Enfield L85 IW (Individual Weapon) (SA80)

History

Consider modernizing Army infantry with new standardized automatic weapons following the end of British participation in World War II (1939-1945). This led to the birth of the EM-1 and EM-2 prototype rifles, which were built around a 7mm cartridge chamber and arranged in a "bull" configuration with the action behind the trigger group. However, NATO approval of the 7.62x51mm cartridge forced the UK to halt this effort, after which the Army opted for the L1A1 battle rifle, itself nothing more than a licensed production variant of the Belgian FN FAL battle rifle. The L1A1 entered service in 1954 and served in several notable conflicts involving the British military, including the Suez Crisis, the Malayan Emergency and the Falklands War.

The type continued to be produced into the 1980s and used into the 1990s, and was also adopted in Australia and Canada (as the C1A1 SLR).

In 1969, a new 4.85x49mm cartridge was trialled at the renowned Enfield Lock factory to complement the development of a new range of automatic weapons that could be adopted by the British military. A bullpup configuration rifle design was developed to fire the cartridge, and the gun family was known under the designation "SA80".

This work resulted in the "XL64EF" automatic rifle and "XL65E4 LMG" (light machine gun). Both designs are similar in most respects, enabling a logistically friendly approach.

Assault rifles will be used by the majority of British infantry, while light support arms will be assigned to selected units to provide fire support to the main force. In 1976, there were prototypes for trails.

The original L85 production form was recognized under the designation L85A1. As mentioned, the revised design appears under the L85A2 name, replacing the previous L85A1 branding. Since then, the A2 model has supported the L123A2 UGL series (HK AG-36) 40mm grenade launcher and more durable plastic and steel (versus the original aluminum) magazines. Picatinny rail support was also later introduced to support various accessories and sights in favor of urban combat seen in Iraqi theaters.

Overall, the L85 saw combat action in the 1991 Gulf War, conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and the more modern Afghanistan and Iraq theaters.

The L86 LSW is very similar in overall form to the L85, although it is intended for use as a squad-level light machine gun and offensive weapon. So the design gets an extended barrel assembly with a bipod with a rear vertical grip. The handguards are also significantly shortened.

These changes allow for higher muzzle velocity and greater range (and range accuracy). The original L86A1 was upgraded to the newer L86A2 standard after the L85 changes.

The L110A1 (Fabrique Nationale FN Minimi) has replaced the L86 in the light automatic weapons role, relegating the L86 to a more precise fire system.

The L22 carbine is a compact version of the L85, mainly used by special forces such as marines and armored personnel (updated from L22A1 to L22A2). The L98 Cadet rifle does not have the gas operation of the L85, but is based on a bolt action system (updated from L98A1 to L98A2).

November 2018 - German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch has received an order from the British Army to upgrade its SA80 range of assault weapons.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

VARIANTS