FN EVOLYS

Design

The EVOLYS was developed specifically for urban warfare, aiming to increase the firepower a single soldier could deliver rather than relying on a squad's base of fire. It is select-fire, offering semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. The weapon uses a lateral feed mechanism with the belt positioned at a 45° angle, and all controls are ambidextrous, allowing operation from either side and one-handed loading. Its firing operation employs an open bolt with a separate hammer located upside down inside the upper receiver; this arrangement prevents accidental discharge because the bolt cannot fire unless the hammer is released by a trigger pull.

A single accessory rail on top of the receiver accommodates various optics, simplifying attachment compared to earlier designs that required multiple non-integral rails. The EVOLYS can have a suppressor permanently fitted without degrading performance. Construction uses 3D printing and polymers, contributing to a weight of 5.5 kg, which is up to 30% lighter than competing machine guns like the FN Minimi. Besides the 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm chambers, 6.5mm Creedmoor and .260 Remington variants are in development for potential special forces use.

Did You Know?

• The EVOLYS teaser trailer was titled "A New Chapter Begins".
• A 20-minute promotional video discussing the EVOLYS was released on 6 May 2021.
• The EVOLYS was first displayed to the public at the Defence and Security Equipment International trade show in London in September 2021.