Imbel MD-2
Summary
| Country | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Industria de Material Belico de Brasil |
Technical specifications
| Imbel MD-2 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 700 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 1010 mm (39.8 in) |
| Weight | 4.4 kg (9.7 lb) |
| Range | 400 m (1312 ft) |
Description
The IMBEL MD series of assault rifles are manufactured by IMBEL (Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil). These rifles are based on the 7.62mm NATO FN FAL, which was previously manufactured by IMBEL for many years under licence as the Brazilian Army's standard service rifle. Following the trend to adopt the 5.56×45mm NATO round, IMBEL started experimenting with 5.56mm versions of the FN FAL in the early 1980s. The first prototype, the MD-1, appeared in around 1983. Further development resulted in the MD-2 and MD-3 series, which still closely resemble their FAL parent.
The MD-2 and MD-3 rifles resulted from redesigning the FN FAL to use the 5.56×45mm NATO round. The MD-2/MD-3 series externally resembles a short-barrelled FAL but utilizes an M16 magazine. Early MD-1 prototypes retained the FAL-type tilting bolt, but this was found not to function effectively with the 5.56mm round. Subsequent prototypes and the final design incorporated an M16-type 7-lug rotating bolt into the design. The FAL's short-stroke gas piston is retained; it is actuated by gas bled from the barrel via a vent located in the foresight housing, impinging upon the separate bolt carrier. Feeding is from STANAG 4179 M16-compatible magazines. The MD-2 series contains many FAL-derived parts, some of which remain interchangeable with the original FAL, and others which are modified to suit the new design.
The IMBEL MD series includes the MD-1, MD-2, MD-3, and the MD-4 variants. The MD-2 and MD-3 versions differ primarily in their stock configurations:
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The MD-2 uses the side-folding buttstock from the FN FAL 'para' variant.
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The MD-3 uses the fixed polymer stock of the standard FAL.
The IMBEL MD series of assault rifles are the standard-issue rifles of the Brazilian Army.