Enfield L86 LSW (Light Support Weapon)

History of the Enfield L86 LSW (Light Support Weapon)

The L86 LSW (Light Support Weapon) was developed concurrently with the British Army's L85 IW (Individual Weapon). Both systems were adopted as standard weapons in the mid-1980s and led to combat operations in the 1991 Gulf War, the Balkan Wars, and most recently the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.

The L86 shares 80% parts commonality with the L85 Assault Rifle, but is classed as a fire support weapon for class combat and provides precise long-range firepower over the basic L85 automatic weapon.

The L86 uses the same 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge as the L85 and is fueled by the same gas system. However, in keeping with its fire support role, the weapon features a longer, heavier barrel, which increases muzzle velocity, thereby increasing the range and accuracy of the cartridge to hit targets beyond the range of the basic L85 system. The barrel is also fixed and not easily interchangeable. The L86 also features a rear vertical handle, and shorter handguards with a lightweight bipod.

However, the L86 retains the magazine quality of the L85 and can accept its 30-round form. A 60-round magazine is also provided. Depending on the situation, the weapon can be fired semi-automatically or fully-automatically - the former through the closed breech, the latter through the rear trigger holding the breech.

SUSAT optics (Sight Unit, Small Arm, Trilux) remain standard.

The L86 debuted for the first time in the original L86A1 production form. These then gave way to an improved L86A2 variant that attempted to address the lingering issues that proved disastrous for earlier L85/L86 units.

The midlife upgrade was carried out by Heckler & Koch and took place in the early 2000s.

The L86 in the squad support role has given way to the L110A1 (Fabrique Nationale FN Minimi), relegating the L86 to some kind of gunner platform.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes