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{{Infobox weapon
| name = FN FNC
| image = FN Herstal FNC 5.56 mm Assault Rifle Right Side.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = FNC 76 rifle
| origin = Belgium
| type = [[Assault rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = YES
<!-- Service history -->| service = 1979–present
| used_by = See [[#Users|''Users'']]
| wars = [[Aceh Insurgency]]<br />[[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]]<br />[[The Troubles]]<br />[[Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995)]] <br /> [[Somali Civil War]] <br /> [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]] <br /> [[Conflict in the Niger Delta]] <br /> [[2007 Lebanon conflict]]<br />[[Libyan Civil War]]<br />[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer = [[FN Herstal]]
| design_date = 1975–1977
| manufacturer = [[FN Herstal]] <br /> [[Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori]] <br /> [[Pindad|PT Pindad]]
| production_date = 1979–2004
| variants = See [[#Variants|''Variants'']]
<!-- General specifications -->| weight = Rifle: {{convert|3.840|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} <br /> Carbine: {{convert|3.7|kg|abbr=on}}
| length = Rifle: {{convert|997|mm|in|abbr=on}} stock extended / {{convert|766|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock folded <br /> Carbine: {{convert|911|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock extended / {{convert|667|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock folded
| part_length = Rifle: {{convert|450
|mm|abbr=on|1}} (rifle) <br /> Carbine: {{convert|363|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| width = {{convert|70|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock extended <br /> {{convert|75|mm|abbr=on|1}} stock folded
| height = {{convert|238|mm|abbr=on|1}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]
| action = [[Gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke|Gas-operated long-stroke piston]], [[rotating bolt]]
| rate = Approx. 700 rounds/min
| velocity = M193: {{convert|965|m/s|0|abbr=on}} <br /> SS109: {{convert|925|m/s|abbr=on|1}}
| range = 250–400 m sight adjustments
| max_range = {{convert|450|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
| feed = 30-round detachable [[STANAG magazine|STANAG]] [[Magazine (firearms)#Box|box magazine]] (standard issue) or other STANAG magazines
| sights = Rear flip aperture, front post <br /> {{convert|513|mm|abbr=on|1}} sight radius (standard rifle)
}}
The '''FN FNC''' ({{langx|fr|Fabrique Nationale Carabine}}) is a [[5.56×45mm NATO]] [[assault rifle]] developed by the Belgian arms manufacturer [[FN Herstal]] and introduced in the late 1970s.
==Development==
{{More citations needed section|date=November 2021}}
[[File:DA-SD-07-21417 FNC cropped.JPEG|thumb|left|[[United States Army|US Army]] [[infantry]]man firing an FNC at a target during a stress shoot]]
The FNC was developed between 1975 and 1977 for [[NATO]] standardization trials, as a less expensive alternative to the [[M16 rifle]].<ref name="Walter">Walter, John: ''Rifles of the World (3rd ed.)'', page 123. Krause Publications, 2006.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/01/08/the-fn-fnc-affordable-select-fire-5-56/|title=Gun Review: The FN FNC: Affordable Select-Fire 5.56 -|date=January 8, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213172904/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/01/08/the-fn-fnc-affordable-select-fire-5-56/|archive-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> The rifle's design is based on the '''FNC 76''' prototype, a deep rework and simplification from the first FN 5,56x45 weapon, the commercially unsuccessful [[FN CAL]] rifle.<ref name="Walter"/> The FNC 76 was soon withdrawn from the NATO competition after performing poorly due to its rushed development.
The first state to adopt the finalized FNC 80 was [[Indonesia]], which purchased approximately 10,000 rifles in 1982 for its [[Indonesian Air Force|air force]]. The Indonesian government later acquired a license to permit Indonesian firm [[Pindad|PT Pindad]] to manufacture the rifle for all branches of the [[Indonesian National Armed Forces|armed forces]],<ref name="Walter"/> as the [[Pindad SS1]] and [[Pindad SS2]].
[[File:FN FNC Rifle Muzzle View.jpg|thumb|left]]
Trials for the [[Swedish Armed Forces]] were held between 1981 and 1982, using the finalized FNC 80 that proved the utility and efficiency of the design, impressing both the Swedish military and [[Belgian Land Component|Belgian Army]] staff back at home.<ref name="Walter"/> Sweden adopted a version of the FNC for domestic production in 1986, naming it the [[Automatkarbin 5]]. Slightly modified, it remains the main [[service rifle]] of the [[Swedish Armed Forces]] until replaced with [[automatkarbin 24]].
The FNC 80 was finally adopted by the [[Belgian Armed Forces]] in 1989, as a service-wide replacement for the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] [[FN FAL]], after having been issued in small numbers to [[airborne forces|airborne infantry]] units for several years.<ref name="Walter"/>
The rifle is also used as a service rifle by [[His Majesty's Armed Forces (Tonga)|the armed forces]] of [[Tonga]], a [[microstate]] in the [[Pacific Ocean]].
==Design details==
{{More citations needed section|date=November 2021}}
===Operating mechanism===
[[File:FN FNC Rifle Left Side.jpg|thumb|right|FNC 76 Left side, selector switch visible.]]
The FNC is a [[selective fire]] weapon that uses a [[Gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke|gas-operated long-stroke piston system]] and a [[rotating bolt]] locking mechanism equipped with two locking lugs that engage corresponding recesses in the barrel extension. The bolt is rotated and unlocked by the interaction of the bolt's cam pin with a camming guide contained in the bolt carrier. Overall, the mechanism strongly resembles that of [[Kalashnikov rifle]]s, but adapted to more advanced design and production methods. The rear part of the cocking handle slot, cut in the upper receiver for the cocking handle, is covered by a spring-loaded cover which automatically opens by the handle when it goes back and automatically closes the opening when the cocking handle returns forward.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.world.guns.ru/assault/as24-e.htm |title=Modern Firearms - FN FNC assault rifle |access-date=2010-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915172424/http://world.guns.ru/assault/as24-e.htm |archive-date=2010-09-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Features===
[[File:German Fires FNC.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Bundeswehr|German]] soldier aims an FN FNC during a Belgian/German weapons qualification at [[Ramstein Air Base]], Germany, 2009.]]
The spring extractor is located inside the bolt head, the ejector is fixed and riveted to the inside of the receiver housing. The FNC uses a 2-position gas valve, a hammer-type firing mechanism and a trigger with a fire selector switch that is simultaneously the manual safety, securing the weapon from accidental firing. The selector lever is located on the left side of the receiver and has 4 settings: "S" - weapon safe, "1" - single fire mode, "3" - 3-round burst, "A" - continuous (automatic) fire.
The FNC's barrel features a [[flash suppressor]] that is also used to launch [[NATO]] standard [[22 mm grenade|22mm]] [[rifle grenade]]s (only the standard rifle model has this capability). The gas block contains a gas valve setting that is used to isolate the gas system, providing an increased volume of propellant required to fire a rifle grenade. The sheet-metal gas valve switch when pulled upright, acts as a V-notch sight used for aiming the rifle grenades. The piston head and extension, as well as the gas port block, barrel bore and chamber, are hard-chrome plated to minimize the effects of propellant fouling.
The rifle feeds from 30-round [[steel]] magazines that are interchangeable with magazines from the American [[M16 rifle]] ([[STANAG magazine|STANAG 4179]] compliant).<ref>[http://www.kitsune.addr.com/Firearms/Auto-Rifles/FN_FNC.htm Fabrique National FNC (FN-FNC).] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304234307/http://www.kitsune.addr.com/Firearms/Auto-Rifles/FN_FNC.htm |date=2016-03-04 }} Retrieved on October 4, 2008.</ref> After the last round is fired, the bolt will remain closed as there is no provision for an automatic bolt hold open. However there is a manual locking possibility by engaging à notch in the receiver by pulling the charging knob in. FNC magazines will function in AR-15/M16-type rifles.
