FN P90
Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Good article Template:Infobox weapon
The FN P90 is a personal defense weapon chambered for the 5.7×28mm cartridge, also classified as a submachine gun, designed and manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium.<ref name="miller2001">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="dockery2007">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Created in response to NATO requests for a replacement for 9×19mm Parabellum firearms, the P90 was designed as a compact but powerful firearm for vehicle crews, operators of crew-served weapons, support personnel, special forces, and counter-terrorist groups.
Designed in conjunction with the FN Five-seven pistol and FN 5.7×28mm NATO ammunition,<ref name="arsmechanica08"/> development of the weapon began in 1986, and production commenced in 1990, when it was known as the Project 9.0 (from which the "90" in its name is derived<ref name="arsmechanica08">Template:Cite book</ref>), whereupon the 5.7×28mm ammunition was redesigned and shortened.<ref name="diez2000">Template:Cite book</ref> A modified version of the P90 with a magazine adapted to use the new ammunition was introduced in 1993, and the Five-seven pistol was subsequently introduced as a companion weapon using the same 5.7×28mm ammunition.<ref name="gunzonetimeline1990">Template:Cite web</ref>
Featuring a compact bullpup design with an integrated reflex sight and fully ambidextrous controls, the P90 is an unconventional weapon with a futuristic appearance.<ref name="dockery2007"/> Its design incorporates several innovations, such as a unique top-mounted magazine and FN's small-caliber, high-velocity 5.7×28mm ammunition.<ref name="dockery2007"/> Additional integrated features include interchangeable visible or infrared laser and tritium light sources.
The P90 is currently in service with military and police forces in over 40 nations, such as Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Greece, India, Malaysia, Poland, and the United States.<ref name="milrev">Tirans, Ivars (2009). "Baltic Defence Research and Technology 2009 Conference Proceedings". Military Review: Scientific Journal for Security and Defence (Template:ISSN), Nr. 3/4 (132/133), p 103.</ref> In the United States, the P90 is in use with over 200 law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service.<ref name="white2009">Template:Cite video</ref> In the United States, the standard selective fire P90 is restricted to the military, law enforcement, or holders of certain Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs) with the Special Occupational Tax (SOT). Since 2005, a semi-automatic version with a longer barrel has been offered to civilian users as the PS90.<ref name="dettyTL2008">Template:Cite web</ref>
History
Development
The P90 and its 5.7×28mm ammunition were developed by the Belgian company FN Herstal in response to NATO requests for a replacement for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge and associated pistols and submachine guns.<ref name="gourley2003">Gourley, S.; Kemp, I (November 26, 2003). "The Duellists". Jane's Defence Weekly (Template:ISSN), Volume 40 Issue 21, pp 26–28.</ref> NATO called for two types of weapons chambered for a new cartridge—one a shoulder-fired weapon, and the other a handheld weapon.<ref name="gourley2003"/> According to NATO, these new weapons, termed personal defense weapons (PDWs), were to provide "personal protection in last-resort situations when the user is directly endangered by the enemy [...]."<ref name="gourley2003"/> In 1989, NATO published document D/296, outlining a number of preliminary specifications for these weapons:
- The new cartridge was to have greater range, accuracy, and terminal performance than the 9×19mm cartridge.<ref name="gourley2003"/> Additionally, it was to be capable of penetrating body armor.<ref name="gourley2003"/>
- The shoulder-fired personal defense weapon was to weigh less than Template:Convert, with a magazine capacity of at least 20 rounds.<ref name="gourley2003"/>
- The handheld personal defense weapon (pistol) was to weigh less than Template:Convert, although a weight of Template:Convert was deemed desirable; it was to have a magazine capacity of at least 20 rounds.<ref name="gourley2003"/>
- Both weapons were to be sufficiently compact to be carried hands-free on the user's person at all times, whether in the cab of a vehicle or the cockpit of an aircraft, and were to perform effectively in all environments and weather conditions.<ref name="gourley2003"/>
FN Herstal was the first small arms manufacturer to respond to NATO's requirement; FN started by developing a shoulder-fired personal defense weapon, the P90, along with a small caliber, high velocity 5.7×28mm cartridge type.<ref name="gourley2003"/> The original 5.7×28mm cartridge, called the SS90, went into production with the P90 in 1990.<ref name="marchington2004">Template:Cite book</ref> The SS90 propelled a 1.5 g (23 grain) plastic-core projectile from the P90 at a muzzle velocity of roughly Template:Convert.<ref name="marchington2004"/>
Following the P90's introduction, FN revised the 5.7×28mm ammunition.<ref name="gunzonetimeline1990"/> The new variation, designated the SS190, used a projectile Template:Convert shorter in length than that of the SS90.<ref name="marchington2004"/> This allowed it to be used more conveniently in the 5.7×28mm FN Five-seven pistol, which was under development at that time.<ref name="gunzonetimeline1990"/> The SS190 projectile had a greater weight, and a more conventional construction with an aluminium and steel core.<ref name="gunzonetimeline1990"/><ref name="marchington2004"/> The first prototypes of the SS190 were created in 1992, and the design was finalized in 1993, replacing the SS90.<ref name="gunzonetimeline1990"/> A modified version of the P90, with a magazine adapted to use the shortened ammunition, was then introduced in the same year.<ref name="gunzonetimeline1990"/> Several special cartridge variations were developed, such as the L191 tracer round and the SB193 subsonic round for use with a sound-suppressed P90.<ref name="jones2009">Template:Cite book</ref>
