FN EVOLYS
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = FN EVOLYS
| image = FN EVOLYS with bipod left.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = FN EVOLYS with bipod
| origin = Belgium
| type = Light machine gun
| is_ranged = yes
| manufacturer = FN Herstal
| production_date = 2021–present
| weight = ± 5.5 kg/11.025 lb (5.56 mm)
± 6.2 kg/13.227 lb (7.62 mm)
| cartridge = 5.56×45mm NATO
7.62×51mm NATO
| action = Gas operated short-stroke piston, open bolt
| rate = Cyclic rate: 750 RPM
| length = Fully extended: 950mm (37.40")
Fully retracted: 850mm (33.46") (5.56 mm)
Fully extended: 1,025mm (40.35")
Fully retracted: 925mm (36.42") (7.62 mm)
| part_length = 355mm (14") (5.56 mm)
406mm (16") (7.62 mm)
| width = 133 mm (5.56 mm)
135 mm (7.62 mm)
| max_range = 800 m (5.56 mm)
1000 m (7.62 mm)
| feed = 100 or 200 round ammunition belt (5.56 mm)
50 round ammunition belt (7.62 mm)
| ref = {{cite web |title=FN EVOLYS 5.56 |url=https://fnherstal.com/app/uploads/technical-data-fn-evolys-556.pdf |website=FN Herstal}}{{cite web |title=FN EVOLYS 7.62 |url=https://fnherstal.com/app/uploads/technical-data-fn-evolys-762.pdf |website=FN Herstal}}
}}
The FN EVOLYS is a light machine gun designed by FN Herstal in 2021, chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO. The EVOLYS was designed to be lighter and more ergonomic than other machine guns, such as the FN Minimi.
History
On 22 April 2021, FN Herstal created a teaser trailer, showcasing a new machine gun with the title "A New Chapter Begins".{{Cite web|title=FN HERSTAL: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS|url=https://www.teaser.fnherstal.com/en|access-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal|archive-date=2021-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506173506/https://www.teaser.fnherstal.com/en|url-status=dead}} On 6 May 2021 FN Herstal released a 20 minute promotional video, discussing the new design, including its technical aspects, and revealing its name: the EVOLYS.{{Cite web|last=B|first=Eric|date=2021-05-06|title=FN Herstal's New Ultralight Machine Gun: EVOLYS|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/05/06/fn-evolys-new-ultralight-machine-gun/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}} In September 2021, the EVOLYS was first displayed to the public at the Defence and Security Equipment International trade show in London,{{Cite web|title=FN EVOLYS: THE NEW ULTRALIGHT MACHINE GUN BY FN HERSTAL|url=https://www.fnherstal.com/en/news/new-ultralight-machine-gun-fn-evolys|access-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal|language=en}} and it began to enter pre-production the same month.{{Cite web|last=Moss|first=Matthew|date=2021-09-21|title=FIRST LOOK: FN EVOLYS|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/09/21/first-look-fn-evolys/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}
Design
The EVOLYS was designed from the ground up for use in urban warfare, which has become more common, and which holds specific requirements. Rather than taking the base of fire from a squad, the EVOLYS was designed to improve the amount of firepower that could be provided by a single soldier.{{Cite web|title=Events|url=https://www.events.fnherstal.com/en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506164528/https://www.events.fnherstal.com/en|archive-date=2021-05-06|website=FN Herstal}} It is select fire, with the option between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/fn-evolys-the-new-ultralight-machine-gun-by-fn-herstal|access-date=2021-05-06|website=EDR Magazine|language=en-GB}} The EVOLYS uses a lateral feed mechanism with the belt at a 45° angle, and it is fully ambidextrous,{{Cite web|title=The new FN EVOLYS ultralight machine gun for the first time at DSEI|url=https://www.army-technology.com/contractors/machine_guns/fnherstal/pressreleases/fn-evolys-ultralight-machine-gun/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Army Technology}} with all its controls accessible on both its sides, and it can be loaded with one hand.{{Cite web|title=FN Herstal unveils Evolys multipurpose machine gun|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/fn-herstal-unveil-multipurpose-machine-gun-fn-evol/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Shephard Media|language=en}}
The firing operation is unusual as it uses an open bolt, firing with a separate hammer upside down inside the upper receiver. This prevents accidents and runaways as even if the bolt moves forward, it won't fire unless the hammer is released by a trigger pull.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS|url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/belgium-machineguns/fn-evolys-2/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Modern Firearms|language=en}} A single accessory rail mounted on the top of the receiver allows for the mounting of various optics, allowing for better target acquisition.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-06|title=FN EVOLYS: the new ultralight machine gun by FN Herstal|url=https://fragoutmag.com/fn-evolys-new-ultralight-machine-gun-fn-herstal/|access-date=2021-05-06|website=Frag Out! Magazine|language=en-US}} Previous machine gun designs had to use multiple rails, which were not integral to the receiver, making the attachment and usage of optics more difficult. Due to the increased use of suppressors, the EVOLYS was designed to be capable of having a suppressor permanently fitted without it affecting the weapon's performance.{{Cite web|last=Eger|first=Chris|title=FN Debuts New, Ultralight, Evolys Machine Gun Series|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2021/05/14/fn-debuts-new-ultralight-evolys-machine-gun-series|access-date=2021-05-18|website=Guns.com|language=en}}
The EVOLYS was constructed using 3D printing and polymers, which help to reduce its weight. At {{Convert|5.5|kg|lb}}, the EVOLYS is up to 30% lighter than competing machine guns such as the FN Minimi.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-09|title=POTD: FN EVOLYS Ultralight Machine Gun|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/06/09/potd-fn-evolys-ultralight-machine-gun/|access-date=2021-06-10|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}} The EVOLYS is chambered for 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm, with 6.5mm Creedmoor and .260 Remington variants in development for potential use by special forces.
Users
- {{BEL}}: Belgian Armed Forces: 20 EVOLYS bought for evaluation purposes.{{cite web | url=https://www.forcesoperations.com/la-mitrailleuse-fn-evolys-bientot-evaluee-par-la-defense-belge/ | title=La mitrailleuse FN Evolys bientôt évaluée par la Défense belge | date=26 April 2023 }}
- {{FRA}}: French Special Forces {{Cite web|last=Forkert|first=André|date=2022-01-06|title=Ultraleichte Maschinengewehre: Französische Spezialkräfte erhalten FN EVOLYS|url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2022/01/bewaffnung/29673/ultraleichte-maschinengewehre-franzoesische-spezialkraefte-erhalten-fn-evolys/|access-date=2022-01-10|website=Soldat & Technik|language=de-DE}} {{Cite web|last=Boguslavsky|first=Eyal|date=2022-01-08|title=French Special Forces are Equip with the New Light Machine Gun FN EVOLYS|url=https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/53261|access-date=2022-01-10|website=Israel Defense|language=en}}
- {{UK}}: British Army for test purposes
- {{USA}}: United States Army for test purposes in Next Generation Squad Weapon Program{{Cite web|url=https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pro-zone/fn-america-will-produce-two-prototypes-for-the-us-army/|title = FN to produce two prototypes for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle program| date=August 2018 }}{{Cite web|url=https://fnamerica.com/press-releases/fn-selected-produce-two-prototype-options-u-s-army-next-generation-squad-automatic-rifle-program/|title = FN Down-Selected to Produce Two Prototype Options for U.S. Army Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle Program|date = 16 July 2018}}