Haenel MK556

History of the Haenel MK556

The MK556 is a German-made AR-style assault weapon designed by C.G. Haenel. Introduced in 2020, it is a fully automatic version of the earlier CR223, initially used by law enforcement since 2017. The rifle features selective fire modes, a pneumatic action, and is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. It comes with modern attributes such as adjustable stock, optical support, and various barrel lengths. The German Armed Forces selected the MK556 in September 2020 to replace the G36, but issues surrounding patent infringement allegations and procurement law breaches led to the withdrawal of the selection in March 2021.

The procurement process involved legal disputes and investigations. Heckler & Koch, a competing arms supplier, raised concerns about patent infringements, leading to the exclusion of C.G. Haenel from further consideration in March 2021. Legal actions were initiated, including a review by C.G. Haenel and a rejection by the Federal Public Procurement Chamber in June 2021. The process has been marked by delays, uncertainties, and criticisms of the procurement office's handling. The ultimate decision on the new assault rifle and potential compensation payments remain uncertain, pending resolution of legal matters.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 2020

Origins: Germany

Categories: Modular Assault Weapons

Caliber(s): 5.56x45mm

Rounds / Feed: 30-round detachable box magazine.

Rate-of-Fire: 900 rds/min

Operator: Germany (police); Poland (police); Ukraine (Ukrainian special forces)

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 923mm (36.34 in)

Run Length: 408mm (16.06 in)

Cured weight: 7.94 lbs (3.60 kg)

Attractions: Optics supported; spare, optional front and rear irons.

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.

Action

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.

Variants

Non select-fire:

CR 223 is the civilian semi-automatic fire only variant of the MK 556 chambered for .223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO.

CR 300 is a semi-automatic fire only variant chambered for .300 AAC Blackout. This variant can be only be ordered with 229 mm (9.0 in) or 267 mm (10.5 in) barrels.

CR 308 and CR 6,5 are enlarged semi-automatic fire only variants chambered for .308 Winchester and 6.5mm Creedmoor. These variants are heavier than the CR 223 and can be ordered with longer 457 mm (18.0 in) or 508 mm (20.0 in) barrels and a two-stage trigger.

B&T 15 is a short-barreled rifle variant of the CR 223, manufactured by Brügger & Thomet. B&T plans to have the weapon ready for import into the United States by mid-2021.

Instruction and training:

CR 223 Manipulation is a red coloured functional training rifle for safe manipulation instructioning that can not be fired.

CR 223 ÜB – Training rifle is a blue coloured training rifle that can only fire non-lethal marking simunition.