FN EVOLYS
The FN EVOLYS is an ultralight, belt-fed machine gun developed by the Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal, designed to deliver the sustained firepower of a traditional light machine gun while offering the maneuverability and ergonomics of an assault rifle. Introduced in 2021, it is chambered primarily in 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO calibers, with variants available in .264 LICC (6.5×43mm) and 6.5 Creedmoor. The .264 LICC variant is undergoing testing by the U.S. Department of Defense as of 2025. It features a gas-operated short-stroke piston system with a rotating bolt for reliable operation.[1][2][3] Developed as a successor to legacy designs like the FN Minimi (M249), the EVOLYS incorporates innovations stemming from patents filed as early as 2017, focusing on reduced weight and enhanced modularity to meet modern infantry needs in urban and suppressed-fire environments.[4][2] The weapon's core advancement is its patented 45-degree lateral feed mechanism, which allows for side-loading of belts, automatic repositioning, and ejection of the last link, enabling seamless transitions between firing positions without exposing the operator.[1][4] This system, combined with a one-piece aluminum receiver constructed using additive manufacturing and polymers, results in significant weight savings—approximately 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs) for the 5.56mm model with a 14-inch barrel and 6.2–6.3 kg (13.7–13.9 lbs) for the 7.62mm variant with a 16-inch barrel—making it up to 30% lighter than comparable machine guns.[5][4] Key features emphasize ambidextrous operation, including a fully reversible fire selector, charging handle, and safety, alongside an M4-style adjustable buttstock with interchangeable cheek rests for user comfort.[1] The receiver integrates M-LOK slots for accessories, a continuous top Picatinny rail for optics that does not require removing iron sights, and an optional aluminum bipod for stability during sustained fire at a cyclic rate of 750 rounds per minute.[3][4][6] Effective ranges extend to 800 meters for the 5.56mm version and 1,000 meters for the 7.62mm, with the design optimized for suppressor use through a hydraulic buffer and passive barrel cooling to minimize gas blowback and heat buildup.[4] The .264 LICC variant, tailored for shoulder-fired use, employs unique side-feed technology to support lightweight, high-velocity ammunition for extended-range engagements.[7] Intended exclusively for military and law enforcement applications, the EVOLYS supports full-automatic and semi-automatic fire modes and is compatible with FN's SMARTCORE® system for smart targeting accessories, enhancing its role in squad-level suppression and close-quarters combat.[1] As of 2025, it has been adopted by French special forces, with discussions underway for major procurements by the French and Belgian armies.[8][9]Overview
Description
The FN EVOLYS is a belt-fed light machine gun chambered primarily in 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO, designed by the Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal to enhance soldier mobility in urban and rugged environments.[10][3] Its purpose is to deliver sustained suppressive firepower comparable to traditional machine guns while offering a lightweight profile that enables single-soldier carry and rapid deployment in dynamic combat scenarios.[11] The EVOLYS achieves this by weighing approximately 30% less than predecessors like the FN Minimi, with the 5.56 mm variant at 5.5 kg unloaded.[12] The weapon bridges the capabilities of an assault rifle and a machine gun through its ergonomic design, featuring a patented lateral belt feed system that minimizes snag risks during movement and supports fully ambidextrous operation for versatile handling.[10] It employs a gas-operated short-stroke piston mechanism with open bolt to ensure reliable performance across calibers.[13][14] The FN EVOLYS made its public debut in September 2021 at the DSEI exhibition in London.[10]Specifications
The FN EVOLYS is available in two primary calibers, 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO, with specifications tailored to provide lightweight, high-mobility performance while maintaining suppressive fire capabilities.[1][5] The design emphasizes reduced weight through advanced materials, enabling rifle-like handling without sacrificing machine gun functionality.[15] Key physical and performance parameters for the variants are compared below:| Specification | 5.56×45mm NATO Variant | 7.62×51mm NATO Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Mass (unloaded) | 5.5 kg[15][12][14] | 6.3 kg[15][12][16] |
| Length (stock retracted/extended) | 865–950 mm[15][17][14] | 948–1,033 mm[15][17][16] |
| Barrel Length | 356 mm[15][18][14] | 406 mm[15][18][16] |
| Width | 125 mm[15][14] | 132 mm[15][16] |
| Effective Range | 800 m[15][12] | 1,000 m[15][12] |
| Cyclic Rate of Fire | 750 rounds per minute[15][12][14] | 700 rounds per minute[15][12][16] |