tactical diver group and ''[[Kopassus|Komando Pasukan Khusus]]'' (Kopassus) special forces group.<ref name="idnvojnik">{{cite web|url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |title=Kopassus & Kopaska – Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije |language=Croatian |publisher=Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine |accessdate=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028150425/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |archivedate=28 October 2012 }}</ref> |
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* {{ITA}}: [[Carabinieri]] Special Forces: [[Gruppo di Intervento Speciale]] and [[Carabinieri Regiment "Tuscania"|1st "Tuscania" Regiment]]<ref>{{cite web |author=FireArm Training System |url=http://www.inilossum.it/militaria12.html |title=Militaria – Corpi Elite (12) |publisher=Inilossum.it |access-date=17 November 2009 |archive-date=19 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419133024/http://www.inilossum.it/militaria12.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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* {{IRL}}: Standard service rifle of the [[Irish Defence Forces]]. The [[Army Ranger Wing]] special forces uses the Steyr AUG A2 and A3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/army/equipment/weapons/inf/steyr/steyr.htm|title=Defence Forces – Army Steyr Assault Rifle|website=military.ie|accessdate=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016131830/http://www.military.ie/army/equipment/weapons/inf/steyr/steyr.htm|archivedate=16 October 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.62infantry.com/Weapons_Equipment/Steyr_AUG.shtml|title=Steyr AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr – Universal Army Gun).|accessdate=14 November 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017162913/http://www.62infantry.com/Weapons_Equipment/Steyr_AUG.shtml|archivedate=17 October 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="steyrarms1">{{cite web |url=http://www.steyrarms.com/about/our-history/ |title=Steyr Mannlicher US: Our History |publisher=Steyrarms.com |accessdate=17 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212135902/http://www.steyrarms.com/about/our-history |archivedate=12 December 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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* {{LUX}}: Standard infantry rifle of the [[Luxembourg Army]]. The HBAR variant is also employed as the section support weapon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armee.lu/chap07/c070102.htm|title=Lëtzebuerger Arméi – Matériel – Armement|website=armee.lu|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913010510/http://www.armee.lu/chap07/c070102.htm|archive-date=13 September 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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* {{ITA}}: [[Carabinieri]] Special Forces: [[Gruppo di Intervento Speciale]] and [[Carabinieri Regiment "Tuscania"|1st "Tuscania" Regiment]]<ref>{{cite web|author=FireArm Training System |url=http://www.inilossum.it/militaria12.html |title=Militaria – Corpi Elite (12) |publisher=Inilossum.it |accessdate=17 November 2009}}</ref> |
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* {{MYS}}: Made under licence from Steyr by [[SME Ordnance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epicos.com/epicos/extended/malaysia/ordnance/smeordnance_products.html|title=SME Ordnance SDN BHD Products & Services|access-date=22 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123132108/http://www.epicos.com/epicos/extended/malaysia/ordnance/smeordnance_products.html|archive-date=23 November 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Local production of the AUG rifle series started in 1991<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-10.html |first=Daniel E |last=Watters |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 1990–1994 |access-date=22 March 2010 |publisher=The Gun Zone |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104174808/http://thegunzone.com/556dw-10.html |archive-date=4 January 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> with a joint production with Steyr that started in 2004.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-13.html |first=Daniel E |last=Watters |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 2004 |access-date=21 June 2008 |publisher=The Gun Zone |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319145529/http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-13.html |archive-date=19 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Defence Talk">{{cite web |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/austria-to-shift-assault-rifle-steyr-production-to-malaysia-2791/ |title= Austria to shift assault rifle Steyr production to Malaysia|access-date=22 March 2010 |publisher=Defence Talk |date=12 April 2004}}</ref> Lawsuits from Steyr emerged when Malaysia decided to withdraw from joint production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-15.html |first=Daniel E |last=Watters |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 2005 |access-date=22 March 2010 |publisher=The Gun Zone |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807101157/http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-15.html |archive-date=7 August 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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* {{KAZ}}: {{citation needed|date=October 2017}} |
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* {{LUX}}: Standard infantry rifle of the [[Luxembourg Army]]. The HBAR variant is also employed as the section support weapon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armee.lu/chap07/c070102.htm|title=Lëtzebuerger Arméi – Matériel – Armement|website=armee.lu|accessdate=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913010510/http://www.armee.lu/chap07/c070102.htm|archivedate=13 September 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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* {{MYS}}: Made under license from Steyr by SME Ordnance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epicos.com/epicos/extended/malaysia/ordnance/smeordnance_products.html|title=SME Ordnance SDN BHD Products & Services|accessdate=22 March 2010|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123132108/http://www.epicos.com/epicos/extended/malaysia/ordnance/smeordnance_products.html|archivedate=23 November 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Local production of the AUG rifle series started in 1991<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-10.html |first=Daniel E |last=Watters |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 1990–1994 |accessdate=22 March 2010 |publisher=The Gun Zone |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104174808/http://thegunzone.com/556dw-10.html |archivedate=4 January 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> with a joint production with Steyr that started in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-13.html |first=Daniel E |last=Watters |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 2004 |accessdate=21 June 2008 |publisher=The Gun Zone |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/66CEPCiQl?url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-13.html |archivedate=16 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/austria-to-shift-assault-rifle-steyr-production-to-malaysia-2791/ |title= Austria to shift assault rifle Steyr production to Malaysia|accessdate=22 March 2010 |publisher=Defence Talk |date=12 April 2004}}</ref> Lawsuits from Steyr emerged when Malaysia decided to withdraw from joint production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-15.html |first=Daniel E |last=Watters |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 2005 |accessdate=22 March 2010 |publisher=The Gun Zone |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807101157/http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-15.html |archivedate=7 August 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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* {{MLT}}: Used by [[Armed Forces of Malta]] peacekeepers in Lebanon on loan from Ireland. |
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* {{MAR}}<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="remtek1"/> |
* {{MAR}}<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="remtek1"/> |
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* {{flag|Montenegro}}: Used by the Special Forces Company of the [[Armed Forces of Montenegro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.me/mod/vojska-crne-gore|title=Vojska Crne Gore|website=gov.me|access-date=2024-01-18}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=January 2024}} |
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* {{NLD}}<ref name="hogg2002">{{cite book |first=Ian |last=Hogg |year=2002 |title=Jane's Guns Recognition Guide |series=Jane's Recognition Guides |publisher=Jane's Information Group and Collins Press |location=Glasgow |isbn=978-0-00-712760-3}}</ref> (trials only, the [[Colt Canada C7 rifle|C7]] won the contest) |
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* {{NZL}}: Used from 1988 until 2019. The first 5,000 weapons delivered were manufactured in Austria by Steyr Daimler Puch. Latter versions were the Australian ADI-made Austeyr F88 variant, locally designated '''IW Steyr''' (Individual Weapon Steyr.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/default.htm|title=NZ Army – Personal Weapons|website=army.mil.nz| |
* {{NZL}}: Used from 1988 until 2019. The first 5,000 weapons delivered were manufactured in Austria by Steyr Daimler Puch. Latter versions were the Australian ADI-made Austeyr F88 variant, locally designated '''IW Steyr''' (Individual Weapon Steyr.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/default.htm|title=NZ Army – Personal Weapons|website=army.mil.nz|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218164455/http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/default.htm|archive-date=18 December 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> From August 2015, the [[Lewis Machine and Tool Company#MARS-L|Lewis Machine Tools 5.56 mm MARS-L]] started to replace the Steyr AUG.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11278332|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140620051915/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11278332|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 June 2014|title=Hated army assault rifles unlikely to be sold|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{OMN}}<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="steyrarms1"/> |
