FUSHYB: A New Hybrid Precision Rifle Developed by a French Marine Commando.

A marine commando has developed the FUSHYB, a dual-purpose rifle designed for precision shooters. This development echoes numerous innovations from military bases during World War I, such as Lieutenant Roland Garros' propeller synchronization gear and the 60mm portable pneumatic howitzer, the "Sauterelle d’Imphy." These practical inventions were often created by the soldiers themselves.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The FUSHYB is a "hybrid rifle" conceived by a non-commissioned officer from the Marine Commando "Hubert," based in Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer (Var), specializing in underwater action and maritime counter-terrorism (Picture source: Premier Maitre Johann)

In the late 1980s, the Ministry of the Armed Forces institutionalized this approach with the creation of the "Participatory Innovation Mission" (MIP), recently renamed the "Participatory Innovation Cell" (CIP) under the Defense Innovation Agency (AID). These projects aim to deliver significant capability gains at low costs. One such project is the "Auxylium" smartphone, which has become essential for urban operations, replacing tactical radios. The FUSHYB, mentioned in AID's 2023 report, might follow this path.

The FUSHYB is a "hybrid rifle" conceived by a non-commissioned officer from the Marine Commando "Hubert," based in Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer (Var), specializing in underwater action and maritime counter-terrorism. According to AID, this "two-in-one" rifle is designed for snipers, combining firepower and range with precision and discretion. Although the caliber is not specified, it resembles the VCD-10 by Lebel Defense, a rifle chambered in 7.62×51 NATO.

AID explains that "recent operations have shown the usefulness of having a rifle offering these two essential capabilities in a single system." Practically, the weapon allows the use of supersonic ammunition in semi-automatic mode for firepower and range, and subsonic ammunition in manual bolt-action mode for precision, discretion, and silence.

In 2023, AID supported 27 new projects from participatory innovation, totaling 1.89 million euros, a modest but significant investment to encourage innovation within the armed forces.

Besides the FUSHYB, several other innovations received AID's support. Fifteen have matured enough for large-scale deployment. Among these is the RapidEagle, a drone interceptor developed by Thales, Squadrone System, InPixal, and Aviation Design, intended to secure the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. This interceptor uses a net to capture malicious drones in flight, with precise terminal approach facilitated by an infrared camera and artificial intelligence algorithms.

Other notable innovations include the drop-deployable dismantlable mule (MLD) and the equipment recovery bag (SRM) developed by the innovation cell of the airborne troops school. The MLD, designed with SUPB, features a two-wheel axle capable of carrying up to 200 kg, while the SRM allows paratroopers to reassemble quickly and remain combat-ready.

The CIP also saw the development of a generic transitional simulator (STG) by a lieutenant colonel and an engineer from the cavalry school to bridge the training gap for the Jaguar armored vehicle until the SERKET program in 2027.

These innovations demonstrate the creativity and inventiveness of the French armed forces. AID continues to play a crucial role in supporting these projects and bringing them to operational maturity. Ongoing investments and efforts from AID ensure that the French armed forces remain at the forefront of military innovation, addressing contemporary challenges with practical and effective solutions.