TheUnited States Army'sDelta Force, at the request of R&D NCOLarry Vickers, collaborated with Heckler & Koch to develop a new carbine in the 1990s for use inclose quarters combat. At this point, they were equipped with theHeckler & Koch MP5, whose 9 mm bullet was considered too weak, and the M4 carbine, which was considered too large.[5] During development, Heckler & Koch capitalized on experience gained developing theBundeswehr's Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle, the U.S. Army'sXM8 rifle project (cancelled in 2005) and theBritish Armed ForcesSA80 A2 upgrade programme. The project was originally called theHeckler & Koch M4, but this was changed in response to a trademark infringement suit filed byColt Defense.[6] The final designation is derived from M4 and M16.[7]
Delta Force replaced its M4s with the HK416D in March 2005, after tests revealed that the piston operating system significantly reduces malfunctions while increasing the life of parts.[8] The HK416 has been tested by the United States military and is in use with some law enforcement agencies. It has been adopted as the standard rifle of theNorwegian Armed Forces (2008) and theFrench Armed Forces (2017) and is used by many special operations units worldwide.
The HK416 uses a proprietary short-stroke gas piston system that derives from the HK G36.[12][13] The HK system uses a short-stroke piston driving an operating rod to force the bolt carrier to the rear. This design prevents combustion gases from entering the weapon's interior—a shortcoming with direct impingement systems.[14] The reduction in heat and fouling of the bolt carrier group increases the reliability of the weapon and extends the interval between stoppages. During factory tests the HK416 fired 10,000 rounds in full-auto without malfunctioning. The HK416's piston system was originally self-regulating in theory, but in the default position tends to give increased recoil over an adjustable gas system. A user adjustable gas regulator was added in later variants.[15]
The HK416 is equipped with a proprietary accessory rail forearm withMIL-STD-1913 rails on all four sides. This lets most current accessories for M4/M16-type weapons fit the HK416. The HK416 rail forearm can be installed and removed without tools by using the bolt locking lug as the screwdriver. The rail forearm is "free-floating" and does not contact the barrel, improving accuracy.
The HK416 has an adjustable multi-position telescopic butt stock, offering six different lengths of pull. The shoulder pad can be either convex or concave and the stock features a storage space for maintenance accessories, spare electrical batteries or other small kit items. It can also be switched out for other variations like Magpul stocks.
The trigger pull is 34 N (7.6 lbf). The empty weight of a HK416box magazine is 250 g (8.8 oz).
The HK416's barrel iscold hammer-forged with a 20,000-round service life and features a 6-groove 178 mm (7.0 in) right handtwist. The cold hammer-forging process provides a stronger barrel for greater safety in case of an obstructed bore or for extended firing sessions. Modifications for an over-the-beach (OTB) capability such as drainage holes in the bolt carrier and buffer system are available to let the HK416 fire safely as quickly as possible after being submerged in liquids like water.[16][17][18][19] To reduce the risk ofslam-firing, the HK416 features a proprietary firing pin safety in the bolt. This firing pin safety limits the HK416 upper to working with standard AR-15 type full height hammers in the fire control group of the lower.[15]
In July 2007, the U.S. Army announced a limited competition between the M4 carbine,FN SCAR, HK416, and the previously shelved HKXM8. Ten examples of each of the four competitors were involved. Each weapon fired 60,000 rounds in an extreme dust environment. The shoot-off was for assessing future needs, not to select a replacement for the M4.[20][21] The XM8 scored the best, with only 127 stoppages in 60,000 total rounds, the FN SCAR Light had 226 stoppages, while the HK416 had 233 stoppages. The M4 carbine scored "significantly worse" than the rest of the field with 882 stoppages.[8] However, magazine failures caused 239 of the M4's 882 failures. Army officials said, in December 2007, that the new magazines could be combat-ready by spring of 2008 if testing went well.[22]
In December 2009, a modified version of the HK416 was selected for the final testing in the Infantry Automatic Rifle program, designed to partially replace theM249 light machine gun at the squad level for the United States Marine Corps.[23] It beat the three other finalists byFN Herstal and Colt Defense. In July 2010, the HK416 IAR was designated as the M27 and 450 were procured for additional testing.[24]
The Turkish companyMakina ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu ("Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation") has considered manufacturing a copy of the HK416 as the MKEK Mehmetçik-1 for theTurkish Armed Forces.[25] Instead, the newMPT-76 rifle has been developed by KALEKALIP with MKEK as the producer, with the Mehmetçik-1 dropped from adoption into the Turkish military.[26][27]
TheFrench Armed Forces conducted a rifle evaluation and trial to replace theFAMAS, and selected the HK416F as its primary firearm in 2016.[28][29] Of the 93,080 rifles, 54,575 will be a "short" version with a 280 mm (11 in) barrel weighing 3.7 kg (8.2 lb) without the ability to use a grenade launcher, and 38,505 will be a "standard" version with a 368 mm (14.5 in) barrel weighing 4 kg (8.8 lb), of which 14,915 will takeFÉLIN attachments; standard rifles will be supplied with 10,767 HK269F grenade launchers. 5,000 units are supposed to be delivered in 2017, half of the order delivered by 2022, and the order fulfilled by 2028.[30] The first batch of 400 rifles was delivered on 3 May 2017.
