Photo © FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium

(Herstal, Belgium) – February 6, 2012. For the first time in Asia, FN Herstal, a world leader in small arms manufacture, will display portable weapons and integrated weapon systems for airborne applications during the SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2012, due to take place from 14 to 19 February 2012 (Booth no. B23 in the Belgian Pavilion). FN pintle weapon systems for helicopters and subsonic aircraft are fully mechanical and do not require any electrical power, making firing possible even if the carrier faces problems. The FN pintle-mounted system features a .50 cal or 7.62mm machine gun firing in open bolt mode, ensuring full safety and reliability, and is mounted on a soft mount, guaranteeing outstanding balance during firing, hence increased accuracy.

The pintle weapon system on display at the show will be the FN Medium Window Pintle, or MWP, that is window-positioned and equipped with a .50 cal M3M/GAU-21 machine gun. The M3M/GAU-21 is a worldwide standard for rotary wing applications and is considered by end users as the best optimum performance vs. weight for the benefit of crew protection. Alternatively, FN pintle weapon systems can also be door- or ramp-fitted.  The self-contained FN Heavy Machine Gun Pod, or HMP, presents an all-in-one concept including a .50 cal M3P machine gun, 250- or 400-round ammunition box, firing actuator and cocking device in one single casing, ensuring optimum performance in sandy or dusty conditions. An optional configuration is available with three additional 2.75” rockets providing extra firepower. The pod also features a fit and plug concept through 14” NATO standard lugs, for easy and quick adjustment of the helicopter configuration depending on the mission at hand.

In addition to the integrated weapon systems for airborne applications that equip more than 2,800 helicopters and subsonic aircraft worldwide, the world leader in small arms manufacture will display its famous portable weapons, e.g.

·  the FN SCAR® Assault Rifle  is available in two calibers (5.56x45mm NATO cal or 7.62x51mm NATO cal) and with two different barrel lengths, either short or standard for close-quarters combat or standard infantry roles respectively.

The well-thought design features of the FN SCAR®  assault rifle makes it lightweight, highly accurate, and reliable in the most difficult conditions.

·  the FN40GL® Grenade Launcher  quickly mounts under the barrel of either SCAR®  rifle, providing additional capability, and can be easily configured for use as a stand-alone weapon as well.

·  the innovative FN Fire Control Unit , or FN FCU , ensures maximized first round hit probability when firing 40mm grenades for immediate target neutralization.

Belgium-based FN Herstal is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of small caliber weapons, integrated weapon systems and associated ammunition for Military and Law Enforcement as well as Special Forces Operators worldwide.

For more information on FN products, visit www.fnherstal.com.