View source for SA80

{{Short description|Current British assault rifle, bullpup}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2023}}

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = SA80
| image              = SA80 A2 (L85A2) 5.56mm Rifle MOD 45162150.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = L85A2 with ELCAN LDS and 2009 upgrade suite
| origin             = [[United Kingdom]]
| type               = [[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] (L85)<br />[[Light machine gun]] (L86 LSW)<br />[[Carbine]] (L22)
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = yes
| is_UK              = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1985–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = See ''[[#Conflicts|Conflicts]]''
<!-- Production history -->| design_date        = 1970s–1980s
| manufacturer       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Royal Small Arms Factory]]
* [[Royal Ordnance]]
}}
| production_date    = 1985–1994
| number             = Approx. 350,000 (L85, L86)<br />Approx. 21,700 (L98)
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label         = L85A2
| weight             = <!-- {{convert|3.82|kg|lk=on}} (L85A2 empty)<br />--> {{convert|4.98|kg}} (L85A2 with SUSAT sight and loaded 30-round magazine)<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/285986_ARMY_VEHICLESEQUIPMENT_V12.PDF_web.pdf |title=British Army Vehicles and Equipment |publisher=MoD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119164824/http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/285986_ARMY_VEHICLESEQUIPMENT_V12.PDF_web.pdf |archive-date=2010-11-19}}</ref><!--<br />{{convert|6.58|kg}} (L86A2 LSW with SUSAT sight and loaded magazine)<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/><br />{{convert|3.52|kg}} (L22A2) -->
| length             = {{convert|785|mm|in}} (L85A2)<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/> <!-- & L98A2)<br />{{convert|900|mm|1}} (L86A2 LSW)<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/><br />{{convert|565|mm|1}} (L22A2) -->
| part_length        = {{convert|518|mm|1}} (L85A2)<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/> <!-- & L98A2)<br />{{convert|646|mm|1}} (L86A2 LSW)<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/><br />{{convert|285|mm|1}} (L22A2) -->
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]
| action             = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]]
| rate               = 610–775 rpm<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/>
| velocity           = {{convert| 930|-|940|m/s|abbr=on}}<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/> <!-- (L85,<ref name=AC718072004/> L98<ref name=AC71807C/>)<br />950-970m/s<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/> (L86<ref name=AC718072004/>)<br />780m/s (L22<ref name=AC718072004/>) -->
| range              = {{convert|400|m}}<ref>{{cite web |title=SMALL ARMS AND SUPPORT WEAPONS |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/small-arms-and-support-weapons/#tabs_b3f165d4-72df-43e1-8f03-b1bb655b256c |website=army.mod.uk |access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref>
| feed               = 30-round detachable STANAG magazine,<br />30-round detachable polymer Magpul EMAG, 60-round casket magazine<br />20-round detachable magazine (carbine)
| sights             = Telescopic [[SUSAT]], [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|ACOG]] and [[ELCAN]] LDS scopes, aperture [[iron sight]]s
| unit_cost          = £1,300 (2015){{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=73}}
}}

The '''SA80''' (Small Arms for the 1980s) is a British family of [[5.56×45mm NATO]] service weapons used by the [[British Army]].{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=4}} The L85 Rifle variant has been the standard issue [[service rifle]] of the [[British Armed Forces]] since 1987, replacing the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]]. The prototypes were created in 1976, with production of the A1 variant starting in 1985 and ending in 1994. The A2 variant came to be as the result of a significant upgrade in the early 2000s by [[Heckler & Koch]] and remains in service as of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Small arms and support weapons {{!}} The British Army |url=https://www.army.mod.uk/learn-and-explore/equipment/small-arms-and-support-weapons |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.army.mod.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> The A3 variant was first issued in 2018 with several new improvements.

The remainder of the SA80 family consists of the L86 Light Support Weapon, the short-barrelled L22 Carbine and the L98 Cadet rifle.

The SA80 was the last in a long line of British weapons (including the [[Lee–Enfield]] family) to come from the [[Royal Small Arms Factory]], the national arms development and production facility at [[Enfield Lock]], before its weapons factory was closed down in 1988.

==Development==
=== Post-war intermediate weapon development ===

The idea dates back to the late 1940s, when an ambitious programme to develop a new cartridge and new class of rifle was launched in the United Kingdom based on combat experience drawn from World War II. Two [[.280 British|7mm (.280 in)]] prototypes were built in a [[bullpup]] configuration, designated the [[EM-2 Bullpup Rifle|EM-1 and EM-2]]. The latter was brought into service briefly as "Rifle, Automatic, Calibre .280, Number 9". When [[NATO]] standardised on the [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62mm rifle cartridge]] as the standard calibre for its [[service rifle]]s, further development of these rifles was discontinued and the [[British Army]] adopted the 7.62&nbsp;mm [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]] [[semi-automatic rifle]], a licence-built version of the Belgian [[FN FAL]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Cashner |first=Bob |author-link= |date=2013 |title=The FN FAL Battle Rifle |url= |location= |publisher=Osprey Publishing |page=6-15 |isbn=978-1-78096-904-6}}</ref>

===1960s – 1970s: 4.85×49mm, XL64, XL65, XL68===
{{further|L64/65|intermediate cartridge}}
In 1969, the Enfield factory began work on a brand new family of weapons, chambered in a newly designed British [[4.85×49mm]] intermediate cartridge. While the experimental weapon family was very different from the EM-2 in internal design and construction methods, its bullpup configuration with an optical sight was a clear influence on the design of what was to become the SA80. The system was to be composed of two weapons: the [[L64/65|XL64E5]] rifle (also called the "Enfield Individual Weapon") and a light support weapon known as the XL65E4 [[light machine gun]].

The sheet metal construction and the design of the bolt, bolt carrier, guide rods and the weapon's disassembly showed strong similarities to the [[ArmaLite|Armalite]] [[AR-18]] which was manufactured under licence from 1975 to 1983 by the [[Sterling Armaments Company]] of [[Dagenham]], [[Essex]],<ref name="OffTarget">{{citation |title=Off Target |first=James |last=Meek |newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 October 2002 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/oct/10/military.jamesmeek}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century |edition=4th |first1=Ian V. |last1=Hogg |first2=John |last2=Weeks |isbn=978-0-910676-28-1 |year=1981|publisher=DBI Books }}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2021}} and which had been tested by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|British Ministry of Defence]] in 1966 and 1969.<ref>{{citation |title=A Historical Review of Armalite |date=4 January 2010 |publisher=ArmaLite Inc. |url=http://www.armalite.com/images/Library\History.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612010558/http://www.armalite.com/images/Library/History.pdf |archive-date=2014-06-12}}</ref>

During the development of the SA80, a bullpup conversion was made of an AR-18 and a [[Stoner 63]]<ref>{{citation |title=The World's Assault Rifles |first1=Gary Paul |last1=Johnston |first2=Thomas B. |last2=Nelson |chapter=Chapter 29 Great Britain}}</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/sa80-history-the-first-mockups-sterling-and-stoner/|title=SA80 History: The First Mockups (Sterling and Stoner) |date=5 May 2017|website=[[Forgotten Weapons]]|access-date=30 May 2017}}</ref> at Enfield due to the fact they could be used with stocks folded/without stocks which allowed the bullpup conversion and were later chambered in the experimental 4.85x49mm round. A bullpup conversion of the [[AR-15 style rifle|AR-15]] was previously considered but the buffer tube in stock prevented the idea from reaching fruition.<ref>The World's Assault Rifles by Gary Paul Johnston, Thomas B. Nelson, Chapter 67</ref>

Technically, in the mid-1970s, the 4.85×49mm round was seen as superior to the then existing version of 5.56mm M193 round in use by the US (for the [[M16 rifle|M16/M16A1]]) and by other forces. This was the expressed view of trials team members whilst demonstrating the XL64E5 prototype at the British Army School of Infantry at [[Warminster]]. Development of small-arms munitions have a long and continuous life and it was estimated by the trials specialists from Enfield that this weapon would ultimately be superior in the 4.85mm configuration. For the 4.85mm round, both propellant and projectile were at the beginning of their respective development curves. Weight for weight, more rounds of ammunition could be carried by an individual soldier – a considerable advantage on the battlefield.