The plastic-coated, lightweight alloy skeleton stock folds to the right side of the receiver. A fixed synthetic ([[polyamide]]) buttstock is also available.
The upper receiver is made from stamped steel, the lower receiver, along with magazine housing, is made from machined aluminum alloy.
===Sights===
The rifle has a flip-type L-shaped windage-adjustable rear sight with two apertures with settings for {{convert|250|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}, while the front sight post is adjustable for elevation. Optics such as the Hensoldt 4× telescopic sight can be attached with the use of a receiver-mounted adapter.
===Accessories===
Standard equipment supplied with the FNC includes a spike [[bayonet]] or a variant of the American [[M7 bayonet|M7]] blade bayonet (with the use of a lug adapter) and a sling. The rifle can be deployed with a barrel mounted [[bipod]] and [[blank-firing adaptor]].
==Variants==
{{More citations needed section|date=November 2021}}
The FNC was produced in two primary configurations: a standard rifle and short (carbine) length. The '''"Standard" Model 2000''' rifle and the '''"Short" Model 7000''' carbine are equipped with barrels with 6 right-hand grooves and a 178 mm (1:7 in) rifling twist rate used to stabilize the longer and heavier Belgian SS109 bullet. The '''Model 0000''' rifle and '''Model 6000''' carbine use a slower 305 mm (1:12 in) twist rate for the shorter and lighter American M193 bullet.
Fabrique Nationale also offers semi-automatic-only '''Civilian''' and '''Law Enforcement''' carbine versions: {{Citation needed|date=August 2008}} the short '''Model 7030''' with a 178 mm (1:7 in) rifling twist and the '''Model 6040''' with a 305 mm (1:12 in) twist rate. These single-fire carbines feature a {{convert|410|mm|abbr=on|1}} barrel and are also capable of firing rifle grenades and mounting a bayonet.
===Sweden===
[[File:AK5Cesar.JPG|thumb|right|The Ak 5C represents the latest Swedish evolution of the FNC.]]
The Swedish service rifle built by [[Carl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori]] (then part of FFV and currently [[BAE_Systems_AB|BAE Systems Bofors]]) is a modernized Model 2000 rifle without the 3-round burst fire control setting. It was accepted into service in 1986 as the [[Ak 5]] after extensive trials and receiving several modifications and replaced the 7.62mm [[Automatkarbin 4]] (a licensed version of the [[Heckler & Koch G3]]). Bofors has produced several variants of the basic Ak 5: the Ak 5B (equipped with a British 4× [[SUSAT]] optical sight but no mechanical iron sights),<ref name="Sweden">[http://www.gotavapen.se/gota/ak/ak4_5/ak5_history.htm Swedish military assault rifles 1945 - 1990, Ak4 and Ak 5.] Retrieved on October 4, 2008. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20230328193841/http://www.gotavapen.se/gota/ak/ak4_5/ak5_history.htm Archive ])</ref> the Ak 5C (a modular variant designed for compatibility with various accessories),<ref name="Sweden"/> and the Ak 5D (a compact variant for vehicle crews and rangers).<ref>[http://world.guns.ru/assault/as35-e.htm Modern Firearms' Bofor AK-5 Page.] Retrieved on October 4, 2008. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20100306011934/http://world.guns.ru/assault/as35-e.htm Archive])</ref>
===Indonesia===
[[Image:SS2-V1 ID2008.jpg|thumb|right|The Pindad SS2-V1 represents the latest [[Indonesia]]n evolution of the FNC.]]
In Indonesia, a modified version of the FNC, produced under license as the [[Pindad SS1]] with adaptations for jungle climate conditions, is used as the standard [[rifle]] of the [[Indonesian National Armed Forces]]. A Paramilitary variant of the SS1 created for police use exists as the V1-V2 used by the Korps Sabhara chambered in 7.62×45mm Pindad. This cartridge is a necked-up version of the 5.56×45mm cartridge, utilizing a round-nose bullet similar to the .30 Carbine and was created by [[Pindad]] for urban warfare/close quarter combat. The [[Pindad SS2]] is an updated version of the Pindad SS1. SS2 rifles have been phased into service since 2006 in the Indonesian military and police in order to gradually replace the SS1 rifles which were in service from the 1990s. Another variant, the SS Blackout-V1 exists in the .300 Blackout caliber.
==Users==
[[File:FNC Users.png|thumb|A map with FNC 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.-->
[[File:Belgian FNC Somalia.JPEG|right|thumb|A Belgian soldier conducting traffic inspections in [[Somalia]] in 1993, part of the multinational [[Unified Task Force]].]]
*{{flag|Belgium}}: Previous standard rifle of the [[Belgian Land Component]]; used in both the standard and carbine variants (called the '''FNC M2''' and '''FNC M3''' respectively); replaced by the FN SCAR-L. <ref name="marchington2004">Marchington, James (2004). ''The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons''. Lewis International, Inc. {{ISBN|1-930983-14-X}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.be/armycomp/subject/index.asp?LAN=nl&FILE=&ID=1680&MENU=2183&PAGE=1 |title=Landcomponent Onderwerp Bewapening FNC 5.56 mm |website=www.mil.be |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307124602/http://www.mil.be/armycomp/subject/index.asp?LAN=nl&FILE=&ID=1680&MENU=2183&PAGE=1 |archive-date=2012-03-07}}</ref>
*{{flag|Democratic Republic of Congo}}<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
*{{flag|El Salvador}}<ref name="jones2009" />
*{{flag|Federal Republic of Yugoslavia}}: Used in unknown quantities by [[Special Operations Unit (Serbia)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crveneberetke.com/i-tvoje-ce-rane-neko-da-vida/|title=И твоје ће ране неко да вида|date=January 21, 2016|website=Јединица за специјалне операције|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320103959/http://www.crveneberetke.com/i-tvoje-ce-rane-neko-da-vida/=|archive-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref>
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: Purchased 10,000 rifles in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/CurrentIssue/dl.php?filename%3D201003140001071.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707174915/http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/CurrentIssue/dl.php?filename=201003140001071.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-07 }}</ref> Now made under license as the [[Pindad SS1]] and [[Pindad SS2]].<ref name="hogg2002">Hogg, Ian (2002). ''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide''. Jane's Information Group. {{ISBN|0-00-712760-X}}.</ref>
*{{flag|Libya}}<ref name ='SAS 26'>{{cite book|title=Web Trafficking: Analysing the Online Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Libya|first1=N.R.|last1= Jenzen-Jones |first2=Ian |last2=McCollum|date=April 2017|series= Working Paper No. 26|editor=Small Arms Survey|editor-link=Small Arms Survey|page=79|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516085143/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 16, 2017}}</ref>
* {{flag|Mali}}: [[People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad]]<ref name ='SAS 2005'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109192749/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2010|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2005/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2005-Chapter-06-EN.pdf|chapter=Sourcing the Tools of War: Small Arms Supplies to Conflict Zones|title=Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2005|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=166|isbn=978-0-19-928085-8}}</ref>
*{{flag|Mongolia}}<ref name="jones2009" />
*{{flag|Nigeria}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
*{{flag|Sri Lanka}}<ref>{{cite book |last= Smith | first= Chris | title= In the Shadow of a Cease-fire: The Impacts of Small Arms Availability and Misuse in Sri Lanka | publisher= Small Arms Survey |date=October 2003 |url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/B-Occasional-papers/SAS-OP11-Sri-Lanka.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110112185613/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/B-Occasional-papers/SAS-OP11-Sri-Lanka.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= January 12, 2011 |series=Occasional Paper No. 11|page=13}}</ref>
