AW50F Anti-Materiel Rifle

DEFENCE has acquired a 12.7mm anti-materiel rifle, adding to the marksman's arsenal. The weapon selected from the trial is the AW50F – that is, Accuracy Weapon .50cal Folding Stock.

It is made by Accuracy International of Great Britain and fires a multitude of ammunition, including the new NM140 multi-purpose ammunition.

The rifle's primary role is anti-materiel – light vehicles, radar installations, ammunition dumps – anything that can be engaged from long distances. It is a stand-off weapon system.

While the weapon is made in Great Britain, there is an Australian component – the barrel is manufactured by Madco in Toowoomba, Queensland.

Trials staff said the weight of the weapon was balanced against its offensive capacity during the selection process

It is a 15kg weapon system and the 12.7mm ammunition is not light, which is the down side. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks and include the strike capability and the long range of the weapon.

The rifle has surprisingly little recoil. There is a muzzle brake on the front that absorbs most of the recoil and a hydraulic buffer system in the butt that absorbs the rest.

.50cal NM140 round

The sight on the AW50F is the same as the SR98 and a night firing device is also available.

As part of the acquisition of the anti-materiel rifle, the ADF has brought into service a new 12.7mm round.

The operational ammunition is made by a company called Nammo and is known as NM140.

This is a multi-purpose round that allows Army to engage the full target array, which includes light armoured vehicles, field fortifications and boats.

The match-grade ammunition is a combination of penetrator, HE and an incendiary effect all in one round.