FN HERSTAL Displays FN EVOLYS 5.56 machine gun for a potential Belgian Army purchase.

At Eurosatory 2024, Belgian small arms manufacturer FN Herstal presents the FN EVOLYS, an ultra-light machine gun designed to meet modern defense and security needs. The Belgian Directorate General Material Resources (DGMR) announced a forthcoming contract for over 3,500 FN EVOLYS units, split between approximately one-third in 5.56 mm and two-thirds in 7.62 mm calibers. Already tested by the Belgian Army, the FN EVOLYS is noted for being lighter than its predecessors.
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The FN EVOLYS offers the firepower of a machine gun and the handling of an assault rifle (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

The new machine gun is based on an open and innovative architecture that combines the firepower of a machine gun with the ergonomics and balance of an assault rifle, precisely meeting user expectations for modern operations. The FN EVOLYS is available in two calibers: 5.56 x 45 mm NATO and 7.62 x 51 mm NATO.

Weighing between 5.5 and 6.3 kilograms depending on the caliber, the FN EVOLYS is significantly lighter than current market references. This reduced weight allows users to move quickly over difficult terrain and respond with substantial firepower when necessary. The weapon's balance and weight facilitate its use in various positions, with easy transitions between them aided by a sling attachment.

The FN EVOLYS offers the firepower of a machine gun and the handling of an assault rifle. It features an ambidextrous fire selector that allows users to choose between semi-automatic fire for precise targeting and automatic fire for sustained engagements. The adjustable stock ensures a comfortable and tailored fit for any user, regardless of their size or equipment. 

Reliability, comfort, and stability are key aspects of the FN EVOLYS. The use of advanced materials and technologies has allowed FN Herstal to reduce the weapon's weight without compromising its reliability, user safety, or component longevity. A hydraulic buffer regulates the rate of fire and reduces recoil, enhancing shooting stability.

From its inception, the FN EVOLYS was designed for intensive use with a suppressor, maintaining performance without increased fouling or gas emissions towards the user, even for left-handed operators. The innovative feed mechanism is another significant advancement, providing several major user-desired improvements. The long monolithic top rail enables the attachment of multiple optics in line, such as day sights, night sights, and magnifiers, without removing mechanical sights. All operations are straightforward, intuitive, and rapid for both right- and left-handed users, and can be performed single-handedly, including loading the ammunition belt. If the belt is not correctly positioned, cartridges are automatically repositioned when the feed cover is closed, eliminating the risk of feed failure on the first shot. Additionally, the last link is automatically ejected after the final cartridge is fired, making reloading faster and more reliable.

The FN EVOLYS in 5.56 x 45 mm NATO caliber operates on a gas system with an open bolt and short-stroke piston. The weapon features an adjustable stock, with a length ranging from approximately 875 mm to 939 mm, and a barrel length of 356 mm. It weighs around 5.5 kg, with a width of 125 mm. It offers full automatic and semi-automatic firing modes, with a rate of fire of approximately 770 rounds per minute. Feeding options include either a free belt or an FN MINIMI pouch, available in 100 or 200 rounds, with a maximum effective range of 800 meters.

The FN EVOLYS in 7.62 x 51 mm NATO caliber also operates on a gas system with an open bolt and short-stroke piston. The weapon features an adjustable stock, with a length ranging from approximately 958 mm to 1,022 mm, and a barrel length of 406 mm. It weighs around 6.3 kg, with a width of 132 mm. It offers full automatic and semi-automatic firing modes, with a rate of fire of approximately 700 rounds per minute. Feeding options include either a free belt or an FN MINIMI pouch, available in 100 or 200 rounds, with a maximum effective range of 1,000 meters.