It was regarded as probable at the time that the argument for the 5.56mm standard within NATO had more to do with the economics involved. Over the lifetime of a small-arms weapon type, far more money is spent on the munitions than the weapons themselves. If the 5.56mm supporters had lost the argument in favour of a British 4.85mm round, the economic impact would have been very large, and political pressure undoubtedly played a part in the final decision.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} In 1976, the prototypes were ready to undergo trials.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

===1970s – 1980s: 5.56×45mm, XL70, XL73, XL78===
[[File:British Assault Rifles MOD 45162601.jpg|thumb|Pictured left to right are the L85A2, XL 60 and EM-2]]
After NATO's decision to standardise ammunition among its members, Enfield engineers re-chambered the rifles to the American [[5.56×45mm NATO]] M193 cartridge. The newly redesigned 5.56mm version of the XL64E5 became known as the XL70E3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/sa80-history-xl70-series-final-prototypes-individual-weapon-and-lsw/|title=SA80 History: XL70 Series Final Prototypes (Individual Weapon and LSW)|date=13 May 2017|website=forgottenweapons.com|access-date=30 May 2017 |first=Ian |last=McCollum}}</ref> The left-handed XL68 was also re-chambered in 5.56×45mm as the XL78. The 5.56mm light support weapon variant, the XL73E3, developed from the XL65E4, was noted for the full-length receiver extension with the bipod under the muzzle now indicative of the type.<ref name="Watters-Chronology">{{cite web |author=Wetters-Chronology |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 1974–1985 – A Chronology of Development |work=Daniel Watters, The Gun Zone |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-3.html |access-date=2007-05-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504085923/http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-3.html |archive-date=4 May 2007 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===1980s, 5.56×45mm, XL85, XL86===
Further development out of the initial so-called "Phase A" pre-production series led to the XL85 and XL86. While the XL85E1 and XL86E1 were ultimately adopted as the L85 and L86 respectively, a number of additional test models were produced. The XL85E2 and XL86E2 were designed to an alternate build standard with 12 components different from E1 variants, including parts of the gas system, bolt, and magazine catch. Three series of variants were created for "Environmental User Trials". XL85E3 and XL86E3 variants were developed with 24 modified parts, most notably a plastic safety plunger. The E4's had 21 modified parts, no modification to the pistol grip, and an [[aluminium]] safety plunger, unlike the E3 variants. Lastly, the E5 variants had 9 modified parts in addition to those from the E3/E4 variants.<ref name="Watters-Chronology"/>

SA80 development was complicated from the start. One complication was at least three project staffing changes at the Royal Small Arms Factory, which resulted in repetitive testing. One problem with the design of the gun itself was that the cases would be ejected at constantly varying angles as it heated up and the rate of fire changed, resulting in a large ejection port.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_SA80.html|title=SA80 (Small Arms for the 1980s): The Sorry Saga of the British Bulldog's Bullpup|website=www.historyofwar.org|access-date=30 May 2017}}</ref> The conversion from 4.85mm to 5.56mm also caused a complication, as the rate of fire dropped but the pressure and time curve of the rounds were different. The 4.85mm round was based on the 5.56mm case in anticipation of the need to convert calibres. The barrel was changed easily, but the gas ports were much larger. Pressure problems had less of an effect on the LSW due to its longer barrel.{{sfn|Williams |2013}}

==Production==
===Accepted into service: 5.56×45mm, L85A1, L86A1, L98A1===
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | direction = vertical
 | width = 217
 | image1 = DM-SD-98-00176.JPEG
 | caption1 = L85A1 with SUSAT
 | image2 = SA-80 rifle stripped 1996.jpg
 | caption2 = L85A1 field-stripped
 | image3 = SA80 A2 (L85A2) 5.56mm Rifle MOD 45162152.jpg
 | caption3 = Field-stripped L85A2 (post-2009 model)
}}
After receiving feedback from users and incorporating the various design changes requested, including adapting the rifle for use with the heavier Belgian SS109 version of the 5.56×45mm round and improving reliability, the weapon system was accepted into service with the British Armed Forces in 1985 as the SA80. The SA80 family originally consisted of the L85A1 Rifle, the L86A1 Light Support Weapon (LSW), and L98A1 Cadet GP Rifle. The first weapons were issued in October 1985.{{sfn|Grant |2016}}{{page needed|date=July 2021}}<ref name="OffTarget"/>

The SA80 family was designed and produced by the [[Royal Small Arms Factory]] at [[Enfield Lock]]. In 1988, production of the rifle was transferred to the Nottingham Small Arms Facility owned by [[Royal Ordnance]] (later [[British Aerospace]], Royal Ordnance; now [[BAE Systems]]), the site was previously known as [[ROF Nottingham]]. It was envisaged that the family would replace the L1A1 SLR, the [[Sterling submachine gun|L2A3 (Sterling) submachine gun]], the [[Bren light machine gun#L4|L4 Light Machine Gun]] (a modernised [[Bren light machine gun|Bren]]), and the [[FN MAG#British versions|L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun]] as used at section level. Regular infantry, [[Royal Marines|Royal Marine]] units, and the [[RAF Regiment]] were to change over by 1987, remaining regular army units by 1990, remaining RAF units by 1991, [[Territorial Army (United Kingdom)|Territorial Army]] units by 1991–1993, and the Royal Navy by 1993.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=74}}

In 1994, production was officially completed. More than 350,000 L85 rifles and L86 LSWs had been manufactured for the British Armed Forces, with the former variant accounting for 95% of the total run,{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=74}} with over 21,700 L98A1 rifles were produced for cadet use.<ref name=FOI201503633>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/492755/20150427-FOI2015_03633_L98A1_Rifle-O_revised.pdf| title=FOI2015_03633 Memo|work=Ministry of Defence|date=28 April 2015}}</ref> The production line was broken up shortly afterwards, with the Nottingham facility closing in 2001. Upgrade programmes and requirements for spare and replacement parts have since been fulfilled by then British-owned [[Heckler & Koch]], which later reopened the Nottingham site.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

As responsibility for the funding and supply of the home defence regiments of the [[British Overseas Territory|British Overseas Territories]] has been handed to the local governments of the territories, despite the regiments themselves coming under command of the national (British) government and being loosely integrated with the British Army, the SA80 was not automatically supplied to these units. The [[Royal Bermuda Regiment|Bermuda Regiment]] adopted the [[Ruger Mini-14]] in 1983, although small stocks of the L85 were also acquired for the purpose of familiarisation training as many of its personnel attend courses or attachments in Britain.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-01-14|title=Photos Of Bermuda Regiment Weapons Demonstration|url=https://bernews.com/2013/01/photos-regiment-weapons-demonstration/|access-date=2023-01-09|website=Bernews}} Photographs 27 and 28 of 52</ref> The Regiment later acquired an additional 400 L85A2 rifles in 2015 to replace the Mini-14 as the standard-issue rifle.<ref name="royalgazette.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.royalgazette.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150809844|title=Rifles worth $1.4m donated to Regiment |work=The Royal Gazette: Bermuda News|date=5 August 2015|access-date=30 May 2017}}</ref>

The [[Royal Gibraltar Regiment]], which is more closely integrated with the British Army, adopted the SA80 from the outset. The [[Falkland Islands Defence Force]] adopted the [[Steyr AUG]] (another 5.56×45mm bullpup rifle)<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815045503/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Amphibious-and-Special-Forces/Special-Forces-Land-Falkland-Islands.html |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Amphibious-and-Special-Forces/Special-Forces-Land-Falkland-Islands.html |archive-date=15 August 2011 |access-date=28 May 2018 |title=Special Forces (Land) (Falkland Islands), Amphibious and special forces |work=Jane's Amphibious and Special Forces |date=25 November 2010}}</ref> which served until 2019 when the Defence Force adopted the L85A2 as part of a wider effort to align its weapons, training and procedures with those of the British Armed Forces.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

