Argentine Weapons: FARA 83 / FAA 81 (Fusil Automático República Argentina)

FARA 83 / FAA 81 (Fusil Automático República Argentina)

Military Factory



 

Overview

The Argentine FARA 83/FAA 81 assault rifle was only produced in about 1,200 examples before lack of funds forced its termination.

Origin: Argentina
Year: 1981
Manufacturer: Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles Domingo Matheu - Argentina
Operadores: Argentina

Specifications

Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown where possible. Calibers listed may be model/camera dependent.

Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
Length (overall): 1,000 millimeters (39.37 inches)
Length (barrel): 452 millimeters (17.80 inches)
Weight (unloaded): 8.71 pounds (3.95 kilograms)
Sights: Adjustable iron
Muzzle speed: 980 meters per second
Firing rate: 750 rounds per minute
Range (effective): 1,312 feet (400 meters; 437 yards)

Variants

Series Model Variants
• FARA 83 - Basic series designation
• FAA 81 ("Fusil Automatico Republica Argentina") - Official designation

History

For decades, the Argentine military, along with numerous other militaries worldwide, has utilized the highly regarded Belgian Fabrique Nationale FN FAL automatic rifle, which is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. Over 2,000,000 units of this rifle have been produced, with more than 90 countries adopting some version of the weapon, and many still keeping it in active service. Production of the FN FAL began in 1947 and continues to this day (as of 2012). The FN FAL has undeniably experienced extensive combat use across the globe.



Argentina adopted the FN FAL into frontline service in 1955, with the first units arriving in 1958. In Argentine service, these rifles were designated as FSL-FAL, where the Belgian "FAL" (Fusil Automatique Léger) was adapted to the Argentine "Fusil 'Lightweight Automatic'". Licensed production was granted in 1960, firmly establishing the Belgian design as the standard-issue battle rifle in the Argentine military. In the early 1980s, Argentina sought to modernize its arsenal, resulting in the development of the "FARA 83" or "FAA 81" (Fusil Automático Argentino). The FARA 83 was a blend of various components from other tested designs, including the FN FAL. It bore a striking resemblance to the Israeli IMI "Galil" assault rifle, itself an evolution of the Soviet-era AK-47 through the Finnish RK 62, which is believed to have influenced Argentine development.



The FARA 83 was a conventional assault rifle with tried-and-true design features, resulting in a highly functional weapon system. Its rectangular receiver housed the ejection port and an HK-style charging handle on the right side. The pistol grip, positioned just behind the trigger unit, was well-angled and ergonomically designed. The firing system allowed for both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. The magazine feed, located just forward of the trigger group, accepted curved, spring-loaded magazine boxes. The semi-skeletal stock hinged to fold over the right side of the receiver, creating a more compact design suitable for vehicle crews or paratroopers who required smaller weapons. The front of the weapon featured a horizontally ribbed gas cylinder and barrel assembly, with the gas cylinder positioned above the barrel and capped with a front iron sight. Another iron sight was fitted at the extreme rear of the receiver. The barrel protruded slightly from the weapon and was capped with a distinctive grooved muzzle brake.



The FARA 83 measured 40 inches in length with the stock fully extended, which reduced to a compact 30 inches when the stock was collapsed. The barrel was 18 inches long. The unloaded weight was nearly 9 pounds. The rifle was designed to fire 5.56x45mm cartridges from 30-round detachable box magazines. It had a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 750 rounds per minute, and a muzzle velocity of 3,166 feet per second.



As its alternative designation suggests, the FAA 81/FARA 83 rifle appeared in 1981, with production starting in 1984 under the direction of Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles Domingo Matheu in Rosario, Argentina. Despite its potential, the Argentine military faced financial difficulties during this period. Consequently, production of the FARA 83 was limited, resulting in only 1,193 units entering service with the Argentine Army. Production ceased in 1986 due to lack of funds, making the FARA 83 a brief and fleeting success. Limited production is believed to have resumed around 1990, but the manufacturing totals for this secondary effort remain unknown.