Lithgow / Thales F90

History

Thales Lithgow F90 is the export designation for the Australian LAND 125 program product model EF88 ("Enhanced F88"), which itself is an overall improved version of the F88 assault rifle, the standard weapon of the Australian Army. An evolution of the F88 series, the F90 offers a lightweight finish, increased reliability and increased quick response/first-shot accuracy.

The F90 represents the basic form of the assault rifle, while the F90(G) contains a 40mm grenade launcher, the F90M becomes a special gunner form, the F90M(G) is a hybrid of the F90(G) and the F90M(G) The F90CQB is a A "melee assault carbine".

Like many other modern assault weapons, the F90 is in a "no bullpup" configuration that centralizes and powers the action behind the trigger group, while still allowing the use of a full-length barrel. This allows the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge to have more penetration and can control a higher muzzle velocity. The bullpup arrangement allows for a shorter, more compact overall shape not found in traditional rifles such as the American M16 and Soviet/Russian Kalashnikov variants.

The limitations of the bullpup include the fixed oversized stock and the possibility of the operator placing his hand in front of the barrel while firing.

With the development of the F90, Thales took a forward-looking approach that would expand the tactical capabilities of the base weapon system. The design includes three Picatinny rail sections, as well as support for an optional 40mm side-mounted grenade launcher unit.

There is a foldable foregrip to help the gun fire. Since it can be used as a standard assault rifle, grenadier weapon, designated marksman rifle (DMR) or melee weapon, it greatly expands the weapon's capabilities on the battlefield. The shooter model has a longer barrel length for more precise work and supports a wide range of specialist optics for the shooter.

The F90CQB model has a shorter barrel and can be used as a carbine when size is a disadvantage in combat (such as in tight spaces).

The F90 base weapon unit weighs 3.25kg, while the F90(G) weighs 4.1kg, the F90M 3.39kg, the F90M(G) 4.34kg and the F90CQB 3.15kg. The barrel length of the F90/F90(G) is 16", while the F90M is 20" and the F90CQB is 14.17".

This makes a difference in overall length: 27.55" for the F90/F90(G). , F90M/F90M(G) at 31.57" and F90CQB at 25.7".

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes