Chambered in 5.56mm NATO the new FN ARKA Assault Rifle was announced today by FN Herstal.
A completely new design, FN has combined AR-style ergonomics to the SCAR platform’s proven short-stroke gas piston system. It also features an adjustable gas regulator for firing in adverse environments or with a suppressor.
FN states that the platform retains familiar AR controls and compatibility with standard AR buttstocks and pistol grips, while offering a fully ambidextrous and symmetrical design for enhanced operational flexibility.
It seems that everyone is looking toward high pressure ammunition. According to FN, the FN ARKA incorporates a robust locking mechanism designed to withstand severe overpressure.
The FN ARKA comes standard with either a 14.5” standard barrel and a short or long M-LOK handguard, or a 11.25” CQC barrel and short M-LOK handguard. All configurations are available in FDE or Black and with selective fire or semi-auto only triggers.
fnherstal.com/en/defence/portable-weapons/carbines-rifles-grenade-launchers/fn-arka
Two-piece upper receiver? Why take a step back?
I would bet that going back to the upper/handguard design vs a monolithic receiver has a lot to do with “future proofing” the rifle.
Monolithic uppers are awesome, but in an environment where accessory attachment systems changed 2-3 times during the “lifecycle” of the original SCAR, it was very hard for the rifle to not feel antiquated relative to its competitors.
And that hurts. It hurts in the Mil/LEO, and it really hurts on the commercial market.
For an intermediate carbine, as lock as their handguard and upper lockup good enough for an IR device to retain zero, I don’t see a huge issue with the 2 piece.
Kinda like a mix of the LICC-IWS and a SCAR 16s
High Pressure is promising.
Does the design feature a Hydraulic Buffer ala SCAR 2 / IWS?
If FNH brings it over to the USA, just imagine it giving the AR-15 platform a run for it’s money.