Beretta ARX-160
| Beretta ARX160 | |
|---|---|
A Beretta ARX160 A2
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| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ulrich Zedrosser |
| Designed | 2008 |
| Manufacturer | Beretta |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight |
|
| Length |
|
| Barrel length | 16 in (406.4 mm) 12 in (304.8 mm) |
| Width | 80 mm (with extended stock) |
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|
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| Cartridge |
5.56×45mm NATO 7.62×39mm .223 Remington (ARX100 only) .22 Long Rifle (ARX160 22LR only) |
| Action | Gas-operated rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 700 RPM |
| Effective firing range | 5 position rear sight up to 600 m (656 yd) |
| Feed system |
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| Sights | Back-up folding iron sights and integrated Picatinny rail for various optics |
The Beretta ARX160 is an Italian modular assault rifle manufactured by Beretta. Developed for the Italian Armed Forces as part of the Soldato Futuro (English: "Future Soldier") program, the ARX160 was launched in 2008 as a commercial weapon system independent from the Soldato Futuro ensemble, complete with a companion single-shot 40×46mm NATO low-velocity grenade launcher, called the GLX160, which can be mounted underneath the rifle or used with an ad hoc stock system as a stand-alone weapon.
In late 2015, Beretta introduced the Beretta ARX200 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle which is a derivative of the ARX160. The Italian Army is planning to introduce two configurations of the ARX200; a battle rifle with a foldable telescoping stock and a designated marksman rifle (DMR) with a fixed-stock.
The Beretta ARX160 was launched in 2008 as a commercial weapon system and was developed for the Italian Armed Forces as part of the Soldato Futuro (Future Soldier) program. Between 2008 and 2014, there were around 30,000 ARX160 A2s that are chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge that have been supplied to the Italian Army, Italian Navy, Italian Air Force and Italian Special Forces and have since been used in several missions including in Afghanistan. The current program aims to replace the older Beretta AR70/90 as the standard assault rifle for the Italian Armed Forces.
In 2012, Beretta introduced the ARX160 A2 and is currently in use with the Italian Army and Special Forces.
In 2013, Beretta introduced the ARX160 A3, which is an improved variant of the ARX160. The improvements includes a redesigned handguard with an improved heat ventilation and an extended Picatinny rail on its bottom, and an improved pistol grip design.
In 2014, the Italian Ministry of Defence allocated 2.7 million USD to Beretta for the development of the ARX200 battle rifle. Also, the Italian Armed Forces has announced a possible requirement for 1,170 rifles chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.
In late 2015, the Beretta ARX200 battle rifle was introduced and is being supplied to the Italian Army. It is a distant derivative of the ARX160 modular assault rifle. It has passed the following military and environmental tests; cold and hot temperature, temperature and humidity, ice, salt fog, heavy rain, salt water, sand and dust, mud, unlubricated, double feeding proof, and barrel obstruction proof.
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