FN P90 submachine gun: description, characteristics

The development of new original types of small arms is often associated with the need to improve ammunition. Perhaps, it is for this reason that the FN P90 submachine gun was developed, which is now actively used by paramilitary structures around the world. Let's consider the features of the design and operation of the model, we note the main advantages and disadvantages.

History of development

The author of the FN P90 pistol is the authoritative Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal. The company's specialists took up designing the model in 1986. Initially, the pistol was created for a new format of cartridges of 5.7x28 mm caliber, which differed significantly from all previously known ammunition.

The development of the FN P90 pistol was completed in 1990. Almost immediately after successful tests, weapons were purchased by numerous NATO member countries. Soon the model became so popular that the demand for it began to significantly outstrip the manufacturing capabilities of the manufacturer.

Currently, the FN P90's weapons are in service with special forces in more than forty countries. So wide distribution of the model is explained by its versatility, high mobility, small dimensions, convenience of maintenance and operation.

Appointment

Initially, the submachine gun was developed to meet the specific needs of servicemen who do not take direct part in the battle. This is primarily artillerymen, the crew of tanks and self-propelled vehicles, drivers of transport support. However, gradually the FN P90 model received the status of the weapon most often used by the police and special forces. Several versions of such a submachine gun have already been shown in large-scale military conflicts.

Currently, FN P90 submachine guns are available to users in several versions: standard and tactical. The latter version contains an additional bar with cartridges in the area of the handle, which ensures rapid recharging of weapons in difficult combat conditions.

Design

What does the FN P90 look like? The photographs show that the appearance of the development is extremely unusual for weapons, which, in accordance with the purpose, the method of application and the range of damage, actually acts as a pistol.

At first glance at the sample, it may seem that in practice its use will not be very convenient. The model does not contain a pistol grip common to shooters. An alternative to the latter is the holes in the hull, through which, in fact, the weapon is kept while firing. On the back of such specific arms rests the palm arrow. In addition, the weapon is pressed against the shoulder by a miniature butt.

The retention of the FN P90 submachine gun is frankly inconvenient for users who are only acquainted with the sample. However, such weapons are much harder to knock out of hand compared to the pistols of the usual design.

On both sides of the case there are switches of fire control modes, represented as fuses and translators. They are located near the trigger. This structure significantly speeds up the removal of weapons from blocking and changing the shooting modes.

FN P90: Features overview

The submachine gun of this brand is characterized by the following tactical and technical parameters:

• Cartridges - non-standard caliber in 5,7x28 mm;
• Barrel length - 260 mm;
• Length of the body - 590 mm;
• Height - 210 mm;
• Weight - 2,5 kg;
• Store capacity - 50 cartridges;
• Rate of fire - 900 rounds per minute;
• The maximum target range is 200 m;
• The initial speed of the cartridge during the shot is 715 m / s.

Cartridges

Under the model FN P90 are issued pointed lightweight bullets, the shape of which is more like a rifle ammunition than ammunition for a pistol. This solution is implemented by the developers, since the penetrating action of most standard munitions is often not enough to solve specific combat tasks. For example, modular bullet-proof vests of American manufacture of brand Ciras were no longer pierced by the same standard bullets of 9x19 mm caliber. And this despite the fire from a distance of several tens of meters. However, the FN P90 cartridges were completely able to cope with this task, passing to the launch when firing from 150-200 m.

Score

Pistol FN P90 has a unique, unique chamber chamber made of transparent plastic. This solution allows the shooter to track the remaining ammunition with peripheral vision directly during the fire.

Particular attention should be paid to the method of supplying cartridges to the barrel. The fact is that most of the models of firearms have a design in which bullets are located in the store with an edge forward, which facilitates the advancement of the sleeve by the bolt from the back. In the case of a gun of this brand, the cartridge is initially located in the store in the opposite direction and turns 90 degrees with a special mechanism directly when filed in the barrel of the weapon.

As shown by the assembly-disassembly of the FN P90, the above-mentioned principle of supply of ammunition is less reliable in comparison with the common way of sending cartridges to the trunk. In addition, the plastic store is not distinguished by the strength, reliability and durability that steel products possess.

Sights

FN P90 in the factory is equipped with a collimator built-in sight, with a sighting grid in the form of a letter "T". The latter has an adjustable backlighting, the character of which varies depending on the lighting. The model is also equipped with reserve sighting devices of the open plan.

Most modern modifications of the submachine gun do not have a regular sight. Replacement for it serve as special rack rails, which are suitable for fixing various variations of day and night optics, as well as all sorts of tactical lights. The FN P90 submachine gun can be equipped with laser- type targets that function in the visible or infrared spectrum.

Benefits

The main advantages of the FN P90 submachine gun include:

• Convenient for retention, ergonomically designed case;
• Universal application (design features provide comfortable shooting for both right-handed and left-handed people);
• High accuracy of shooting;
• Special simplicity of operation and maintenance;
• High stopping and piercing ability when conducting fire from a relatively close distance.

Finally

Give a final assessment of the submachine gun FN P90 is quite difficult. On the one hand, the model is a promising solution for conducting military operations in extremely cramped conditions. On the other hand, development can not be called an example of reliability and efficiency.

Do not inspire confidence in the plastic housing and the design of the store, which clearly loses in the service life of metal box systems. However, the defect is somewhat compensated by the high stopping effect of the cartridges.

Of course, it is advisable to use the model FN P90 only in those paramilitary units, where such weapons can provide regular maintenance and repairs. In these conditions, the sample has a full right to exist and will show itself only on the best side. Perhaps, it is for this reason that the submachine gun is still not used by domestic structures.

In general, the wide popularity for this development came mainly thanks to the spectacular appearance, due to which such weapons are often used in cinematography, computer games. It also pays for the production of the model to be sufficiently demanded for civilian models that have a longer, modified barrel and are unable to fire automatically.