The HK416 was one of the weapons displayed to U.S. Army officials during an invitation-only Industry Day on 13 November 2008. The goal of the Industry Day was to review current carbine technology prior to writing formal requirements for a future replacement for the M4 carbine.[31][32] The HK416 was then an entry in theIndividual Carbine competition to replace the M4. The weapon submitted was known as theHK416 A5. The Individual Carbine competition was cancelled before a winning weapon was chosen.[33]
A Norwegian soldier fires the HK416 towards a simulated target at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 13, 2020.
TheHK416 chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO is offered in multiple barrel lengths available to the military and law enforcement market only.[34]
D10RS: sub-compact with a 264 mm (10.4 in) barrel
D14.5RS (D145RS): carbine 368 mm (14.5 in) barrel[35]
D16.5RS (D165RS): rifle with 419 mm (16.5 in) barrel[36]
D20RS: full-sized rifle 508 mm (20 in) barrel
TheHK416C "C" forCompact is an ultra-compact version that only remained as a prototype and never went to full production. It has a 228 mm (9.0 in) barrel and is expected to produce muzzle velocities of approximately 730 m/s (2,395 ft/s). It was submitted for the Ultra Compact Individual Weapon contract but lost to theLWRC M6A2.[37]
The M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle is asquad automatic weapon variant developed from the D16.5RS, adopted in 2011 by the United States Marine Corps. In 2018 the USMC decided to adopt the M27 IAR as their infantry standard service rifle.
TheHK416 A5 is an improved variant with ambidextrous controls that was first seen in the Individual Carbine competition.[38] It features a stock similar to that of theG28 designated marksman rifle, except slimmer and non-adjustable. The rifle features an improved tool-less adjustable gas regulator for suppressor use, which can accommodate barrel lengths down to 267 mm (10.5 in) without modifications. It also features a redesigned lower receiver with ambidextrous fire controls, optimised magazine and ammunition compatibility, a repair kit housed inside the pistol grip, and a Flat Dark Earth colour scheme.[38] The stock has a fixed buttplate and no longer has a storage space, as well as the sling loops removed from it. The V2 HK Battle grip is incorporated, which has the V2 grip profile with the storage compartment of the V1 grip for tools. The handguard uses a new hexagonal-shaped cross bolt that cannot be removed by the bolt locking lugs but instead by the takedown tool housed inside the grip.[39] It has a "heavy duty castle nut", which is more robust than the previous version, therefore making that weak spot more resistant to impact.
As of 2013, Heckler & Koch replaced the original HK416 with the A5 variant.
HK416 A5 – 11": sub-compact with a 279 mm (11.0 in) barrel
HK416 A5 – 14.5": carbine 368 mm (14.5 in) barrel
HK416 A5 – 16.5": rifle with 419 mm (16.5 in) barrel
In 2014, The HK416 A5 has been type classified by the German federal government as theG38, according to Strategie-Technik.[40] Heckler & Koch offers the G38 in two barrel lengths, an 11- and 14.5-inch barrel.[1]
The G95 is designed for the GermanKSK andKSM special forces unit. During field testing of the rifle it was known as theHK416 A7.[41] It is similar to the HK416 A5 variant but with a 45-degree safety selector, that rotates 45 degrees rather than 90 degrees as on the A5 variant safety selector. The new configuration of the selector is comparable to those of aftermarket 45-degree safety selectors. The G95 also features a HKeyMod rail system, which is more lightweight than the traditionalPicatinny rail systems. The HKeyMod rail system is also compatible with the HK416 A5 variant.[42]
In March 2021, theGerman Federal Ministry of Defence announced the adoption of theG95A1 to supersede theG36 as the standard rifle of the German Armed Forces.[43] The G95A1 is similar to the G95, but it features a height-adjustable shoulder support on the stock, a steeper grip angle as well as a shorter hand guard to comply with the required maximum weight of 3.5 kg (7.72 lb) according to the tender.[44] During field testings the rifle was known as theHK416 A8. According to the Federal Procurement Office (BAAINBw Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of theBundeswehr) theBundeswehr will receive the weapon designated asG95A1 as the new standard rifle with theSpecter DR 1-4× as standard aiming optic.[45] TheKurz or short barrelled version for "specialized forces" will be designated asG95KA1.[46]
Civilian variants of the HK416 and HK417 introduced in 2007 were known as MR223 and MR308 (as they remain known in Europe). Both are semi-automatic rifles with severalsporterized features. At the 2009SHOT Show, these two firearms were introduced to the U.S. civilian market renamed respectively MR556 and MR762.[47] There is another variant of the MR556 called the MR556A1, which is an improved version of the former.[48] It was created with input from American special forces units.[49] The MR556A1 lets the upper receiver attach to any M16/M4/AR-15 family lower receiver, as the receiver take-down pins are in the same standard location. The original concept for the MR556 did not allow for this, as the take-down pins were located in a "non-standard" location. The MR223 maintains the "non-standard" location of the pins, disallowing attachment of the upper receiver to the lower receivers of any other M16/M4/AR-15 family of rifles.