NATO evolution
In 2002 and 2003, NATO conducted a series of tests with the intention of standardizing a PDW cartridge as a replacement for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge.<ref name="oliver2007">Template:Cite web</ref> The tests compared the relative merits of the FN 5.7×28mm cartridge and the HK 4.6×30mm cartridge, which was created by German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch as a competitor to the 5.7×28mm.<ref name="oliver2007"/> The results of the NATO tests were analyzed by a group formed of experts from Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and the group's conclusion was that the 5.7×28mm was "undoubtedly" the more efficient cartridge;<ref name="oliver2007"/> However, the German delegation and others rejected the NATO recommendation that 5.7×28mm be standardized, halting the standardization process indefinitely.<ref name="oliver2007"/><ref name="gourley2003"/> As a result, both the 4.6×30mm and 5.7×28mm cartridges (and the associated weapons) have been independently adopted by various NATO countries, according to preference; the P90 is currently in service with military and police forces in over 40 countries.<ref name="milrev"/><ref name="gourley2003"/> The 5.7x28mm was finally standardized by NATO in February 2021.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
Present
Further development of the P90 led to the creation of the P90 TR model, which has a MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) triple rail interface for mounting accessories.<ref name="gourley2003"/> This model was introduced in late 1999 and continues to be offered alongside the standard P90.<ref name="gourley2003"/> More recently, the P90 has been offered to civilian shooters as the PS90, a semi-automatic carbine intended for personal protection and sporting use.<ref name="fnhusaps90">Template:Cite web</ref>
Design
The P90 is a selective fire, straight blowback-operated weapon with a cyclic rate of fire of around 850–1,100 rounds per minute.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="fnhusap90">Template:Cite web</ref> The weapon is chambered for FN's 5.7×28mm ammunition. Its unusual shape is based on extensive ergonomic research.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="miller2001"/> The weapon is grasped by means of a thumbhole in the frame that acts as a pistol grip, as well as an oversized trigger guard that acts as a foregrip for the shooter's support hand.<ref name="marchington2004"/> The P90 fires from a closed bolt for maximum accuracy, and its design makes extensive use of polymers for reduced weight and cost.<ref name="dettyTL2008"/> Overall, the weapon is relatively lightweight, weighing Template:Convert empty, or Template:Convert with a loaded 50-round magazine.<ref name="miller2001"/><ref name="marchington2004"/>
The P90 is notable for being fully ambidextrous—it can be operated by right or left-handed shooters with equal ease, and without making any modifications to the weapon.<ref name="marchington2004"/> FN Herstal has described it as the "first fully ambidextrous individual automatic weapon."<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> The charging handle, magazine release and backup iron sights are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the weapon, and the firing selector is located directly at the foot of the trigger, where it can be operated from either side by the shooter's trigger finger or support hand thumb.<ref name="fnhusap90"/> When fired, the P90 ejects spent cartridge casings downward through a chute located behind the grip, so spent cases are kept out of the shooter's line of sight.<ref name="marchington2004"/>
The P90 can be fitted with a sling for greater ease of carry, and since the weapon has a fixed stock (as opposed to having a collapsing or folding stock), it can be quickly deployed when needed.<ref name="marchington2004"/><ref name="fnhp90">Template:Cite web</ref> The weapon's smooth, rounded contours prevent it from snagging on the shooter's clothing or equipment, and a small handstop at the weapon's front prevents the shooter's support hand from slipping in front of the muzzle while firing.<ref name="miller2001"/><ref name="marchington2004"/> A hollow compartment inside the rear of the weapon's frame—accessed by removing the buttplate—allows for storage of a cleaning kit.<ref name="marchington2004"/>
The P90 was designed to have a length no greater than a man's shoulder width, to allow it to be easily carried and maneuvered in tight spaces, such as the inside of an armored vehicle.<ref name="dockery2007"/> To achieve this, the weapon's design uses the unconventional bullpup configuration, in which the action and magazine are located behind the trigger and alongside the shooter's face so that there is no wasted space in the stock.<ref name="dettyTL2008"/> The P90's dimensions are minimized by its unique horizontally mounted feeding system, wherein the box magazine sits parallel to the barrel on top of the weapon's frame.<ref name="dockery2007"/> The weapon overall has an extremely compact profile—it is the most compact fixed-stock submachine gun to be made.<ref name="dockery2007"/> The standard version of the weapon has an overall length of Template:Convert, a height of Template:Convert, and a width of Template:Convert.<ref name="jones2009"/>
