Just before the New Year, TFB reported about the rumor that Steyr and Rheinmetall were partnering to offer a new modular assault rifle.

There is now an official Press Release from Rheinmetall to fill in some of the details that were unknown and unconfirmed.

There is definitely some Steyr AUG look (and technology) left in the RS556 rifle. In the picture you can spot an Aimpoint Micro on top of the scope.

The long STANAG 4694 rail on the upper side of the monolithic housing makes it possible to mount a variety of different scopes, including night vision devices.

Another thing to note is the amount of holes in the stock, possibly to reduce weight. Still the RS556 is heavier than the HK 416 with its 4,2 kilos, and that’s with a hand guard that doesn’t protrude too far either. In fact, it looks rather short.

From a soldier’s perspective, the reduction of weight is a very important factor. Any soldier who has marched for more an hour will tell you that. The question is if this feedback ever reaches back to the German or Austrian engineering department?

The Press Release:

Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher offer new RS556 assault rifle system

Two of Europe’s most respected defence companies, Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher, have joined forces to manufacture and market the RS556 modular assault rifle. This German-Austrian cooperation project adds a key item to Rheinmetall’s growing array of infantry products. The RS556 is based on the highly regarded STM556, which Steyr Mannlicher first unveiled in 2012. 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 a fully loaded, 30-round magazine, the RS556 weighs around 4.2 kilograms, just over 9 pounds. 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.

I look forward to see other versions, short-barrel carbines and such of the RS556.

Some more information about the background and the companies and what they have supplied in the past.

About the partners Founded in 1889, the Rheinmetall Group is a tech enterprise specializing in mobility and security. Consisting of three divisions – Vehicle Systems, Electronic Solutions and Weapon and Ammunition – the Group’s Defence arm is one of the world’s foremost defence technology makers, supplying a wide array of advanced military equipment: from vehicle, protection and weapon systems to infantry equipment and air defence solutions to networked target engagement sequences and electro-optics and simulation technology. In the small arms domain, Rheinmetall has produced such renowned products as the G3 assault rifle and the MG3 machine gun. Established in 1864, Austria’s Steyr Mannlicher has long been one of the great names in the European small arms sector. The company’s many technical achievements include the Werndl-Holub breechloading rifle, the Mannlicher straight-pull bolt-action rifle with en bloc clip, and the SSG69 sniper rifle. The Steyr AUG bullpup system is used by at least 37 nations worldwide. As the standard rifle of military organizations ranging from the Austrian Army to the Australian Forces, it has proven extremely effective in all climate zones. In addition, Steyr Mannlicher supplies modern sniper rifles such as the SSG08, the SSG Carbon and the .50 cal. BMG HS50M1. Likewise meriting special mention is the company’s GL40 40mm grenade launcher, which can be used in build-on or standalone mode.

Source: http://www.rheinmetall.com/en/rheinmetall_ag/press/news/latest_news/details_10176.php

Source: https://www.steyr-mannlicher.com/militaryandlawenforcement/

With the possibility (speculation) that Heckler & Koch are close to their maximum production output, after large orders from France and other customers, an interesting position for the RS556 rifle may open.

Countries who are waiting last in line to replace their army rifles may find themselves in an unprioritized position for supplies out of HK.

The big question here is where will the German Army go, and when? The HK416 as France and many others? The Swedish Army is also looking to replace its aging AK5 (FN FNC).

For me, and most people I guess, the RS556 came out of nowhere.

Now I only hope that Glock does the same thing and release a rifle / carbine…