CAR 816
{{Short description|Assault rifle}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name = Caliber 5.56 mm, CAR 816
|image = File:CAR 816.jpg
|image_size = 300
|caption = CAR 816 assault rifle with mounted aiming optic and vertical forward grip
|origin = United Arab Emirates
|type = Assault rifle
Carbine
Personal defense weapon
|is_ranged = yes
|service = 2014–present
|used_by = See Users below
|wars = Saudi-led intervention in Yemen
|designer =
|design_date =
|manufacturer = Caracal International
|unit_cost =
|production_date = 2014–present
|number =
|variants =
|spec_label =
|weight = {{convert|3.4|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} 406 mm barrel
{{convert|3.3|kg|abbr=on}} 368 mm barrel
{{convert|3.05|kg|abbr=on}} 267 mm barrel
{{convert|2.92|kg|abbr=on}} 191 mm barrel
|length = {{convert|925|-|840|mm|2|abbr=on}} 406 mm barrel
{{convert|887|-|802|mm|abbr=on}} 368 mm barrel
{{convert|778|-|694|mm|abbr=on}} 267 mm barrel
{{convert|709|-|627|mm|abbr=on}} 191 mm barrel
|part_length = {{convert|406|mm|abbr=on|1}}
{{convert|368|mm|abbr=on|1}}
{{convert|267|mm|abbr=on|1}}
{{convert|191|mm|abbr=on|1}}
|width =
|height =
|diameter =
|crew =
|cartridge = 5.56×45mm NATO
|cartridge_weight =
|caliber = 5.56 mm (.223 in)
|action = Short-stroke piston, rotating bolt
|barrels = 1
|rate = 800 rounds/minute
|velocity = {{convert|850|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}} 406 mm barrel
|range = {{convert|550|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} 406 mm barrel
|max_range =
|feed = 30-round detachable STANAG magazine
|sights = Iron sights or various optics
}}
The CAR 816, also called Caracal Sultan or simply Sultan, is a 5.56×45mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed assault rifle that is produced by Caracal International in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Namesake
The rifle is called Sultan in memory of the Emirati Colonel Sultan Mohammed Ali al-Kitbi who was killed in action in Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.{{cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/manufacturing/caracal-renames-rifle-after-uae-martyr-1.1982319| title=Caracal renames rifle after UAE martyr| publisher= Gulf News|date= 21 February 2017| access-date= 3 October 2018}}
History
The Caracal CAR 816 shares lineage to the Heckler & Koch HK416. The principal firearms engineers for the CAR 816 were Robert Hirt and Chris Sirois.
Hirt was instrumental in the development of the HK416. Following his time with Heckler & Koch, Hirt was recruited by SIG Sauer to work with then SIG engineer Chris Sirois on an improved version of the HK416: the SIG Sauer SIG516 (they later designed the SIG716 and SIG MCX/SIG MPX).
Hirt and Sirois were later recruited by Caracal to develop a new rifle iteration that was superior to both the HK416 and SIG516 series. From this, the CAR 816 series was created.{{Cite web|url=https://smallarmssolutions.com/home/caracal-wins-india-556mm-rifle-contract|title=Caracal Wins India 5.56mm Rifle Contract|website=Small Arms Solutions, LLC}}{{cite web|url=https://www.israelifirepower.com/2019/11/23/car816-car-816-assault-rifle-uae-caracal/| title=Global Arms: Car816 assault rifle – UAE's lethal desert killer| publisher=israelifirepower.com| access-date= 2020-09-19}}{{cite web | url=https://smallarmsreview.com/the-sig-mcx-multi-caliber-carbine-a-proper-way-to-design-an-external-piston-ar/ | title=The Sig MCX Multi Caliber Carbine: A Proper Way to Design an External Piston AR - Small Arms Review | date=September 2016 }}{{cite web | url=https://smallarmssolutions.com/home/caracal-wins-india-556mm-rifle-contract | title=Caracal Wins India 5.56mm Rifle Contract - Small Arms Solutions | date=October 2018 }}
Design
File:PISTONM16.gif{{Main|AR-15–style rifle}}
The CAR 816 is a gas operated, select fire assault rifle with ambidextrous controls that fires from a closed rotary bolt.
The CAR 816 is based on the AR-15 platform ergonomic architecture, but uses a short-stroke gas piston operating system (unlike the AR-15's piston-operated gas impingement system) with a user-adjustable gas system.
With the help of the three position regulator (normal, adverse conditions and suppressor/silencer settings), the gas system can be adjusted to function reliably with various propellant, projectile, fouling, operating environment and configuration specific pressure behavior.