* {{OMN}}<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="steyrarms1"/> |
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* {{PAK}}<ref name="special-ops">{{cite web|last1=Ahsan|first1=Zaeem|date=13 October 2013|title=Special services Group (SSG)|url=https://special-ops.org/sof/unit/special-services-group-ssg/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825195218/https://special-ops.org/sof/unit/special-services-group-ssg/|archive-date=25 August 2017|access-date=10 May 2017|website=special-ops.org}}</ref> |
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* {{PAK}}: Used by [[Special Services Group]], [[Special Services Group Navy]]{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} |
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* {{PNG}}: F88 variant.<ref name="jones2009"/> |
* {{PNG}}: F88 variant.<ref name="jones2009"/> |
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* {{PHL}}: Used by the [[1st Scout Ranger Regiment|Scout Rangers]].<ref>{{cite |
* {{PHL}}: Used by the [[1st Scout Ranger Regiment|Scout Rangers]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2003/030808-philippines-weapons01.htm |first=TJ |last=Burgonio |title=Mutineers Used Hi-Tech Guns Given By US |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org |date=8 August 2003}}</ref> |
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* {{POL}}: [[GROM|JW Grom]] [[special forces]] group.<ref>{{cite news|first=Remigiusz|last=Wilk (REMOV)|url=http://www.altair.com.pl/cz-art-1660|title=Nowe gromy GROM|url-status=dead| |
* {{POL}}: [[GROM|JW Grom]] [[special forces]] group.<ref>{{cite news|first=Remigiusz|last=Wilk (REMOV)|url=http://www.altair.com.pl/cz-art-1660|title=Nowe gromy GROM|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326120026/http://www.altair.com.pl/cz-art-1660|archive-date=26 March 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://grom.mil.pl/uzbrojenie_pliki/UZBROJENIE.HTM|title=GROM Utility and Equipment|access-date=2 August 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226181818/http://grom.mil.pl/uzbrojenie_pliki/UZBROJENIE.HTM|archive-date=26 February 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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* {{ROU}}: Used by the [[Romanian Special Operations Forces Command|Romanian Special Forces]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://romanianspecialforces.com/vulturii.html|title=Special Forces|work=romanianspecialforces.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126221021/http://romanianspecialforces.com/vulturii.html|archive-date=2013-11-26}}</ref> |
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* {{KSA}}<ref name="remtek1"/><ref name="steyrarms1"/> |
* {{KSA}}<ref name="remtek1"/><ref name="steyrarms1"/> |
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* {{SRB}}: [[72nd Reconnaissance-Commando Battalion]].<ref name="taclifeaug"/> |
* {{SRB}}: [[72nd Reconnaissance-Commando Battalion]].<ref name="taclifeaug"/> |
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* {{ |
* {{TWN}} Type 68 copy<ref name="jones2009"/> |
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* {{TUN}}: The Steyr AUG has been the primary weapon of the Tunisian Army since 1978. The first regular unit to be issued with the AUG A1 was the GTS. Subsequently, the leadership began arming the National Guard with Sturmgewehr 58 (FN FAL) and the army with the AUG A1/A2/A3 variants, including the Army's Special Forces.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="steyrarms1"/> |
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* {{flag|Thailand}}: Used by Royal Thai Army Special Forces.<ref>{{cite web|title=ThaiFighterClub 2013|url=http://www.thaifighterclub.org/webboard/18112/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2.html}}</ref> |
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* {{TUR}}: [[Special Forces (Turkish Armed Forces)|Maroon Berets]].<ref name="docplayer.biz.tr">{{cite web|url=http://docplayer.biz.tr/11762626-Suriye-deki-muhalif-orgutlerin-askeri-kapasitesi-silah-turleri-ve-silahlanma.html|title=SURİYE'DEKİ MUHALİF ÖRGÜTLERİN ASKERİ KAPASİTESİ: SİLAH TÜRLERİ VE SİLAHLANMA|work=docplayer.biz.tr|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref> |
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* {{TUN}}<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="steyrarms1"/> The Steyr AUG was has been the primary weapon of the Tunisian Army since 1978. The first regular unit to be issued with the AUG A1 was the GTS. Subsequently the leadership began arming the National Guard with Sturmgewehr 58 (FN FAL) and the army with the AUG A1/A2/A3 variants, including the Army's Special Forces. |
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* {{UKR}}: AUG HBAR is used by the Sokil Special Forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_eu_ukraine|title=World Infantry Weapons: Ukraine|access-date=11 August 2016|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603070951/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_eu_ukraine|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* {{TUR}}: [[Special Forces (Turkish Armed Forces)|Maroon Berets]].<ref name="docplayer.biz.tr">{{cite web|url=http://docplayer.biz.tr/11762626-Suriye-deki-muhalif-orgutlerin-askeri-kapasitesi-silah-turleri-ve-silahlanma.html|title=SURİYE'DEKİ MUHALİF ÖRGÜTLERİN ASKERİ KAPASİTESİ: SİLAH TÜRLERİ VE SİLAHLANMA|work=docplayer.biz.tr|accessdate=18 June 2016}}</ref> |
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* {{UKR}}: AUG H-BAR is used by the Sokil Special Forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_eu_ukraine|title=World Infantry Weapons: Ukraine|publisher=Google|accessdate=11 August 2016}}</ref> |
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* {{UK}} |
* {{UK}} |
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** {{flagu|Falkland Islands}}: [[Falkland Islands Defence Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Amphibious-and-Special-Forces/Special-Forces-Land-Falkland-Islands.html |title=Special Forces (Land) (Falkland Islands) – Jane's Amphibious and Special Forces |publisher=Janes.com |date=15 September 2008 | |
** {{flagu|Falkland Islands}}: [[Falkland Islands Defence Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Amphibious-and-Special-Forces/Special-Forces-Land-Falkland-Islands.html |title=Special Forces (Land) (Falkland Islands) – Jane's Amphibious and Special Forces |publisher=Janes.com |date=15 September 2008 |access-date=17 November 2009}}</ref> Being replaced by the [[SA80|L85A2]]. |
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* {{URU}}: Received 15,000 Steyr AUG A2UR bullpup assault rifles (with the 1.5× telescopic sight) to be used by the Uruguayan infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/uruguay_uruguayan_army_land_ground_forces_uk/uruguay_uruguayan_army_land_ground_armed_defense_forces_military_equipment_armored_vehicle_uk.html#armes|title=Light and heavy weapons| |
* {{URU}}: Received 15,000 Steyr AUG A2UR bullpup assault rifles (with the 1.5× telescopic sight) to be used by the Uruguayan infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/uruguay_uruguayan_army_land_ground_forces_uk/uruguay_uruguayan_army_land_ground_armed_defense_forces_military_equipment_armored_vehicle_uk.html#armes|title=Light and heavy weapons|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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=== Law |
=== Law enforcement === |
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* {{AUS}}: Formerly used by the [[Victoria Police Special Operations Group]], replaced by the [[M4 Carbine]] in the 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/special-forces/victoria-police-special-operations-group-australia.asp|title=Victoria Police Special Operations Group Weapons|work=Military Factory| |
* {{AUS}}: Formerly used by the [[Victoria Police Special Operations Group]], replaced by the [[M4 Carbine]] in the 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/special-forces/victoria-police-special-operations-group-australia.asp|title=Victoria Police Special Operations Group Weapons|work=Military Factory|access-date=8 June 2019}}</ref> |
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* {{AUT}}: Used by [[EKO Cobra]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Weiss|first=Jim|url=http://www.bmi.gv.at/cms/BMI_EKO_Cobra/publikationen/files/LawOrder.pdf|title=COBRA: Austria's Special Forces|journal=Law and Order|issue=July 2009|pages=48–52}}</ref> |
* {{AUT}}: Used by [[EKO Cobra]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Weiss|first=Jim|url=http://www.bmi.gv.at/cms/BMI_EKO_Cobra/publikationen/files/LawOrder.pdf|title=COBRA: Austria's Special Forces|journal=Law and Order|issue=July 2009|pages=48–52}}</ref> |
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* {{BEL}}: |
* {{BEL}}: Steyr AUG 9mm is used by the [[Federal Police (Belgium)|Federal Police]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/03/23/belgian-police-adopt-sw-mp-9mm/|title=Belgian Police adopt S&W M&P 9mm |work=The Firearm Blog|date=23 March 2011 |access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> |
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* {{BRA}}: In use by ''[[Agência Brasileira de Inteligência]]'' since November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abin.gov.br/modules/articles/index.php?cat_id=1|title=Abin recebe novas armas de última geração|website=abin.gov.br| |
* {{BRA}}: In use by ''[[Agência Brasileira de Inteligência]]'' since November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abin.gov.br/modules/articles/index.php?cat_id=1|title=Abin recebe novas armas de última geração|website=abin.gov.br|access-date=21 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928043134/http://www.abin.gov.br/modules/articles/index.php?cat_id=1|archive-date=28 September 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=April 2018}} SMG version adopted by São Paulo Police in .40 S&W.<ref>{{Cite web |last=InfoDefensa |first=Revista Defensa |title=Polícia Militar do Estado de São Paulo escolhe Steyr AUG SMG .40 |url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/3127011/policia-militar-do-estado-paulo-escolhe-steyr-aug-smg-40 |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa |language=es}}</ref><ref name="aug-40">{{Cite web |date=2020-08-03 |title=Sao Paulo Police Select the Steyr AUG SMG in .40 Caliber - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/08/03/sao-paulo-police-select-the-steyr-aug-smg-in-40-caliber/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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* {{BUL}}: [[SOBT]] (counter-terrorist unit) only.<ref>[http://www.capital.bg/show.php?storyid=244753 Професия – антитерорист]. Capital.bg, 23 May 1998</ref>{{Failed verification|date=April 2018}} |
