View source for FAMAS

{{Short description|French bullpup assault rifle}}
{{About|the assault rifle|the award-giving body|FAMAS Award}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = FAMAS
| image              = FAMAS F1 Grand Curtius, Liege 07.jpg
| image_size         =
| caption            =
| origin             = France
| type               = [[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = Yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1978–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| unit_cost          = F1: 1,500 € (equal to $1729.57 in 20 October 2018)<br />G2: 3,000 € (equal to $3459.15 in 20 October 2018)
| wars               = See ''[[#Conflicts|Conflicts]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| designer           = [[Paul Tellie]]<ref name="modernfirearms">{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/assault/as21-e.htm |title=Modern Firearms – FAMAS |publisher=World.guns.ru |date=24 January 2011 |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826055244/http://world.guns.ru/assault/as21-e.htm |archive-date=26 August 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| design_date        = 1967–1971
| manufacturer       = [[Nexter|GIAT Industries]]
| production_date    = F1: 1975–2000<br />G2: 1994–2000
| number             = F1: 400,000<br />G2: 10,000-15,000
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
| weight             = {{convert|3.61|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} (F1)<br />{{convert|3.8|kg|abbr=on}} (G2)
| length             = {{convert|757|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br />FAMAS Commando: {{convert|555|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = {{convert|488|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br />FAMAS Commando: {{convert|285|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-26 |title=FAMAS Commando Prototypes |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826212739/https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>
| width              =
| height             =
| diameter           = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]
| action             = [[Blowback (arms)#Lever-delayed|Lever-delayed blowback]]
| rate               = 900–1,100 rounds/min<ref name="NI">{{cite web |last1=Mizokami |first1=Kyle |title=Everything You Need to Know About France's Prized FAMAS Rifle |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/everything-you-need-know-about-frances-prized-famas-rifle-98612 |website=National Interest|date=21 November 2019 }}</ref>
| velocity           = {{convert|930|m/s|abbr=on}} (F1)<br />{{convert|925|m/s|abbr=on}} (G2)
| range              = {{convert|300|m|yd|abbr=on}} ("F1")<br />{{convert|450|m|yd|abbr=on}} ("G2")
| max_range          = {{convert|3200|m|yd|abbr=on}}
| feed               = 25-round detachable box magazine (F1)<br />30-round detachable [[box magazine]] ([[STANAG magazine|STANAG]]) (G2)
| sights             = Rear aperture fitted with [[tritium]] night inserts, front post
}}
The '''FAMAS''' ([[French language|French]]: ''Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne'', <small>[[Literal translation|lit.]] </small>'Assault rifle from the [[Saint-Étienne]] Weapon Factory') is a [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] designed and manufactured in France by [[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne|MAS]] in 1978. It is known by French troops as ''Le Clairon'' (The [[Bugle]]) due to its distinctive shape.<ref name="FAMAS" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=FA-MAS F1 Manual English |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/FAMAS%20F1%20manual%20English.pdf |website=FA-MAS 5,56 F1}}</ref>
The FAMAS is known<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-26 |title=FAMAS Commando Prototypes |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826212739/https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> for its high rate of fire of around 900–1,100 rounds per minute.<ref name="NI" />
Beginning in 2017, the FAMAS was replaced in most frontline units in the [[French Army]] by the [[Heckler & Koch HK416|HK416F]], and the FAMAS is expected to remain in limited service until 2028.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=POTD: FAMAS in the 126e Régiment d'Infanterie|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/04/14/potd-french-famas-in-the-126e-regiment-dinfanterie/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>
==History==
The first French bullpup rifles were developed between 1946 and 1950 at the AME (''Atelier Mécanique de Mulhouse'') and MAS, testing rounds such as [[.30 US Carbine]], [[7.92×33mm Kurz]], 7.65×38mm (Made by ''Cartoucherie de Valence'') and some other intermediate calibres.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} Since France was engaged in the [[First Indochina War]] at the time, and was also the second-largest contributor to [[NATO]], the research budgets for new types of weapons were limited and priority was given to the modernisation and production of existing service weapons. Nevertheless, approximately forty different [[7.62×51mm NATO]] calibre prototype rifles were developed between 1952 and 1962, most notably the [[FA-MAS Type 62]]. However, the United States adoption of the [[M16 rifle]] and [[5.56×45mm]] cartridge caused the French to rethink their approach, and consequently the Type 62 was not adopted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-1955 |title=French MAS Type 1955 |publisher=Forgotten Weapons |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074513/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-1955 |archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-62 |title=French MAS Type 62 |publisher=Forgotten Weapons |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074519/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-62 |archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3005.htm |title=FA-MAS Type 62 |publisher=Securityarms.com |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716031951/http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3005.htm |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the 1960s, MAS began to manufacture under licence the [[Heckler & Koch G3]] [[battle rifle]] and later on the [[Heckler & Koch HK33]] [[assault rifle]] as temporary substitutes. At the same time, the French embraced the idea of developing a new 5.56&nbsp;mm automatic rifle. However, simply adopting the German-designed HK33 was considered unsatisfactory for many members of the French high command. General [[Marcel Bigeard]] was also against the idea of relying on foreign weapons; while visiting the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, he asked the engineers to develop a homemade French 5.56&nbsp;mm automatic rifle, which subsequently led to the creation and adoption of the FAMAS.
The FAMAS project began in 1967 under the direction of General Paul Tellié (1919-2014) and the first prototype was completed in 1971, with French military evaluation of the rifle beginning in 1972.<ref name="modernfirearms"/> When production problems delayed the general issue of the new rifles, and with the 1978 [[Battle of Kolwezi]] showing an immediate need for a more modern weapon to stand on equal terms with assault rifles armed enemy forces, the [[French Army]] began searching for an emergency temporary rifle until the FAMAS came into full production.
While the Heckler & Koch HK33 was considered, with a batch of 1,200 examples tested, it was ultimately turned down in favor of the [[SIG SG 540]], built under licence by  [[Manurhin]] (''Manufacture de Machines du Haut Rhin'') as a temporary resort, until enough domestically-built FAMAS  were produced to issue to French forces. In late 1978, the French military accepted the FAMAS as their standard-issue rifle, the FAMAS F1.
=== Service ===
The FAMAS first saw service in [[Chad]] during [[Operation Manta]] and again in desert operations during Operation [[Desert Storm]] and in other various missions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet Heckler & Koch's HK416: The Rifle You Need To Know About|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-heckler-kochs-hk416-rifle-you-need-know-about-48057|website=National Interest|date=19 March 2019}}</ref> Officially, operational conditions proved the weapon to be reliable and trustworthy under combat conditions. The FAMAS is affectionately known by French-speaking troops as ''le Clairon'' ("the [[Bugle]]") because of its shape.<ref name="FAMAS">{{Cite web|last=Eger|first=Chris|title=FAMAS BULLPUP ASSAULT RIFLES: LE 'BUGLE' (VIDEO)|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2014/03/26/famas-bullpup-assault-rifles-le-bugle-video|website=Guns.com}}</ref>
[[Senegal]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]] received a small number of FAMAS F1 rifles from France,{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} though it was unknown when they received them. [[Djibouti]] uses this weapon in its military and the gendarmerie<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.force-publique.net/sources/Annuaire/Djibouti-gb.html |title=Djibouti-gb |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111121716/https://www.force-publique.net/sources/Annuaire/Djibouti-gb.html |archive-date=11 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> as the standard infantry weapon. The [[Philippines]] also received a limited number and is used by the [[Philippine National Police]] [[Special Action Force]].<ref name="Article">{{cite web|url=http://www.riflesnguns.com/node/649 |title=Famas F-1 |access-date=10 December 2008 |publisher=Rifles n Guns |date=2 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222055838/http://www.riflesnguns.com/node/649 |archive-date=22 February 2007}}</ref>
=== Replacement ===
[[File:Legionnaires.jpg|thumb|Legionnaires from the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment during a patrol with the new standard-issue assault rifle of the French Armed Forces, the HK416F]]
In 2017, the French armed forces began the retirement of the FAMAS in favour of the German-made [[Heckler & Koch HK416|HK416]].
When the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne (MAS) factory closed in 2002, no more domestic rifles could be made. The last batch of newly produced FAMAS, built in 2002, saw more than a decade of heavy service by 2016. As of 2014, the French armed forces currently use an estimated 400,000 FAMAS F1 and G2 rifles still stored in their arsenal.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/article/38273/france-launches-famas-replacement-tender France launches FAMAS replacement tender] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022855/http://www.janes.com/article/38273/france-launches-famas-replacement-tender |date=24 May 2014 }} – IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 May 2014</ref> The military also ceased manufacture of special steel-case ammunition for the FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" /> Because the FAMAS did not function properly with [[NATO]] standard brass-cased ammunition (chamber fluting can allow the F1 to use brass cases but only G2 rifles can use common STANAG magazines),<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" /> and coupled with concern over the age of existing weapons, the French military sought a replacement for the FAMAS.
