FN P90

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P90
FN-P90.JPG
FN P90 LV/LIR with empty magazine
Type Personal defense weapon
Land of Origin Belgium
Specifications
Length 500 mm (19.7 in)
Barrel length 263 mm (10.4 in)
Weight
  • 2.54 kg (5.60 lb) empty[1]
  • 2.68 kg (5.9 lb) empty magazine[2]
  • 3.0 kg (6.6 lb) loaded magazine[2]
    • Width 55 mm (2.2 in)
    Height 210 mm (8.3 in)
    Cartridge 5.7x28mm
    Action Straight blowback, closed bolt
    Rate of Fire 900 RPM (cyclic)
    Muzzle velocity
  • 850 m/s (2,800 ft/s) (SS90)[2]
  • 715 m/s (2,350 ft/s) (SS190)[1]
    • Effective Range 200 m (655 ft)[3]
    Max. Range 1,800 m (5,905 ft)[3]
    Feed 50-round detachable box magazine
    Sights Tritium-illuminated reflex sight, back-up iron sights
    Service History
    In service 1991–present
    Used by See Users
    Wars
  • Gulf War
  • Afghanistan War
  • Iraq War
    • Production History
    Design Date 1986–1990
    Manufacturer FN Herstal
    Produced 1990–present
    Variants See Variants:
  • P90
  • P90 TR
  • P90 USG
  • P90 LV/LIR
  • PS90
    • The FN P90 is a selective fire personal defense weapon (PDW) designed and manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium.[1] The P90's name is an abbreviation of FN's Project 9.0—the weapon was created in response to NATO requests for a replacement for 9x19mm Parabellum firearms. It was designed as a compact but powerful firearm for vehicle drivers, operators of crew-served weapons, support personnel, special forces and counter-terrorist groups.

    The P90 has a futuristic (some would say bizarre) appearance. It features a compact bullpup design and ambidextrous controls, and incorporates several innovations such as the top-mounted magazine and FN's high velocity 5.7x28mm ammunition. The P90 was developed between 1986 and 1990. A P90 TR variant was then introduced in 1999, featuring a triple rail interface system for mounting accessories. Since 2005, the P90 has also been offered to civilian shooters as the PS90, a semi-automatic sporting model with a lengthened barrel.

    By 2003, the P90 was in use with military and police forces in over 25 countries worldwide.[4] In the United States, the P90 is currently in use with over 200 law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service. The PS90 sporting model has also become popular with civilian shooters.[5]

    Contents

    History

    The P90 was developed by FN between 1986 and 1990 in conjunction with the 5.7x28mm cartridge. FN's goal was to replace the pistol-caliber submachine guns which were in use at the time by military and law enforcement personnel, as it had become evident that such weapons were ineffective against body armor.[2]

    Initially the weapon was designed to use a 5.7x28mm cartridge called the SS90.[2] The SS90 propelled a 1.5-g (23 gr) plastic-core projectile from the P90 at a muzzle velocity of roughly 850 m/s (2,800 ft/s).[2] The first prototypes firing this ammunition were completed in 1987, and over 3,000 submachine guns were produced in this configuration until 1993, in a low-rate trial production mode.[6] Shortly after its introduction, the weapon was adopted and used in service with the Belgian special forces group in the 1991 Gulf War.

    Following the P90's introduction, FN revised the 5.7x28mm ammunition and abandoned the SS90 variation.[2] The new variation, designated the SS190, used a projectile 2.7mm (0.11") shorter in length than that of the SS90.[2] This allowed it to be used more conveniently in the 5.7x28mm FN Five-seven pistol, which was under development at that time.[7] This projectile also had a heavier weight and more conventional construction containing an aluminium core and steel penetrator.[2][8][9] A modified version of the P90 with a magazine adapted to use the shortened ammunition was introduced in 1993. Several special cartridge variations were also developed, such as the L191 tracer round and the subsonic SB193 bullet for use with a sound-suppressed P90.[8]

    Further development of the P90 platform led to the creation of the P90 TR variant, which has a MIL-STD-1913 top rail system. This variant was introduced in 1999 and continues to be offered alongside the standard P90. More recently, the P90 has been offered to civilian shooters, in various configurations, as the PS90. This is a semi-automatic sporting carbine with a lengthened 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel.[10]

    Design details

    The P90 is a selective fire straight blowback-operated weapon, that fires from a closed bolt.[11][1][2] The return mechanism consists of two parallel spring guide rods that also guide the bolt carrier assembly. The weapon's 263-mm (10.39 in) hammer-forged steel barrel is fitted with a ported, diagonally cut flash suppressor that also acts as a recoil compensator.[12]

    Photo of a disassembled PS90, showing the major component groups: 1. trigger group, 2. barrel and optical sight assembly, 3. butt plate, 4. magazine, 5. bolt carrier and recoil assembly, 6. stock body and trigger.
    A disassembled PS90, showing the major component groups: 1. trigger group, 2. barrel and optical sight assembly, 3. butt plate, 4. magazine, 5. bolt carrier and recoil assembly, 6. stock body and trigger. The standard P90 disassembles into similar main components.

