Haenel MK556 is an assault rifle that was the outsider winner of the competition for a G36 replacement for the German army. G36 is still one of the best in the world, with more than 40 countries using it, but it serves the German Armed Forces for more than 20 years, and it's considered a little outdated. In 2017, the German Army started a new program in search of a replacement assault rifle. Some competitors included the HK416, the HK433, and the RS-566. However, in 2020 Haenel MK566 was selected as the winner after the weapon was considered that provided the best effective/price ratio. But, it turned out the design of Haenel was violated some of Heckler & Koch's patents. Due to that legal matters, Haenel was out of competition and H&K won. The latest version of the HK416 was selected as the new weapon for the German Army in 2022.
The Company
Even if the German Haenel isn't so famous, it was founded in the country in 1840. In 2021, the famous Hugo Schmeisser entered the company, and right after H&K started producing his pistol designs. In the '20s they started developing submachine guns, designed by Schmeisser. In 1928, the company developed the MP28, a gun that was used by the German police and was also exported to a number of countries. After a lot of takeovers, the company was recreated in 2008.
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The Weapon
MK566 is a weapon really similar to M16. It receives NATO 5,56x45 ammunition, and it's available with different size barrels: 266mm, 318mm, and 408mm. So, the weapon can be modified as a compact rifle, a carbine, or a full-size assault rifle.
The gun also features an ergonomic design with full amphibious control. The button that changes mode can be pressed with the thumb. There are three modes: “safe”, “semi-auto” and “full-auto”. The weapon doesn't shoot if the trigger isn't fully enabled.
MK566 has a 30-round magazine that is compatible with every NATO 5,56mm ammunition. It can also take the 100-round magazine Beta C-Mag, that are designed for automatic weapons.
The assault rifle has a telescopic buttstock like the M4, that can change length.
MK556 is equipped with a full type-Picatinny rail that can take different sights. Optical sights are a standard, although iron sights are also available.
They're also a KeyMod rail under the barrel for other accessories. Plus, an A2 muzzle brake appears on the weapon. Last, the weapon can take a silencer.