As of 2012, the MR556A1 upper receiver group fits standard AR-15 lower receivers without modification, and functions reliably with standard STANAG magazines. HK-USA sells a variant under the MR556A1 Competition Model nomenclature; it comes with a 14.5" free-float Modular Rail System (MRS), 16.5" barrel, OSS compensator and Magpul CTR buttstock. The firearm's precision is specified as 1 MOA by Heckler & Koch. In Europe, the MR223A3 variant is sold with the same cosmetic and ergonomic improvements of the HK416A5. The French importer of Heckler & Koch in France, RUAG Defence, have announced that they are going to sell two civilian versions of the HK416F, named the MR223 F-S (14.5" Standard version) and MR223 F-C (11" Short version).[50]
TheSIG Sauer SIG516 series andCaracal CAR 816 series share lineage to the Heckler & Koch HK416, whilst omitting many proprietary HK416 components that were exchanged for standardM4 arms family mil-spec conform components. The principal firearms engineers for the SIG516 and CAR 816 were Robert Hirt and Chris Sirois. During his time with Heckler & Koch, Hirt was involved in the development of the HK416.[51][52][53][54][55]
^US Patent 2951424, Stoner, Eugene M., "Gas operated bolt and carrier system", published 1960-09-06, issued 1960-09-06, assigned to Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corp
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^"海上自衛隊特殊部隊『特別警備隊』の装備と部隊概要" [Equipment and unit outline of the Maritime Self-Defense Force special unit "Special Guard"].Jieitaisaiyou.com (in Japanese).
^Shea, Dan (Spring 2009). "SOFEX 2008".Small Arms Defense Journal: 29.
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^Watne, Monique (22 September 2008)."Nye angrepsrifler i Afghanistan" [New assault rifles in Afghanistan].Mil.no (in Norwegian). Archived fromthe original on 13 July 2009. Retrieved4 February 2010.
^Wilk, Remigiusz (April 2008)."Nowe gromy GROM" [New GROM thunders] (in Polish). Archived fromthe original on 26 March 2010.
^Chloupek, Ireneusz."Lubliniec".Special Ops (Oficyna Wydawnicza Medium). Archived fromthe original on 20 July 2011.
^"Decyzja Nr 112 Komendanta Głównego Policji" [Decision No. 112 Chief Police Commander].Dziennik Urzędowy Komendy Głównej Policji (in Polish). 27 February 2008.Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved8 November 2010.
^ab"H&K 416 em Portugal"(PDF).Warriors: Online Tactical Magazine (in Portuguese). October 2015.Archived(PDF) from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved4 June 2017.
^Otašević, Gvozden (7 April 2010)."Najsavremeniji "hekleri" za Vojsku Srbije" [The most modern "Hecklers" for the Serbian Army].Politika.rs (in Serbian).Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved18 October 2013.
^Poole, Eric R. (Spring 2012)."Book of the AR-15"(PDF).Guns & Ammo. p. 27. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 5 September 2012. Retrieved11 September 2012 – via Heckler & Koch USA.In 2006 U.S. Special Operations units in Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) began fielding the HK416 as their primary carbine.
^Lowe, Christian (30 April 2007)."Senator Tells Army to Reconsider M4".Military.com. Archived fromthe original on 1 October 2012. Retrieved11 September 2012.Special operations forces, including "tier one" units such as the Army's Delta Force and the Navy's SEAL Development Group – or SEAL Team Six – have used their own funds to purchase the Heckler & Koch-built 416, which uses a gas-piston operating system less susceptible to failure than Colt's gas-operated design.
^Cox, Matthew (20 February 2007)."Better than M4, but you can't have one".Marine Corps Times. Archived fromthe original on 11 May 2013. Retrieved11 September 2012.Members of the elite unit linked up with German arms maker Heckler & Koch, which replaced the M4's gas system with one that experts say significantly reduces malfunctions while increasing parts life. After exhaustive tests with the help of Delta, the H&K 416 was ready in 2004. Members of the elite commando unit — formally known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta — have been carrying it in combat ever since. … In addition to Delta, experts say the 416 is also in use by other specialized Army units, including the Asymmetric Warfare Group, as well as the Navy's elite SEAL Team 6.
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