In May 2014, the French [[Ministry of Defense (France)|Ministry of Defense]] announced a European Union-wide tender for a minimum of 90,000 rifles and carbines to be issued across the entire French armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web|title = France Launches Program to Replace FAMAS Rifle - The Firearm Blog|url = http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/05/20/france-launches-program-replace-famas-rifle/|website = The Firearm Blog|date = 20 May 2014|access-date = 2016-01-30|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150717180033/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/05/20/france-launches-program-replace-famas-rifle/|archive-date = 17 July 2015|url-status = live}}</ref> In August 2016, the Ministry of Defense selected Heckler and Koch's [[HK416]] to replace the FAMAS as the new general-issue service rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/08/30/breaking-next-french-infantry-rifle-german-heckler-koch-reportedly-wins-french-aif-rifle-competition/|title=BREAKING: The Next French Infantry Rifle Is German - Heckler & Koch Reportedly WINS French AIF Rifle Competition - The Firearm Blog|date=30 August 2016|access-date=10 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913094959/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/08/30/breaking-next-french-infantry-rifle-german-heckler-koch-reportedly-wins-french-aif-rifle-competition/|archive-date=13 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="janes.com">http://www.janes.com/article/64230/french-army-selects-hk416-to-replace-famas {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003135923/http://www.janes.com/article/64230/french-army-selects-hk416-to-replace-famas |date=3 October 2016 }} French Army selects HK416 to replace FAMAS. Nicholas de Larrinaga. London. IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. 30 September 2016</ref> Under the French contract, the new rifle was designated as the HK416F, with 'F' standing for French version.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/communaute-defense/la-dga-attribue-le-marche-de-l-arme-individuelle-future-aif |title=La DGA attribue le marché de l'Arme Individuelle Future (AIF) |access-date=13 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014062548/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/communaute-defense/la-dga-attribue-le-marche-de-l-arme-individuelle-future-aif |archive-date=14 October 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> 16,000 rifles will be annually purchased until a final total of 90,000 to 102,000 rifles are delivered. The new rifles are expected to remain in active French service for at least 30 years.<ref name="janes.com"/><ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/14/breaking-heckler-koch-confirmed-winner-french-aif-rifle-contract-fn-appeal-french-decision/ BREAKING: Heckler & Koch CONFIRMED Winner of French AIF Rifle Contract; FN to Appeal French Decision] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918105644/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/14/breaking-heckler-koch-confirmed-winner-french-aif-rifle-contract-fn-appeal-french-decision/ |date=18 September 2016 }} - Thefirearmblog.com, 14 September 2016</ref>
The FAMAS will be issued to the [[National Guard (France)|French National Guard]] and domestic police units, and will continue to serve in reserve and non-combat units until 2028, when a phaseout of the FAMAS with the HK416 can occur.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://fieldjournals.com/2017/01/30/famas-to-equip-new-84000-man-national-guard-stay-in-service-until-2028/ |title=FAMAS to Equip New 84,000 Man National Guard, Stay in Service Until 2028 &#124; FieldJournals |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012100127/https://fieldjournals.com/2017/01/30/famas-to-equip-new-84000-man-national-guard-stay-in-service-until-2028/ |archive-date=12 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Design details==
===Action===
[[File:FAMAS Bolt-gr.PNG|thumb|A schematic of the lever-delayed blowback mechanism used in the FAMAS]]
The FAMAS is a [[bullpup]] assault rifle, where the ammunition feed is behind the trigger. The receiver housing is made of a special steel alloy, and the rifle furniture is made of fiberglass. The rifle uses a [[Blowback (arms)#Lever-delayed|lever-delayed blowback]] action, an action type also used in the French [[AA-52 machine gun]] derived from the prototypes built during Army Technical Department tests having taken place between the First and Second World Wars.
===Ergonomics===
[[File:FAMAS Infanterie 2REI.jpg|thumb|Soldier of the [[2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment]] using FAMAS Infanterie upgraded with an [[Aimpoint]] [[red dot sight]]]]
Fire mode is controlled by a selector within the trigger guard, with three settings:  safe (central position), single shot (to the right), and automatic fire (to the left). Automatic fire can be in three-shot bursts (''rafale'') or fully automatic; this is determined by another selector, located under the housing and behind the magazine.
The FAMAS G2 weighs {{convert|3.8|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}. The G1 and G2 have a large, grip-length trigger-guard like that of the [[Steyr AUG]] to allow easy access to the trigger when wearing gloves.
Both F1 and G2 models of the FAMAS feature a bipod attached to the upper hand-guard.
The FAMAS-G2 and some F1 sport a  "polyvalent hand-guard" which features a standard [[NATO Accessory Rail]], allowing a variety of sights to be mounted, notably red dot sights and night vision units.