The L85 is in use with the [[Jamaica Defence Force]].<ref name="MJ">{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-10.html |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 1990–1994 |access-date=15 June 2009 |first=Daniel |last=Watters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104174808/http://thegunzone.com/556dw-10.html |archive-date=4 January 2010}}</ref> Various African and South American countries received SA80s as part of wider military aid packages.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=75}}

===Design flaws===
Soon after being adopted for service, problems began to surface during troop trials held between 1986 and 1987. Components were found to be insufficiently robust, the LSW's bipod lock often failed to hold the bipod legs in closed position, the plastic furniture was melted by insect repellent, metal parts were quick to rust in jungle environments, and the weapon's mechanism was highly susceptible to dusty and arctic environments.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=49}}<ref name=IHpg158>{{cite book |last1=Hogg |first1=Ian |last2=Weeks |first2=John |title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century|year=1991|publisher=Arms and Armour Press|location=London|isbn=978-1-854-09034-8|page=158|quote=[...] the first five years of this rifle's service have been disastrous. A number of manufacturing defects showed up in service conditions, and it was not until the closure of the RSAF at Enfield and the setting up of an entirely new production line, with new computer-controlled machine tools, at the new RSAF Nottingham, that the quality of the production weapons began to improve. It will take some time for the poor reputation gained by the initial issue weapons to be overcome; the only consolation is that the same sort of thing has happened to other military rifles in the past, and they have managed to live down their early reputation and prove their innate reliability. It is to be hoped that the L85A1 will do as well.}}</ref>

These problems were not helped by the production process. The SA80 series was produced from metal stampings. While [[Royal Small Arms Factory|RSAF Enfield]] had previous experience in manufacturing stamped-metal firearms, this was only in relation to weapons such as the [[Sten]] submachine gun that had relatively loose tolerances. The tighter tolerances required by the SA80 soon led to production delays and high wastage levels.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} There were also issues with regard to working practices and employee attitudes at the Enfield site which were exacerbated by its closure in 1988 and resulting redundancies.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=74}} One worker was recorded as saying that "Having been shafted by BAE and our own management, we thought why the hell should we care if [the SA80] worked or not. All we wanted to do was see the last of the bloody things and leave."<ref name=lastenfield>{{cite book |last1=Raw |first1=Steve |title=The Last Enfield – SA80: The Reluctant Rifle|year=2003|publisher=Collector Grade Publications|location=Cobourg|isbn=978-0-889-35303-9}}</ref>

While production at the Nottingham facility was supposed to result in better-quality weapons owing to the use of newer manufacturing methods,<ref name=IHpg158/> few of the staff working there had any experience of firearms manufacture. Only 15 to 20 components were produced in-house, compared to the Enfield site's total of 230, with the rest being outsourced to subcontractors. Since the plant kept low stocks of pre-produced components, significant delays were incurred if subcontracted components were late in arriving at the Nottingham site or did not meet required tolerances.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=74}}

When the L85A1 and L86A1 were first sent into major combat during the [[Gulf War]], individual performance was far from adequate. The L85A1 proved unreliable in semi-automatic mode, and slightly better in fully automatic mode, while the opposite was true of the L86A1. Specific complaints included: the poor quality plastic furniture fell apart and the gun was damaged easily; the magazine release catch was easily knocked accidentally and dropped the magazine; the catch on the top cover over the gas mechanism was too weak and constantly popped open, so it had to be taped down; only 26–28 rounds could be loaded in a magazine because the springs were weak, something that was also mentioned in training manuals, at least with regard to earlier [[Colt's Manufacturing Company|Colt]]-produced magazines,<ref name=AC71374>{{cite book |title=Infantry Training Volume II, Pamphlet No. 6 The SA 80 Rifle and Light Support Weapon (LSW) (All Arms) |year=1988 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |id=AC71374}}</ref> and it had to be kept very clean and the lips checked for dents.{{sfn|Williams|2013}}

The magazine was made from aluminium and would deform if grasped too tightly. During firing, this could choke the flow of rounds and result in a jam; the LSW had a small magazine capacity for its role and overheated after 120–150 rounds fired in bursts; the weapons were difficult to strip and reassemble, with the gas plug easily jamming in place and requiring an armorer to remove; the firing pin was too narrow and would snap; the back of the trigger surface was flat which with snow or dirt accumulating behind it would prevent the trigger from pulling back all the way and firing the gun; and ergonomic issues related to the safety catch, cocking lever, and the location and stiffness of the fire selector switch.{{sfn|Williams|2013}}

During [[British military intervention in the Sierra Leone Civil War|Operation Palliser]] and other intervention operations in Sierra Leone, it was discovered that the version of the safety plunger used for production weapons was made from cheap injection-moulded plastic that swelled when wet, potentially rendering weapons inoperative if they had been left on 'safe'.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=30}} The SA80 initially gained a poor reputation amongst British soldiers as being unreliable and fragile, a fact picked up by the UK media,<ref name="guardian2">{{citation |first=James |last=Meek |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/oct/10/military.jamesmeek |title=Off Target |work=The Guardian |date=10 October 2002}}</ref> entertainment industry,<ref>for example the [[Bremner, Bird and Fortune]] satirical comedy documentary ''Between Iraq and a Hard Place'' included the line: "The SA80 is a lethal weapon, especially for anyone trying to fire it", similar to a description of the Vietnam War era M16.</ref> and members of the House of Lords.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Defence Estimates 1990|url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1990/jul/17/the-defence-estimates-1990|work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]]|date=17 July 1990|access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> [[Special Air Service]] sergeant [[Chris Ryan]] regarded the SA80s as being "poor-quality, unreliable weapons at the best of times, prone to stoppages, and it seemed pretty tough to have to rely on them".<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ryan|first1=Chris|title=[[The One That Got Away (book)|The One That Got Away]]|publisher=Arrow Books|year=2011|isbn=978-0-099-55667-1|location=London|page=55}}</ref>

Immediately after the [[Gulf War]],{{efn|the British activities named [[Operation Granby]]}} the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MOD) commissioned the LANDSET Report,{{efn|officially entitled "Equipment Performance (SA80) During Operation Granby (The Gulf War)"}} into the effectiveness of the L85A1 and L86A1. This report criticised the acceptance of the weapon into service. Neither weapon had managed to pass the sand trials and both frequently jammed. The mechanism of both weapons needed to be well-lubricated as the weapon became prone to seizure if fired "dry", yet in a sandy environment the lubricated weapon became unreliable due to the lubricant attracting sand into the moving parts. The LANDSET report identified in excess of 50 faults, most notably the magazine release catch, which could easily be caught on clothing and accidentally release the magazine; the plastic safety plunger which became brittle in cold climates; and firing pins that were not up to repeated use, and prone to fracture if used in automatic fire mode.<ref name=lastenfield/>

The report concluded that "It is, however, quite clear that infantrymen did not have CONFIDENCE in their personal weapon. Most expected a stoppage in the first magazine fired. Some platoon commanders considered that casualties would have occurred due to weapon stoppages if the enemy had put up any resistance in the trench and bunker clearing operations. Even discounting the familiarisation period of desert conditions, when some may have still been using the incorrect lubrication drill, stoppages continued to occur."<ref name=lastenfield/>

The report was leaked to the press, at which point the Ministry of Defence claimed that it was fake; while it was later admitted that the report was a genuine document,{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=28}} the MOD continued to downplay its significance, and only seven of the 50 faults identified were addressed by subsequent modifications, meaning that complaints over reliability in service continued. The MOD finally began to take the SA80 family's issues seriously in 1992, but procuring entirely new weapons was considered too expensive.{{sfn|Williams|2013}}

