Haenel MK556

2020 MODERN

• 1 History of the Haenel MK556
• 2 Haenel MK556 Specification
  • 2.1 Basics
  • 2.2 Manufacturer
  • 2.3 Operator
  • 2.4 Roles
  • 2.5 Distinctive features
  • 2.6 Dimensions and Weight
  • 2.7 Action
  • 2.8 CARTRIDGE & FEED
  • 2.9 PERFORMANCE
  • 2.10 VARIANTS

History of the Haenel MK556

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 However, issues surrounding rifle procurement and allegations of patent infringement led to the selection being withdrawn in March 2021.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.

Haenel MK556 Specification

Basics

Year of Service

2020

Origins

Germany

Categories

Modular Assault Weapons

Manufacturer

C.G. Haenel GmbH - Germany

Operator

Germany (police); Poland (police)

Roles

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.

Distinctive features

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.

Dimensions and Weight

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.

Action

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)

CARTRIDGE & FEED

Caliber(s)*

5. 56x45mm

Rounds / Feed

30-round detachable box magazine.

PERFORMANCE

Rate-of-Fire

900

rds/min

VARIANTS

MK556 - Base Series Designation.