Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
BAE SYSTEM/MALLOY AERONAUTICS A heavy electric quadcopter trans- port drone named T650 was show- cased by BAE Systems and Malloy Aeronautics. The said platform can attain speeds of up to 140 kph, with a range of up to 30 kilometers and a payload capacity of up to 300 kilo- grams. Without any payload, the UAV in question can cover a distance of up to 80 kilometers. The Drone can also carry a 267 kg StingRay torpe- do as a weapon. It is also suitable to be used in a role of a CASEVAC plat- form. RICARDO After years of searching the Polish Armed Forces finally decided to re- place their Honker vehicles with the Ford Ranger pick-up trucks. It is a pity, however, that the Polish Military procured an entirely civil configura- tion of the Ranger, with the weakest possible engine and metallic paint coat. The only difference from a standard Ranger comes in the form of run-flat tires. The Rangers are to act in a general-purpose transport role. Nonetheless, it is a pity that no decision was made to procure at least some of them in a militarized variant, such as the one offered by Ricardo. The green, matte paint coat, 4-point seat belts, and radio mounts are among the visible changes which also include a standard NATO towing link, reinforced bumpers, and enhan- ced suspension. The enhancements also include a winch, Webasto he- ating units, and an option to turn the lights off for night vision operation. FN HERSTAL Fabrique Nationale from Belgium of- ficially unveiled the EVOLYS machine gun family. First information about new firearms were published online in May 2021 but the DSEI was a first opportunity to see them publicly. The EVOLYS machine guns in 5.56- and 7.62-mm NATO variants are the successors of well-known and com- bat proven MINIMI series machine guns (they will be still available from FN, BTW). FN engineers used a hydraulic shock absorber that reduces recoil and en- sures a constant rate of fire during full-auto mode. The ammunition de- livery system eliminates jams resul- ting from inaccurate positioning of the belt, which is not difficult to do in stressful combat conditions. Feeder cover, thanks to the protrusions, correctly positions the round on the carrier, eliminating a potential pro- blem. The cover also has additional elements holding the ammunition belt during loading, and after the last cartridge is fired, the last link is also ejected. The FN EVOLYS is equipped with a telescopic stock similar to one found in FN SCAR rifles and carbines. The 7.62 mm variant is over 2.5 kilograms lighter than the legacy Minimi 7.62! In addition to modern materials, the removal of the quick-change barrel, in accordance with the requirements of special forces units with whom the project was consulted, had a significant impact on reducing the weight. The operation principle of EVOLYS is unusual as it uses an open bolt, fi- ring with a separate hammer upside down inside the upper receiver. This EXHIBITION