These Are the Two Contenders to Replace the Bundeswehr HK G36

[Tactical-Life 254]

A couple of years ago, Germany’s Bundeswehr announced it was looking to replace its Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle. A recent report now suggests there are two primary contenders for the contract: Heckler & Koch’s HK433 and Haenel’s MK556.

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The search for a G36 replacement officially kicked off when the Bundeswehr released a solicitation for the gun in April 2017. At the time, there were understood to be five contenders under consideration: the Rheinmetall RS556; Hechler & Koch HK433; Haenel Defence MK556; Sig Sauer MCX; and FN SCAR.

According to MilMag, Rheinmetall stepped away from the competition due to “economic reasons.” Sig, meanwhile, pulled out over issues with the “tactical and technical assumptions” of the proposed gun. In addition, the company cited U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as a concern. There was no reason given for FN’s withdrawal.

MilMag said testing and evaluation will be wrapped up by November 2018. Between December 2018 and April 2019, Bundeswehr will choose the winner. The contract is expected to be signed in May 2019. Bundeswehr will conduct further testing from May 2019 until July 2020. In September 2020, fielding will begin. The rifles are expected to be in service until 2046.

The contract for the Bundeswehr’s G36 replacement is reportedly worth €245 million.

Below, check out the specs for the HK433 and MK556.

Heckler & Koch HK433 (11-inch Barrel)

• Caliber: 5.56 mm x 45
• Operating principle: Gas-operated
• Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
• Modes of fire: Single fire/full auto
• Rate of fire: approx. 700/min
• Buttstock: R, FO
• Length min./max: approx. 577/843 mm
• Width: approx. 81.0 mm
• Height: approx. 195.0 mm
• Barrel length: approx. 280 mm
• Weapon Weight: approx. 3,250 g
• Magazine Weight: approx. 160 g

Haenel Defence MK556

• Caliber: 5,56 x 45mm
• Length: 16“ – 923mm / 838mm    14,5“ – 883mm / 798mm    12,5“ – 812mm / 748mm    10,5“ – 781mm / 696mm
• Buttstock: modified M4-boost-buttstock, adjustable length in 6 stages
• Gas-Offtake: with adjustable gas-offtake
• Flash Suppressor:   A2 Standard (further options on request)
• Barrel Length/Twist:   16“ / 408mm – 7“        14,5“ / 368mm – 7“         12,5“ / 318mm – 7“        10,5“ / 266mm – 7“
• Handguard: 4 NAR STANAG 4694 rail handguards, removable without tools, different lengths on request
• Weight: 16“ – approx. 3,6 kg      14,5“ – approx. 3,5 kg      12,5“ – approx. 3,4 kg      10,5“ – approx. 3,35 kg
• Trigger: Direct trigger with 3.200 g weight
• Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
• Safety: firing pin safety trigger, ambidextrous, 0°/60°/120° or 0°/90°/180°
• Sight: foldable mechanical sight
• Colors: sand (similar RAL 8000), olive green (RAL 7013) or black. Further colours on request.

[h/t The Firearm Blog]

The post These Are the Two Contenders to Replace the Bundeswehr HK G36 appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

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[Ripcannon 784]

Nope m4 all the way...but these are way better then the g36 hell the g3 was better just a little heavier.

[Megatron 1,177]

They never will replace them. Costs to much.

[Ripcannon 784]

^^^yeah I looked at msrp I couldn't believe they didn't go cheaper you may be right

[Megatron 1,177]

Miliitary pays like 300 for a m4

[Ripcannon 784]

I used the m4 in a sniper configuration its decent little stinger, mostly I used the m21 or the fn model 30 11.I know price is always a issue but marines got all new m45s that had to cost more than 300 a peace well I assume yeah I heard 250$ on the m4 s but idk  it I'll take your word bro?