WEAPON SYSTEM 70/90
cal. 5,56 mm x 45 NATO

The Beretta weapon system consists of 4 versions:

•  Assault Rifle AR 70/90 for infantry

•  Carbine SC 70/90 for special troops

•  Special Carbine 70/90 (Short Version) for armoured troops

•  Light Machine Gun AS 70/90 (Squad Weapon).

The Beretta weapon system features 4 versions with the same basic mechanism and most of the component parts identical for all models, included the ones of the LMG AS-70/90, which because of its special purpose characteristics is the more different from the standard model.

Assault Rifle AR 70/90 (Standard Model)

The AR 70/90 is an automatic, indirect gas operated weapon, with rotating bolt locking system. The bolt has two locking lugs and the main characteristics of this rifle are as follows:

Selector lever

- Standard version: 4 positions (safety, single shot, controlled burst of 3 rds., full automatic fire).
  The selector lever, located both on the right and left side, is easily operated by either right or left handed shooters.
- Optional version: the charge of the selector lever allows:
                                a) single shot + controlled burst of 3 rds.
                                b) single shot fire.

Controlled Burst Mechanism

The mechanism which governs the controlled burst of 3 rds. consists of parts that, on request, can be easily replaced by another device allowing full automatic fire or single shot fire (patent pending).

NATO Magazine

The  AR 70/90 is designed to accomodate any type of magazine manufacture according to STANAG 4179. The magazine has a capacity of 30 rounds and it is released by pressing the ambidestrous button positioned for use by the same hand that holds the weapon (patent pending).

Gas Cylinder Regulator

The gas cylinder of the AR 70/90 rifle is equipped with a special valve controlling the flow of the gasses out of the cylinder. Two positions are possible: open valve for general use under normal conditions; closed valve for use under adverse enviromental conditions.
To operate the grenade launcher it is sufficient to lift the valve lever which closes the gas ports.

Aiming Devices Attachment

The standard model has attachments for sighting devices (riflescope, night vision scope, laser beam, etc.). To fit the aiming devices on their supports no tools is needed, the support is according to NATO STANAG 2324.

Carrying Handle

It is possible to rapidly mount on the aiming devices supports a carrying handle incorporates a luminescent source for firing in poor light conditions.

Sighting Devices

The sighting devices consist of :
- two-position rear sight adjustable for windage. The aperture is adjustable for distances at 250 mt, and 400 mt, in order to meet ballistic requirements of ammunition as per STANAG 4172.
- front sight adjustable for elevation.

Winter Trigger

The trigger guard can be rotated and positioned along the pistol grip, thus to allow the use of the weapon wearing winter clothes.

Bayonet Attachment

The M8 bayonet can be fixed on the AR 70/90 (same type as the one installed on M16A1 and M16A2 rifles). The bayonet with scabbard also can be used as a general utility knife and wire-cutter.

Bipod

A detachable bipod is supplied on request. When not in use it can be easily folded along the weapon.

Carbine SC 70/90

It differs from standard version only in the metal folding butt.

Special Carbine SCS 70/90

The following features differentiate this model from the standard one:
- Shorter barrel (352 mm instead of 450 mm)
- No grenade launcher and no spindle valve lever
- No bayonet attachment (available on request)
- Metal folding butt.

Light Machine Gun AS 70/90 (Squad weapon)

This version differs from the standard one in the following characteristics:
 - Firing from an "open bolt" position
 - Semi-automatic and full automatic fire capabilities
 - Heavier barrel
 - Grenade launcher of different design
 - Barrel protected by a metal cover
 - Fixing point for vehicle support
 - Articulated bipod, adjustable for several positions
 - Stock of different design
 - Butt place with shoulder rest
 - Micrometrical adjustment sighting devices (up to 300 and 800 mt).

ACCESSORIES

 - Sling
 - Detachable/folding bipod
 - Bayonet with scabbard
 - Blank ammunition firing attachment
 - Riflescope for precision firing
 - Night vision scope
 - Aiming beam laser
 - Cleaning kit