RS556 - new assault rifle system from Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher

The traditional companies Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher are bringing the modular assault rifle system RS556 to the market. With the German-Austrian cooperation project, Rheinmetall is complementing its product portfolio in the infantry domain with a key component.

The RS556 is based on the highly regarded STM556, which Steyr Mannlicher first introduced in 2012. The weapon in caliber 5.56mm x 45 is characterized by high modularity, ergonomics, and future capability.

Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher offer the new assault rifle RS556 as a cooperative product with a 60% German value added (Made in Germany). This allows the two partners to target the German market, among others. The innovative weapon is also considered as a contender for the new "Bundeswehr Assault Rifle System." The German armed forces intend to replace the current standard rifle, G36, with a more modern system starting in 2019.

Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher each have a success story of over 100 years in the development and production of infantry weapons systems. With the cooperation project RS556, both companies emphasize their commitment to providing modern, reliable, and future-capable equipment to military and security forces worldwide.

The RS556 is a gas-operated rifle with an adjustable short-stroke gas piston system and rotary bolt. It is based on the well-established design principle of the Steyr Mannlicher Army Universal Rifle (AUG) that has been proven worldwide for decades. The RS556 weighs around 4,200 grams with a 16" barrel (406mm) and a fully loaded 30-round magazine. The adjustable plastic shoulder stock locks in seven positions, allowing the shooter to optimize the RS556 to their equipment.

The cold-hammered barrel can be easily and tool-free replaced by the shooter in a few seconds, allowing for adaptation of the RS556 to different purposes. Barrels are available in lengths of 14'', 16'', 18'', and 20''. Furthermore, custom barrel and twist lengths can be easily realized. A special action guide with emergency running characteristics ensures that the weapon functions reliably even under extreme operating conditions, especially in extremely hot or cold environments.

The RS556 features multiple fixed and optional "NATO accessory rail" mounting rails for accessories with MIL-STD-1913, STANAG 2324, and STANAG 4694 interfaces. This allows the weapon to accommodate various optics, night vision devices, or laser-light modules. The use of 40mm grenade launchers is also possible. The RS556 is also compatible with the modular combat equipment "Infantryman of the Future - Expanded System" (IdZ-ES) and can be integrated into other soldier systems.

About the Partner Companies

Founded in 1889, the Rheinmetall Group is a high-tech company for mobility and security. The Defence sector with its three divisions Vehicle Systems, Electronic Solutions, and Weapon and Ammunition is one of the leading defense technology companies worldwide, offering a wide range of military equipment: from vehicle, protection, and weapon systems to infantry gear and air defense, as well as networked functional chains and in the fields of electro-optics and simulation. In the field of small arms, Rheinmetall produces the G3 rifle and the MG3 machine gun, among others.

Founded in 1864, the Austrian gunsmith Steyr Mannlicher is one of the European traditional manufacturers in the field of firearms. The company's firearm milestones include the Werndl-Holub breech-loading rifle, the Mannlicher straight-pull repeater with packet loading system, and the SSG69 sniper rifle. The bullpup system Steyr AUG is used in at least 37 countries worldwide. It has proven to be the standard firearm for the Austrian Armed Forces and the Australian Defense Forces in all climates. Steyr Mannlicher also offers modern sniper rifles such as the SSG08, SSG Carbon, and HS50M1 in caliber .50 BMG. Additionally, the 40mm grenade launcher GL40 can be used as both an attachment and standalone launcher.

Rheinmetall Defence on the Internet: http://rheinmetall-defence.com

Steyr Mannlicher on the Internet: www.steyr-mannlicher.com/militaryandlawenforcement