SA80 A2 Individual Weapon and Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL)

SA 80 A2 comprises the Individual Weapon (IW) and the Light Support Weapon (LSW).  These are the British Army's standard combat weapons within the section.  made by Heckler and koch, they fire NATO standard 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition.  an infantry section consists of two four-man fire teams each consisting of IW(2), LSW(1) and LMG(1).  One IW has the Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL).

SA80 can be fitted with the SUSAT sight and a Common Weapon Sight (CWS) , which is a third generation Image Intensification (II) night sight.

Both weapons have been modified in light of operational experience, and there was a major mid-life update in 2002, which resulted in the SA80A2 series - the most reliable weapons of their type in the world.  This reliability is combined with accuracy, versatility and ergonomic design.  It is considered a first-class weapon system and world leader in small arms.  It achieves a reliability performance of 94%, compared with 47% for the M16A2 under matching conditions.

The Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) is mounted beneath the barrel of the IW.  It will be issued to each fire team, replacing the Rifle Grenade General Service (RGGS) and 51 mm mortar.  This will significantly reduce the ammunition load that the Infantry section carries, while enhancing its capabilities.  The UGL will be able to fire 40 mm High Explosive (HE), smoke and illuminating rounds out to a range of 350 m to destroy, obscure or indicate enemy positions.  However, there will be a reduction in range capability because the 51 mm mortar can engage out to 800 metres.

The SA80 General Purpose is a single shot version of the IW and is in service with the Army Cadets.

The UGL can be seen at the front of the SA80

SA80 A2 L85 Individual Weapon (IW)

Calibre:   5.56 mm
Weight:   4.98 kg (with loaded magazine and optical sight)
Length:   785 mm
Barrel Length:   518 mm
Muzzle Velocity:   940 m/s
Feed:   30 round magazine
Effective Range:   400 m
Cyclic Rate of Fire:   610-775 rounds per minute

Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL)

Calibre:   40 mm
Effective Range:   350 m
Cyclic Rate of Fire: rounds per minute

SA80 with UGL

SA80 A2 Light Support Weapon (LSW)

SA80 A2 LSW has a heavier and longer barrel allowing greater muzzle velocity and accuracy than the IW.  When fired from the integrated bipod and using the standard SUSAT sight, LSW is accurate and consistent.  It is 95% reliable, better than any of its competitiors.

With the introduction of the Light Machine Gun (LMG), the LSW will be used for longer range (600-800m), accurate, suppressive fire.  It will become the sharpshooter system of the section to out-range any potential threat.

Calibre:   5.56 mm
Weight:   6.58 kg (with loaded magazine and optical sight)
Length:   900 mm
Barrel Length:   646 mm
Muzzle Velocity:  970 m/s
Feed:   30 round magazine
Effective Range:   1000m
Cyclic Rate of Fire:   610-775 rounds per minute

5.56mm Light Machine Gun (LMG)

The LMG has been developed from the Minimi LMG following experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The LMG is a belt-fed suppression weapon which will be issued on a scale of 1 per fire team.

It provides the section commander with the capability to impose sustained suppressive fire onto an objective out to 300 m.  It increases the firepower available to the section commander.

Minimi on operations in Iraq 2003

The LMG will not replace the LSW, but will complement it and enhance the effectiveness of the LSW and all section weapons across the spectrum of Infantry operations.

Calibre:   5.56mm
Weight:   7.1kg
Length:   914mm
Feed:   100-round disintegrating belt
Effective Range:   800m
Cyclic Rate of Fire:   700 to 1000 rounds per minute

 LMG on operations in Iraq 2004