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Specifications:
Type: Modular Firearm System
Caliber: 6.5X39mm Grendel (also available in 7.7x45mm Nihonese as the Type 7)
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt.
Overall length: 758mm/710mm/630mm
Barrel Length: 508/460mm/380mm
Weight, empty: 4.1Kg/3.8Kg/3.1Kg
Rate of Fire: 720-910 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20/30/65
Price per unit: 1300 USD with standard barrel, 150 USD for each extra barrel.
DPR price: 20,000,000 USD
Introduction:
The Advanced Firearm System 6.5 or Ra'am is a bullpup firearm of modular design that allows for easy replacement of barrels in different lengths without special tools. In Nachmerian service it is used by infantry units as a general issue rifle, carbine and DMR, using three different lengths of barrels.
Development:
By 2011 however, both the other branches were looking for new designs, as they were still using even older rifles (chambered in 7.62X51mm). Schwerpunkt, having participated in the ARI-72 conversion project, offered a design based on the 6.5 Grendel and work done in the previous decade. All three branches chose to accept the new AFS-6.5, named Ra'am (Thunder).
Design:
The AFS-6.5 has a rather conventional short stroke gas system, and a rotary locking bolt. The gas system and barrel are connected to the carrying handle. The AFS-6.5 is a modular system. Detaching the barrel is done by pulling a lever on the carrying handle and rotating the barrel to the right. The barrel and gas system are than easily pulled away. Attaching the barrel is done similarly. First the barrel is inserted into place. Than it is rotated to the left until it is locked. Barrels exist in lengths varying from 380mm to 460mm, allowing the same weapon to be used as a compact carbine, standard rifle, designated marksman rifle, and even as a light machine gun.
The Ra'am is fully ambidextrous, with controls on both sides. The rifle has two folding cocking handles, allowing the user to choose which side he wishes to use. The trigger group features an ambidextrous fire mode selection lever with safe, semi auto and two round burst modes. The magazine release lever is also located on both sides, for the sake of left-handed shooters. The trigger guard, cocking handle and levers are all large enough to allow a gloved user to easily operate the weapon. The ejection system is rather unique, with cases ejected downwards through a chute located behind the chamber and allowing the weapon to be shot safely from either shoulder. While making the rifle slightly longer than it could have been, the longer bolt stroke needed for downward ejection softens recoil and is well liked by users.
Furniture on the AFS-6.5 is made from mil-spec polymers. The rifle has integral picatinny rails on the carrying handle, as well as the sides and bottom of the grip. The carrying handle is attached to the barrel and so makes and extremely stable mount for optic sights. It also has standard “iron sights” integral to it.
The AFS-6.5 is fed from proprietary metal or polymer magazines in capacities of 20, 30, or 65 rounds.