===A2 upgrade programme <span class="anchor" id="L85A2"></span>===
As a result, a more extensive modification programme was executed. In 2000, a team from Heckler & Koch, led by Ernst Mauch, was contracted to upgrade the SA80 family of weapons.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theflyingscotsman91.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-story-of-sa80-assault-rifle-and.html | title=The Story of the SA80 assault rifle - and a reflection on British military procurement disaster }}</ref> At that time Heckler & Koch were owned by BAE Systems. 200,000 SA80s were re-manufactured for £400 each, producing the A2 variant. Changes focused primarily on improving reliability and include a redesigned cocking handle, modified bolt, extractor and a redesigned hammer assembly that produces a slight delay in the hammer's operation in continuous fire mode, improving reliability and stability. The rifle and the LSW underwent modifications, and the programme also saw the introduction of a carbine variant.<ref name="guardian"/> The Ministry of Defence describes the A2 revision as "producing the most reliable weapons of their type in the world".<ref name=modl85>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23222.aspx |title=SA80 individual weapon |publisher=Army.mod.uk |access-date=2009-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210174925/http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23222.aspx |archive-date=2015-12-10}}</ref> Armed Forces trials indicated extremely good reliability over a range of climates for various operational scenarios, though with a decline in reliability in hot, and especially hot and dry conditions.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=31}}{{sfn|Williams|2013}}

The L85A2 achieved an average reliability rate of 25,200 [[Mean time between failures|mean rounds between failure]], and the L86A2 achieved 12,897 mean rounds between failures. Both weapons have higher reliability rates in cold/dry, temperate, and hot/wet conditions,{{efn|over 31,500 MRBF for L85A2}} but lower rates in hot/dry environments. The minimum expected life of A2 components is 10,000 rounds, meaning they might never suffer stoppages during their lifetimes. Mean rounds between failures was the measure of the average number of rounds that are fired between failures of a battlefield mission test. A battlefield mission was counted as a failure when there was more than one stoppage that the soldier could clear immediately on their own or there was a stoppage that required an armourer or a tool to clear. The Individual Weapon fired 165 battlefield missions, each comprising 150 rounds over 8 mins 40 secs. A total of 24,750 rounds were fired and suffered only 51 stoppages.{{efn|485 rounds fired for every stoppage}} Out of 165 battlefield missions, the A2 passed 156; the nine failures stoppages were easily cleared and not mission critical. The L85A2 achieved a 95% success rate, above the operational requirement of 90%, and its nearest rival of popular choice achieved only 47%.{{sfn|Williams|2013}} Originally slated for introduction in 2002,<ref>{{cite news |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=16 October 2001 |title=Rifles up-dated in time for invasion |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1359559/Rifles-up-dated-in-time-for-invasion.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1359559/Rifles-up-dated-in-time-for-invasion.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=The Telegraph |location=London |access-date=15 September 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the first A2-style SA80 weapons were rushed into action in Afghanistan in December 2001, and all 200,000 were converted by February 2006. Three to four thousand weapons were converted per month. Despite the modifications, reports emerged that the L85A2 was still jamming; in reality, there were few jams and problems were much less serious than they were made out to be, since they stemmed from isolated cases of soldiers not cleaning their weapons correctly.{{sfn|Williams|2013}} The modified A2 variants are distinguished by the "HK A2" marking on the top of the weapon just forward of the buttplate and the distinctive comma-shaped cocking handle (shaped to aid the ejection of the empty round casing and prevent stoppages).

Continued testing of the L85A2 in adverse conditions demonstrates its reliability over contemporary rifles, including the M16. Although it is heavier than most conventional and more modern bullpup rifles, its full-length barrel gives higher muzzle velocities and better terminal performance than both the American [[M4 carbine]] and [[M16 assault rifle]]. Rounds from an [[M4 carbine|M4]] will only reliably fragment out to 50–100 metres, while the L85A2 and M16 allowed fragmentation out to 150–200 metres and the L86A2 has an even longer fragmentation range.{{sfn|Williams|2013}} Despite these modifications, the L86A2 was supplemented with a belt-fed machine gun. British troops were issued with [[FN Minimi]] machine guns to add suppressive fire out to 300 metres.{{sfn|Williams|2013}}

A further upgrade including the provision of [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight]]s (ACOGs), a [[Daniel Defense]]-designed [[Picatinny rail]] (RIS) handguard for the L85 rifle (with optional Grip Pod downgrip),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eda.europa.eu/procurement-gateway|title=Supply of Handguards and Downgrips for SA80A2|publisher=European Defence Agency|quote=<!-- The Combat Support Equipment Integrated Project Team (CSE IPT), part of the Ministry of Defence United Kingdom, has a requirement for design, production and supply of a new handguard and downgrip for the SA80A2 Rifle to give improved grip capability. There is a possible requirement for up to quantity 8,000 of each item for Urgent Operational Requirements. There is a further possible requirement for up to quantity 15,000 to replace in service equipment.-->}}</ref> and a new vortex style [[Flash suppressor|flash eliminator]] was introduced as an [[Urgent Operational Requirement]]; initially introduced for use by selected units in 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/linkedfiles/ceso/trained_soldiers/kit_magazine/kit62_hi_res.pdf |title=Kit Magazine |issue=62 |date=Winter 2007 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)]] |access-date=2008-03-16 |quote=<!-- This technology is here now! So if you see strange-looking SA80s being carried by strange-looking men, then rest assured, those users that had the requirement, had the make-over, at a price.--> |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001234423/http://www.army.mod.uk/linkedfiles/ceso/trained_soldiers/kit_magazine/kit62_hi_res.pdf |archive-date=1 October 2008}}</ref> the upgrade package was subsequently rolled out on a more general basis from 2009 onwards.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=41}}

===A3 upgrade programme===
[[File:New SA80 A3 Assault Rifle MOD 45163882.jpg|thumb|L85A3 with a vertical fire grip]]
The L85A3 was first unveiled in prototype form in September 2016<ref>{{cite web|author=Miles |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/12/wont-die-l85a3-prototypes-released-public/|title=Why won't you die? L85A3 prototype photos released to public |date=12 September 2016|work=The Firearm Blog |publisher=Carbon Media Group}}</ref> with working models on display in September 2017 at the Defence and Security Equipment International event<ref>{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Moss |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/09/20/dsei17-hk-unveil-upgrades-british-sa80/|title=DSEI17 – H&K Unveil Upgrades to British SA80 |date=20 September 2017|work=The Firearm Blog |publisher=Carbon Media Group}}</ref> and official adoption taking place in 2018.<ref name=SA80A3>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?shop=dae&modele=release&prod=192313&cat=3|title=SA80 Rifle Gets An Upgrade |website=www.defense-aerospace.com |quote=(Source: British Army; issued April 10, 2018) |publisher=Giovanni de Briganti}}</ref> The changes from the SA80A2 design include a modification to the upper receiver and a full-length rail system for optional add-ons such as a vertical foregrip, laser pointer and torch. It also includes a weight saving of 100&nbsp;g and a new Flat Dark Earth coating offering improved durability and better camouflage across various environments. The Mid Life Improvement (MLI) project received an initial investment of £5.4 million to have 5,000 weapons upgraded initially, with plans for more weapons to be upgraded in the future. The MLI project should see the weapon in service with the British military beyond 2025.<ref name=MLI>{{cite press release|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-armys-rifle-set-for-multi-million-pound-upgrade|title=British Army's rifle set for multi-million-pound upgrade|publisher=Ministry of Defence| date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Oliver |last=Steward |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/l85a3-rifle-refuses-give/|title=L85A3: The rifle that refuses to give up|date=5 January 2018 |work=UK Defence Journal <!--not a journal -->}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nicholls |first1=Dominic |last2=Dias |first2=Duarte |title=New British Army rifle is among world's 'most lethal' weapons, military chiefs say |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/02/new-british-army-rifle-among-worlds-lethal-weapons-military/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/02/new-british-army-rifle-among-worlds-lethal-weapons-military/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=3 November 2018 |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=2 November 2018|url-access=subscription}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Only the L85 rifle was announced as being upgraded; the L86 LSW would be withdrawn from use.<ref name=SOLDIERMAG>{{cite web|access-date=9 August 2018|publisher=[[British Army]]|title=Soldier Magazine|url=http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/8c19e238#/8c19e238/16|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811155452/http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/8c19e238#/8c19e238/16|url-status=dead}}</ref> The A3 received further upgrades in late 2020 following feedback from soldiers. These upgrades mainly included improvements to the ergonomics of the handguard and a switch from Heckler & Koch's HKey accessory attachment system to [[Magpul Industries|Magpul]]'s [[M-LOK]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Muncey |first1=Steve |title=Handy Additions: Soldiers' input leads to rapid improvemenst of the SA80 A3 |url=https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=1fe0b7a6-b41d-4c08-89a8-2f6cf0fd2868 |access-date=12 July 2024 |work=Soldier Magazine |publisher=The British Army |date=August 2020}}</ref>

==Design details==

===Operating mechanism===
[[File:Operation Red Dagger 01.JPEG|thumb|A Royal Marine aims an L85A2 equipped with an L123A2 [[Heckler & Koch AG36]] [[grenade launcher]].]]
The SA80 system is a [[selective fire]] [[Gas-operated reloading|gas-operated]] design that uses ignited powder gases bled through a port in the barrel to provide the weapon's automation. The rifle uses a short-stroke gas piston system located above the barrel, which is fed gas through a three-position adjustable gas regulator. The first gas setting is used for normal operation, the second ("Excess") is for use in difficult environmental conditions, while the third setting ("Off") prevents any gas from reaching the piston and is used to launch [[rifle grenade]]s.<ref name=AC71374/><ref name=AC718072004>{{cite book|publisher=Ministry of Defence |id=AC71807 |title=Infantry Training Volume II, Pamphlet No. 5 The SA80 A2 (5.56 mm) System (Rifle, Light Support Weapon and Carbine) and Associated Equipment |year=2004}}</ref><ref name=AC718072011>{{cite book |title=Infantry Training Volume II, Pamphlet No. 5 The SA80 A2 (5.56 mm) System (Rifle, Light Support Weapon and Carbine) and Associated Equipment |year=2011 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |id=Army Code No. 71807}}</ref> The weapon uses a rotating cylindrical bolt that contains seven radially mounted locking splines, an extractor and casing ejector. The bolt's rotation is controlled by a cam stud that slides inside a [[Helix|helical]] camming guide machined into the bolt carrier.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

===Features===
[[File:US Marine firing SA-80.jpg|thumb|A [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine]] operating the cocking handle of an L85A1, 2000.]]
The family is built in a [[bullpup]] layout (the action is behind the trigger group), with a forward-mounted [[pistol grip]]. The main advantage of this type of arrangement is the overall compactness of the weapon, which can be achieved without compromising the barrel length, hence the overall length of the L85 rifle is shorter than a carbine, but the barrel length is that of an assault rifle. While left-handed conversion kits were trialled, the weapon as finally issued must be used exclusively right-handed since the ejection port and cocking handle (which reciprocates during firing) are on the right side of the receiver, making aimed fire from the left shoulder difficult. This can also give rise to a tactical disadvantage when firing around the left side of cover, where the shooter must expose the majority of their body.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=43}} However left shoulder firing can be achieved by tilting the right hand side of the rifle downwards, reducing the impediments of the cocking handle and the ejection port;{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=42}}{{Request quotation|date=July 2021}} the MOD also maintains that left-handed soldiers are capable of accurately firing the weapon from the right shoulder.{{sfn|Williams|2013}}

The SA80 family is hammer-fired and has a trigger mechanism with a fire-control selector that enables semi-automatic/repetition and fully automatic fire (the fire selector lever is located at the left side of the receiver, just aft of the magazine). A cross bolt type safety prevents accidental firing and is located above the trigger; the "safe" setting blocks the movement of the trigger. The magazine release button is placed above the magazine housing, on the left side of the receiver. When the last cartridge is fired from the magazine, the bolt and bolt carrier assembly lock to the rear. To release the bolt, the user has to press a black button on the left side of the rifle, near the fire selector.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

The SA80 barrel features a flash eliminator which serves as a mounting base for attaching a [[Blank-firing adaptor|blank firing attachment]]; it also allows for the use of rifle grenades or a [[bayonet]] with the rifle variant.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

The weapon's receiver is made from [[Stamping (metalworking)|stamped]] [[Sheet metal|sheet]] [[steel]], reinforced with [[Welding|welded]] and [[rivet]]ed [[Machining|machined]] steel inserts. Synthetic materials such as [[nylon]] were used to fabricate the furniture and the safety plunger.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}

===Sights===
[[File:Susat1.jpg|thumb|A view through a SUSAT sight.]]

Initially, rifles used by the [[Royal Marines]], [[British Army]] infantry soldiers (and other soldiers with a dismounted close combat role) and the [[RAF Regiment]] are equipped with a [[SUSAT]] (Sight Unit Small Arms, Trilux) optical sight, with a fixed 4× magnification and an illuminated aiming pointer powered by a variable [[tritium]] light source (as of 2006 almost all British Army personnel deployed on operations have been issued SUSATs); this is also the standard sighting arrangement for the LSW variant. Mounted on the SUSAT's one-piece, pressure [[Die casting|die-cast]] aluminium body are a set of back-up [[iron sight]]s that consist of a front blade and small rear aperture. Rifles used with other branches of the armed forces when not on operations are configured with fixed iron sights, consisting of a flip rear aperture housed inside the carrying handle and a forward post vertical blade foresight, installed on a bracket above the gas block. The rear sight can be adjusted for windage, and the foresight—elevation. In place of the SUSAT, a passive night vision CWS scope can be used.<ref name=AC71374/>

More recently, weapons used by some Royal Marines, Infantry, RAF Regiment, [[Ministry of Defence Police]] and soldiers with a dismounted close combat role in operations in Afghanistan have had the SUSAT replaced with the [[Trijicon]] [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight]] (ACOG).{{sfn|Grant|2016}}{{page needed|date=July 2019}} In 2011, the Ministry of Defence began issuing [[ELCAN Optical Technologies|ELCAN]] SpecterOS 4× Lightweight Day Sights (LDS) in an effort to replace ageing SUSAT units across the British Armed Forces, forming the first stage of the [[Future Integrated Soldier Technology|FIST]] infantry enhancement project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/33829/desider_36_May2011.pdf|title=Desider magazine – Issue 36|date=May 2011|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)]]}}</ref> In order to mount the new sight, the weapon has been provided with an adapter to convert the existing sight rail to the [[Picatinny rail|Picatinny]] standard, in keeping with the updated handguard. The FIST project has also seen upgrades to the existing [[Thales Optronics|Qioptiq]] CWS (4×) and Maxi-Kite (6×) night vision scopes, and the introduction of the FIST Thermal Sight, following operational experience with the VIPIR-2+ thermal weapon sight in Afghanistan. All of the new FIST weapon sights have the capacity to accept Shield's Close Quarter Battlesight reflex sight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://shieldpsd.sharepoint.com/Pages/CQB.aspx|title=Shield CQB|access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref>

===Magazines===
[[File:Lightweight Polymer Magazine Fitted to SA80 Rifle in Afghanistan MOD 45152325.jpg|thumb|A close-up of an L85A2 with the polymer Magpul EMAG. Note the clear round counting window.]]
SA80 weapons are fed from a [[STANAG magazine]], usually with a 30-round capacity. Initially issued magazines were aluminium [[Colt's Manufacturing Company|Colt]] magazines which were not particularly robust, leading to a steel replacement being produced by [[ROF Radway Green]].{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=46}} These magazines were then replaced during the A2 upgrade programme with two new steel magazines by [[Heckler & Koch]]; the main variant is for live ammunition, and the other is exclusively used for blank ammunition. The blank variant is identified by yellow stripes on the magazine, and is designed to prevent the unintentional loading of live rounds. This magazine has less internal length so that live rounds will not fit, while still fitting blank rounds, which are shorter. Blank rounds will fit into the live-round magazine, but the difference in length increases the chance of a stoppage.<ref name=AC718072004/><ref name=AC718072011/> The [[Magpul Industries]] polymer EMAG magazine was introduced from 2011, featuring a lower weight of {{convert|130|g|oz}} compared to the steel magazine's {{convert|249|g|oz}}, a detachable dust cover, and a clear window in the magazine body that allows easy monitoring of how much ammunition remains in the magazine.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/troops-in-afghanistan-get-new-lightweight-rifle-magazines|title=Troops in Afghanistan get new lightweight rifle magazines|website=GOV.UK |date=19 January 2011}}</ref> The [[Beta C-Mag]] was trialled in an attempt to improve the L86's limited ability to lay down sustained fire, but reliability problems with the magazine when loaded with British-issue ammunition meant that it was not adopted.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=46}}

===Bayonet===
{{multiple image
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 | direction = vertical
 | width = 217
 | image1 = British Army Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Exercise Dynamic Victory 151110-A-HE359-023.jpg
 | caption1 = A bayonet attached to an L85A2 rifle
 | image2 = Royal Navy Bayonet.jpg
 | caption2 = Bayonet detail
}}
In British Armed Forces use, the L85 Rifle is issued with the socket-type L3A1 Bayonet, which has a hollow handle that fits onto the muzzle. The blade is offset to the side of the handle to allow the rifle to be fired while the bayonet is fitted. It is shaped to produce good penetration when thrust and to part a person's ribs without embedding into bone,{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} and a ribbed section for rope cutting. The bayonet handle is shaped so as to allow the bayonet to be used as a [[fighting knife]] in its own right. The issued scabbard features a saw blade for use on wood, a sharpening stone to hone the bayonet, and a bottle opener. When combined with the bayonet, it also forms a wire cutter.<ref name=AC71374/>{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=59}}

When soldiers from the [[Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment]] went into battle with fixed bayonets on their SA80s during the [[Battle of Danny Boy|Battle of Al Amara]] in Iraq on 14 May 2004, it was the first time fixed bayonets had been used by British troops since the [[Falklands War]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Wyatt|first=Caroline|title=Remembering the Battle of Al Amara|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8016685.stm|work=BBC News|access-date=9 April 2011|date=28 April 2009}}</ref> On several occasions, fixed bayonets were used during the Afghanistan conflict.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=61}} The bayonet cannot be fitted to the L22 Carbine<ref name=AC70166>{{cite book|author=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)]] |title=Army Code No. 70166 (Revised 1990) [Amended 2009], The Drill Manual|year=2009}}</ref> or L86 Light Support Weapon. As a result, soldiers equipped with the latter sometimes swapped their weapons for vehicle crewmen's L85s when clearing trenches during [[Operation Granby]].{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=28}}

===Accessories===
[[File:An upgraded Laser Light Module Mk 3 mounted on the SA-80 Mk2. MOD 45158982.jpg|thumb|L85A2 carrying upgraded Laser Light Module Mk 3 with 800&nbsp;m range.]]
The SA80 is supplied with a sling, [[blank-firing adaptor]], and cleaning kit. The rifle can be adapted to use [[.22 Long Rifle]] training ammunition with a special conversion kit.<ref name=AC71374/>{{Request quotation|date=July 2021}}{{page needed|date=July 2021}} The [[Small Arms Weapons Effects Simulator]] can be used on the L85 when in training with [[Blank (cartridge)|blank ammunition]]. On operations with ground close combat units (Infantry, Royal Marines, RAF Regiment), the rifle is often fitted with an [[LLM01]] Laser Light Module and deployable bipod mounted within an optional front grip. {{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

==Variants==
There are four main variants that make up the SA80 family: the '''L85 Rifle''', the '''L86 Light Support Weapon''', the '''L22 Carbine''' and the '''L98 Cadet rifle'''.

===Rifle===
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | direction = vertical
 | width = 217
 | image1 = Charles Suilen at Sierra Prieta-L85A2.jpg
 | caption1 = [[Netherlands Marine Corps|Royal Netherlands Marine Corps]] captain aiming an L85A2 with SUSAT and polymer handguard
 | image2 = SA80-A2 with Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) MOD 45160296.jpg
 | caption2 = L85A2 with Elcan LDS and L123 UGL, including Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module
}}
The '''L85 Rifle''',<ref name=AC718072011/> referred to on occasion as the '''L85 Individual Weapon (IW)''',<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/> is the standard rifle for the British Armed Forces.<ref>[https://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/small-arms-and-support-weapons/#:~:text=SA80%20A2%20comprises%20the%20Individual,standard%205.56%20x%2045mm%20ammunition Equipment. Small arms and support weapons]</ref>

When initially adopted for service, the L85's grenade-launching ability was fulfilled by then-conventional rifle grenades, namely the L74A1 [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT) and L75A1 HEAT-APERS versions of the Luchaire grenade; when these experienced problems with premature detonation, the [[Rifle Grenade General Service|L85A1 HE grenade]] was adopted in their place. Various underbarrel [[grenade launcher]] models were trialled, including the [[M203]] and a proprietary "Enfield Close Assault Weapon" developed by Royal Ordnance.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=64}} It was eventually decided that the [[Heckler & Koch AG36|L17A2/L123]] [[40 mm grenade#40×46 mm LV (40 mm Low Velocity)|40mm]] Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) should be adopted; this is issued on a scale of one per fireteam,<ref name=Infantry_Platoon_Tactics_09>{{cite book|author=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)]] |title=Army Code No. 71882, Infantry Tactical Doctrine Volume 1, Pamphlet No. 3 Infantry Platoon Tactics|year=2009}}</ref> and is used with fragmentation, [[High-explosive anti-tank#High-explosive dual-purpose|high-explosive dual-purpose]] (HEDP), red phosphorus,<ref name="Rhien">{{cite web |url=https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/de/media/editor_media/rm_defence/publicrelations/pressemitteilungen/2011_5/2011-09-13_40mm_ammunition.pdf |title=Leading system supplier of 40mm weapons, ammunition and fire control technology |website=Rheinmetall Defence |date=13 September 2011}}</ref> white illuminating parachute, infra-red illuminating parachute, practice, and drill ammunition,<ref name=AC718072004/><ref name=AC718072011/> with buckshot ammunition also being intended for adoption.<ref name=modl85/> The addition of the UGL adds another 1.12&nbsp;kg to the L85A2's weight.<ref name=MoD_Army_PDF/>

===Light Support Weapon===
{{multiple image
 | align = right
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 | width = 217
 | image1 = L86A2 LSW.jpg
 | caption1 = L86A2 LSW
 | image2 = Kozacki Step 80.jpg
 | caption2 = British soldier providing instruction on the L86 to a Polish serviceman during the 2008 Kozacki Step exercises
}}

The '''L86 Light Support Weapon (LSW)''' is a magazine-fed [[squad automatic weapon]] originally intended to provide fire support at a [[fireteam]] level. The weapon has a heavier, longer {{convert|646|mm|inch}} barrel than the rifle and features a shorter handguard with an integrated bipod protruding from the front.<ref name=modl86>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23231.aspx |title=Light support weapon |publisher=Army.mod.uk |access-date=2009-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210175443/http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23231.aspx |archive-date=2015-12-10}}</ref> The stock has a shoulder strap to take the weapon's weight in the prone position and a rear vertical grip for better control of the weapon when firing bursts. The weapon is otherwise identical to the L85 version on which it is based, and the same magazines and sighting systems are used.<ref name=AC71374/> In addition to British Armed Forces use, the LSW was adopted by MOD-sponsored cadet organisations.<ref name="AC71807C">{{cite book|publisher=Ministry of Defence |id=AC71807-C |title =Cadet Training, The L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle (5.56 mm), L86A2 Light Support Weapon and Associated Equipment |year=2014}}</ref>

The increased barrel length, bipod and the optical performance of the SUSAT give the weapon excellent accuracy, increased muzzle velocity and greater effective range. From its inception, the L86 was a target of criticism on much the same basis as the L85.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} The LSW has the additional issue of its inability to deliver sustained automatic fire as it lacks a belt feed. This is common with any light support weapon derived from a rifle, for example the heavy-barrel FN FAL.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/jul/31/military.uk |title=Don't Buy British|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=31 July 2004| location=London |first=Max |last=Hastings}}</ref>

While the LSW was supposed to replace the L7A2 GPMG at the section level, the weapon's shortcomings meant that many units reverted to the GPMG, or held onto it if it had not already been replaced. The role of a LSW was ultimately filled by the [[FN Minimi]], known in service as the L110A1-A3 light machine gun, a belt fed weapon with a quick-change barrel in the same way as the GPMG.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=35}} Owing to its high level of accuracy in semi-automatic mode,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hogg |first1=Ian |last2=Weeks |first2=John |title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century|year=1991|publisher=Arms and Armour Press|location=London|isbn=978-1-854-09034-8|page=293}}</ref> the primary use of the L86 shifted to that of a [[designated marksman rifle]] following the introduction of the L110A1.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=23 June 2020|publisher=[[British Army]]|title=The Infantry - Small Arms in the Section|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/current_equipment/the_infantry_small_arms_in_the_section.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227111053/http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/current_equipment/the_infantry_small_arms_in_the_section.htm |archive-date=27 December 2005|quote=With the introduction of the Light Machine Gun (LMG), the LSW will be used for longer range (600-800m), accurate, suppressive fire. It will become the sharpshooter system of the section to out-range any potential threat.}}</ref> It was replaced in this role by the [[L129A1]] Sharpshooter Rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Taking-Back-The-Infantry-Half-km-Britains-L129A1-06426/|title=Taking Back The Infantry Half-km: Britain's L129A1|date=8 June 2010 |work=Defense Industry Daily |author=staff}}</ref> The L86 was withdrawn from service in 2019.<ref name=SOLDIERMAG/>

===Carbine===
[[File:HMS Somerset Boarding Team Member During Exercise MOD 45153732.jpg|thumb|right|Royal Marines boarding team member with an L22 Carbine]]

The length savings offered by the SA80's bullpup design meant that initially there were no plans for a carbine variant. By 1984, an extremely short prototype model was developed. The barrel terminated immediately in front of the pistol grip, which in combination with the lack of any sort of foregrip or handguard presented a risk of self-inflicted gunshot injuries if the firer's left hand was to slip forward. Two further prototypes appeared in 1989 and 1994. The former was slightly longer than the previous model at an overall length {{convert|556|mm|in|abbr=on}} with a {{convert|289|mm|in|abbr=on}} barrel and used the rear grip from the LSW as a foregrip, while the latter used a 17.4-inch barrel (442&nbsp;mm) with an overall {{convert|709|mm|in|abbr=on}} length and was fitted with the handguard from the LSW.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=24}}

The fourth attempt (2003–2004) is the only one to officially be adopted, being known as the '''L22 Carbine''' in British service. It resembles the 1989 model, including the foregrip which is now a purpose-made component which can be adjusted by the end user, but is constructed to A2 standards and has a {{convert|318|mm|in|abbr=on}} barrel and an overall length of 565&nbsp;mm. Around 1,500 were manufactured from surplus L86 LSWs. More were built with the increased demand, bringing the total to around 2,000.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=25}} The shortened barrel means that the carbine is less accurate than the rifle variant, especially at longer ranges. The official manual gives an effective range of 200&nbsp;m while stating that the weapon's effectiveness beyond this is entirely dependent on the firer's skill.<ref name=AC718072011/>

The version that was finally accepted for service was introduced during the A2 upgrade programme<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/sa80-history-l22a2-and-experimental-l85-carbines/|title=SA80 History: L22A2 and Experimental L85 Carbines|date=24 May 2017|website=forgottenweapons.com|access-date=30 May 2017}}</ref> - official documentation disagrees over whether to refer to the weapon as the L22A1<ref name=AC718072004/><ref name=AC718072011/> or L22A2.<ref name=AC70166/> Initially issued to tank and armoured vehicle crews for emergency action out of vehicle ([[personal defense weapon]] use), the L22's compact size has led it to being used by the Royal Marines Fleet Protection Group as well as helicopter pilots, [[armoured fighting vehicle]] crews and dog handlers of all three service branches.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=25}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Neville |first1=Leigh |title=The British Army in Afghanistan 2006–14: Task Force Helmand |date=2015 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781472806758 |page=10}}</ref>

20-round STANAG magazines were introduced to allow for a more compact weapon for use in [[Armoured fighting vehicle|AFVs]] and other vehicles and 30-round magazines are compatible.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-24 |title=British Enfield SA80 Part 6: Carbines - Armament Research Services (ARES) |url=https://armamentresearch.com/british-enfield-sa80-part-6-carbines/#:~:text=A%2020%20round%20magazine%20is%20available%20to%20maintain%20the%20weapon%E2%80%99s%20compact%20silhouette%20as%20befits%20an%20AFV%20crew%20PDW,%20but%20of%20course%20the%20standard%2030%20round%20magazine%20of%20the%20rifle/LSW%20is%20interchangeable |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=armamentresearch.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Cadet General Purpose Rifle <span class="anchor" id="L98 Cadet General Purpose Rifles"></span>===
{{multiple image
 | align = right
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 | width = 217
 | image1 = L98 target rifle.JPG
 | caption1 = [[Sea Cadets (United Kingdom)|Sea Cadet]] firing the now-retired L98A1 Cadet GP Rifle
 | image2 = L98 A2 DP Rifle.JPG
 | caption2 = L103A2 Drill Purpose version of the L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle. This particular example lacks the front sight post.
}}
The '''L98 Cadet General Purpose (GP) Rifle''' is used for weapons training by the [[Combined Cadet Force]] and [[Community Cadet Forces]]. The L98A2 is identical to the L85A2 rifle save for the absence of fully automatic capability and a plain foresight blade without a tritium insert.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=24}}

The initial L98A1 version was introduced in 1987 to replace the [[.303 British|.303]] [[Lee–Enfield#Rifle No 4 Mk I|Lee–Enfield No 4 rifles]] and [[Bren gun|.303 Bren guns]] in the Army Cadet Force, which had not been replaced by the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|SLR]] owing to that weapon's weight and recoil being deemed as too much for young cadets.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_and_Parker-Hale_Experimental_GP-cadet_rifles.html | title=Historic small-bore Enfield rifles, training rifles and BSA rifles; plus league competitions }}</ref> The GP Rifle had no such problems,{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=24}} and its suitability for cadet use was emphasised in official documentation.<ref name=AC71462>{{cite book|author=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)]] |title=Army Code No. 71462, The Cadet Training Manual Volume I|year=1990}}</ref>  It was similar to the L85A1 but lacked the gas components, instead being a manually operated, [[single-shot]] weapon, with a cocking handle extension piece mounted on the right side of the weapon for this purpose. It was also distinguishable by the absence of a flash eliminator and only being fitted with standard iron sights. 

In 2018 a number of cadet weapons were stolen, and some later recovered after a theft in the North of England. This led to a review of the rules around the cadet forces use and storage of such weapons. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/two-arrested-after-loaded-british-25455035 | title=Two arrested after loaded British Army issue assault rifle found buried in park | date=8 November 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65727894 | title=Machine guns among weapons lost by UK armed forces | work=BBC News | date=26 May 2023 }}</ref>

===L402A1 0.22 Small Bore Rifle===

A [[.22 Long Rifle|.22 Rimfire]] calibre based on the L85A2 was developed by Heckler & Koch in 2021. This rifle's operation is simple blow-back with both its mechanism and magazine similar to that of the L41A1 ‘Kit Conversion’.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Richard |title=H&K develops smaller-calibre SA-80 assault rifle for training |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/hk-develops-smaller-calibre-sa-80-assault-rifle-for-training |website=Janes.com |access-date=12 February 2023 |language=en |date=18 May 2021}}</ref>

==Conflicts==
The SA80 has been used in all conflicts in which the British Armed Forces have been involved since its introduction in the early 1980s. Deployments include the following:{{Sfn|Grant|2016|pp=26-39}}

*[[The Troubles]] ([[Operation Banner]])
*[[Gulf War]] ([[Operation Granby]])
*[[Yugoslav Wars]] ([[Operation Grapple (Yugoslavia)|Operation Grapple]])
*[[Sierra Leone Civil War]] ([[British military intervention in the Sierra Leone Civil War|Operation Palliser]])
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]] (Operations [[Operation Veritas|Veritas]], [[Operation Jacana|Jacana]], [[Operation Herrick|Herrick]], and [[Operation Toral|Toral]])
*[[Iraq War]] ([[Operation Telic]])

==Users==
[[File:SA80 Users.png|thumb|A map with SA80 users in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. -->
*{{flag|Afghanistan}}: Used by [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|Afghan]] NDS and Commandos during the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-02 |title=Bullpup Rifles of the Afghan Commandos and NDS|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/04/02/bullpup-rifles-of-the-afghan-commandos-and-nds/ |access-date=2023-01-16 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419181612/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/04/02/bullpup-rifles-of-the-afghan-commandos-and-nds/|archive-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref> Captured by the Taliban<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-04-18 |title="Operation Cortes Bank 11" (Lvl 1) Cache Storyboard |url=https://weaponsdocs.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/doc_47_8111_103__cb_11____cache_story_board.pdf|access-date=2023-01-16 |website=Arms trafficking, arms trade, and weapons ID docs- Wordpress |language=en-US|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927183458/https://weaponsdocs.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/doc_47_8111_103__cb_11____cache_story_board.pdf|archive-date=September 27, 2021|publisher=[[International Security Assistance Force]]}}</ref>
*{{flag|Bolivia}}: Sold as part of British military aid;{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=75}} used by special military and police units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/07/04/bolivian-police-armed-with-sa80/|title=Bolivian Police armed with SA80|date=4 July 2011|access-date=1 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/12/31/sa80-in-bolivia/|title=SA80 in Bolivia|date=31 December 2012|access-date=1 February 2019}}</ref>
*{{flag|Jamaica}}: Used since 1992.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=75}}
*{{flag|Mozambique}}: Sold as part of British military aid.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=75}}
*{{flag|Nepal}}: Sold as part of British military aid.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=75}}
*{{flag|Papua New Guinea}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Alpers|first=Philip|editor1-last=Karp|editor1-first=Aaron|title=The Politics of Destroying Surplus Small Arms: Inconspicuous Disarmament|date=2010|pages=168–169|publisher=Routledge Books|location=Abingdon-on-Thames|isbn=978-0-415-49461-8}}</ref>
*{{flag|Sierra Leone}}: Sold as part of British military aid.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=75}}
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}: L85, L86, and L22 variants standard issue to the British Armed Forces.<ref name=AC71374/> L98 and L86 variants standard issue to the [[Community Cadet Forces]] and [[Combined Cadet Force]].<ref name=AC71462/>
**{{flag|Bermuda}} ([[British Overseas Territory]]): 400 L85A2 rifles donated by the UK Ministry of Defence to the Royal Bermuda Regiment in August 2015;<ref name="royalgazette.com"/> small stocks held before then for familiarisation purposes.
**{{flag|Falkland Islands}} (British Overseas Territory): Adopted by the [[Falkland Islands Defence Force]] in 2019 to replace the [[Steyr AUG]]<ref name=FIDFFB>{{cite web |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/2094635694139862/2299255450344551 |archive-date=2022-04-30 |url=https://www.facebook.com/2094635694139862/posts/over-the-last-few-weeks-all-ranks-have-been-training-on-the-l85a2-rifle-and-toni/2299255450344551/ |title=Falkland Islands Defence Force on Facebook |website=[[Facebook]]}}{{cbignore}}{{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>
**{{flag|Gibraltar}} (British Overseas Territory): Standard issue to the Royal Gibraltar Regiment
** {{flag|British Hong Kong|colonial}}: Used by the [[Royal Hong Kong Regiment]] until 1995.<ref name="RHKR_Weapon">{{cite web|title=RHKR Equipment - Weapons |url=https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/weapon.htm |publisher=The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) Association |website=www.rhkr.org |access-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616152909/https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/weapon.htm |archive-date=16 June 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Ukraine}}: Used by Ukrainian forces in joint British and Ukraine training.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moss |first=Matthew |title=Ukrainian Troops with British SA80s |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/08/09/ukrainian-troops-british-sa80s/ |access-date=November 15, 2022 |work=the Firearm Blog |date=August 9, 2022}}</ref>
*{{flag|Zimbabwe}}: Sold as part of British military aid.{{Sfn|Grant|2016|p=75}}

=== Non-state users ===
*[[Northern Ireland]] [[Ulster loyalism#Paramilitary and vigilante groups|Loyalist paramilitaries]], including the [[Ulster Defence Association]]<ref>{{cite book|last=de Silva |first=Desmond|title=The Report of the Patrick Finucane Review|date=2012-12-12|publisher=TSO|location=London|isbn=9780102981087}}</ref> and [[Ulster Volunteer Force]]<ref>{{cite news|date=2010-09-14|author=Opinion|title=Why death of King Rat is dark and dirty riddle|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/why-death-of-king-rat-is-dark-and-dirty-riddle-28558816.html|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph}}</ref>
* [[West Side Boys]], Sierra Leone: Weapons taken from the [[Royal Irish Regiment (1992)|Royal Irish Regiment]] patrol captured on [[Operation Barras#Capture of the Royal Irish patrol|25 August 2000]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Lewis|first=Damien|title=Operation Certain Death|date=2005|publisher=Arrow Books |location=London |isbn=978-0-099-46642-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=plVwDwAAQBAJ}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2021}}

==See also==
;Other bullpup assault rifles
*{{lwc|Steyr AUG|AUG}}
*{{lwc|FN F2000}}
*{{lwc|QBZ-95}}
*{{lwc|HS Produkt VHS}}
*{{lwc|FAMAS}}
*{{lwc|Fusil Automático Doble}}
*{{lwc|KH-2002|Khaybar}}
*{{lwc|IWI Tavor}}
*{{lwc|SAR 21}}
*{{lwc|Malyuk}}
*{{lwc|IFAR 22}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== References ==
*{{cite book |last=Ferguson |first=Jonathan S. |author-link=Jonathan Ferguson |title=Thorneycroft to SA80: British Bullpup Firearms 1901–2020 |date=2021 |publisher=Headstamp Publishing |location=Nashville, Tennessee |isbn=978-1-7334246-2-2}}
*{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Neil |title=SA80 Assault Rifles |date=2016 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-4728-1104-2}}
*{{cite book |last=Raw |first=Steve |date=2003 |title=The Last Enfield SA80: The Reluctant Rifle |publisher=Cobourg: Collector Grade Publications Incorporated |location=Canada |isbn=0-88935-303-4}}
*{{cite book|publisher=Ministry of Defence |id=AC71807 |title=Infantry Training Volume II, Pamphlet No. 5 The SA80 A2 (5.56 mm) System (Rifle, Light Support Weapon and Carbine) and Associated Equipment|year=2011}}
*{{cite book|publisher=Ministry of Defence |id=AC71807-C |title=Cadet Training, The L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle (5.56 mm), L86A2 Light Support Weapon and Associated Equipment |year=2014}}
*{{citation |last=Williams |first=Anthony G. |url=http://www.quarryhs.co.uk/SA80.htm |title=SA80: Mistake Or Maligned – And What Next? |date=April 2013 |website=Military Guns & Ammunition|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123175126/https://www.quarryhs.co.uk/SA80.htm|archive-date=November 23, 2022}}<!-- "seventh revision" -->

==External links==
{{Commons category|SA80}}
*{{citation |url=https://armamentresearch.com/british-enfield-sa80-part-3-xl70-series/ |author=Jonathan Ferguson |title=British Enfield SA80 Part 3: XL70 series |date=13 May 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522222248/https://armamentresearch.com/british-enfield-sa80-part-3-xl70-series/|archive-date=May 22, 2023}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9e3UCcU00TTKZGYyt7empeySNqh-xJWb SA80 development from wooden mockups, XL60, XL70, XL85 & XL86 prototypes, to most recent versions] playlist of YouTube videos by [[Forgotten Weapons]]
* [http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23222.aspx SA80 A2 L85 Individual Weapon] at Army.mod.uk
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20230522222251/http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_SA80.html "SA80 (Small Arms for the 1980s): The Sorry Saga of the British Bulldog's Bullpup"] at historyofwar.org

{{ArmaLite AR-16 derivatives}}
{{ModernUKInfWeaponsNav}}
{{Bullpup firearms}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sa80}}
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]]
[[Category:Assault rifles of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Bullpup rifles]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1985]]