Ares Defense Ares-16 Small Arms Family

History

The automatic rifle has evolved from its single role on the battlefield to a modular system at the infantry level. This approach appeared in earlier designs such as the Stoner 63 in the 1960s and some more modern products since. Ares Defense Systems designed the new Ares-16 series to do just that - a single solution of modular design that can be modified to fulfill a variety of battlefield roles, including assault carbines, assault rifles and light machine guns. In many ways, the Ares-16 is an evolution of the world's popular AR-15/M4/M16 automatic weapons line, in the classic M16 style. The patented receiver unit can be formally configured as a subcarbine, carbine, assault rifle, designated marksman rifle (DMR), assault machine gun (magazine or belt) and machine gun.

With its lightweight construction, the Ares-16 series offers a balance between the more compact M4 carbine and the inherent firepower of a larger light machine gun (LMG) such as the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) - more or less in M16.

The Ares-16 family is led by the basic type of assault weapon Ares-16 "MCR" ("Modular Combat Rifle"). It features the familiar M16-style receiver unit, angled ergonomic pistol grip, forward-facing magazine well and foldable stock.

The magazine accepts standard M16 style curved magazines well and holds 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington) cartridges. On top of the receiver is a section of MIL-STD 1913 rail for mounting optics that mate with standard front and rear sights. The handguard around the barrel on the receiver is perforated to ensure proper heat dissipation and has a motion rail section for mounting other accessories that can be used as laser sights, tactical flashlights or even an adjustable bipod (with installed in the form of fire support). Barrels are interchangeable (sold as a "quick change" design) to suit operator taste and mission requirements, and are available in 12", 16", 25" and 20" lengths. The barrel also features a slotted M16-style flash suppressor and a cap.

A silencer can be installed for concealed work. Due to the use of light alloys, the lightest Ares-16 configurable form is a manageable 7.5 lbs. with a 16.25 inch gun.

Tube, weapon length 34.55 inches (876 mm) The system is a pneumatic open bolt design with a short ram that allows a rate of fire of 625 to 1,000 rounds per minute at up to 600 yards M4/M16 marking, Ares-16 A bottom-mounted grenade launcher is also supported to extend the tactical flexibility of standard infantry.

The AMG-1 ("AMG" = "Assault Machine Gun") is the belt-mounted light machine gun (LMG) version of the Ares-16 series. It is fed from the NATO standard M27 ammunition belt. All other characteristics of the rifle remain the same, including barrel length options, rate of fire and aero action.

The AMG-2 is also designed for belt feeding, but also supports feeding from M16 detachable magazines. All Ares 16 weapons support selective fire pass-through management along the receiver side.

Ares Defense sees the Ares 16 series as a "one weapon, any mission" solution. Its use of the standard 5.56mm NATO cartridge has undoubtedly opened the door for many current and former US allies, and its parts commonality with other members of the Ares-16 family has certainly broadened its logistical appeal to troops seeking to consider acquiring a gun No.

The multipurpose function of the design may prove valuable in the fluid, largely urban battle fronts encountered today.

Specification

Roles

STRUCTURAL

PERFORMANCE

VARIANTS