Belgian submachine gun FN P90: an overview of the main technical characteristics

It seems that we are on the threshold of a new revolution in the field of small arms. And it is connected with the second birth of submachine guns, which, it would seem, lost their importance after the Second World War.

The emergence of new models of small arms is often associated with the development of new, more advanced ammunition. After all, in fact, no matter how perfect an automatic rifle, a pistol or a machine gun would be, it is just a tool for providing a shot. The characteristics of the weapon often depend on the design of the cartridge, the weight and shape of the bullet, its piercing and stopping action.

Belgian gunsmiths created a very unusual submachine gun FN P90, its design is more suitable for shooting science fiction films, but it has already been adopted in dozens of countries around the world.

History of creation and description of the submachine gun FN P90

This weapon began to design the Belgian company FN Herstal in 1986. In 1990, the work was completed, and in 1993 the submachine gun went into mass production. P90 was originally created under the unique cartridge FN 5.7 × 28 mm, which should be described separately.

FN 5.7 × 28 mm is a little like a pistol cartridge, rather, it resembles ammunition for a rifle. The point here is this. Pistol cartridge has a relatively large caliber, which reduces the amount of ammunition in the store. In addition, the pistol bullet has a rather imperfect aerodynamic shape and quickly loses speed. Yes, a pistol bullet has a good stopping effect, but today it is not enough. Considering the high prevalence of personal protective equipment at the present time, the penetrating properties of a bullet are becoming more and more important, and the pistol is not up to par.

At FN 5.7 × 28 mm with penetrating properties, everything is normal. American armored vest Ciras makes its way through a distance of two hundred meters. The perfect aerodynamic shape of the bullet allows it to reach a speed of 700 m / s immediately after the shot. High speed, in turn, allows you to increase the flatness of the trajectory of the bullet and increase the accuracy of shooting. The stopping properties of the bullet are achieved due to the “tumbling” of the bullet after it hits the target.

Now a little more detail about the design of the weapon itself. When you look at him for the first time, it seems that he has an extraterrestrial origin. However, this submachine gun is quite a real weapon, launched into the series and adopted in many countries.

FN P90 is made according to the bullpup pattern, the main body material is reinforced plastic. The handles of the submachine gun are integrated into the body. Despite its unusual appearance, the submachine gun is surprisingly ergonomic, it is very convenient to handle. Extraction of spent cartridges occurs downwards, therefore, left-handers and right-handers can use these weapons freely.

The first thing that catches your eye when you look at the FN P90 is the lack of a store. The cartridges are in a special transparent case, which is mounted on top of the case. The cartridges in it are arranged in two rows, with bullets to the left. The transparency of the case allows you to control the amount of ammunition. Magazine capacity - 50 rounds.

Automatic weapons works by freeing the shutter.

This submachine gun has a small stroke, which gives it a high rate of fire: 900 shots / minute. The fuse is located near the trigger, has three positions: single shooting, shooting bursts and blocking weapons.

Handles for cocking weapons are on both sides of the body. Sights are on the U-shaped handle. Today FN P90 is available in two versions: normal and tactical. The tactical version of the handle has another Pikatini plate.

This submachine gun was conceived as a weapon for servicemen who are not directly involved in a small arms battle: tank crews, gunners, drivers. However, today the FN P90 is the favorite weapon of special forces and police in many countries of the world.

There are several types of weapons. They differ only in additional attachments. The submachine gun has already managed to take part in several military conflicts.

The positive qualities of FN P90 include the following:

• ergonomics;
• versatility (you can shoot with the right and left hands);
• high shooting accuracy;
• simplicity;
• capacious store;
• high penetrating ability;
• high stopping power.

Tactical and technical characteristics of software FN P90

Watch the video: FN P90 - SUB-MACHINE GUN (November 2024).