    The P90 is designed in the bullpup configuration, in that the action and magazine are located behind the trigger and alongside the shooter's face. This reduces the firearm's overall length, because there is no wasted space in the buttstock as in conventional designs. The P90 is fully ambidextrous — it can be operated by right or left-handed shooters with equal ease, and without making any modifications to the weapon. The charging handle, auxiliary fixed sights and magazine release are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the firearm. The manual fire selector below the trigger can be operated from either side. Spent cartridge casings are ejected downward through a chute located aft of the pistol grip, keeping fired cases out of the shooter's line of sight.[11][2]

    The pistol grip has a thumbhole and oversized trigger guard that acts as the forward grip, and a protrusion is incorporated into the front of the weapon's stock to prevent the user from accidentally reaching out in front of the muzzle during firing.[2] The P90 is a modular firearm and consists of 69 parts that disassemble into four main groups: the barrel with integrated sight assembly, the receiver with return mechanism, the stock body with trigger and firing mechanism, and the magazine. The weapon's design makes extensive use of polymers and lightweight alloys to reduce both the weight and the cost of the weapon.[2]

    The P90 uses an internal hammer striking mechanism and a trigger mechanism with a three-position rotary dial fire control selector, located at the foot of the trigger. The fire selector also provides a manual safety against accidental firing. The dial has three settings: "S" – safe, "1" – semi-automatic fire, and "A" – fully automatic fire. When set on "A", the selector provides a two-stage trigger operation similar to that of the Steyr AUG. Pulling the trigger back slightly produces semi-automatic fire and pulling the trigger fully to the rear produces fully automatic fire.[11][2] The "safe" setting disables the trigger.

    Ammunition

    Main article: 5.7x28mm
    Photo of three 5.7x28mm cartridges as used in the P90. The left cartridge has a plain hollow tip, the center cartridge has a red plastic V-max tip, and the right cartridge has a blue plastic V-max tip.
    5.7x28mm cartridges as used in the P90 and sporting models

    Particularly significant to the design of the P90 is the small caliber, high velocity bottlenecked cartridge it uses. The 5.7x28mm cartridge was created by FN in response to NATO requests for a replacement for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. The cartridge weighs 6.0 g (93 grains), roughly half as much as a typical 9x19mm cartridge, allowing extra ammunition to be carried more easily.[13][14][15] The 5.7x28mm cartridge produces considerable muzzle blast and flash, but it produces roughly 30 percent less recoil than the 9x19mm cartridge, improving controllability.[14][15] It also exhibits an exceptionally flat trajectory.[14][16]

    One of the design intents of the SS190 variation of this cartridge (not sporting variations) was that it have the ability to penetrate Kevlar protective vests, such as the NATO CRISAT vest, that will stop conventional pistol bullets.[15] The 5.7x28mm SS190 variation is capable of penetrating the CRISAT vest at a range of 200 m (655 ft).[15] It is also capable of penetrating a Level IIIA Kevlar vest at the same range.[16]

    FN states that the P90 has an effective range of 200 m (655 ft) and a maximum range of 1,800 m (5,905 ft).[3] In testing in 1999 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the SS190 fired from the P90 at a distance of 25 m (82 ft) exhibited an average penetration depth of 25 cm (9.85 in) in ballistic gelatin covered with a Level II vest.[17] In testing done by Houston Police Department SWAT, the SS190 fired from the P90 typically exhibited 28 to 34 cm (11 to 13.5 in) penetration in bare ballistic gelatin.[16] The SS190 and similar 5.7x28mm projectiles have been shown to turn base over point ("tumble") in testing in ballistic gelatin and other media, using the 21.6-mm (.85 in) projectile length[18] to create a larger wound cavity.[1][13][16][19][20] However, some are skeptical of the bullet's terminal performance, and it is a subject of debate among civilian shooters in the United States.[20]

    The 5.7x28mm projectiles are statistically safer than others, because the projectile designs limit overpenetration and the projectiles have a low risk of ricochet.[9][17][19] Since the SS190 projectile does not rely on fragmentation or the expansion of a hollow point, the cartridge (and 5.7x28mm weapons) are considered suitable for military use under the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, which prohibit use of expanding or fragmenting bullets in warfare.[20]

