For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2006

Contacts:
Tes Salb
703.288.3500 x 125
tess@fnhusa.com

Elaine Hadden Golladay
864.640.7159
dagtactical@bellsouth.net

FN Herstal Unveils Two New SCAR SOF Combat Assault Rifle Prototypes- SCAR-Light and SCAR-Heavy at 2006 SHOT Show.

McLEAN, VA — FNH USA showcased FN Herstal’s latest military prototype contract winner — the SCAR SOF Combat Assault Rifle at the 2006 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, held February 9-12. The military prototypes that were on display at the SHOT Show are in the final phase of product modifications prior to manufacturing.

The SCAR system streamlines the current SOF family of rifles by replacing the existing M4A1 Carbine, MK18 Close Quarter Combat Carbine, MK11 Sniper Security Rifle, MK12 Special Purpose Rifle, M14 Rifle and M203 Grenade Launcher. The new system consists of two rifles with modular barrels, the 5.56mm SCAR-Light and the 7.62mm SCAR-Heavy, along with a new 40mm EGLM Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module.

The SCAR system ensures SOF the use of a reliable, durable, modular, accurate, flexible and highly ergonomic family of weapons along with interchangeable parts. The open architecture platform allows for easy addition of future enhancements in ammunition and expanded modularity.

Development of the SCAR system is the direct result of a unique merger of the engineering/design expertise of FN Herstal engineers and designers, and the operational experience of USSOCOM representatives and SOF operators. The extensive reviews allowed the SOF operators the opportunity to review design concepts in a real-time fashion via the use of rapid prototyping models. This direct interaction between FN Herstal personnel and the government team was a defining element in the success of the program.

The SCAR is operator envisioned, tested and chosen!

Headquartered in McLean, Va., FNH USA, LLC., is a subsidiary of, and the sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium, whose corporate mission is to expand on its long-standing leadership position in the defense, law enforcement and associated commercial firearms markets by providing the highest quality products as well as the finest in training and logistical support.

FNH USA LLC, P.O. Box 697, McLean, VA 22101, www.fnhusa.com