===Ammunition===
[[File:FAMAS.jpg|thumb|Cutaway of the muzzle of a FAMAS F1 on display at the Weapons Department in the Museum of Art and Industry in Saint-Étienne, France]]
[[File:Fusilier marin remise des fourragère le 06 juin 2009. Recadré.jpg|thumb|A fusilier marin with his FAMAS G2]]
The FAMAS uses a delayed blowback operating system that functions best with French-specified steel-casing 5.56×45mm ammunition. Using standard brass-casing [[5.56×45mm NATO]] ammunition employed by other armies can create over-pressure and case ruptures in the FAMAS during extraction, which can lead to severe malfunctions.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr">{{Cite web |url=http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/09/larm%C3%A9e-a-de-s%C3%A9rieuses-difficult%C3%A9s-avec-les-munitions-du-fusil-famas.html |title=L'armée rencontre de sérieuses difficultés avec les munitions du fusil Famas |access-date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111004617/http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/09/larm%C3%A9e-a-de-s%C3%A9rieuses-difficult%C3%A9s-avec-les-munitions-du-fusil-famas.html |archive-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Using incorrectly built ammunition also results in approximately two minor injuries for every million rounds fired from a FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr"/> As a result, the French military has discreetly banned the use of foreign-produced ammunition in all French-issued FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr"/> However, fluting the chamber will completely remove these malfunctions, although the brass casings will still be deformed and will not be able to be reloaded without reshaping.
The FAMAS F1 uses a proprietary 25-round magazine. It has a chrome-lined barrel with 1 turn in 12 inch (1:12 inch) rifling and functions best with the {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} (M193 type) ammunition. When using the French made 5.56&nbsp;mm {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammo it has a muzzle velocity of {{convert|3150|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}.<ref name="HoggWeeks2000">{{cite book |title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century |edition=7 |last1=Hogg |first1=Ian V. |last2=Weeks |first2=John S. |publisher=Krause Publications |year=2000 |pages=238–239 |isbn=978-0873418249}}</ref>
The FAMAS G2 uses M16-type, NATO-compatible 30-round [[STANAG magazine]]s.<ref name="HoggWeeks2000" /> It has a chrome-lined barrel with 1 turn in 9 inch (1:9 inch) rifling and functions equally well with both the older {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} (M193 type) ammo and the newer {{convert|62|gr|g|abbr=on}} (SS109 type) ammo.<ref name="HoggWeeks2000" /> When using the French made 5.56&nbsp;mm {{convert|62|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammo it has a muzzle velocity of {{convert|3035|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}.<ref name="HoggWeeks2000" />
During training with blank ammunition, a special plug is added to the muzzle of the FAMAS. This plug is necessary for automatic or semi-automatic blank fire operation, and functions by blocking part of the gas used in a blank cartridge.
===Rifle grenades===
[[File:FAMAS-F1 firing APAV40.svg|thumb|Alidade for direct fire of the [[APAV 40]] grenade]]
The FAMAS can use a variety of rifle grenades up to {{convert|500|g|abbr=on}}. Notable examples include the antipersonnel [[APAV40]] and the anti-tank [[AC58]].
The FAMAS features two [[alidade]]s for aiming rifle grenades with several modes:
* direct fire at {{convert|75|to|100|m|abbr=on}}, in anti-vehicle role
* indirect fire, in anti-personnel role:
** with the FAMAS inclined by 45°, allowing fire from {{convert|120|to|340|m|abbr=on}}
** with the FAMAS inclined by 75°, allowing fire from {{convert|60|to|170|m|abbr=on}}
In indirect fire mode the grenade support (more exactly named "grenade enforcement ring" in French) is moved forwards or backwards on the barrel which has markings (12/13?). This changes the position of the grenade on the barrel and automatically the volume of the chamber in which the gas expands to push the grenade forward. Each position of the grenade support has a number which is multiplied by a certain fixed number depending on the alidade position, 45° or 75°; this will accurately indicate the firing distance of the grenade.
The FAMAS can also accommodate an external grenade launcher as an add-on module under the hand guard; the US [[M203 grenade launcher]] is sometimes used.