*{{flag|Sweden}}: Accepted for use in 1986 and manufactured under license by [[Bofors Carl Gustaf]] as the [[Ak 5]] (''Automatkarbin 5'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/sv/Materiel-och-teknik/Vapen/Automatkarbin-5/ |title=Automatkarbin 5 - Försvarsmakten |access-date=2009-03-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331144300/http://mil.se/sv/Materiel-och-teknik/Vapen/Automatkarbin-5 |archive-date=2009-03-31 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Timor Leste}}: Used by special units of the [[National Police of East Timor]].<ref name ='2010 report'>{{cite book|title=Timor-Leste Armed Violence Assessment Final Report|editor= Robert Muggah and Emile LeBrun|date=October 2010|series=Special Report No. 12|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR12-Timor-Leste-Armed-Violence-Assessment-Final-Rep.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717133847/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/C-Special-reports/SAS-SR12-Timor-Leste-Armed-Violence-Assessment-Final-Rep.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2016|isbn=978-2-940415-43-4|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=17}}</ref>
*{{flag|Tonga}}: Standard service rifle of the [[His Majesty's Armed Forces (Tonga)|Tongan military]].<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name=Capie>{{cite book|last=Capie|first=David|title=Under the Gun: The Small Arms Challenge in the Pacific|date=2004|pages=66–67|publisher=Victoria University Press|___location=Wellington|isbn=978-0864734532 }}</ref>
*{{flag|Ukraine}}: Received as military aid from [[Belgium]] reserve during the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-03 |title=A batch of Belgian FNs shipped to Ukraine |url=https://special-ops.org/a-batch-of-belgian-fns-shipped-to-ukraine/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Special Ops Magazine |language=en-US|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213205812/https://special-ops.org/a-batch-of-belgian-fns-shipped-to-ukraine/|archive-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref>
*{{flag|Venezuela}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
*{{flag|Vietnam}}: Use in Military Marksman Demonstration Team.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref>{{Cite web|last=VCCorp.vn|title=Những vũ khí 'khủng' của đội tuyển bắn súng quân dụng Việt Nam|url=https://soha.vn/news-20140712131940573.htm|access-date=2021-08-29|website=soha.vn|date=13 July 2014 |language=vi|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213210300/https://soha.vn/quan-su/nhung-vu-khi-khung-cua-doi-tuyen-ban-sung-quan-dung-viet-nam-20140712131940573.htm|archive-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref>
=== Non-state users ===
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_Free_Aceh_Movement.svg}} [[Free Aceh Movement]]{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
* [[File:Provisional Irish Republican Army Badge.svg|20px]] [[Provisional Irish Republican Army]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Oppenheimer |first=A. R. |title=IRA, the bombs and the bullets : a history of deadly ingenuity |date=2009 |publisher=Irish Academic Press |isbn=978-0-7165-2894-4 |___location=Dublin, Ireland |oclc=233549934}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Urban |first=Mark |title=Big boys' rules : the secret struggle against the IRA |date=1992 |publisher=Faber |isbn=978-0-571-16809-5 |___location=London |oclc=973669973}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside The Ira - Weapons & Technology {{!}} The Ira & Sinn Fein {{!}} FRONTLINE |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ira/inside/weapons.html |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=www.pbs.org|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213210300/https://soha.vn/quan-su/nhung-vu-khi-khung-cua-doi-tuyen-ban-sung-quan-dung-viet-nam-20140712131940573.htm|archive-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[FN SCAR]], multi-calibre and multi-role successor
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==Bibliography==
*{{cite book| last = Crawford| first = Steve| year = 2003| title = Twenty-first Century Small Arms: The World's Great Infantry Weapons| publisher = Zenith Imprint| ___location = St. Paul, MN| isbn = 978-0-7603-1503-3}}
*{{cite book| last = Walter| first = John| year = 2006| title = Rifles of the World (3rd ed.)| publisher = Krause Publications| ___location = Iola, WI| isbn = 978-0-89689-241-5}}
==External links==
{{commons}}
*[http://www.fnherstal.com/ FN Herstal - manufacturer's site]
*[http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/FNC/ Buddy Hinton Collection]
*{{YouTube|Zo1EWBVHKRA|Video of operation}} {{in lang|ja}}
{{FN Herstal firearms}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fn Fnc}}
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]]
[[Category:FN Herstal firearms|FNC]]
[[Category:Assault rifles of Belgium]]
[[Category:Long stroke piston firearms]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1979]]
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