* {{BUL}}: [[SOBT]] (counter-terrorist unit) only.<ref>[http://www.capital.bg/show.php?storyid=244753 Професия – антитерорист]{{Dead link|date=May 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Capital.bg, 23 May 1998</ref>{{Failed verification|date=April 2018}} |
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* {{CZE}}: Steyr AUG Carbine in 9×19mm Parabellum used by several [[Police of the Czech Republic|Czech police]] units (as of 2011).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.policie.cz/clanek/vybaveni-strelnymi-zbranemi-pouziti-zbrane.aspx|title=Vybavení střelnými zbraněmi, použití zbraně |
* {{CZE}}: Steyr AUG Carbine in 9×19mm Parabellum used by several [[Police of the Czech Republic|Czech police]] units (as of 2011).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.policie.cz/clanek/vybaveni-strelnymi-zbranemi-pouziti-zbrane.aspx|title=Vybavení střelnými zbraněmi, použití zbraně – Policie České republiky|work=policie.cz|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref> |
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* {{GER}}: Bavarian SEK.<ref>Reinhard Scholzen: SEK, Spezialeinsatzkommandos der deutschen Polizei. 5. Auflage. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 2009, {{ISBN|978-3-613-02016-0}}, S. 59.</ref> |
* {{GER}}: Bavarian SEK.<ref>Reinhard Scholzen: SEK, Spezialeinsatzkommandos der deutschen Polizei. 5. Auflage. Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart 2009, {{ISBN|978-3-613-02016-0}}, S. 59.</ref> |
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* {{flag|Indonesia}}: Used by the [[Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob)]] special forces group of the [[Indonesian National Police]], including [[Detachment |
* {{flag|Indonesia}}: Used by the [[Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob)]] special forces group of the [[Indonesian National Police]], including [[Detachment 88]] counter-terrorist unit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://jamestown.org/program/indonesias-ghost-birds-tackle-islamist-terrorists-a-profile-of-densus-88/|title=Indonesia's "Ghost Birds" Tackle Islamist Terrorists: A Profile of Densus 88|website=Jamestown}}</ref> |
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* {{LUX}}: The ''[[Unité Spéciale de la Police]]'' intervention unit of the [[Grand Ducal Police]] employs the AUG A2 variant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usp.lu/armement-assault-fr.php |title=Equipement :: Unité Spéciale de la Police :: |publisher=USP.LU |access-date=17 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722160346/http://www.usp.lu/armement-assault-fr.php |archive-date=22 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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* {{LIT}}: Used by Lithuanian police anti-terrorist unit ARAS. Steyr AUG A1/P{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} |
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* {{MYS}}: Used by [[69 Commando]] of ''[[Pasukan Gerakan Khas]]'' counter-terrorist unit of the [[Royal Malaysia Police]].<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="Defence Talk"/> |
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* {{LUX}}: The ''[[Unité Spéciale de la Police]]'' intervention unit of the [[Grand Ducal Police]] employs the AUG A2 variant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usp.lu/armement-assault-fr.php |title=Equipement :: Unité Spéciale de la Police :: |publisher=USP.LU |accessdate=17 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722160346/http://www.usp.lu/armement-assault-fr.php |archivedate=22 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Timor Leste}}: [[National Police of East Timor]]<ref name ='2010 report'>{{cite book|title=Timor-Leste Armed Violence Assessment Final Report|editor= Robert Muggah and Emile LeBrun|date=October 2010|series=Special Report No. 12|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR12-Timor-Leste-Armed-Violence-Assessment-Final-Rep.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717133847/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR12-Timor-Leste-Armed-Violence-Assessment-Final-Rep.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2016|isbn=978-2-940415-43-4|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=17}}</ref> |
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* {{MYS}}: Used by [[69 Commando]] of ''[[Pasukan Gerakan Khas]]'' counter-terrorist unit of the [[Royal Malaysia Police]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://syahrilkadir.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/181080_477260515675275_1798906342_n.jpg |title=From the picture is 69 Commando counter-terrorist unit of Royal Malaysia Police with Steyr AUG on standby during the Lahad Datu standoff.}}</ref> |
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* {{PAK}}: Used by [[Frontier Constabulary]], and Airport Security Force (ASF).{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} |
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* {{flag|Timor Leste}}: [[National Police of East Timor]]<ref name ='2010 report'>{{cite book|title=Timor-Leste Armed Violence Assessment Final Report|editor= Robert Muggah and Emile LeBrun|date=October 2010|series=Special Report No. 12|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR12-Timor-Leste-Armed-Violence-Assessment-Final-Rep.pdf|isbn=978-2-940415-43-4|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=17}}</ref> |
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* {{TUR}}: [[Police Special Operations Department]].<ref name="docplayer.biz.tr"/> |
* {{TUR}}: [[Police Special Operations Department]].<ref name="docplayer.biz.tr"/> |
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* {{USA}}: [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]], replaced by the Colt M4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riflesnguns.com/assault/steyr/aug |title=Steyr AUG |date=8 December 2006 |publisher=Rifles n Guns |url-status=dead | |
* {{USA}}: [[U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]], replaced by the [[List of Colt AR-15 and M16 rifle variants|Colt M4]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riflesnguns.com/assault/steyr/aug |title=Steyr AUG |date=8 December 2006 |publisher=Rifles n Guns |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607162006/http://www.riflesnguns.com/assault/steyr/aug |archive-date=7 June 2008 }}</ref> |
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* {{VEN}}: Used by [[Bolivarian Intelligence Service|SEBIN]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodelpueblo.com.ve/_archivos/_imagenes/2013/Enero/15-01-2013/sebin%201.jpg |archive-url=https://archive. |
* {{VEN}}: Used by [[Bolivarian Intelligence Service|SEBIN]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodelpueblo.com.ve/_archivos/_imagenes/2013/Enero/15-01-2013/sebin%201.jpg |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630124246/http://www.diariodelpueblo.com.ve/_archivos/_imagenes/2013/Enero/15-01-2013/sebin%201.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2013 |title=Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional |publisher=diariodelpueblo.com |date=15 January 2013 |access-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/532764_10151045043822533_63067321_n.jpg |title=Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional |publisher=Foro Militar General |date=9 February 2013 |access-date=9 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504174122/http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/532764_10151045043822533_63067321_n.jpg |archive-date=4 May 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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===Non-state === |
=== Non-state === |
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* {{flag|Islamic State}}: used by the [[Military activity of the Islamic State|Military of IS]].<ref>{{cite web|date=14 July 2017|title=ISIS sniper team equipped with Austria-made Steyr AUG assault rifle, spotter using Bushnell scope.|url=https://twitter.com/bjoernstritzel/status/885896426894577666|website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://asian-defence-news.blogspot.com/2015/05/isis-fighter-with-steyr-aug-in-iraqs.html|title=ISIS fighter with Steyr AUG in Iraq's Diyala province|date=26 May 2015|publisher=Asian Defence News}}</ref> |
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* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Khmer Republic.svg|23px}} [[FUNCINPEC]]: former user of the Steyr AUG A1, confiscated by the [[Royal Cambodian Army]] during the [[1997 Cambodian Coup]] and now in use by the [[Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia]].<ref>{{cite|url=https://twitter.com/ShepherdClavis/status/1152325105625645057?s=09}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Syrian National Coalition}}: Origin unclear; serial numbers removed. Used by Syrian Opposition special forces.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/09/syria-bashar-al-assad |work=The Guardian |title=Is Syria's balance of firepower close to a tipping point? |date=9 August 2012 |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202141355/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/09/syria-bashar-al-assad |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=OGN TV|title=OGN - Russian force of Muslims in Syria|date=2017-03-22|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRFAWarvQ6s|access-date=2017-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816133134/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRFAWarvQ6s|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* {{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg|23px}} [[Hamas]]: used by [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]] in the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-august-22-2016-al-qassam-brigades-the-military-wing-of-hamas-organized-115429243.html|title=August 22, 2016 – ''Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas organized a military parade in Rafah southern Gaza strip of on the anniversary of the martyrdom of some leaders of Qassams.|date=22 October 2016|publisher=alamy}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Free Papua|name=West Papua Liberation Army}}: Likely captured or bought from Indonesian forces.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> |
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* {{flag|Islamic State}}: used by [[Military of ISIL]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bjoernstritzel/status/885896426894577666|title=ISIS sniper team equipped with Austria-made Steyr AUG assault rifle, spotter using Bushnell scope.|date=14 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://asian-defence-news.blogspot.com/2015/05/isis-fighter-with-steyr-aug-in-iraqs.html|title=ISIS fighter with Steyr AUG in Iraq's Diyala province|date=26 May 2015|publisher=Asian Defence News}}</ref> |
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* {{flag|Syrian National Coalition}}: Origin unclear; serial numbers removed. Used by Syrian Opposition special forces.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/09/syria-bashar-al-assad |work=The Guardian |title=Is Syria's balance of firepower close to a tipping point? |date=9 August 2012 |access-date=2016-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202141355/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/aug/09/syria-bashar-al-assad# |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=OGN TV|title=OGN - Russian force of Muslims in Syria|date=2017-03-22|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRFAWarvQ6s|accessdate=2017-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816133134/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRFAWarvQ6s#|archive-date=2017-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[List of bullpup firearms]] |
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*[[List of assault rifles]] |
*[[List of assault rifles]] |
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*[[List of bullpup firearms]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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| location = New York |
| location = New York |
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| publisher = Barnes & Noble |
| publisher = Barnes & Noble |
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| |
| orig-year = 1983 |
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| year = 1993 |
| year = 1993 |
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| pages = 75–77 |
| pages = 75–77 |
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| isbn = 978-0-88029-601-4 |
| isbn = 978-0-88029-601-4 |
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}} |
}} |
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==Further reading== |
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*{{cite book |last1=Masters |first1=Chris |authorlink1=Chris Masters (writer) |title=Sticking to our guns: A troubled past produces a superb weapon |date=2019 |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |location=Canberra |isbn=978-1-925229-54-7 |url=https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ad-aspi/2019-10/Sticking%20to%20our%20guns.pdf?eTUaNAbpW9rBrzW0G2580lVpR8WHL37b}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category|Steyr AUG}} |
{{commons category|Steyr AUG}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090618213342/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/behoerdenwaffen/ Steyr Mannlicher—military and law enforcement] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090618213342/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/behoerdenwaffen/ Steyr Mannlicher—military and law enforcement] |
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**[http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/military-and-law-enforcement/steyr-aug-a1-a2/ Steyr AUG A1/A2]{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }} |
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**[http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/military-and-law-enforcement/steyr-aug-a3/ Steyr AUG A3] |
**[http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/military-and-law-enforcement/steyr-aug-a3/ Steyr AUG A3] |
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**[http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/military-and-law-enforcement/steyr-aug-a3-sf/ Steyr AUG A3 SF]{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }} |
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**[https://web.archive.org/web/20090726224836/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/military-and-law-enforcement/steyr-aug-9mm/ Steyr AUG 9mm] |
**[https://web.archive.org/web/20090726224836/http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/military-and-law-enforcement/steyr-aug-9mm/ Steyr AUG 9mm] |
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**[http://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/military-and-law-enforcement/steyr-aug-a3-9mm-xs/ Steyr AUG 9mm XS]{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130514142532/http://www.scribd.com/doc/21345944/Army-Universal-Assault-Rifle-steyr-Semi-Automatic-aug-Cal-5-56-223-MM-Nato-Manual Operators manual – Steyr-Mannlicher] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130514142532/http://www.scribd.com/doc/21345944/Army-Universal-Assault-Rifle-steyr-Semi-Automatic-aug-Cal-5-56-223-MM-Nato-Manual Operators manual – Steyr-Mannlicher] |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080625055009/http://www.remtek.com/arms/steyr/steyraug.htm REMTEK] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080625055009/http://www.remtek.com/arms/steyr/steyraug.htm REMTEK] |
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*[http://www.steyr-aug.com/ Steyr-AUG.com] |
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*[http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/AUG/ Buddy Hinton Collection] |
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*[http://modernfirearms.net/assault/at/steyr-aug-e.html Modern Firearms – Steyr AUG] |
*[http://modernfirearms.net/assault/at/steyr-aug-e.html Modern Firearms – Steyr AUG] |
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*[http://www.doppeladler.com/oebh/infanterie/stg77.htm The Steyr AUG in the Austrian Army] |
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*{{YouTube|KasksiBzGbg|Overview of the Steyr AUG}} |
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*{{YouTube|mUv9NNnpPJg|Video of operation}} {{in lang|ja}} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150708071150/http://www.janes.com/article/52791/australia-ready-to-sign-ef88-austeyr-rifle-contract "Australia ready to sign EF88 Austeyr rifle contract"] by Julian Kerr, ''IHS Jane's Defence Weekly'' |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150708071150/http://www.janes.com/article/52791/australia-ready-to-sign-ef88-austeyr-rifle-contract "Australia ready to sign EF88 Austeyr rifle contract"] by Julian Kerr, ''IHS Jane's Defence Weekly'' |
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*[https://www.army.gov.au/sites/g/files/net1846/f/ef88_lrip_poster.pdf Official Fact Sheet of the EF88/F90] |
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*[http://modernfirearms.net/assault/austr/f90-e.html Modern Firearms – EF88/F90] |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130628023302/http://50ae.net/collection/stg556/ MSAR STG-556 Pictorial] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130628023302/http://50ae.net/collection/stg556/ MSAR STG-556 Pictorial] |
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{{authority control}} |
{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:.300 BLK firearms]] |
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[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]] |
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]] |
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[[Category:Bullpup rifles]] |
[[Category:Bullpup rifles]] |
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[[Category:Designated marksman rifles]] |
[[Category:Designated marksman rifles]] |
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[[Category:Light machine guns]] |
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[[Category:Machine guns of Austria]] |
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[[Category:Assault rifles of Austria]] |
[[Category:Assault rifles of Austria]] |
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[[Category:Steyr]] |
[[Category:Steyr]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Short stroke piston firearms]] |
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[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in |
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1977]] |
Latest revision as of 22:19, 28 November 2024
Steyr AUG | |
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Type | Bullpup assault rifle Carbine Light machine gun (HBAR) Submachine gun (AUG 9mm, AUG 40) |
Place of origin | Austria |
Service history | |
In service | 1978–present[1] |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | See Conflicts |
Production history | |
Designer | Horst Wesp Karl Wagner Karl Möser |
Manufacturer | Steyr Arms Thales Australia, Lithgow Facility SME Ordnance Dasan Machineries |
Produced | 1977–present[1] |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass | 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) (20 in barrel) 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) (16.4 in barrel) 3.2 kg (7.1 lb) (15 in barrel) 4.9 kg (10.8 lb) (HBAR) 2.97 kg (6.5 lb) (AUG 9mm)[1] |
Length | 790 mm (31.1 in) (20 in barrel)[1] 725 mm (28.5 in) (16.4 in barrel) 690 mm (27.2 in) (15 in barrel) 900 mm (35.4 in) (HBAR) 665 mm (26.2 in) (AUG 9mm)[1] |
Barrel length | 508 mm (20 in) (AUG)[1] 417 mm (16.4 in) (AUG) 382 mm (15 in) (AUG) 621 mm (24.4 in) (HBAR) 325 mm (12.8 in) (AUG 9mm) 350 mm (13.8 in) (AUG 9mm) 365 mm (14.4 in) (AUG 9mm) 420 mm (16.5 in) (AUG 9mm)[1] |
Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO[1] .300 AAC Blackout[2] 9×19mm Parabellum[1] .40 S&W |
Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
Rate of fire | 680–750 rounds/min (AUG, HBAR)[3] 650–720 rounds/min (AUG 9mm)[4] |
Muzzle velocity | 970 m/s (3,182 ft/s) (20 in barrel) |
Effective firing range | 300 m (330 yd) |
Maximum firing range | 2,700 m (3,000 yd) |
Feed system |
|
Sights | Swarovski 1.5× telescopic sight, emergency battle sights, and Picatinny rail for various optics |
The Steyr AUG (German: Armee-Universal-Gewehr, lit. 'army universal rifle') is an Austrian bullpup assault rifle chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO intermediate cartridge, designed in the 1960s by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, and now manufactured by Steyr Arms GmbH & Co KG.
It was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977 as the StG 77 (Sturmgewehr 77),[5] where it replaced the 7.62×51mm NATO StG 58 automatic rifle.[6] In production since 1977, it is the standard small arm of the Bundesheer and various Austrian federal police units and its variants have also been adopted by the armed forces of dozens of countries, with some using it as a standard-issue service rifle.
Steyr AUG importation into the United States began in the 1980s as the AUG/SA (SA denoting semi-automatic). The AUG was banned from importation in 1989 under President George H. W. Bush's executive order restricting the import of foreign-made semiautomatic rifles deemed not to have "a legitimate sporting use." Six years into the ban, AUG buyers gained a reprieve as cosmetic changes to the carbine's design allowed importation once again. Changes included redesigning its pistol grip into a thumbhole stock, and leaving its barrel unthreaded to prevent attachment of a flash hider or suppressor.
The Federal Assault Weapons Ban, passed in 1994, further prohibited the manufacture of additional Steyr AUGs or their copies. The ban expired in 2004, and in 2008, Steyr Arms worked with Sabre Defence to produce parts legally in the U.S.[7][8]
Design details
[edit]The Steyr AUG is a selective-fire, bullpup assault rifle with a conventional gas-piston-operated action that fires from a closed bolt.[9] It is designed as a Modular Weapon System that could be quickly configured as an assault rifle, a carbine, a submachine gun and even an open-bolt light machine gun.
The AUG is chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge and has the standard 1:9 rifling twist that will stabilise both SS109/M855 and M193 rounds. Some nations including Australia, Ireland and New Zealand use a version with a 1:7 twist optimised for the SS109 NATO round. The submachine gun variants are chambered in either 9×19mm Parabellum or .40 S&W.
The AUG consists of six interchangeable assemblies: the barrel, receiver with integrated telescopic sight or Picatinny rail, bolt carrier assembly, trigger mechanism, stock and magazine.[9] The AUG employs a very high level of advanced firearms technology and is made with the extensive use of polymers and aluminium components.
The AUG comes with a muzzle cap, spare bolt for left-handed shooters, blank-firing adaptor, cleaning kit, sling and either an American M7 or German KCB-77 M1 bayonet.[citation needed]
Operating mechanism
[edit]The AUG has a rotating bolt that features 7 radial locking lugs and is unlocked through a pin on the bolt body and a recessed camming guide machined into the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier itself is guided by two guide rods brazed to it and these rods run inside steel bearings in the receiver. The guide rods are hollow and contain the return springs. The bolt also contains a claw extractor that forms the eighth locking lug and a spring-loaded "bump"-type casing ejector.
The gas cylinder is offset to the right side of the barrel and works with one of the two guide rods. The AUG uses a short-stroke piston system where the right guide rod serves as the action rod, transmitting the rearward motion of the gas-driven piston to the bolt carrier. The left-hand rod provides retracting handle pressure when connected by the forward assist and can also be utilised as a reamer to remove fouling in the gas cylinder. The firearm uses a 3-position gas valve. The first setting, marked with a small dot, is used for normal operation. The second setting, illustrated with a large dot, indicates fouled conditions. The third, "GR" closed position is used to launch rifle grenades (of the non-bullet trap type).
The AUG is hammer-fired and the firing mechanism is contained in the rear of the stock, near the butt, covered by a synthetic rubber shoulder plate. The hammer group is made entirely of plastics except for the springs and pins and is contained in an open-topped plastic box which lies between the magazine and the buttplate. During firing the recoiling bolt group travels over the top of it, resetting the hammer. Since the trigger is located some distance away, it transmits its energy through a sear lever which passes by the side of the magazine. The firing pin is operated by a plastic hammer under pressure from a coil spring.
Engineering
[edit]The quick-change barrel used in the AUG is cold hammer-forged for increased precision and durability, its bore, chamber and certain components of the gas system are chrome-plated (currently nitride on US market rifles). The standard rifle-length barrel features 6 right-hand grooves and a rifling twist rate of 228 mm (1:9 in). An external sleeve is shrunk on to the barrel and carries the gas port and cylinder, gas valve and forward grip hinge jaw. There is a short cylinder which contains a piston and its associated return spring. The barrel locks into a steel insert inside the receiver through a system of eight lugs arranged around the chamber end and is equipped with a folding vertical grip that helps to pivot and withdraw the barrel during barrel changes. The most compact of the barrels has a fixed vertical grip.
The receiver housing is a steel-reinforced aluminium extrusion finished with a baked enamel coating.[9] It holds the steel bearings for the barrel lugs and the guide rods. The non-reciprocating plastic cocking handle works in a slot on the left side of the receiver and is connected to the bolt carrier's left guide rod. The cocking handle has a forward assist feature—alternatively called a "silent cocking device"—allowing the user to fully push the bolt home without racking the charging handle.[9][10] A bolt hold-open device locks the bolt carrier back after the last round has been fired.[10] The newer AUG A3s feature a bolt release button; prior to this development, all AUGs and the USR required the user to rack the charging handle to disengage the bolt hold-open after inserting a fresh magazine. Older versions of the AUG can be upgraded to use the newer A3 stock and hammer pack.
The rifle's stock is made from fibreglass-reinforced polyamide 66. At the forward end is the pistol grip with an enlarged forward trigger guard completely enclosing the firing hand that allows the rifle to be operated with winter gloves.[9] The trigger is hung permanently on the pistol grip, together with its two operating rods which run in guides past the magazine housing. Behind that is the locking catch for the stock group. Pressing this to the right will separate the receiver and stock. The magazine catch is behind the housing, on the underside of the stock. Above the housing are the two ejector openings, one of which is always covered by a removable strip of plastic. The rear of the stock forms the actual shoulder rest which contains the hammer unit and the end of the bolt path. The butt is closed by an endplate which is held in place by the rear sling swivel. This swivel is attached to a pin which pushes in across the butt and secures the plate. There is a cavity under the buttplate that holds a cleaning kit.
Features
[edit]Receivers
[edit]The AUG's receiver can be changed from the standard model with a carrying handle and built-in 1.5× optical sight[11] to the 'Special Receiver' which has a STANAG scope mount to allow for the use of a variety of scopes and sights.[11] In later models (A2 and A3), it has several different types of receivers with Picatinny rails.[12]
Sights
[edit]The AUG has a 1.5× telescopic sight that is integrated with the receiver casting and is made by Swarovski Optik. It contains a simple black ring reticle. The sight cannot be set to a specific range but can be adjusted for windage and elevation for an initial zero and is designed to be calibrated for 300 m. It also has a backup iron sight with a rear notch and front blade, cast into the top of the aluminium optical sight housing, in case of failure or damage to the primary optical sight. The sight is also equipped with a set of three illuminated dots (one on the front blade and two at the rear) for use in low-level lighting conditions. In order to mount a wide range of optics and accessories, a receiver with a NATO-standard Picatinny rail and detachable carrying handle was also developed and introduced in December 1997.[9] Modern AUGs are equipped with, or can have the Picatinny rail swapped out with, an A3SF 60mm height x3 optic with optional riser and additional crosshair within the "donut" black ring. This specific optic can be piggybacked with other optics on top, as is the norm with Austrian special forces, due to the Picatinny rail included on top of the optic.[13]
Stock
[edit]While the AUG is not fully ambidextrous, it can be configured to be used by left- or right-handed operators by changing the bolt to one that has the extractor and ejector on the appropriate side and moving the blanking plate to cover the ejection port not in use. However, there exists also a right-hand-only stock that allows for the use of STANAG magazines.[14][15]
Ammunition and magazine
[edit]The AUG is fed from a detachable proprietary translucent-polymer double-column box magazine with either a 30- or 42-round capacity.[16] Optional NATO stock for STANAG magazine compatibility is also available.[3][16]
Firing mechanism
[edit]The AUG's firing mechanism can also be changed at will, into a variety of configurations, including semi-auto and full-auto, semi-auto and three-round-burst, semi-auto-only, or any other combination that the user desires.[11] It can also be converted into an open-bolt full-auto-only mode of fire, which allows for improved cooling and eliminates cook off problems when the AUG is used as a light machine gun.[11]
Trigger
[edit]The AUG features a progressive trigger (pulling the trigger halfway produces semi-automatic fire, pulling the trigger all the way to the rear produces fully automatic fire), and a safety mechanism (cross-bolt, button type) located immediately above the hand grip.[9] In its "safe" position (white dot), the trigger is mechanically disabled; pressing the safety button to the left exposes a red dot and indicates the weapon is ready to fire. Some versions have an ALO or "automatic lockout", a small projection at the base of the trigger. This was first included on the Irish Defence Forces variant of the rifle, and soon after, the Australian Defence Forces variant. In the exposed position, the ALO stops the trigger being squeezed past the semi-automatic position. If needed, the ALO can be pushed up to permit automatic fire.[17]
Barrels and muzzle devices
[edit]The AUG features quick detachable barrels and are available in different lengths; including a 382 mm (15 in) compact length, 417 mm (16.4 in) carbine length and 508 mm (20 in) standard rifle-length. The muzzle device primarily used for these barrel lengths is a three-pronged, open-type flash suppressor. The flash suppressors are screwed to the muzzle and internally threaded to take a blank-firing attachment. AUGs equipped with the 508 mm (20 in) pattern barrels produced for military purposes are also equipped with bayonet lugs. The 417 mm (16.4 in) and 508 mm (20 in) barrels are capable of launching NATO STANAG type 22 mm rifle grenades from their integral flash hiders without the use of an adapter. AUG barrels can also mount 40 mm M203 or AG36 grenade launchers. Steyr also offers 508 mm (20 in) barrel configurations fitted with a fixed, post front-sight used on the rifle version with aperture iron sights.[9] A 621 mm (24.4 in) heavy barrel with an integrated lightweight folding bipod with a closed-type ported muzzle device (combination of flash suppressor and compensator) is also available, primarily used on the AUG HBAR.[11]
Variants
[edit]AUG
[edit]The Steyr AUG can also be fitted with either an M203 or AG-C grenade launcher.
- The Steyr AUG A1 is fitted with an integral 1.5x optic and is available with a choice of olive or black furniture.[3]
- The Steyr AUG A2, introduced in December 1997, features a redesigned charging handle and a detachable telescopic sight which can be replaced with a Picatinny rail. Its modularity allows a 24.4-inch barrel to be used, and the folding grip can be replaced with a Picatinny rail section, to which a bipod can be installed.[18]
- The Steyr AUG A3 features a Picatinny rail on top of the receiver and an external bolt release.[19] In 2019, Steyr Arms introduced a .300 AAC Blackout variant of the AUG A3.[20][21]
- The Steyr AUG A3 SF features a Picatinny rail mounted on the telescopic sight and on the right side of the receiver, and includes an external bolt release.[22] The integrated telescopic sight is offered in 1.5× or 3× magnification.
- The Steyr AUG A3-CQC was a cancelled prototype development of the AUG A3 and was first displayed by Steyr at the SHOT Show in 2006 and 2007. It differs in having a railed handguard attached ahead of the receiver and features an 18 in (457 mm) barrel. Because this extra railed section needed to be removed to strip the rifle for cleaning, the left side featured a quick detach lever. Due to the concerns over the extra cost and weight, along with potential issues with the reliability and consistency of the detachable handguard, the prototypes received little interest and were last seen promoted by Steyr in 2008.[23] In 2012, the American company PJA obtained the five original prototypes from Steyr and reverse engineered them in order to produce a US-made AUG A3-CQC and conversion kits.[24]
AUG HBAR
[edit]The Steyr AUG HBAR (Heavy Barrelled Automatic Rifle), also known as the AUG LMG (light machine gun), is essentially an automatic rifle variant of the AUG. It features a heavier and longer 621 mm (24.4 in) barrel with an integrated bipod, and the standard AUG receiver with 1.5× magnification scope. It fires from an open bolt to be more suitable for sustained fire, mitigating accidental cook offs. To accomplish this, it uses a modified bolt carrier, striker and trigger mechanism with sear.[11]
- The Steyr AUG HBAR-T (Heavy Barrelled Automatic Rifle-Telescope) is similar to the AUG HBAR, but features a special receiver with a STANAG scope mount system usually fitted with a Schmidt & Bender 4×25 or Kahles ZF69 6×42 optical sight.
AUG 9mm
[edit]The Steyr AUG 9mm, also known as the AUG Para, is a submachine gun variant of the AUG chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge and has been produced since 1988.[1] It differs from the rifle variants by having a unique 420 mm (16.5 in) barrel with six right-hand grooves at a 250 mm (1:9.8 in) rifling twist rate, with a recoil compensator, a slightly different charging handle, and a magazine well adapter enabling the use of Steyr MPi 69 25- and 32-round box magazines. It is blowback-operated and fires from a closed bolt, omitting the original rifle's gas system.[25][26] A conversion kit used to transform any assault rifle configuration into the submachine gun configuration is also available. The conversion kit consists of a barrel, bolt, adapter insert, and magazine.
- The Steyr AUG A3 9mm XS is a 9×19mm variant of the AUG A3. It fires at a cyclic rate of around 650–720 rounds per minute. It is available in either a 325 mm (12.8 in),[27] 350 mm (13.8 in), 365 mm (14.4 in), 420 mm (16.5 in) barrel lengths, and features a Picatinny rail system similar to the AUG A3.[16]
- The Steyr AUG 40 is a .40 S&W variant of the AUG A3 9mm XS that uses Glock-compatible double-stack .40 S&W magazines. It is offered with a 332 mm (13.1 in) barrel.[28][29]
Austrian adopted variants
[edit]The StG 77 (Sturmgewehr 77) is the designation given by the Austrian Armed Forces when they adopted the Steyr AUG in 1977.[30]
- The StG 77 A2 Kommando is the designation given by the Austrian Special Forces (Jagdkommando) for the Steyr AUG A3 SF when it was adopted in late 2007.[31][32]
- The StG 77 KPE is the Austrian Army's designation for an upgraded StG 77. Where the A1 housing group was replaced with the A3 SF housing and was adopted in 2017.
- The StG 77 A1 MP is the Austrian Military Police's designation for the StG 77. The rifles differ from the StG 77 by having a Picatinny rail for an Aimpoint Micro T1 and red dot magnifier, a flash hider from Ase-Utra, and Rheinmetall Vario Ray laser and light module mounted on the right side. Adopted in 2018.
