The F88 Austeyr is the Australian Army equivalent of the Austrian Steyr bullpup assault rifle (AUG A1) used the world over. The automatic weapon utilizes the same form and function save for a few changes to suit Australian Army needs. The weapon retains the universally identified Steyr AUG "bullpup" arrangement in which the action and feed are concentrated aft of the pistol grip. In this way, a more compact silhouette is achieved, allowing the weapon to make use of a full-length barrel in the process. Construction is of heavy-duty metals with lightweight plastics to ensure a sound, portable weapon system for the Australian frontline warfighter. The F88 is the standard service rifle for the Australian Army, having been selected over the competing Bushmaster M17S semi-automatic bullpup rifle detailed elsewhere on this site. F88s are manufactured locally under the Thales Lithgow Small Arms Factory brand label.
The F88 differs from its Austrian counterpart in several ways: it has improved support for the NATO-standard SS109 and M855 cartridges through barrel rifling mimicking that as found on the American M16A2 series and also features a full-automatic disabler, support for bayonet mounting (by way of an integrated lug) and a 1.5x power optics set over the receiver (the support structure for the optics doubles as the carrying handle).
Original F88 production marks were designated as "F88 Austeyr" to which then followed the F88C which was a carbine assault model with a 16" length barrel. The F88S-A1 brought about use of a Picatinny rail section over the top of the receiver, effectively replacing the standard 1.5x power sight and allowing broader use of non-standard optics and accessories. The F88S-A1C was the carbine version of the F88S-A1 with the Picatinny rail and retaining the 16" barrel length. The F88 GLA became a grenadier model fitted with the American 40mm M203 Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) unit complete with sighting equipment while lacking the bayonet support of the original. The F88T became a .22 caliber variant intended for infantry shooter training. The F88S-A2 appeared in 2009 as an overall improved F88 form complete with improved gas operation, a lengthened Picatinny top rail section, broadened forend accessory support, a larger ejection port for improved case clearance, and a new desert-color barrel scheme to differentiate the type.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Automatic Function
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.
✓Assault Rifle
Modern class of long gun featuring select-fire properties, automatic internal function, and magazine feeding.
Overall Length
790 mm 31.10 in
Barrel Length
508 mm 20.00 in
Empty Wgt
7.94 lb 3.60 kg
Sights
Optics Support.
Action
Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt; Select-Fire
Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.
Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
5.56x45mm NATO
Sample Visuals**
Rounds / Feed
32-round detachable box magazine
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
980 ft (299 m | 327 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
700 rds/min
Muzzle Velocity
3,180 ft/sec (969 m/sec)
F88 Austeyr - Base Series Designation; original models based on Steyr AUG A1.
F88C - Carbine form with 16" barrel
F88S-A1 - Introduction of Picatinny rail section over receiver.
F88S-A1C - Carbine form of F88S-A1
F88 GLA - Grenadier model with underslung 40mm M203 grenade launcher; sans bayonet support.
F88T - Trainer variant in .22 caliber
F88S-A2 - Modernized F88S-A1; improved gas system; improved support for U.S.-originated ammunition; enlarged ejection port; increased over-receiver Picatinny rail section; forend accessories support.
EF88 ("Enhanced F88") - Proposed F88 replacement as part of the LAND 125 Soldier Combat System program.
F90 - Export designation for EF88 development
F88 DSTO "Advanced Individual Combat Weapon" - Prototype assault weapon based on F88; integrated 40mm grenade launcher; development ceased.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Australia; Philippines
