The MK556 is an AR-style assault weapon, manufactured by C.G. Haenel, Germany, based on the company's earlier CR223 product for law enforcement (in 2017).
Basic qualities include selective fire modes (semi- and full-auto fire, ergonomic pistol grip with finger grooves, and perforated cooling front end. More modern features include pickup above the frame (full length) and below the front end Tiny rail section, full optical support, and M4 style adjustable stock The rifles are available in four different barrel lengths: 10.5", 12.5", 14.5" and 16".
The series was launched in 2020 by Haenel.
The action is pneumatic (short stroke rotary bolt piston) and the weapon is fed from a 30-round STANAG spring magazine in a 5.56x45mm NATO. A detachable 100-round Beta C-Mag is also available for fire support roles. The rate of fire reaches 900 rounds per minute.
The charging handle is an AR-type back handle located above the rear of the frame.
The stock can be adjusted to six positions for operator customization. A horizontally slotted flash suppressor is located above the muzzle to control recoil and limit muzzle flash.
The front end features tool-free disassembly and features a pair of NAR and KeyMod rails for mounting tactical accessories such as night vision optics, magnifiers, laser sights, and flashlights. The safety mechanism is secured by the firing pin and the controls are ambidextrous.
Spare sights are collapsible and can be stored with installed tactical accessories.
The MK553 was last selected by the German Armed Forces in September 2020 to replace the aging G36 assault rifle (described in detail elsewhere on this page). However, issues surrounding rifle procurement and allegations of patent infringement led to the selection being withdrawn in March 2021.
An alternative to the G36 has now fallen to longtime German arms supplier Heckler & Koch.
Year of Service
2020
Origins
Germany
Categories
Modular Assault Weapons
C.G. Haenel GmbH - Germany
Germany (police); Poland (police)
Auto function
Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.
Special Forces
The quality of this weapon has proven its value to Special Forces who need a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special operations.
Compact nature
The compact nature allows for relatively easy confusion.
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.
Overall Length
923mm
36. 34 inches [/ p]
Run Length
408mm
16. 06 at
Cured weight
7.94 lbs
3.60 kg
Attractions
Optics supported; spare, optional front and rear irons.
Gas powered; short stroke piston; selective fire.
Short stroke piston
Type of gas operation commonly found in rifled weapons; relatively short amount of piston movement based on a sudden shock for rapid acceleration of the piston; lever attached to the bolt is actuated, absorbs the energy produced, and transmits it to the waiting bolt.
Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
5. 56x45mm
Rounds / Feed
30-round detachable box magazine.
Rate-of-Fire
900
rds/min
MK556 - Base Series Designation.