Shrike 5.56™ "EXP-1":
This was the first generation Shrike™ prototype and was first shown to the general public in early 2000. It is recognized by its modified M249 handguard and was frequently displayed with a tripod T&E adapter. The receiver was machined from 7075-T6 alloy and it used an M16 bolt and firing pin. The receiver, cam-pin lock, bolt carrier, charging handle, and operating-rod group were unique in design and functionality. Quick-change barrel latch was derived from the Stoner 63 design. This was the proof-of-concept prototype.
Shrike 5.56™ "EXP-2":
This was the second generation Shrike™ prototype although the receiver was never marked. It is identified by its somewhat large M1913 Picatinny Rail handguard which was machined in-house from a piece of inverted G-36 rail extrusion provided by C. Reed Knight of Knights Armament Company. This is the model that appeared on the March 2003 cover of Small Arms Review magazine and was also fired at Blackwater USA for the History Channel's television show, "Modern Marvels: Bullets", where it was also demonstrating Engel Ballistic Research's "Cave Killer™" frangible 5.56x45mm ammunition. EXP-2's receiver was machined from 7075-T6 alloy and it used a proprietary bolt and M16 firing pin. The receiver, cam-pin lock, bolt carrier, charging handle, and other details were different than those of EXP-1, while the operating-rod group was similar. Quick-change barrel was similar to that of an M60 in design. In spite of some areas that needed refinement, this prototype performed very well and ultimately paved the way to the production model.
Shrike 5.56™ "03A™" (презентация на SHOT Show2005):
This is the third generation Shrike™ and it is the production model. It is shown here mounted on our ARES-16™ lower receiver. Like the Shrike 5.56™ prototypes, the "03A™" production model feeds with either belts or magazines and in this photo it is fitted with a 100-round Beta C-MAG, telescoping stock assembly and 14.25" quick-change barrel. The receiver and top-cover are machined from 7075-T651 aluminum alloy and the bolt carrier, charging handle, handguard, operating-rod, gas system and other details are different than those of EXP-1 and Exp-2, while our proprietary bolt was retained from EXP-2. Quick-change barrel release is similar to EXP-1, as is the firing pin and firing-pin retainer. The "03A™" production model is approximately 1-1/2 lbs. lighter than EXP-2, and at 7.5lbs complete weapon weight, it is the lightest rifle caliber belt-fed machine gun in the world. It is more robust, ergonomic, reliable and accurate than its prototype predecessors.
The Shrike 5.56™ (below) mounted on our proprietary ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver compared to the ARES-16™ Carbine (above) with 14.25" barrel. The ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver will accommodate standard M249 ammunition containers and is designed to reduce the weapon's overall height as much as possible. The Shrike™ when mated to the ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver accepts linked ammunition only. The unit shown here is fitted with telescoping stock assembly and 12.75" heavy barrel for extreme CQB (close quarter battle).
The Shrike 5.56™ mounted on our ARES-16™ lower receiver (above) as it compares in size to the US M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). M249 weighs 16.5lbs vs. the Shrike™ at 7.5lbs! Both weapons are designed to feed both linked and magazine-fed ammunition.
Many accessories have been designed to compliment the Shrike 5.56™. This allows the operator to configure his weapon for mission-specific requirements. Barrels are available in 12.75", 14.25", 16.5" and 20" lengths. Top-right in photo and descending are non-belt feed top cover (magazine use only), belt-feed top-cover module with feed tray (belt and magazine feed), rear sight assembly, ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver with telescoping stock assembly, ARES-16™ lower receiver with full-length A2 stock assembly, magazine-well adapter accepts M249 ammunition containers (on left and between two lowers) and interfaces with ARES-16™ lower receiver. In center of photo is Shrike 5.56™ upper receiver assembly.
Shrike 5.56-SC™(not pictured)
The Shrike 5.56-SC™ (Special Compact) was developed in response to the US Army's OICW program that was terminated in October 2005, and it represents another evolutionary step in the overall Shrike 5.56 - Advanced Weapons System™ "family" of firearms. Key features include magazine feed and proprietary select-fire sear mechanism with a side-folding stock. The receiver is converted to a belt-feed in minutes by simply installing the feed tray, feed cover assembly and a few other components. As with all other Shrike 5.56™ variants, the weapon functions with a standard lower receiver. Overall weapon length is 22 inches including a 12.5 inch barrel. While not currently being offered for sale, Ares Defense plans to make the Shrike 5.56-SC™ available to customers at a later date. Videos may be seen at links below.
Shrike 5.56™ "EXP-1":
Shrike 5.56™ "EXP-2":
Shrike 5.56™ "03A™" (презентация на SHOT Show 2005):
The Shrike 5.56™ (below) mounted on our proprietary ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver compared to the ARES-16™ Carbine (above) with 14.25" barrel. The ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver will accommodate standard M249 ammunition containers and is designed to reduce the weapon's overall height as much as possible. The Shrike™ when mated to the ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver accepts linked ammunition only. The unit shown here is fitted with telescoping stock assembly and 12.75" heavy barrel for extreme CQB (close quarter battle).
The Shrike 5.56™ mounted on our ARES-16™ lower receiver (above) as it compares in size to the US M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). M249 weighs 16.5lbs vs. the Shrike™ at 7.5lbs! Both weapons are designed to feed both linked and magazine-fed ammunition.
Many accessories have been designed to compliment the Shrike 5.56™. This allows the operator to configure his weapon for mission-specific requirements. Barrels are available in 12.75", 14.25", 16.5" and 20" lengths. Top-right in photo and descending are non-belt feed top cover (magazine use only), belt-feed top-cover module with feed tray (belt and magazine feed), rear sight assembly, ARES-16SPW™ lower receiver with telescoping stock assembly, ARES-16™ lower receiver with full-length A2 stock assembly, magazine-well adapter accepts M249 ammunition containers (on left and between two lowers) and interfaces with ARES-16™ lower receiver. In center of photo is Shrike 5.56™ upper receiver assembly.
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