== Variants ==
===FAMAS F1===
[[File:FAMAS-F1 parts assembled.svg|thumb|upright=1.35
|{{ordered list
| Rubber buttpad
| Removable stock
| Cheek rest. Can be reversed for right or left-handed shooter.
| Mobile assembly and ejection port
| Pins
| Bipod
| Handguard
| Charging Handle
| Grenade launcher sight
| Grenade support
| Flash hider/[[22 mm grenade|22 mm]] [[rifle grenade]] launcher
| Barrel
| Fire control selector: Safety, semi-automatic, automatic
| Trigger
| Magazine release
| Magazine block (safety device)
| Serial number
| (right): 3-round burst or full automatic selector<br />(left): Sling ring
}}]]
After adoption by the French military, the FAMAS F1 replaced both the aging [[MAS 49]]/56 rifle and [[MAT-49]] [[submachine gun]]. Approximately 400,000 FAMAS F1 assault rifles were produced by MAS. While a capable rifle, the F1 had numerous problems to overcome. For instance, many plastic pieces on the rifle easily broke, including critical parts like the cheek riser. The FAMAS was also susceptible to malfunction on occasion due to poorly-built, or rather improperly used, magazines. The FAMAS was designed around the concept of single-use, disposable magazines; when the limited budget of the French military forced soldiers to repeatedly reuse the disposable magazines, the FAMAS would experience malfunctions. MAS would eventually manufacture more durable magazines for the FAMAS that improved reliability.
=== FAMAS G1 ===
The F1 was followed by the G1 version that included several minor improvements, such as redesigned grips and an enlarged trigger guard for operation with gloves.{{cn|date=January 2024}} However, the G1 remained conceptual and was never actually produced.
===FAMAS G2===
The FAMAS G2 was developed in 1994 to comply with NATO standards by accepting standard [[STANAG magazine|NATO magazines]] and by employing tighter barrel rifling to accurately fire both older 5.56&nbsp;mm {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammunition and new standard [[5.56×45mm NATO]] {{convert|62|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammunition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morgan|first=Martin|title=Classic Guns: French FAMAS Bullpup Rifle|url=https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/9/13/classic-guns-french-famas-bullpup-rifle/|website=Shooting Illustrated}}</ref> The ammunition specific lever-delayed blowback mechanism of the FAMAS F1 designed around French {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} steel cased ammunition was slightly revised for reliably using 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. The FAMAS G2 also included several other upgrades taken from the G1 model, such as an enlarged trigger guard and improved hand guards made from reinforced fiberglass instead of plastic, and also the ability to take standard brass cased ammunition as well as French made steel ammunition. The [[French Navy]] purchased the FAMAS G2 in 1995 and issued it to their [[Fusiliers Marins]] and [[Naval commandos (France)|Commandos Marine]]. However, the French army refused to purchase the G2, preferring to rely on the FAMAS F1 as their primary rifle.
{{Gallery
|title=Comparison of the FAMAS F1 and G2
|width=220
|height=120
|lines=
|align=center
|File:Rifles FAMAS.jpg|FAMAS F1 with bayonet
|File:FAMAS-G2-IMG 8894-white.jpg|FAMAS G2 with bayonet<br />The G2 features<br />- a larger trigger guard<br />- a redesigned magwell and magazine catch accepting [[STANAG magazine]]s<br />- a small hand-guard protrusion (bump) on the front of fore-stock under the muzzle<br />- a 1/9 rifling, instead of the 1/12 rifling of the F1
}}
===FAMAS Infantry===
The FAMAS Infantry is an improvement of the FAMAS F1, obtained by retrofitting an accessory rail onto the top of the handguard. This allows mounting combat optics, most notably [[reflex sight]]s or the 4×26.4 [[SCROME J4]] telescopic sight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scrome.com/en/products/j4-f1-riflescope.html?PHPSESSID=e5j5pdnqsea9bea2tgmcl561u2|title=SCROME J4 F1 telescopic sight for FAMAS and MINIMI|access-date=1 November 2020|archive-date=21 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321120114/http://www.scrome.com/en/products/j4-f1-riflescope.html?PHPSESSID=e5j5pdnqsea9bea2tgmcl561u2|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== FAMAS FÉLIN ===
The FAMAS FÉLIN was developed from the G2 as part of the Infantryman programme with integrated equipment and links (FÉLIN)
An improved version of the FAMAS F1 is integrated in the [[Félin]] system.
=== FAMAS Valorisé ===
A FAMAS F1 whose carry handle has been replaced by the new version intended for the FAMAS Félin, lowered and originally equipped with 2 Picatinny rails. In addition, the bipod joint has been moved back about ten centimetres and each foot is now bent in 2 points forward, so that in the folded position they do not interfere with the ejection of empty cases.
===FAMAS Commando===
The FAMAS Commando was a short-barrelled version of the FAMAS G2 for international exports, with a barrel length of 285mm (11.2 in) without the integrated bipod. Prototypes of the weapon differ, with different iron sights and ergonomics. The FAMAS saw no international interest and only initial prototypes of the Commando exist and solely kept by the French Ministry of the Interior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/|title = FAMAS Commando Prototypes|date = 17 July 2020}}</ref>
=== MAS .223 ===
[[File:MAS.223 .jpg|thumb|[[Century Arms]] MAS .223 and bayonet]]During the late 1980s, [[Century Arms]] imported a very small number of semi-automatic FAMAS into the United States. Due to poor sales, production and importation ceased and the existing number are not only extremely rare but cost in the range of $25,000 with no spare parts available on the market.
==Conflicts==
The FAMAS has been used in the following conflicts:
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*[[1982 Lebanon War]]<ref name="bishop1998" />
*[[Chadian–Libyan conflict]]<ref name="bishop1998" />
*[[Ouvéa cave hostage taking]]<ref name ='New Caledonia'>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Le Nouvel Observateur]]|first=Mari|last=Jean-Paul|author-link=Jean-Paul Mari|url=http://www.grands-reporters.com/Nouvelle-Caledonie-la-tragedie-d.html|title=Nouvelle-Calédonie : la tragédie d'Ouvéa|language=fr|via=grands-reporters.com|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901003717/http://www.grands-reporters.com/Nouvelle-Caledonie-la-tragedie-d.html|archive-date=1 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Gulf War]]<ref name="marchington2004" />
*[[Rwandan Civil War]]<ref>{{cite magazine|journal=Human Rights Watch Arms Project|date=January 1994|volume=6|issue=1|title=Arming Rwanda: The Arms Trade and Human Rights, Abuses in the Rwandan War|page=24|url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/RWANDA941.PDF|access-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318054036/https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/RWANDA941.PDF|archive-date=18 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Bosnian War]]<ref>{{cite web|title=27 mai 1995 : les marsouins reprennent le pont de Vrbanja…|url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/actu-terre/archives/27-mai-1995-les-marsouins-reprennent-le-pont-de-vrbanja|language=fr|date=25 May 2012|first=B.|last=Edinger|website=defense.gouv.fr|access-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902220945/https://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/actu-terre/archives/27-mai-1995-les-marsouins-reprennent-le-pont-de-vrbanja|archive-date=2 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]<ref name="16BCC">{{cite magazine|title=Shooting practice with the " Steel battalion "|first=Christophe|last=Richard|page=28|url=http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|magazine=Fantassins|issue=32|date=Spring 2014|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222826/http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Opération Licorne]]<ref name="16BCC"/>
*[[Iraq War]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Why France Loves the Heckler & Koch HK416 Rifle |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-france-loves-heckler-koch-hk416-rifle-45492 |website=National Interest|date=24 February 2019 }}</ref>
*[[Operation Serval]]<ref name="Serval">{{cite magazine|title=Infantry units fires during OP Serval|first=Thibault|last=Capdeville|pages=55–58|url=http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|magazine=Fantassins|issue=32|date=Spring 2014|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222826/http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Operation Barkhane]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20160418-mali-kidal-deadly-protests-against-french-forces|title=Protests against French forces in Mali turn deadly - France 24|date=18 April 2016|access-date=16 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711004525/http://www.france24.com/en/20160418-mali-kidal-deadly-protests-against-french-forces|archive-date=11 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref name = "Syria"/>
*[[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]]
*[[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]<ref name="MAF" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian Defense Forces Integrate FAMAS Felin Rifles |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-defense-forces-integrate-famas-felin-rifles/ |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=Militarnyi |date=14 December 2023}}</ref>
}}
==Users==
[[File:A Cameroon soldier provides security during a patrol as part of a culmination exercise of infantry squad tactics March 18, 2014, during Central Accord 14 in Koutaba, Cameroon 140318-A-IS772-025.jpg|thumb|A Cameroonian soldier patrols with his FAMAS F1]]
[[File:Famas (1).jpg|thumb|FAMAS F1 used by Serbian Police Special Forces]]
[[File:FAMAS Users.png|thumb|A map with FAMAS users in blue]]
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
* {{flag|Brazil}}: Special forces<ref>{{Cite web |title=ELITES OF THE EXÉRCITO BRASILEIRO – Small Arms Review |date=11 March 2011 |url=https://smallarmsreview.com/elites-of-the-exercito-brasileiro/ |access-date=2022-10-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>