The rifle shares most components with the M4 arms family, with a few exceptions.
The CAR 816 uses a proprietary bolt carrier and a special tungsten granules containing buffer to manage bolt carrier bounce and soften recoil.
The chamber is modified, so the rifle is over-the-beach capable to let the CAR 816 fire safely as quickly as possible after being submerged in water.{{cite news|url=http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/the-caracal-car816-the-new-desert-assault-rifle/| title=The Caracal CAR816: The New Desert Assault Rifle| publisher= sadefensejournal.com|date= 2016-09-02| access-date= 2020-10-10}}
The M4 carbine profile hammer forged chrome lined barrel has a {{convert|178|mm|abbr=on|1}} twist rate and features a standard A2-style flash suppressor at its muzzle end.
All lower receiver components are interchangeable with the M4 arms family. The amount of movement between the upper and lower receiver is minimized by a tension tube.
= Stock =
The CAR 816 handguard features four STANAG 2324/MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails. These allow for direct accessory attachment onto the rail mounting points, and can be removed without the usage of tools.
The shoulder stock is a telescoping 6 position type stock which is adjustable for length of pull.
= Trigger =
= Sights =
The CAR 816 basic version features rail mounted flip up rear and front iron sights.
The integrated rail on the upper receiver and its continuation on the handguard at the 12 o'clock position allows for the adaptation of various aiming optics.
= Feeding =
The CAR 816 features a Draft STANAG 4179 compliant magazine well and is fed with STANAG magazines with a standard capacity of 30 rounds. Other STANAG compatible box and drum magazines can be used.
= Fire selector =
Variants
The weapon is available in semi-automatic and select-fire configurations with four barrel lengths and differing manufacturer stated effective ranges:{{Cite web|url=https://products-webfiles.edgegroup.ae/s3fs-public/2023-08/caracal-car-816-en-flyer-18-08-23.pdf|title=CAR 816 brochure}}
= CAR816 personal defence weapon =
PDW variant with a {{convert|191|mm|abbr=on|1}} barrel; effective range {{convert|200|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
= CAR816 compact =
Compact variant with a {{convert|267|mm|abbr=on|1}} barrel; effective range {{convert|300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
= CAR816 carbine =
Carbine variant with a {{convert|368|mm|abbr=on|1}} barrel; effective range {{convert|480|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}
= CAR816 carbine/assault rifle =
Assault rifle variant with a {{convert|406|mm|abbr=on|1}} barrel; effective range {{convert|550|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/car_816.htm| title=CAR 816| publisher= military-todaycom|access-date= 3 October 2018}}{{dead link|date=December 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
= CAR816 A2 =
The Caracal CAR816 A2 is a semi-automatic only export version produced in the United States by Caracal USA.
It is built to exceed the NATO test protocols; “Bore Obstruction” and “Over the Beach” testing.
It features some minor alterations (M-LOK rails at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock on the handguard and a button cut and QPQ treated steel modified M4 contour barrel) to better meet civilian market preferences in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://smallarmssolutions.com/home/it-is-finally-here-the-caracal-car816-a2| title=It is Finally Here! The Caracal CAR816 A2 | publisher=smallarmssolutions.com |access-date= 2020-09-19}}{{cite web|url=https://www.arbuildjunkie.com/caracal-car816-improved-hk-416/| title=Caracal CAR816 A2 – An Improved H&K 416? | date=13 March 2019 | publisher=arbuildjunkie.com |access-date= 2020-09-19}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ontargetmagazine.com/2023/11/caracal-car816-a2-sbr/| title=Caracal CAR816 A2 SBR | date= | publisher=ontargetmagazine.com |access-date= 2023-03-07}}
Adoption
The CAR 816 is the primary infantry assault rifle of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.{{cite news |date=26 February 2015 |title=UAE firearms manufacturer Caracal sees huge growth potential |url=https://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/automotives/uae-firearms-manufacturer-caracal-sees-huge-growth-potential-1.1463475 |access-date=3 October 2018 |publisher=Gulf News}}
The rifleS supplied to the UAE armed forces bears an engraving honoring Colonel Sultan Mohammed Ali al-Kitbi.
Due to their complete manufacture in the United Arab Emirates, the arms are not subject to United States’ imposed International Traffic in Arms Regulations, whilst sharing most components with the M4 arms family extensively used by the US Armed Forces.
