, the British Army is making a series of small but important improvements to improve the performance of firearms. Previously, the British Army conducted a small-scale test on the SA80 A3 / L85A3. The gun was greatly improved on the basis of the SA80 A2 by Heckler & Koch. At that time, the total contract value was 15 million pounds, or about 137 million yuan.
The August 2020 issue of "British Army Soldiers" published a short article introducing the upcoming improvements to the British Army's rifles. The article pointed out that these improvements were initiated by users and summarized the feedback since the small-scale trial started in 2018.
On August 6, 2018, a soldier of the British Army fired with a SA80 A3 rifle during an endurance test at Taji Base in Iraq. It can be seen that the British Army’s trial phase of the SA80 A3 rifle fully took into account various use environments. The most significant change of
is the transition of the handguard from HKey (Heckler-Koch’s own Key-Mod system) to the M-LOK universal interface. The prototype is manufactured through 3D printing technology, and then the infantry test and development department ( ITDU) carry out corresponding tests.
Major Richard McMahon, a senior member of the British Army’s Close Combat Support Team, said: “The ability to produce 3D printed models on their own has allowed the project to move forward in great strides. In particular, it requires various tests and needs to be carried out after problems. When making changes quickly.” Major McMahon also pointed out that ITDU has purchased its own 3D printer in order to conduct larger-scale internal experiments. The top and bottom of the SA80 A3 rifle handguard in the picture have Picatinny rails, and the two sides are vents and HKey interfaces.
The new handguard adopts M-LOK universal interface on both sides, and the redesigned guard can effectively protect the safety button. The Picatinny rail at the bottom has been reinforced and can be equipped with a vertical grip with a bipod. The M-LOK interface adds some heat dissipation holes up and down. Interestingly, the article stated that if you want to install a grenade launcher, the handguard will not have such heat dissipation holes to provide sufficient strength. At the same time, the shape of the handguard has been modified to improve the ergonomic design. The overall color of the handguard changed from phosphor bronze to dark green.
The current number of SA80 A3s equipped by the British army is unknown. The upgrade of the new rifle will start in October 2020, and the total number is expected to be 10,000.
