IMBEL MD-3
Industria de Material Belico do Brasil · Assault Rifle · In Service · 1985
Also known as: Fz 5.56 MD-3, IMBEL MD3
Overview
The IMBEL MD-3 is a Brazilian select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Industria de Material Belico do Brasil. It is a variant of the MD-2 that replaces the tubular side-folding metal buttstock with a fixed polymer stock, otherwise sharing the same FAL-derived, gas-operated action fitted with an M16-type rotating bolt. Fed from STANAG-compatible 20- or 30-round box magazines, the MD-3 fires from a closed bolt in semi-automatic and full-automatic modes at a cyclic rate of about 700 rounds per minute, and serves with the Brazilian armed forces and police alongside the folding-stock MD-2.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4570 g (161.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5020 g (177.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Barrel Length | 453 mm (17.83") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 915 m/s (3002 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1675 J (1235 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Select Fire, Fixed Stock, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Fal Derived Action, Rotating Bolt, Bayonet Mount, Flash Hider
Variants
- IMBEL MD-2 - Folding Stock
- IMBEL MD-4 - Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian Army · as Fz 5.56 MD-3
- Brazilian Military Police · as MD-3
Production
Production years: 1985-2000s
Produced for the Brazilian Armed Forces and police; exact figures not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The MD-3 is mechanically identical to the MD-2 apart from its fixed synthetic stock, which slightly increases the empty weight to roughly 4.57 kg. Like the rest of the MD family it retains the FAL silhouette and controls while adopting a rotating bolt and STANAG magazines. Produced primarily for Brazilian domestic military and police use; no significant export sales are recorded.
Background
When Brazil transitioned from the 7.62mm FAL to the NATO-standard 5.56mm cartridge, IMBEL offered its new rifle in two flavors so units could pick their trade-off: the MD-2 with a compact side-folding stock for vehicle and airborne troops, and the MD-3 with a rugged fixed polymer stock for line infantry who valued durability and a steadier cheek weld.