The answer to the question of
changing military operational requirements came with the advent of
sub-machine guns (SMGs) in the early 18th century as it combined the
advantages of pistols - agility and convenience - with the accuracy of
full-sized rifles.
Since the first SMG - the Italian Villar
Perosa - SMGs and their designs have evolved many times to meet the
ever-changing requirements for the infantryman's primary weapon.
One
such weapon is the Heckler & Koch 417 assault rifle. Designed with
effective stopping power over a longer range than what a traditional
5.56mm rifle is capable of, the HK417 - like most other combat systems
- was one born out of necessity.
Built as required
The
need for a larger calibre weapon developed out of the United States
Army's operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army commanders noticed that
most encounters took place either at very close quarters in urban
environments or over longer distances than what their standard issue
5.56mm weapons were designed for.
While the call for a longer
effective range signalled a need for more powerful rounds, there were
no plans for a medium calibre cartridge. Heckler & Koch (H&K)
then decided to use their already successful HK416 assault rifle as the
backbone for the HK417 and adopted the established 7.62mm NATO
cartridge as the ammunition of choice for the HK417.
In 2004,
prototypes of the HK417 were designed with the focus on retaining the
weapon-handling drills that soldiers were used to and having
maintenance features similar to the M16 and M4 - both established
weapon systems.
The HK417 was the first of H&K's range of
assault rifles that was designed for the addition of a sound suppressor
and it subsequently became the first H&K weapon to feature sound
suppression capabilities without the need for modifications - also as a
result of user demands.
Fully customisable features
The HK417 has a range of features that enables the user to customise the weapon to suit all sorts of operations.
It
can be fitted with a choice of three barrel lengths: 12 inch (305mm),
16 inch (406mm) and 20 inch (508mm), and the changing of barrels is
accomplished by replacing only the barrel assembly group. This ability
to change barrels quickly translates into more time for shooting rather
than fiddling with the rifle's settings.
An gas regulation
system, more commonly known as the silencer, can be fitted on the HK417
gives its shooter an added edge: the option to switch to silent fire
quickly and easily. This is capability, which is crucial in
fast-evolving combat scenarios, is one that most other rifles do not
have.
The free-floating hand guard system - patented by H&K
- allows the shooter to mount accessories such as torches and optical
aiming systems exactly where needed. As its sights are integrated into
the hand guard, there is no need to recalibrate the weapon after
removal or re-installation.
Accommodating shooters of varying
heights, the butt stock on the HK417 can be locked in various
positions. A protected release lever prevents accidental release, as
well as eliminates the risk of snagging on soldiers' uniforms and other
materials. Inside the butt stock, there is a concealed compartment for
batteries, tools and other small objects.
For every terrain
The
HK417's receiver, magazine and action is built in a manner that it will
not malfunction even when heavily fouled with sand or mud.
In
the gas system assembly, the piston and driving rods are built to fit
together tightly and will hardly permit any fouling deposits. To
further prevent malfunctions, dirt particles and waste gases are not
blown into the upper receiver. An optimised slope design in the
magazine well makes changing magazines much easier - something that
users will appreciate while using the weapon in the dark.
The
HK417 is designed to function normally after being submerged due to the
construction of the gas system that minimises entry of particles into
the weapon. It can even be fired from within water safely, according to
H&K. This feature is essential to combat at coastlines, lakes and
rivers where troops are vulnerable to ambush. The HK417 gives its user
the assurance of greater survivability because it is always ready to
fire.
Though the infantryman's primary weapon is considered a
mature technology - a technology that is unlikely to see milestone
changes or radical developments - riflemakers like H&K and their
HK417 prove that there is always room for improvement.