EF88 Austeyr
 |
| Function |
Assault rifle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Thales Australia |
| Modes |
Single shot or semi-automatic |
| Feed | 30-round box magazine |
| Ammunition |
5.56mm x 45mm NATO rounds |
| Caliber |
5.56mm |
The Australian Defence Force's new EF88 Austeyr rifle is set to improve close combat and general combat capability due to its superior accuracy and lethality, improved ergonomics, balance and increased mounting options for ancillary devices. The EF88 began entering service in mid-2016 and is replacing the F88 Austeyr.
Ancillary attachments for the EF88 rifle include enhanced day sights, image intensifiers, thermal imaging sights, forward grips (with bipod), forward grips (basic), weapon stabilisers, visual illumination devices, one o'clock offset rails, and laser-aiming illumination and ranging devices. The EF88 rifle can be quickly reconfigured to meet specific mission roles by utilising these weapon ancillaries.
The key differences between the EF88 and the F88 rifle it is replacing are:
- Fixed, lighter Barrel
- Improved Gas Plug adjustment
- Double-action, side-opening Grenade Launcher
- NATO-STD Accessory Rail for laser aimers
- Improved trigger guard grip access
- Improved access to GLA trigger
- Extended Ejection Port and recessed covers
- Non-slip Butt Plate
- Modified Hammer Pack to improve reliability and facilitate silent cocking
- Improved Cheek Weld
- Improved Red Dot Grenade Launcher Sight
- Extended NATO-STD Top Rail-in-line accessories
- Reduced overall mass, improved balance
- NATO-STD Rail-grips, bipods and Visual Illumination Devices
- Folding Cocking Handle-less vulnerable to damage
- Bolt Release Catch-faster magazine exchange