*{{CMR}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Des militaires camerounais arrêtés au Tchad|url=https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-39857709|language=fr|work=[[BBC News]]|date=9 May 2017|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912105234/https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-39857709|archive-date=12 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{CAF}}<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Chad}}: Presidential Guard<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/fr/20080318-lopposant-tchadien-saleh-toujours-porte-disparu-tchad-reportage|title=L'opposant tchadien Saleh toujours porté disparu|date=18 March 2008|publisher=[[France 24]]|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016130017/https://www.france24.com/fr/20080318-lopposant-tchadien-saleh-toujours-porte-disparu-tchad-reportage|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and Army<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecpad.fr/tchad-instruction-de-70-eleves-officiers-tchadiens-au-combat-dinfanterie/|website=ecpad.fr|publisher=[[Ministry of the Armed Forces (France)|French Ministry of Defense]]|title=Tchad : Instruction de 70 élèves-officiers tchadiens au combat d'infanterie|date=30 March 2015|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016125947/http://www.ecpad.fr/tchad-instruction-de-70-eleves-officiers-tchadiens-au-combat-dinfanterie/|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Djibouti}}<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
* {{flag|France}}: Used by the [[GIGN]] and [[French Armed Forces]] since 1979, with over 700,000 rifles purchased.<ref name="marchington2004">Marchington, James (2004). ''The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons''. Lewis International, Inc. {{ISBN|1-930983-14-X}}</ref> Began to be replaced by the [[Heckler & Koch HK416]] starting in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mizokami|first=Kyle|title=How The FAMAS Rifle Became A Game-Changer for the French Military|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-famas-rifle-became-game-changer-french-military-104422|website=National Interest|date=13 December 2019}}</ref> Also used by several [[Law enforcement in France|law enforcement agencies]].<ref name="marchington2004" />
* {{flag|Gabon}}<ref name="Users">{{cite magazine | language=en | first=Ian | last=Kemp | title=Assault rifles in a 5.56 mm evolution: the fielding of new designs and the upgrade of existing weapons will ensure that 5.56 mm remains the predominant assault rifle calibre | url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assault+rifles+in+a+5.56+mm+evolution%3A+the+fielding+of+new+designs...-a0162920783 | magazine=Armada International | date=April–May 2007 | access-date=12 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912165617/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Assault+rifles+in+a+5.56+mm+evolution%3A+the+fielding+of+new+designs...-a0162920783 | archive-date=12 September 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}}: ''[[KOPASKA|Komando Pasukan Katak]]'' (KOPASKA) tactical diver group and ''[[Kopassus|Komando Pasukan Khusus]]'' (Kopassus) special forces group.<ref name="idnvojnik">{{cite web|url=http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |title=Kopassus & Kopaska – Specijalne Postrojbe Republike Indonezije |language=hr |publisher=Hrvatski Vojnik Magazine |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822145526/http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/hrvatski-vojnik/1612007/ind.asp |archive-date=22 August 2010}}</ref>
*{{flagdeco|Iraq|1991}} [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|Iraqi insurgents]]<ref name="SAS 2012 10">{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-10-EN.pdf|chapter=Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia|title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2012|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|pages=320–321|isbn=978-0-521-19714-4|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|archive-date=31 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ivory Coast}}:<ref>{{cite book|title=Identifier les sources d'approvisionnement: Les munitions de petit calibre en Côte d'Ivoire|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR21-CotedIvoire-FR.pdf|first=Holger|last=Anders|date=June 2014|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]] and [[United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire]]|isbn=978-2-940-548-05-7|page=15|language=fr|access-date=5 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009093415/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR21-CotedIvoire-FR.pdf|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Alassane Ouattara]]'s [[Armed Forces of the Republic of Ivory Coast|FRCI]] are said to have received some FAMAS in 2011<ref>{{cite news|title=Comment les forces pro-Ouattara ont préparé l'offensive contre Gbagbo|url=https://www.france24.com/fr/20110406-cote-ivoire-pro-ouattara-frci-fds-fn-preparation-offensive-contre-laurent-gbagbo-abidjan|date=7 April 2011|publisher=[[France 24]]|first=Jean-Baptiste|last=Marot|access-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907144536/https://www.france24.com/fr/20110406-cote-ivoire-pro-ouattara-frci-fds-fn-preparation-offensive-contre-laurent-gbagbo-abidjan|archive-date=7 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> but that claim is disputed.<ref>{{cite news|title=La France les deux pieds dans le plat ivoirien|language=fr|first=Vincent|last=Duhem|work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate.fr]]|date=13 April 2011|url=http://www.slateafrique.com/1343/france-deux-pieds-dans-le-plat-ivoirien|access-date=23 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124055321/http://www.slateafrique.com/1343/france-deux-pieds-dans-le-plat-ivoirien|archive-date=24 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_FLNKS.svg}} [[Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front]]<ref name="New Caledonia" />
