File:FN-FAL_belgian.jpeg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
Also known as FN FAL, Fusil Automatique Leger, Light Automatic Rifle
automatic rifle
Key facts
- Type
- Battle rifle
- Place of origin
- Belgium
- In service
- 1953–present
- Used by
- 90+ countries (See Users )
- Wars
- See Conflicts
- Designer
- Dieudonné Saive
- Designed
- 1947–1953
- Manufacturer
- FN Herstal IMBEL Fabricaciones Militares Rifle Factory Ishapore
- Produced
- 1953–1988 (FN Herstal), 1953–present (licensed manufacturers)
- Number span no built
- 7,000,000
- Variants
- See Variants
- Mass
- 4.25 kg (9.4 lb)
- Length
- 1,090 mm (43 in)
- Barrel length
- 533 mm (21.0 in)
- Cartridge
- 7.62×51mm NATO , .280 British
- Action
- Short-stroke gas piston , closed tilting breechblock
- Rate of fire
- 650–700 rounds/min
- Muzzle velocity
- 840 m/s (2,755.9 ft/s)
via Wikipedia infobox
Wikidata facts
- Image
- FN FAL compilation.jpg
Show 5 more facts
- Commons category
- FN FAL
- service entry
- 1954-01-01
- total produced
- 2000000
- Commons gallery
- FN FAL
- inception
- 1951-00-00
Sources (7)
via Wikidata · CC0
~40 min read
Article
The FAL (French: Fusil Automatique Léger 'Light Automatic Rifle') is a battle rifle designed in Belgium by Dieudonné Saive and manufactured by FN Herstal and others since 1953.
During the Cold War, the FAL was adopted by many countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with the notable exception of the United States. It is one of the most widely used rifles in history, having been used by more than 90 countries. It received the title "the right arm of the free world" from its adoption by many countries that identified as part of the free world. It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, although originally designed for the intermediate .280 British.