The U.S. Military is looking on replacing it's M16s and M4s
(because they have been updating them for 30+years,
however they still work excellent),and is searching for a replacement with H&K and FN Hersital. What about the Brits? Are they upgrading/replacing their assault rifles anytime soon?
2007-05-25 13:19:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
If one looks at the history, development and upgrading of the L85/SA80, it is more likely that the weapon will be upgraded rather than replaced.
http://world.guns.ru/assault/as22-e.htm
The original development of the SA80 started back in the 1960's and have been improved over time. All weapons have drawbacks which needs improvement at some stage i.e: "The current L85A2 rifles are recognised as reliable and very accurate, especially when using standard issue SUSAT telescope sights. The drawbacks of the L85A2 are somewhat poor balance (which can be improved with installation of HK-made 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher), right-side only extraction and rearward placement of the fire mode selector".
Actual combat under VARIOUS conditions is the best testing ground at the end. Since these are already very good weapons, an upgrade is more likely and COST EFFICIENT.
The other option is to switch to the HK G36, which is currently used by the SAS for good reason. http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-air-service/weapons/g36.php
Buying new weapons from another country is also highly unlikely.
2007-05-28 02:39:50 · answer #1 · answered by Hector of Troy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The SA-80, the newest version at least is superior to the M16. The muzzle velocity is a lot higher and the bullets larger giving it better range and penetration. The weapon is a lot smaller as well, making it easier to handle for long periods of time in a combat situation. The M16 is still, at the end of the day a traditional long barelled rifle. European countries are all moving towards the shorter bullpup configurations.
The one disadvantage of the SA80, aside from it's realiability in desert environments is the fact if you're a left hander you'll get rounds ejected into your face if you hold it incorrectly....
2007-05-26 02:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by badshotcop 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't know about the L85 but they have no plan what so ever to replace the SA80. My best friend is in the military and I get the latest updates on all weaponry from him.
2007-05-25 13:50:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The design was around since 1945 but was to costly to make.
Then came the wonder of resin & plastic combined with light weight alloys, bear in mind millions of pounds were spent on its development.
Issued to troops as the all new wonder weapon, problems started to show with the design, metal M-16 magazines were wearing the plastic magazine retaining catch, magazines fell off the weapon at embarresing moments, like walking down the Falls Road on patrol in Belfast, or in front of the Queen at the Trooping of the Colour in London.
Safety catches began to fall off, and cocking handles, so troops took to carrying super glue with them for instant repairs.
Ironically Heckler & Koch then got the contract to refurbish all the current SA80s in stock as well as manufacture the new models.
So the weapon will be retained in the British Army.
2007-05-26 01:49:07 · answer #4 · answered by conranger1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What Will Replace The Sa80
2017-01-17 20:30:36 · answer #5 · answered by kuhns 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The people who have answered your question don't know what they are on about...........
The SA80 is the L85, It was the L85A1 in the first gulf war and just before it was revamped as the L85A2 a very much improved weapon.
I don't believe they are thinking of replacing it which new adictions such as the underslung grenade luncher (UGL) and improved night sights and small weapon lights it has given the platoon section much greater fire power on the battle field.
along which the L86 (LSW) and the minimi light machine gun.
2007-05-26 03:54:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The L-85 will not be replaced any time soon. The L-85 is a good weapon and will probably remain in the British Army's inventory for a long time.
2013-09-27 18:46:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I left for a very long time and I just came back. (Maybe for only a night because I have insomnia). There's this neat site called Free Online Slot Machines and I love to play so I just play slots for the most part.
2016-05-17 23:22:54 · answer #8 · answered by randy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We've only got the damned thing to work properly, dagnabbit!
2007-05-26 09:12:10 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
nope they just revamp it after the first gulf war..its working fine...
2007-05-25 15:50:09 · answer #10 · answered by Mojambo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