FN CAL

FN CAL (Fusil Nacional Calibre Automático Ligero)

The FN CAL (Fusil Nacional Calibre Automático Ligero, or National Automatic Light Caliber Rifle) was a 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle designed and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Herstal, Belgium. It was intended as a successor to the FN FAL, a widely successful 7.62×51mm battle rifle. Development began in the late 1960s and continued throughout the 1970s.

The FN CAL was designed to utilize the then-new 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, offering advantages in terms of reduced weight, increased ammunition capacity, and controllability in full-automatic fire compared to its predecessor. The design incorporated features from earlier FN firearms, aiming for reliability and ease of maintenance.

Despite its intentions, the FN CAL did not achieve the same level of international success as the FN FAL. It was ultimately deemed less reliable and more expensive to produce than competing designs, particularly the Colt M16 series and later FN's own FN FNC. Consequently, production was relatively limited, and it saw limited service with military and law enforcement organizations.

The CAL's operational mechanism is gas-operated, utilizing a rotating bolt locking system. It offered selective fire capabilities, typically including semi-automatic and full-automatic modes. The rifle featured a stamped steel receiver and a folding stock on some variants.

The FN CAL is notable for being an early attempt by FN to develop a 5.56mm assault rifle, but its relative failure led to the development of the FN FNC, which proved to be a more commercially successful and reliable weapon system.