FN’s Ultra Lightweight EVOLYS Machine Gun
The FN Herstal FN Evolys machine gun was first introduced in 2021, with its patents traced back to 2017. In 2021, FN Herstal released a promotional video announcing a "New Chapter" for a revolutionary ultralight machine gun designed for modern warfare. This lightweight machine gun is available in two versions, chambered for 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm ammunition.
The Evolys is an evolution of the Minimi, which initially started as a 7.62×51mm in the 1970s. Over time, the Minimi transformed into several variants, including the M249, MK46, MK48, and now the MK3 from Herstal. This extensive experience with lightweight machine guns has culminated in the development of the Evolys Ultralight Machine Gun.
The FN Evolys is a gas-operated belt-fed machine gun that employs a short-stroke piston system with a rotating bolt dual-lug locking mechanism and fires from the bolt-open position. The weapon's ammunition is fed from the left side via a patented side-opening feed system, which holds the belt at a 45-degree angle feed design. One interesting aspect is that it ejects the last link of the belt automatically, eliminating the need to clear it by hand, which speeds up reloads.
This unique feed system was developed to circumvent mounting enablers to a top feed tray cover. Some weapons have offered alternative architectures by positioning the feed functions either in the bottom part of the weapon (such as the HK 21 and HK 23, XM 248 machine guns, Russian RPL-21, and others) or on the side of the weapon with a vertical feed channel (the United States 7.92mm experimental light machine gun T44 with lateral feed or the Russian PU-2 experimental light machine gun.
These two present alternatives have major drawbacks regarding belt-changing operations and malfunction resolution. When the feed takes place from the bottom, the accessibility of the belt advancing elements and the chamber is very limited, complicating the empty chamber checking operations and resolving problems linked to the feed or extraction.
The FN Evolys features a one-piece aluminum receiver but does not have a quick-change barrel. Instead, it has an easy-change barrel system that allows for swapping or replacing barrels. All controls on the weapon are designed to be ambidextrous.
The FN Evolys combines the combat capabilities of a machine gun with the dimensions of an assault rifle, representing a new concept for an ultralight machine gun. It merges the firing power of a belt-fed machine gun with the ergonomics and balance commonly found in assault rifles. It combines the FN Scar and the FN Minimi, which is evident when disassembling the weapon. However, I noticed that the piston assembly has a track on the side similar to the PKM to drive the feed arm.
The Evolys machine gun is available in two models, differentiated by their chamberings. The 5.56x45mm model with a 14” barrel weighs 12.12 lbs (5.5 kg). In comparison, the model with a 16” 7.62x51mm barrel weighs 13.67 lbs (6.2 kg).
The Evolys was developed using an aluminum receiver, some additive manufacturing and 3D-printed components, and polymers. Compared to competing models, this machine gun achieves up to a 30% reduction in weight. A carbon fiber bipod and a non-quick-change barrel also contribute to the overall weight reduction. Currently, the only lighter-weight machine gun on the market is the Russian 5.45x39mm RPL-20.
Both models have a rate of fire of approximately 750 rounds per minute. The effective firing range of the machine gun is 800 meters for the 5.56mm caliber and 1,000 meters for the 7.62x51mm caliber.
Some of the upgrades USSOCOM recommended for the MK48 Mod 1 were incorporated into the design of the FN Evolys, such as the non-quick-change barrel to minimize dispersion and a passive barrel cooling system for improved heat mitigation to increase the barrel's service life. The Evolys are designed to use the Ase Utra Dual 556-BL MG suppressor and the 7.62x51 Dual 762-BL MG suppressor.
Several countries have expressed interest in the FN Evolys machine gun, including the UK, which may be considering it for a new Ranger Regiment. France's special forces are also looking at this weapon. The British Army has placed an order for testing. The British armed forces have recognized their mistake in discontinuing the L110A2/3 LMG, the FN Herstal Minimi light machine gun. As I believe every infantry fireteam needs a belt-fed machine gun.
Thoughts
For an infantryman, weight is everything, making FN's efforts to reduce the weight of their machine guns particularly interesting. A lighter machine gun enhances maneuverability, a critical aspect of combat tactics. This weight reduction allows the gunner to swiftly transition from a prone firing position to assaulting an objective. Ultimately, a lightweight machine gun offers the gunner increased versatility and the ability to maneuver more effectively. But this raises a question, as everything is a trade-off: what features were given up to accommodate such a light design? Does the weapon retain the suppressive fire capability of at least the FN Minimi?
The FN Evoly features a remarkably lightweight barrel with no quick-change barrel, which positions it more as an assault light machine gun. This design choice limits its suppressive fire capability, making it more suitable for special units rather than large armies. Big Army requires increased suppressive fire capability to engage a target and maneuver on objectives effectively.
Sources:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11879702B2
https://patents.google.com/patent/USD979004S1
Microsoft PowerPoint - NDIA-MK48-Brief2016-2MayPubRel [Compatibility Mode]
Lynndon Schooler is an open-source weapons intelligence professional with a background as an infantryman in the US Army. His experience includes working as a gunsmith and production manager in firearm manufacturing, as well as serving as an armorer, consultant, and instructor in nonstandard weapons. His articles have been published in Small Arms Review and the Small Arms Defence Journal. https://www.instagram.com/lynndons
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I'd hate to be near any LMG with a 16" barrel that is blasting away with 7.62 NATO ammo.
This is a system designed for infantry and SOF not vehicle mounted. So it makes compromises based on that to keep weight down.