    The circular bulge at the end of the magazine

    Feeding

    The P90 uses a unique horizontally-mounted feeding system that was patented in the United States. U.S. Patent 4,905,394 ("Top mounted longitudinal magazine") was awarded in 1990, naming René Predazzer as the sole inventor.[21] To allow the shooter to conveniently check the amount of ammunition remaining, the box magazine is composed of translucent polymer. The magazine is mounted parallel to the barrel, fitting flush with the top of the receiver. It contains 50 rounds, which lie in two rows pointed at a right angle to the barrel. As the cartridges are pushed forward by spring pressure and arrive at the end of the magazine, they are fed as a single row into a spiral feed ramp and rotated 90 degrees, aligning them with the chamber.[1][2]

    Sights and accessories

    The P90 was originally equipped with an unmagnified HC-14-62 reflex sight from Ring Sights, which enabled quick target acquisition up to 150 m (490 ft) and operation in low-level lighting conditions due to a tritium-illuminated aiming reticle. The current P90 is fitted with the Ring Sights MC-10-80 sight, which was designed specifically for the weapon.[1] It uses a forward-aimed fiber optic collector to illuminate the daytime reticle, which consists of a large circle of about 180 Minutes of arc (MOA), with a 20 MOA circle surrounding a dot in the center. The night reticle consists of an open "T" that is primarily illuminated by a tritium module or moonlight and ambient light drawn in by an upward-facing collector. The sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation and can be used with night vision equipment. Auxiliary fixed iron sights are provided on both sides of the receiver's cast aluminium optical sight housing.[1]

    The P90 has provisions for mounting a number of different types of accessories, including tactical lights and laser aiming modules. It can also be fitted with various sound suppressors such as the Gemtech SP90, which was designed specifically for the P90. This stainless steel suppressor with a black oxide finish has a length of 200 mm (7.9 in), a diameter of 40 mm (1.6 in) and a weight 400 g (0.88 lb). When proper ammunition is used, it reduces the sound signature of the weapon by 33 dB.[3][22]

    Variants

    P90 TR
    The P90 TR (Triple Rail) variant was introduced in 1999.[4] It features a receiver-mounted triple MIL-STD-1913 rail interface system, or "Triple Rail". There is one full-length rail on the top of the base and two rail stumps on the sides of the receiver. The side rails serve to mount accessories such as laser aiming devices or flashlights, while the integrated top rail will accept various optics with no tools or additional mounting hardware required.[12]
    P90 USG
    The P90 USG (United States Government) variant is similar to the standard P90 with the exception of a revised optic system, developed based on input from the United States Secret Service and other government agencies. The aluminium sight uses a non-magnified black reticle that does not require ambient light.[23]
    P90 Laserex models
    The P90 LV (Laser Visible) and P90 LIR (Laser Infrared) models add an integrated visible laser sight or infrared sight, respectively. They were introduced in late 1995.[24] Both units are manufactured by the Australian company Laserex Technologies. The laser's power switch is a green button located under the trigger grip. The lasers have three internal settings: "off" – to prevent accidental activation, "low-intensity" – for combat training and extended battery life, and "high-intensity" – for maximum visibility.[25]
    The PS90 is a sporting carbine designed for civilian shooters. Here, an OD green PS90 is equipped with a sling.

    PS90 sporting models

    The PS90 is a semi-automatic sporting version designed for the civilian market and introduced in late 2005.[10][26] It has an extended 407mm (16 in) barrel, an olive drab or black synthetic stock body, and an MC-10-80 reflex sight identical to that of the standard P90. The overall length of the PS90 is 667 mm (26.3 in). The barrel has eight rifling grooves with a right-hand twist rate of 1:178 mm (1:7 in), and a rifled length of 376 mm (14.8 in). It is equipped with a fixed "birdcage" type flash suppressor.
    The PS90's MC-10-80 sight can be removed and replaced with a special top rail for mounting third party optics, and the receiver assembly is drilled and tapped to accept accessory Picatinny rails on either side. The trigger pull is rated at approximately 31 to 36 N (7 to 8 lbf).[27] The PS90 weighs 2.9 kg (6.4 lb) empty and 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) with a fully loaded 50-round magazine.[26] It accepts the standard 50-round P90 magazines, but it is sold with a 10 or 30-round magazine, depending on local and state regulations.
    PS90 TR
    The PS90 TR uses a "Triple Rail" receiver assembly in the same fashion as the P90 TR. The standard back-up iron sights are no longer present, and instead, the top of the receiver is machined to form a Picatinny rail. Two plastic side-rails are included for mounting lasers or tactical flashlights. Like the standard PS90, the PS90 TR is available with either an olive-drab or black stock body.
    PS90 USG
    Another sporting variant is the PS90 USG. In the same fashion as the standard P90 USG, this variant replaces the PS90's MC-10-80 reflex sight with an unmagnified sight that has a black ring aiming reticle. Like other sporting models, the PS90 USG is offered with either an olive-drab or black stock body.
    The Cypriot National Guard purchased 350 P90s in 2000. Here, a P90 LV/LIR is seen being carried during a military parade in Larnaca.

    Users

    Despite being originally intended as a defensive weapon for military personnel whose primary role is not fighting with small arms (such as vehicle drivers), most sales of the P90 have actually been to special forces and counter-terrorist groups who use it for offensive roles. The P90 first saw operational use in the 1991 Gulf War, with the Belgian special forces group. In 1997, suppressed P90s were used by the Peruvian special forces group (Grupo de Fuerzas Especiales; GRUFE) in the rescue of hostages in the Japanese embassy hostage crisis known as Operation Chavín de Huantar. By 2003, the P90 was in use by military and police forces in over 25 countries worldwide.

    In the United States, Houston Police Department was the first local law enforcement agency to adopt the P90, acquiring it for their SWAT team in 1999. In 2003, the Houston SWAT team also became one of the first agencies in the country to use the weapon operationally in a shooting. By 2009, the P90 was in use with over 200 law enforcement agencies in the United States, including the Secret Service and Federal Protective Service. In response, the National Rifle Association added the P90 and PS90 to its NRA Tactical Police Competition standards, allowing law enforcement agencies to compete in the event using either weapon.[28] Military and law enforcement organizations using the P90 include:

    Resources

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    See also

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. London: Salamander Books Ltd.. ISBN 9781840652451.
    2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 Marchington, James (2004). The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons. Miami: Lewis International, Inc.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Jones, Richard D.; Ness, Leland S., eds (January 27, 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35th ed.). Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 9780710628695.
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gourley, S.; Kemp, I (November 26, 2003). "The Duellists". Jane's Defence Weekly (ISSN: 02653818), Volume 40 Issue 21, pp 26–28.
    5. ↑ Fortier, David M (June 10, 2009). "Another caliber for your AR: 5.7x28mm". Shotgun News.
    6. ↑ "New P90 Round Puts FN on Road to the Next NATO Standard". International Defense Review (Switzerland), Volume 26 Issue 8 (August 1, 1993).
    7. ↑ The 5.56 X 45mm Timeline: 1990–1994. Watters, Daniel E., The Gun Zone
    8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 FNH USA Ammunition – FN 5.7x28mm. FNH USA
    9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 FNH USA 2008 Product Catalog - 5.7x28mm Ammunition
    10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 FNH USA Semi-Automatic Carbines — PS90. FNH USA
    11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Hogg, Ian (2002). Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Jane's Recognition Guides. Glasgow: Jane's Information Group and Collins Press. ISBN 9780007127603.
    12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 FN Tactical Weapons – FN P90. FNH USA
    13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named dettyTL2008
    14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Big Scale Progress for Small Arms. Global Defence Review, 2002
    15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Fortier, David. Military Ammo Today. Handguns Magazine, 2008
    16. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named wall2003
    17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Cutshaw, Charlie (May 2006). "FN Herstal's Five-seveN Pistol". Tactical Response.
    18. ↑ Sterett, Larry S. =FN 5.7mm Five-seveN Pistol Makes Civilian Model Debut. Gun Week, 2005
    19. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named humphries2008
    20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Bahde, Dave. [FNH Five-seveN ODG 5.7×28mm. Combat Handguns, November 2009
    21. ↑ U.S. Patent 4,905,394 (Top mounted longitudinal magazine), United States Patent and Trademark Office
    22. ↑ Gemtech SP-90 suppressor. Jane's Infantry Weapons, May 22, 2008
    23. ↑ [FN Tactical Weapons – FN P90 USG. [[FNH USA]
    24. ↑ "Revolution in Slow Motion". International Defense Review (Switzerland), Volume 29 Issue 1, pp 13–14 (January 01, 1996).
    25. ↑ FN P90 Laser Target Designator. Remtek, 1999
    26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Detty, Mike. FNH USA PS90 Carbine. Police Magazine, January 01, 2008
    27. ↑ Rodriguez, Greg. FN's Fun 5.7 Firepower. Shooting Times
    28. ↑ NRA Adds FN 5.7x28mm Caliber Firearms to Tactical Police Competition Standards. FNH USA


    External links

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