* {{flag|Lebanon}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/pngs-mutineers-trade-guns-for-amnesty/story-e6frg6so-1226257690011 | title=PNG's mutineers trade guns for amnesty | date=31 January 2012 | work=The Australian | access-date=29 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207141623/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/pngs-mutineers-trade-guns-for-amnesty/story-e6frg6so-1226257690011 | archive-date=7 February 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{flag|Russia}}: Some captured by Russian troops.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armourersbench.com/2024/06/09/famas-in-ukraine/ | title=FAMAS in Ukraine | date=9 June 2024 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Senegal}}<ref name="NMAA">{{cite web|first1=Jeremy |last1=Binnie|first2=Erwan|last2= de Cherisey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|title= New-model African armies|publisher= Jane's|date= 2017|archive-date= 22 June 2017|url=http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf}}</ref>
* {{flag|Suriname}}: On September 14-15, 2023, an unknown number of FAMAS were donated to the Suriname army to help them fight against illegal fishing and [[Placer mining|gold mining]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-24 |title=L'armée française donne ses fusils FAMAS désormais inutilisés à l'armée du Suriname |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/l-armee-francaise-donne-ses-fusils-famas-desormais-inutilises-a-l-armee-du-surinam-20230924 |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Le Figaro}}</ref> The weapons were awarded in a ceremony attended by French Ambassador, Nicolas de Lacoste.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2023_global_security_army_industry/suriname_armed_forces_receive_french_famas_assault_rifles.html | title=Suriname armed forces receive French FAMAS assault rifles &#124; Defense News September 2023 Global Security army industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 &#124; Archive News year | date=25 September 2023 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Syria}}: A few FAMAS F1s used by the [[Syrian Arab Army]], [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] and [[Peshmerga|Kurds]]<ref name="Syria">{{cite news|title=Des Famas en Syrie, preuve que la France arme les islamistes?|language=fr|url=http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/des-famas-en-syrie-preuve-que-la-france-arme-les-islamistes|date=30 August 2018|work=[[France-Soir]]|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912130959/http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/des-famas-en-syrie-preuve-que-la-france-arme-les-islamistes|archive-date=12 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ukraine}}: 1,000 delivered by France in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref name="MAF">{{cite web |last1=Ministry of Armed Forces (France) |title=Ukraine: la France dresse le bilan des équipements militaires livrés |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/ukraine-france-dresse-bilan-equipements-militaires-livres |website=Ministère des Armées |access-date=4 March 2024 |language=fr |date=4 March 2024 |author1-link=Ministry of Armed Forces (France) }}</ref>
* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name="bishop1998">Bishop, Chris. ''Guns in Combat''. Chartwell Books, Inc (1998). {{ISBN|0-7858-0844-2}}.</ref>
* {{flag|Vanuatu}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://modestclub.com/wp-content/themes/thematic/lib/vanuatu%20daily%20newspaper-74754.html |title=Vanuatu Daily Newspaper |work=modestclub.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104191621/http://modestclub.com/wp-content/themes/thematic/lib/vanuatu%20daily%20newspaper-74754.html |archive-date= 4 November 2013 }}</ref>
==See also==
* {{lwc|HS Produkt VHS}}
* {{lwc|IFAR 22}}
==Sources and references==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons|FAMAS}}
* [http://www.nexter-group.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=32&id=54&Itemid=82 Official Nexter FAMAS page]
* [http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/FAMAS/ Buddy Hinton: FAMAS Photo Collection]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050723081239/http://www.defense-update.com/products/f/felin.htm FELIN article, with FAMAS pictured as part of FELIN system]
* [http://modernfirearms.net/en/bez-rubriki-en/famas-eng/ Modern Firearms: FAMAS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826055244/http://world.guns.ru/assault/as21-e.htm |date=26 August 2010 }}
* [http://www.remtek.com/arms/famas/index.htm REMTEK - ARMS: FAMAS]
* [https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/11/13/r-p-general-paul-tellie-father-famas/ The Firearm Blog: R.I.P General Paul Tellié, Father of the FAMAS]
* [http://www.nazarian.no/images/wep/461_MAS_223_en_manual.pdf Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide: MAS .223 semi-automatic rifle Manual (.pdf)]
{{s-start}}
{{succession box | title=French Army rifle
| before= [[MAS-49 rifle|Fusil MAS-49]]| years=1981–present| after= [[HK416]] }}
{{s-end}}{{knds}}
{{Delayed Blowback Firearms}}
{{Bullpup Firearms}}
{{Current French infantry weapons}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Famas}}
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]]
[[Category:Bullpup rifles]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of France]]
[[Category:Lever-delayed blowback firearms]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:KNDS France]]
[[Category:Assault rifles of France]]
[[Category:Rifles of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1978]]