- The StG 77 A1 MOD is the Austrian Army's designation of a further modified StG 77. A total of 14,400 rifles will be issued to both the militia and cadre presence units.[33][34]
Australian adopted variants
[edit]
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) adopted a modified Steyr AUG designated as the F88 Austeyr.[35] From the late 1980s, the F88 became the ADF's standard individual weapon replacing the L1A1 SLR and M16A1 in the Australian Army.[36] From the mid 2010s, the Enhanced F88 (EF88) Austeyr replaced the F88.[37]
F88 Austeyr
[edit]In 1985, the ADF ordered 67,000 F88 Austeyrs that were manufactured by Australian Defence Industries (now Thales Australia) at their Lithgow Small Arms Factory under licence from Steyr Mannlicher AG.[38][39][40]
- The F88 Austeyr was the standard-issue rifle that had a barrel length of 508 mm (20 in).[41]
- The F88C Austeyr was the carbine variant of the F88 Austeyr that featured a shorter 407 mm (16 in) barrel and was without a bayonet lug.[41][42] The F88C was issued to armoured, helicopter and parachute units.[43]
- The F88T Austeyr is a .22 Long Rifle training rifle that entered service in 1999.[44][45] The F88T was issued to infantry units, training units and to the Australian Army Cadets.[46]
- The F88S (Special) Austeyr was a variant of the F88 Austeyr that entered service in 1993 with an Accuracy International Mounting System (AIMS) to allow the attachment of a different sighting device.[47][42]
- The F88SA1 Austeyr was an upgrade of the F88 Austeyr that entered service in 2003. The F88SA1 had an integrated Picatinny rail in place of the standard optical sight.[48] The rail enabled the fitting of the Elcan Wildcat sight, an AN/PVS-4 night vision sight and a night aiming device.[49][50] The F88S was withdrawn from service.[51]
- The F88SA1C Austeyr was the carbine variant of the F88SA1 Austeyr that had a barrel length of 407 mm (16 in).[50]
- The F88SA2 Austeyr was an upgrade of the F88 Austeyr that entered service in 2009, issued to units serving in the war in Afghanistan. It was withdrawn due to issues and re-entered service in the end of 2010.[52] The rifle had a two-tone colour with a "dark khaki undercarriage and a light brown upper" to match the Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform.[53] Design improvements included a modified gas system for increased reliability, an enlarged ejection port, a longer Picatinny Rail on top of the weapon, a modified sight housing and a side rail mount for a torch and Night Aiming Device (NAD).[54][55] The F1A1 ammunition was improved to suit the F88SA2.[56][54] The rifle could be fitted with a standard 1.5x sight or the Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG).[57]
F88 Austeyrs that were fitted with the M203 grenade launcher from the M16A1 had a barrel length of 620 mm (24.4 in).[41][58] In 2001, the Grenade Launcher Attachment (GLA) replaced the M203 from the M16A1 and also the M79 grenade launcher.[58][59] The ADF ordered 3167 GLAs.[59] The GLA featured an Inter-bar (armourer attached) interface, a RM Equipment M203PI grenade launcher, and a Knight's Armament quadrant sight assembly to which a Firepoint red dot sight was attached.[58][59] The bayonet lug and forward vertical grip were removed to fit the Inter-bar.[51]
The Advanced Individual Combat Weapon (AICW) developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Tenix Defence Systems, ADI, NICO and Metal Storm was an experimental F88 Austeyr that incorporated a top barrel for Metal Storm 30 mm rounds.[60][61][62]
EF88 Austeyr
[edit]The EF88 (Enhanced F88) was developed by Thales Australia for the Australian Defence Force under Project LAND 125 Phase 3C to replace the F88 Austeyr.[63][64][65] Thales Australia offers an export version of the EF88 the F90.[66][67]
The EF88 is produced at Thales Australia's Lithgow Arms factory.[68] The contract to develop an improved lighter version of the F88 Austeyr was signed with Thales Australia in December 2011.[64] In September 2014, Thales Australia was awarded a low rate initial production contract after achieving provisional design acceptance.[69] In June 2015, EF88s from the low rate initial production were issued to the Army infantry battalion 1 RAR to trial before the anticipated rollout of the EF88 in 2016.[70][65] In July 2015, the ADF placed an initial order of 30,000 rifles in two versions a standard rifle with a 20 in (508 mm) barrel and a carbine with a 16 in (406 mm) barrel.[68][71][63]
In July 2020, a second order was placed for an additional 8,500 rifles.[63][72] Internally and externally the EF88 is still similar to the Steyr AUG, although it has received many distinctive upgrades and changes.[73] The colour that was chosen was a black-finish compared to the two-tone colour with a "dark khaki undercarriage and a light brown upper" finish of the F88A2s.[74]
Upgrades include the following:
- Longer NATO STANAG top rail with a NATO STANAG bottom rail and side rail[75][76]
- A fixed lighter fluted barrel[75][77]
- Folding cocking handle[76][75]
- Extended ejection port with recessed covers[75]
- Enhanced buttstock profile and improved cheek weld design[76][75]
- Bolt-release catch on buttstock for faster magazine changes[65][78]
- Elcan Spectre DR 1-4x enhanced day sight[79][80]
Thales tested two grenade launchers for the EF88 the Madritsch ML40AUS designed specifically for the EF88 and the Steyr SL40.[81][82][83] In January 2014, Thales selected the Steyr SL40 for the EF88 reportedly the ML40AUS had "significant" engineering concerns.[67][84] The ADF ordered 2,277 SL40s.[63] The SL40 is mounted on the rifle's bottom accessory rail and its trigger protrudes inside the rifle's trigger guard, and uses a Trijicon holographic sight for its sighting system.[84][82] The SL40 is a derivative of the Steyr GL40 grenade launcher and weighs 1.025 kg (2.26 lb) and has a 180 mm (7.1 in) long barrel.[82][67] The SL40 does not require a tool to attach it or remove it from the rifle.[65]
Within the Australian Defence Force, there has been some discussion about the suitability of the EF88 when compared against variants of the AR-15 platform such as the M4 carbine and SIG MCX.[85]
In November 2021, Defence Technology Review reported that Thales Australia, in collaboration with the Australian Army, were developing a next-generation individual weapon in bullpup configuration chambered for the 6.8 mm calibre.[86]
F90
[edit]In June 2012, Thales debuted the F90 at the Eurosatory military exhibition in Paris.[87] Lithgow Arms offers the F90 in three different barrel lengths: 360 mm (14.2 in), 407 mm (16 in), and 508 mm (20 in).[88] The barrels are fixed cold hammer forged, chrome lined and fluted.[88] The rifle has heat-vent cut outs for better heat ventilation.[89] The rifle can also be fitted with the SL40 grenade launcher.[88] Its nominal cyclic rate of fire is 740 rounds per minute.[76]
In 2017, Dasan Manufacturing was granted the rights to manufacture the F90, in an effort to bid them to the South Korean military for future replacements of the Daewoo K2.[90] It is marketed by Dasan as the DSR-90.[91]
At the Defexpo 2018 convention, MKU gained Indian licensing rights to manufacture the F90 for Indian contracts.[92] In April 2019, the F90CQB variant was planned to be submitted in conjunction with the Kalyani Group for Indian Army requirements on a 5.56 mm NATO carbine.[93] As of April 2020, Bharat Forge is Thales' partner to manufacture the F90.[94] BF will market it to Indian military and law enforcement, and for potential export sales.[95]
In 2016, The Firearm Blog reported that a semi-automatic variant of the F90 the Atrax would be available to the US civilian market.[96] In 2018, The Firearm Blog reported that Dasan USA had commenced producing components for the Atrax.[97] In 2019, The Firearm Blog reported that Thales had cancelled the rifle for "ethical reasons."[98]
In March 2018, Thales Australia introduced the F90MBR (Modular Bullpup Rifle). It is a successor to the F90, which features STANAG magazine compatibility.[99]
Irish adopted variants
[edit]The Steyr AUG 1 entered service with the Irish Defence Forces in 1988.[100]
In 2014, the Irish Army began a modernisation programme to upgrade their Steyr AUG A1s, which was possible due to the modularity of the AUG. The result was the Steyr AUG Mod 14, and on the same year the army began issuing the rifle to its operational units.[100]
They replaced the original A1 housing/receiver group (with 1.5× optical sight) with an A3 housing/receiver group (with a Picatinny rail on top and right side) allowing a modern optical sight to be fitted.[100] The Trijicon ACOG 4× sight was selected as the new optical sight of the rifle.[100] The rifle features the ALO "automatic lockout" trigger, which can also be found in the Australian and New Zealand variants.
New Zealand adopted variants
[edit]The New Zealand Defence Force had adopted the F88 Austeyr ordering 15,000 designated the IW Steyr (Individual Weapon Steyr) that were manufactured in Australia.[39][101] The IW Steyr entered service in 1988.[101] In 2013, Stuff reported that New Zealand had 13,000 IW Steyrs.[102] In 2015, New Zealand selected the Lewis Machine and Tool Mars-L 5.56mm rifle to replace the IW Steyr and began transitioning to the new rifle in 2017.[103][104]
The variants of the New Zealand IW Steyr were equipped with a single-stage trigger and a two-position safety. The sight added a crosshair to the circle reticule. New Zealand issued both factory and locally modified carbines alongside the full-length rifle variant.[citation needed]
Civilian variants
[edit]- The Steyr AUG P is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A1 available to the civilian and law enforcement markets. It features the carbine length, 407 mm (16 in) barrel and a modified bolt, carrier and trigger assembly that will only allow semi-automatic fire. The rifle also has a slightly different optical sight that features a reticule with a fine dot in the centre of the aiming circle, allowing for more precise aiming.
- The Steyr AUG P Special Receiver is similar to the AUG P but features a STANAG scope mount system on top of the receiver.
- The Steyr AUG SA is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A1, built for civilian use and import to the US before being banned from importation in 1989.
- The Steyr AUG Z is a semi-automatic only variant in compliance with Austrian weapon laws, somewhat similar to the AUG A2 but lacking the quick detachable barrels and is unable to accept the trigger group from the assault rifles. It is intended primarily for civilian use.[105]
- The Steyr AUG Z Sport is a semi-automatic only variant, somewhat similar to the AUG Z, for use in sport shooting approved by the BKA in Germany. This variant has a special handguard without the typical front grip.[106]
- The Steyr AUG Z SP was a straight pull only configuration, somewhat similar to the AUG Z, and was intended primarily for civilian use; it was sold only in the United Kingdom.[107]
- The Steyr AUG Z A3 is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG Z similar to the AUG A3 introduced in 2010.
