First Appearance in UK of Ultralight Machinegun

DSEI 2021 marks the beginning of an active marketing campaign for the EVOLYS ultralight machinegun, launched digitally by FN Herstal last May.

Significant interest has already been expressed by a number of potential customers worldwide, and the weapon’s appearance at DSEI will be its first in Britain. A completely new design, the EVOLYS is available in 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm variants, with additional calibres currently in development. It combines the firepower of a belt-fed machinegun with the ergonomics of an assault rifle – which the company terms “an unprecedented benefit on the market today.” Weighing 5.5-6.2kg, depending on calibre, the lightweight weapon can be fired from a far wider variety of positions and embodies a number of unique, innovative features, including a patented lateral feed mechanism. Optical sights can be mounted inline, while iron sights remain in place; controls, including fire selector, are ambidextrous; all actions – including belt engagement – can be achieved with one hand; automatic repositioning of cartridges if incorrectly placed; auto-ejection of last link.

A number of demonstrations and technical evaluations are already in prospect, according to the company.