The development of new original types of small arms is often associated with the need to improve ammunition. Perhaps it was for this reason that the FN P90 submachine gun was created, which today is actively used by paramilitary structures around the world. Let's look at the design and operation features of the model, note the main advantages and disadvantages.
Development history
The developer of the pistol FN P90 is the authoritative Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal. Specialists of the company started designing the model back in 1986. Initially, the pistol was created for the new format of 5.7x28 mm caliber cartridges, which were significantly different from all previously known ammunition.
The development of the FN P90 pistol in 1990 was completed. Almost immediately after successful tests, weapons were purchased by numerous countries participating in the NATO bloc. Soon, the model became so popular that the demand for it began to significantly outstrip the manufacturing capabilities of the manufacturer.
Currently, FN P90 weapons are in service with special forces in more than forty countries. Such a wide distribution of the model due to its versatility, high mobility, small size, ease of maintenance and operation.
Appointment
Initially, the submachine gun was designed to meet the specific needs of military personnel who do not directly participate in the battle. This is primarily the gunners, the crew of tanks and self-propelled vehicles, drivers of support vehicles. However, gradually, the FN P90 model received the status of a favorite
weapon most often used by the police and
special forces. Several varieties of such a submachine gun have already appeared in large-scale military conflicts.
Currently, FN P90 submachine guns are available to users in several versions: standard and tactical. The latter option contains an additional bar with ammunition in the handle area, which provides quick reloading of weapons in difficult combat conditions.
Design
What does the FN P90 look like? Photos show that the appearance of the development is extremely unusual for weapons, which, in accordance with the purpose, method of application and range of destruction, actually acts as a gun.
At first glance at the sample, it may seem that in practice its use will not be very convenient. The model does not contain the pistol grip familiar to shooters. An alternative to the latter here are openings in the case, through which, in fact, the weapon is held during firing. From the back of such specific handles, the arrow of the palm rests. In addition, the weapon is pressed to the shoulder with a miniature butt.
Holding the FN P90 submachine gun is frankly inconvenient for users who are only familiar with the sample. However, such a weapon is much more difficult to get out of hand compared to conventionally designed pistols.
On both sides of the case there are switches for firing modes, presented in the form of fuses-translators. They are located near the trigger. Such a structure significantly accelerates the removal of weapons from the lock and the change in firing modes.
FN P90: Feature Overview
The submachine gun of this brand is distinguished by the following tactical and technical parameters:
- cartridges - non-standard caliber of 5.7x28 mm;
- barrel length - 260 mm;
- case length - 590 mm;
- height - 210 mm;
- weight - 2.5 kg;
- magazine capacity - 50 rounds;
- rate of fire - 900 rounds per minute;
- maximum range of target destruction - 200 m;
- the initial velocity of the cartridge when firing - 715 m / s.
Cartridges
For the FN P90 model, pointed lightweight bullets are produced, the shape of which is more like a rifle ammunition than pistol cartridges. This solution was implemented by the developers, since the penetrating action of most standard ammunition is often not enough to solve specific combat missions. For example, modular body armor made in America by Ciras was no longer punched by the same standard 9x19 mm bullets. And this despite firing from a distance of several tens of meters. However, the FN P90 cartridges completely coped with this task, passing to take off when firing from 150-200 m.
Score
The FN P90 pistol has a unique, one-of-a-kind chamber, made of transparent plastic. This solution allows the shooter to track the remaining ammunition with peripheral vision directly during firing.
Particularly noteworthy is the method of feeding cartridges into the barrel. The fact is that the bulk of the models of firearms has a design in which bullets are located in the store with the tip pointed forward, which contributes to the advancement of the cartridge case with a bolt from the back. In the case of a pistol of this brand, the cartridge is initially located in the store in the opposite direction and rotates 90 degrees using a special mechanism directly when the gun is fed into the barrel.
As the assembly-disassembly of the FN P90 shows, the above principle of supplying ammunition is less reliable compared to the common method of sending cartridges into the barrel. In addition, the plastic store is not distinguished by the strength, reliability and durability that steel products possess.
Sighting devices
FN P90 is equipped with a collimator built-in scope as standard, with a reticle in the shape of the letter “T”. The latter has an automatically adjustable backlight, the nature of which varies depending on the lighting. The model is also equipped with redundant open sights.
Most modern modifications of the submachine gun do not contain a regular sight. It is replaced by special rack guides, which are suitable for fixing various variations of day and night optics, as well as all kinds of tactical lights. The FN P90 submachine gun can be equipped with laser- type designators that operate in the visible or infrared spectrum.
Benefits
The main advantages of the FN P90 submachine gun include:
- comfortable to hold, ergonomically designed body;
- universal application (design features provide comfortable shooting for both right-handed and left-handed people);
- high firing accuracy;
- special ease of operation and maintenance;
- high stopping and piercing ability when firing from a relatively close distance.
Finally
It is quite difficult to give a final assessment to the FN P90 submachine gun. On the one hand, the model is a promising solution for conducting operations in extremely cramped conditions. On the other hand, development cannot be called a model of reliability and efficiency.
The plastic case and the design of the store do not inspire confidence, which clearly loses in the service life to metal box systems. However, the disadvantage is somewhat offset by the high stopping effect of the cartridges.
Of course, the use of the FN P90 model seems appropriate only in those militarized units where such weapons can be provided with regular maintenance and repair. In these conditions, the sample has every right to exist and will show itself only from the best side. Perhaps, for this reason, the submachine gun is still not used by domestic structures.
In general, widespread fame for this development came mainly due to the spectacular appearance, due to which such weapons are often used in cinema, computer games. The production of the model pays off with a fairly high demand for civilian models, which have a longer, modified barrel and are deprived of the possibility of firing in automatic mode.