- The Steyr AUG Z A3 9mm is a semi-automatic only 9×19mm Parabellum variant of the AUG Z A3.
- The Steyr AUG Z A3 SE is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG Z similar to the AUG A3 SF.
- The Steyr USR is an AUG A2 modified to meet the former Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) (or Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act) regulations. The USR has a thumb hole stock molded in gray polymer. The barrel is made by GSI Inc and is a 20” bull barrel. No threads so no muzzle device. The barrel takedown button has been cut off.
- The Steyr AUG A3 SA USA is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 with a 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel, made available for the U.S. civilian market in April 2009.[108]
- The Steyr AUG A3 SA NATO: is a semi-automatic only variant similar to the AUG A3 SA USA, but uses a right-hand-only, NATO STANAG magazine stock assembly.[14][15]
- The Steyr AUG A3 M1 is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 SF with a detachable optical sight which can be replaced with Picatinny rails and a 416 mm (16.4 in) barrel length, manufactured in the USA by Steyr Arms US since October 2014.[109]
- The Steyr AUG A3 M2 is a semi-automatic only variant of the AUG A3 with an extended Picatinny rail and a 416 mm (16.4 in) barrel length. It reverted to the A1 style charging handle with a push-button forward assist and an added slot to lock it in the forward position. It was designed to accommodate an M-LOK handguard manufactured by Steyr. It has been manufactured in the USA by Steyr Arms US since April 2024. [110]
AUG clones
[edit]- The STG-556 was introduced at the 2007 SHOT Show, it was manufactured by Microtech Small Arms Research Inc. (a subsidiary of Microtech Knives) an AUG A1 clone significantly re-engineered in its working system and principle as it features a bolt hold-open device as seen on the M16 rifle; otherwise the MSAR STG-556 retains the original AUG features, such as feeding from proprietary translucent plastic magazines and having the quick-change barrel option. The STG-556 can be converted from either having a telescopic sight or a Picatinny rail. It is available in either civilian (semi-automatic only) configuration, and military and law enforcement (selective fire) configuration.[10][111]
- The AXR was revealed at the 2007 SHOT Show, manufactured by Tactical Products Design Inc. as an AUG A2 clone capab le of semi-automatic only fire, aimed for both the civilian and law enforcement markets, and fed by STANAG magazines; the manufacturer sells clear plastic magazines which are STANAG 4179 compliant and will readily fit in any rifle with a compatible magazine catch.[112] The rifle does not have the integral scope, allowing users to use any kind of scopes or laser sights on the Picatinny rail.[113]
- The Oberland Arms OA-UG is a German clone of the AUG intended for use in Germany in civilian sales.[114]
- The Type 68[115][116] is a Taiwanese copy of the AUG with notable differences including a smaller trigger guard and the use of iron sights instead of the original's telescopic sight (although optical sights can still be optionally mounted on the carrying handle). Developed as a potential alternative to the T65 assault rifle and (in the form of a heavy-barrel variant) replacement to the Type 57A assault rifle, it ultimately did not enter service after the ROC military decided to adopt the Minimi and T75 as their future light machine gun.[117][118][119]
Conflicts
[edit]The Steyr AUG has been used in the following conflicts:
- Gulf War[120]
- Somali Civil War (by Unified Task Force, 1993)[121]
- Kosovo war
- 1999 and 2006 East Timorese crises[122]
- Militias-Comando Vermelho Conflict[123][124]
- Syrian Civil War[125]
- War in Iraq
- Papua conflict[126][127][128]
Users
[edit]Military
[edit]- Algeria: Special Intervention Detachment[129]
- Argentina: Argentine Armed Forces.[130]
- Australia: The F88 Austeyr variant, is the standard service rifle of the Australian Defence Force. It is manufactured, under licence from Steyr-Mannlicher, by Thales Australia.[131] The F88 Austeyr entered service in January 1989, replacing both the M16A1 and the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle used by the Australian Army.[132][failed verification] The first regular unit to be issued with the F88 Austeyr was 6 RAR, which received them in January 1989.
- Austria: Standard weapon of the Bundesheer, serving as the StG 77 in official army nomenclature.[5]
- Bangladesh[133]
- Bolivia[115]
- Central African Republic[134]
- Croatia: Used by the Croatian Special Forces.[135]
- Djibouti[136]
- Ecuador[115]
- Gambia[115]
- Indonesia: Used by Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska) tactical diver group and Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group.[137]
- Ireland: Standard service rifle of the Irish Defence Forces. The Army Ranger Wing special forces uses the Steyr AUG A2 and A3.[138][139][140]
- Italy: Carabinieri Special Forces: Gruppo di Intervento Speciale and 1st "Tuscania" Regiment[141]
- Luxembourg: Standard infantry rifle of the Luxembourg Army. The HBAR variant is also employed as the section support weapon.[142]
- Malaysia: Made under licence from Steyr by SME Ordnance.[143] Local production of the AUG rifle series started in 1991[144] with a joint production with Steyr that started in 2004.[145][146] Lawsuits from Steyr emerged when Malaysia decided to withdraw from joint production.[147]
- Morocco[115][136]
- Montenegro: Used by the Special Forces Company of the Armed Forces of Montenegro.[148][failed verification]
- New Zealand: Used from 1988 until 2019. The first 5,000 weapons delivered were manufactured in Austria by Steyr Daimler Puch. Latter versions were the Australian ADI-made Austeyr F88 variant, locally designated IW Steyr (Individual Weapon Steyr.)[149] From August 2015, the Lewis Machine Tools 5.56 mm MARS-L started to replace the Steyr AUG.[150]
- Oman[115][140]
- Pakistan[151]
- Papua New Guinea: F88 variant.[115]
- Philippines: Used by the Scout Rangers.[152]
- Poland: JW Grom special forces group.[153][154]
- Romania: Used by the Romanian Special Forces[155]
- Saudi Arabia[136][140]
- Serbia: 72nd Reconnaissance-Commando Battalion.[135]
- Taiwan Type 68 copy[115]
- Tunisia: The Steyr AUG has been the primary weapon of the Tunisian Army since 1978. The first regular unit to be issued with the AUG A1 was the GTS. Subsequently, the leadership began arming the National Guard with Sturmgewehr 58 (FN FAL) and the army with the AUG A1/A2/A3 variants, including the Army's Special Forces.[115][140]
- Turkey: Maroon Berets.[156]
- Ukraine: AUG HBAR is used by the Sokil Special Forces.[157]
- United Kingdom
- Falkland Islands: Falkland Islands Defence Force.[158] Being replaced by the L85A2.
- Uruguay: Received 15,000 Steyr AUG A2UR bullpup assault rifles (with the 1.5× telescopic sight) to be used by the Uruguayan infantry battalions.[159]
Law enforcement
[edit]- Australia: Formerly used by the Victoria Police Special Operations Group, replaced by the M4 Carbine in the 2000s.[160]
- Austria: Used by EKO Cobra.[161]
- Belgium: Steyr AUG 9mm is used by the Federal Police.[162]
- Brazil: In use by Agência Brasileira de Inteligência since November 2011.[163][failed verification] SMG version adopted by São Paulo Police in .40 S&W.[164][29]
- Bulgaria: SOBT (counter-terrorist unit) only.[165][failed verification]
- Czech Republic: Steyr AUG Carbine in 9×19mm Parabellum used by several Czech police units (as of 2011).[166]
- Germany: Bavarian SEK.[167]
- Indonesia: Used by the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) special forces group of the Indonesian National Police, including Detachment 88 counter-terrorist unit.[168]
- Luxembourg: The Unité Spéciale de la Police intervention unit of the Grand Ducal Police employs the AUG A2 variant.[169]
- Malaysia: Used by 69 Commando of Pasukan Gerakan Khas counter-terrorist unit of the Royal Malaysia Police.[145][146]
- Timor Leste: National Police of East Timor[170]
- Turkey: Police Special Operations Department.[156]
- United States: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, replaced by the Colt M4.[171]
- Venezuela: Used by SEBIN.[172][173]
Non-state
[edit]- Islamic State: used by the Military of IS.[174][175]
- Syrian National Coalition: Origin unclear; serial numbers removed. Used by Syrian Opposition special forces.[176][177]
- West Papua Liberation Army: Likely captured or bought from Indonesian forces.[126][128]
See also
[edit]References
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