IMBEL MD97

IMBEL MD97 History

The IMBEL MD97 is an automatic assault rifle made in Brazil, designed for military and security purposes, indirectly derived from the first-class FN FAL light automatic rifle made in Belgium. The MD97 is directly based on the IMBEL MD2 series of Brazilian Army standard assault rifles introduced in 1985. Three main variants of the MD97 exist, including the standard MD97L (L for "horizontal" or "light") selective-fire assault rifle, the special-purpose MD97LM with mounting rails for special forces use (MIL-STD-1913), and the MD97LC , the shortened carbine version of the base MD97L is limited to semi-automatic fire and is suitable for heavy police operations.

The three are more or less different in their different weights and overall dimensions. The MD97 entered service in 1997 to replace the IMBEL MD-2 and MD-3 series of rifles and remains an important weapon in Brazil's arsenal. The MD97 has more in common with the MD-2.

The core design of the MD97 is no different from the FN FAL itself. It fires NATO standard 5.56x45mm cartridges from a 20- or 30-round curved STANAG (M16 type) magazine.

Depending on the model, their rate of fire is specified at 950 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of 950 meters per second. The ignition action is a gas operation using a rotating bolt. They have an effective range of up to 600 meters and a maximum range of 3,800 meters. The base MD97 weighs 3.7kg, while the shortened and lighter MD97LC is 3.3kg.

It has an overall length of 850mm, of which 437mm is used for the barrel. The barrel itself is said to have a relatively short lifespan of 6,000 rounds.

The MD97L has single-shot, burst and fully automatic fire modes and is the only system of the three MD97 rifles to accept the off-stage single-shot grenade launcher attachment. Additional optics, flashlight and muffler are optional.

The receiver contains the internal operational aspects of the rifle, including the pistol grip, trigger group and magazine advance. The charging handle is located on the right side of the fuselage.

The stock can be solid or skeletal, the latter form being able to fold over the side of the receiver to create a more compact weapon system. A vented foregrip sits at the rear of the barrel, which protrudes slightly from the design and is covered by a vented muzzle brake.

At the very front and rear of the weapon are the sights, as well as the shoulder strap mounts.

IMBEL is the main producer of the MD97 series. These letters are the acronyms for Brazil's state-owned Industria de Material Belico do Brasil. The institution was established in 1975.

It is suspected that the German-made Heckler & Koch HK G36C carbine may eventually replace the MD97, a proven weapon without as many unique limitations as the IMBEL design.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes