At a recent defense equipment convention in the UK, Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal unveiled its latest innovation, the EVOLYS ultralight machine gun, designed to meet the needs of both infantry and special forces. The weapon comes in two NATO-standard calibers: 5.56×45 millimeter and 7.62×51 millimeter, providing a blend of mobility, firepower, and endurance essential for modern combat scenarios.
One of the standout features of the EVOLYS is its design, which FN Herstal claims combines the firing capabilities of a traditional belt-fed machine gun with the ergonomic advantages of an assault rifle. This allows troops to carry a greater amount of ammunition while maintaining suppressive fire with significantly less physical strain.
### Lightweight 5.56-Millimeter Variant
The 5.56-millimeter version of the EVOLYS weighs in at just 5.5 kilograms (approximately 12 pounds), making it nearly one-third lighter than the Minimi machine gun introduced in the 1970s. This reduced weight is a crucial enhancement for dismounted units engaged in close- to medium-range scenarios, particularly in urban or complex terrain.
Equipped with a gas-operated, open-bolt mechanism featuring a short-stroke piston, the 5.56 version has a barrel length of 356 millimeters (14 inches) and an adjustable total length ranging from 865 to 950 millimeters (34 to 37 inches). With a width of 125 millimeters (5 inches), it is capable of firing approximately 750 rounds per minute and can handle various feeding options, including free belts or FN Minimi-compatible pouches holding 100 or 200 rounds. Its effective range is estimated at around 800 meters (2,625 feet).
### Extended-Range 7.62-Millimeter Variant
The EVOLYS 7.62-millimeter variant weighs just over 6.2 kilograms (14 pounds) and is engineered for long-range firepower while keeping the cumbersome aspects of older weapons in check. This addresses a longstanding challenge for infantry squads regarding the balance between maneuverability and reach.
This model features a longer barrel at 406 millimeters (16 inches) and a total length between 948 to 1,033 millimeters (37 to 41 inches). With a width of 132 millimeters (5 inches), it fires around 700 rounds per minute and utilizes free belts or FN Minimi-style pouches that typically accommodate 50 rounds. Its effective range stretches to approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
### Modern Features for Tactical Operations
Both versions of the EVOLYS are equipped with a hybrid firing mode, allowing a seamless transition between automatic and semi-automatic fire. They are specifically optimized for suppressor use, incorporating reinforced gas regulation and muzzle devices to minimize sound and flash—features particularly advantageous for covert and counterterrorism operations.
The ergonomic advantages of the EVOLYS include ambidextrous controls, an adjustable folding stock, and multiple accessory rails for attachments. Additionally, the weapons boast a tool-free, quick-change barrel system designed to support sustained fire engagements, combined with advanced polymer components that reduce weight without compromising durability.
FN Herstal’s EVOLYS machine gun may set a new standard in lightweight infantry weaponry, pushing the boundaries of what modern soldiers can achieve in the field.
