IMBEL MD97

The IMBEL MD97 is a Brazilian assault rifle used by the Brazilian Army, Special Forces, and police forces.

IMBEL MD97
Type	Assault rifle
Place of origin	Brazil
Service history
In service	1997-present
Used by	See Users
Production history
Manufacturer	IMBEL
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Mass	3.7 kg (8.2 lb) (MD97L), 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) (MD97LC)
Length	1,010 mm (40 in) (MD97L), 850 mm (33 in) (MD97LC)
Barrel length	437 mm (17.2 in) (MD97L), 330 mm (13 in)
Cartridge	5.56×45mm NATO
Rate of fire	950 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity	920 m/s (3,000 ft/s)
Effective firing range	600 m (660 yd)
Maximum firing range	3,800 m (4,200 yd)
Feed system	30-round STANAG magazines

History

The MD97 is a selective-fire or semi-automatic assault rifle that has been produced by IMBEL in Brazil since 1997. It is based upon the IMBEL MD2, which is itself based upon the FN FAL.

A large group of National Public Security Force soldiers armed with MD97s

Two National Public Security Force soldiers armed with MD97s

Variants

• MD97L- standard full-size, selective-fire version for use with Brazilian Army.
• MD97LM- MD97L with the addition of MIL-STD-1913 rails for mounting scopes and tactical attachments intended for use by Brazilian Special forces.
• MD97LC- compact, semi-automatic only version for use with domestic police forces.

Users

• Brazil
  • Brazilian Army
  • Military Police of Rio de Janeiro State
  • Military Police of São Paulo State
  • Military Police of Espírito Santo State
  • Military Brigade of Rio Grande do Sul
  • Military Police of Paraná State
  • National Public Security Force