Users
= Current users =
- {{flag|Ethiopia}}
- Carbine variant
- Used by the Republican Guard.{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Emirati Small Arms in Ethiopia |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/10/emirati-small-arms-in-ethiopia.html |website=Oryx Blog |date=4 October 2021}}
- {{flag|South Korea}}
- Reported to be used by ROK UDT/SEAL teams.{{cite web | url=https://sadefensejournal.com/show-report-adex-2023/ | title=Show Report: ADEX 2023 – Small Arms Defense Journal }}
- {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
- 80,000 assault rifles.{{Cite web |title=UAE's Caracal has huge growth potential |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uae/gulf-news/20150227/282432757608018 |access-date=2022-07-06 |via=PressReader}}
- {{flag|Indonesia}}
- Reported to be used by Kopassus. {{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Hunk471/status/1786587815117291978?t=rnzBwaNuksOUzqDTzsWzQg&s=19|title=Hunk47 (@Hunk471) on X}}
- {{flag|Malaysia}}
- Will be assembled and produced locally by Ketech Asia.{{cite web|title= Is the Malaysian Army on the Verge of Adopting the CAR 816 Rifle ??|publisher=Defence Security Asia |date=23 July 2023|url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/is-the-malaysian-army-on-the-verge-of-adopting-the-car-816-rifle/|language=en|access-date=February 23, 2025}}{{cite web|title= EDGE To Produce CAR 816 Assault Rifle In Malaysia Under Ketech Asia Agreement|publisher=www.urdupoint.com|date=February 18, 2025|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/middle-east/edge-to-produce-car-816-assault-rifle-in-mala-1927315.html|language=en|access-date=February 23, 2025}}
= Potential customers =
- {{flag|India}}
- 93,895 carbines were ordered in September 2018, but the order was cancelled in September 2020 in favour of domestically developed carbines under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |title=Carbines, Anti Air Systems for Indian Army to be made in India after MoD cancels import |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/carbines-anti-air-systems-for-indian-army-to-be-made-in-india-after-mod-cancels-import/articleshow/78141347.cms |access-date=2020-09-16 |work=The Economic Times}}
- Later that month Caracal offered to manufacture the weapons in India.{{Cite news |last=Arun |first=Matthew |title=UAE's Caracal Offers to Manufacture CAR 816 Assault Rifles in India |url=https://defpost.com/uaes-caracal-offers-to-manufacture-car-816-assault-rifles-in-india/ |access-date=2020-10-23 |work=DefPost}}{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |title=UAE firm selected for carbines in talks with Indian defence majors to set up plant |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/uae-firm-selected-for-carbines-in-talks-with-indian-defence-majors-to-set-up-plant/articleshow/78621188.cms |access-date=2020-10-23 |work=The Economic Times}}
- However, in 2022, they have responded to a tender for procurement of 4.25 lakh carbines for Indian Armed Forces.{{Cite web |title=Can the Govt's Latest Effort to Acquire Crucial Carbines Pay Off After Multiple Failed Attempts? |url=https://thewire.in/security/can-the-govts-latest-effort-to-acquire-crucial-carbines-pay-off-after-multiple-failed-attempts |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=thewire.in |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-08 |title=UAE based Caracal back in race, responds to Indian Army tenders |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-uae-based-caracal-back-in-race-responds-to-indian-army-tenders-2791102/ |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}
= Failed bids =
- {{flag|South Korea}}
- Considered by Dasan Machineries as a candidate to replace the Daewoo Precision Industries K1 used by the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command.{{Cite web|url=https://www.da-san.co.kr/kor/product001_view.asp?ct1=G01&ct2=G01G01&v_seq=3|title=다산기공(주)|website=www.da-san.co.kr}}
- Instead, Dasan Machineries submitted the DSAR-15PC as a domestic design became a tender requirement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2020/south-korea-special-forces-selects-dasan-machineries-dsar-15p-as-future-assault-rifle|title=South Korea Special Forces select Dasan Machineries DSAR-15P as future|date=June 16, 2020|website=www.armyrecognition.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.da-san.co.kr/eng/product001_view.asp?ct1=G01&ct2=G01G01&v_seq=2|title=DASAN MACHINERIES CO., LTD.|website=www.da-san.co.kr}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category|CAR 816}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20150205232625/http://caracal.ae/ Caracal International LLC.]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20181126152514/http://caracal.ae/product.php?lang=en&product_id=3 CAR 816 manufacturer specifications]
- [https://products-webfiles.edgegroup.ae/s3fs-public/2023-08/caracal-car-816-en-flyer-18-08-23.pdf CAR 816 brochure]
- [https://caracalusa.com/car816/ CAR816 A2 manufacturer specifications (caracalusa.com)]
{{ArmaLite AR-10 derivatives}}
Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles
Category:ArmaLite AR-10 derivatives
Category:Gas-operated firearms