The Battle of which company that will get the German Armed Forces contract to replace the HK G36 has just begun, and the “fighting” is taking place at Enforce Tac, Germany, right now.

Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher in co-operation are showing their muscles with their modular assault rifle system and grenade launcher called the RS556 and RS40.

We’re sure you have read about the RS556 before, but both weapons are actually making their official debut at EnforceTac on 1 – 2 March 2017.

The RS556 and RS40 are the outcome of German – Austrian cooperation projects, thanks to which Rheinmetall has now added two new key components to its portfolio of infantry products. “RS556 modular assault rifle system The RS556 is based on the highly regarded STM556, which Steyr Mannlicher first unveiled in2012. Outstanding modularity characterizes this easy-to-use, future-proof 5.56mm x 45 cal.weapon.

Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher are offering the RS556 assault rifle as a jointly produced product, made in Germany, with a German valued added share of 60%. Among other things,the two partners thus have their sights set on the German market. This innovative weapon is a possible candidate for the new “System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr”: the German armed forces intend to replace their standard G36 assault rifle with a more advanced system starting in 2019. Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher each have well over a century of experience in developing and manufacturing infantry weapons. The RS556 project underscores both companies’ commitment to supplying military and security services around the globe with reliable, future-proof, state-of-the-art systems and equipment. Featuring an adjustable short-stroke gas piston system and rotating bolt, the gas-operated RS556 is based on the tried-and-tested Steyr Mannlicher AUG, or Universal Army Rifle, a design concept that has proven itself in decades of service on every continent. With a 16″ barrel (406 mm) and without the 30-round magazine, the RS556 weighs around 3.6 kilograms. The adjustable-length light-weight stock clicks into seven different positions,meaning that operators can adjust the RS556 to match their individual equipment profile in optimum fashion. In a matter of seconds and without tools, the hammer-forged barrel can be easily exchanged.This means that the RS556 can be readily modified for various missions. A number of standard barrel lengths are available (14.5″, 16″, 18″ and 20″); however, customer-specific barrel and rifling lengths can be easily created. The RS556 features several standard and optional NATO accessory rails with receiver systems designed in accordance with MIL-STD-1913, STANAG 2324 and STANAG 4694. This means that the weapon can be fitted with various optics and night observation devices or laser light modules. A 40mm grenade launcher can also be mounted on the new assault rifle. Moreover, the RS556 is compatible with Rheinmetall’s modular “Future Soldier–Expanded System” (IdZ-ES), and can also be connected to other soldier systems. A special breech system with an emergency operation feature ensures that the weapon always functions reliably even in extreme operating conditions, e.g. in severely hot and cold environments. RS40 grenade launcher The RS40 grenade launcher is based on the Steyr Mannlicher GL40. This weapon, 850 mmlong, can be mounted to a rifle as an add-on module or – with a separate shoulder stock – serve as a standalone grenade launcher. The rifle-mounted variant weighs approximately1,040 grams, the grenade launcher, 2,180 grams. The RS40 is a breech-loader that can beo pened on the side. It can fire any standard 40mm x 46 cartridge in the low-velocity spectrum, attaining ranges of up to 400 meters. The RS40 complements Rheinmetall’s extensive array of 40mm systems, which also features a versatile ammunition family and advanced fire control technology.