IMBEL IA2

History of the IMBEL IA2

The IMBEL IA2 is a state-of-the-art, locally designed, developed and produced assault rifle, native to Brazil. The series is adopted by the various services of the Brazilian Armed Forces to overhaul an aging mixed collection of Brazilian IMBEL MD97, Belgian FN FAL, American M16A2 and German HK33 automatic rifles.

The MD97 itself is a localized offshoot of the classic Cold War era FN FAL (described in detail elsewhere on this page) and entered service in 1997 with a 5.56x45mm NATO shot. IA2 brings more advanced capabilities and design flexibility, resulting in a modular, powerful offensive weapons solution.

The IA2 is currently known in two calibers, 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x51mm NATO, and these form the basis of several rifle types, including the basic full-length IA2 rifle, shortened assault carbine form, dedicated compact Quarters Battle (CQB ) model, a full-length/full-power battle rifle model, and a dedicated sniper/designated marksman rifle (DMR) variant. Rifle, Carbine and CQB models are chambered in 5.56mm, while Combat and Sniper/DMR models support the ubiquitous full-power 7.62mm cartridge.

The general layout of the rifle remains traditional, like a modern rifle: there is an adjustable shoulder rest at the rear. The pistol grip/trigger unit hangs below the frame as usual, giving the grip an ergonomic inclination. The trigger ring is oversized to accommodate a gloved hand, and the magazine well is right in front. The charging handle is located on the left side of the fuselage, and the fire control function is within the reach of the thumb of the main hand.

The firing controls on the right side have been doubled to flexibly support right- and left-handed shooters without modification. The ejection port is located on the right side of the frame, where an M16-style deflector protrudes.

The muzzle also features an M16-style multi-slotted look to aid recoil.

The weight of the unladen weapon is 7.1 pounds, the overall length is 39.1 inches, and the barrel assembly is 17.2 inches long.

The long barrel section of the Picatinny rail above the receiver and front end allows the use of various aiming devices - including various optics, magnifiers and sights. Additionally, shorter rail sections are located near the muzzle for additional attachment points - these can be used for laser sights/sights, tactical flashlights, and even suppression components for under-barrel grenade launchers (UBGLs).

Iron sights are reserved for backup purposes.

Internally, the weapon relies on the proven pneumatic rotary bolt assembly found in many other automatic rifles around the world. The rate of fire is up to 750 rounds per minute (depending on model and chamber) and the muzzle velocity is 3,000 feet per second (also depending on model and chamber).

The rifle is fed by a 5.56mm 30-round STANAG magazine and a 7.62mm 20-round FN-FAL magazine.

The initial project that led to the IA2 was originally aimed at modernizing the MD97 design (known as the "MD97 Mk. II"), but this resulted in a major overhaul of the entire approach - resulting in an entirely new rifle leader that was better suited to the needs of the modern battlefield and abuse. The Brazilian Army placed an initial small order for 1,500 IA2 rifles in 2012, which led to a comprehensive assessment by several Brazilian military personnel.

The rifle was subsequently cleared from service - leading the Army to receive an order in December 2013 for 20,000 rifles to be loaded into the 5.56x45mm NATO.

The main operator of this rifle is the Brazilian Special Operations Brigade, the system is also used with special paratroopers as well as jungle and marines.

Specification

Fundamentals

Year of Service

2012

Origins

Brazil

Categories

Assault Rifle/Carbine/DMR

Manufacturer

Industria de Material Belico do Brasil (IMBEL) Brazil

Operator

Brazil

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Assault Rifle

A modern class of long guns with selected fire characteristics, automatic internals and magazine feeding.

Accuracy/Precision

Long-range accuracy/accuracy capability; good for sniping, especially when equipped with sights.

Special Forces

The quality of this weapon has proven its value to Special Forces who need a versatile and reliable solution to the rigors of special operations.

Asymmetric War

Design is highly variable/cheap depending on battlefield requirements and available materials; common use is in urban environments against organized enemies to inflict mass casualties.

Distinctive features

Compact nature

The compact nature allows for relatively easy confusion.

Portable

Despite its size/weight, the product can be transported on foot.

Semi-automatic fire

Internal action allows triggering a single bullet per trigger, triggering a semi-automatic loading mechanism for continuous fire.

Automatic fire

Internal action allows multiple rounds to be triggered in quick succession with a single trigger pull.

Repeated Shots

The system has built-in automatic or pseudo-automatic function, which can achieve repeated triggering.

Ability to use rifle scopes/visual aids

Support for mounting optics (scopes) to improve accuracy in long-range shooting.

Iron Mask

Support for "iron sights" for inherent accuracy within a range.

Customizable

Design allows users to customize certain components for customization.

Adaptable

Design provides attachment points for external aftermarket hardware including laser sights, flashlights, scopes and grips.

Guerrilla War

The ease of use coupled with the relative simplicity of combining components makes this entry a cost-effective solution to unconventional elements/forces.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

993mm

39.09 at

Run Length

440mm

17. 32 inches

Cured weight

7.05 lbs

3. 20kg

Attractions

Superframe optics, sights and magnifiers; spare iron.

Action

Gas powered; rotating bolt; selective fire

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

5. 56x45mm NATO; 7. 62x51mm NATO

Circle/Feed

20 or 30 rounds detachable magazine.

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

11,800 feet

(3,597m | 3,933m)

Rate of fire

750

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

3,000 ft/s

(914 m/s)

VARIANTS

IA2 - name of the basic series; basic rifle shape with 17.7" barrel assembly; 5.56mm bore. IA2 CARBINE - 14.5" barrel short assault carbine; 5.56 mm rifled. IA2 CQB - Compact melee variant with 10.3" barrel; 5.56mm rifled. IA2 Battle Rifle - Full-length rifle form; 7.62mm rifled. 7. 62mm rifled.