The P90 requires minimal maintenance, and it can be disassembled quickly and easily.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="wall2003"/> It is a modular firearm, consisting of four main component groups: the barrel and optical sight group, the moving parts group, the frame and trigger group, and the hammer group. The P90's barrel is cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined, with an overall length of Template:Convert.<ref name="fnhusap90"/> The barrel has eight rifling grooves with a right-hand twist rate of 1:231 mm (1:9.1 in), and it is equipped with a diagonally cut flash suppressor that also acts as a recoil compensator.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="fnhusap90"/> The stated service life of the barrel is 20,000 rounds.<ref name="dockery2007"/>
The P90 uses an internal hammer striking mechanism and a trigger mechanism with a three-position rotary dial fire control selector, located at the foot of the trigger. The dial has three settings: S – safe, 1 – semi-automatic fire, and A – fully automatic fire. When set on A, the P90's fire selector provides a two-stage trigger operation similar to that of the Steyr AUG assault rifle—pulling the trigger back slightly produces semi-automatic fire, and pulling the trigger fully to the rear produces fully automatic fire.<ref name="marchington2004"/>
Ammunition
Particularly significant to the design of the P90 is the small-caliber, high-velocity bottlenecked cartridge it uses. The 5.7×28mm cartridge was created by FN Herstal in response to a NATO requirement that called for a replacement for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, which is commonly used in pistols and submachine guns.<ref name="oliver2007"/> The 5.7×28mm cartridge weighs 6.0 g (93 grains)—roughly half as much as a typical 9×19mm cartridge—allowing the same number of rounds to be carried for less weight, or allowing more rounds to be carried for the same weight.<ref name="dettyTL2008"/><ref name="fnhusaammo2002">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="fortierusg02">Template:Cite web</ref> Since the 5.7×28mm cartridge has a relatively small diameter, an unusually high number of cartridges can be contained in a magazine.<ref name="amselle2011">Template:Cite web</ref> The cartridge has a loud report and produces considerable muzzle flash (when fired from a pistol), but it produces roughly 30 percent less recoil than the 9×19mm cartridge, improving controllability.<ref name="fortierusg02"/> Due to its high velocity, the 5.7×28mm exhibits an exceptionally flat trajectory, compared to typical pistol ammunition.<ref name="dockery2007"/><ref name="wall2003"/>
One of the design intents for the standard 5.7×28mm cartridge type, the SS190, was that it has the ability to penetrate Kevlar protective vests that stop conventional pistol bullets.<ref name="fortierusg02"/> Fired from the P90, the 5.7×28mm SS190 has a muzzle velocity of roughly 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s, Mach 2) and can penetrate the NATO CRISAT vest or a Level IIIA Kevlar vest at a range of Template:Convert.<ref name="wall2003"/><ref name="fortierusg02"/> FN states an effective range of Template:Convert and a maximum range of Template:Convert for the 5.7×28mm cartridge when fired from the P90.<ref name="jones2009"/>
In testing conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 1999, the SS190 fired from the P90 at a distance of Template:Convert exhibited an average penetration depth of Template:Convert in ballistic gelatin covered with a Level II vest.<ref name="cutshaw2006">Cutshaw, Charlie (May 2006). "FN Herstal's Five-seveN Pistol". Tactical Response.</ref> The SS190 exhibited penetration depths ranging from Template:Convert when fired from the P90 into bare ballistic gelatin, in tests conducted by Houston Police Department SWAT.<ref name="wall2003"/> In testing, the SS190 and similar 5.7×28mm projectiles consistently turn base over point ("tumble") as they pass through ballistic gelatin and other media, using the Template:Convert projectile length<ref name="sterett2005">Template:Cite web</ref> to create a larger wound cavity.<ref name="miller2001"/><ref name="dettyTL2008"/><ref name="wall2003"/><ref name="bahde2009">Template:Cite web</ref> However, some are skeptical of the bullet's terminal performance, and it is a subject of debate among civilian shooters in the United States.<ref name="bahde2009"/>
The 5.7×28mm projectile potentially poses less risk of collateral damage than conventional pistol bullets, because the projectile design limits overpenetration, as well as the risk of ricochet.<ref name="cutshaw2006"/><ref name="humphries2008"/> The lightweight projectile loses much of its kinetic energy after traveling only Template:Convert, whereas a conventional pistol bullet such as the 9×19mm retains significant energy beyond Template:Convert, posing greater risk of collateral damage in the event of a miss.<ref name="dockery2007"/> This range exceeds the engagement distances expected for the 5.7×28mm cartridge's intended applications, so the cartridge's limited energy at long range is not considered to be disadvantageous.<ref name="dockery2007"/> Since the SS190 projectile does not rely on fragmentation or the expansion of a hollow point, the cartridge (and 5.7×28mm weapons) is considered suitable for military use under the Hague Convention of 1899, which prohibits the use of expanding bullets in warfare.<ref name="bahde2009"/>
| Cartridge type | SS195LF<ref name="fnhusacatalogammo08"/> | SS197SR<ref name="fnhusacatalogammo08"/> | EA Protector<ref name="gunblast"/> | EA Varmintor<ref name="gunblast"/> | EA S4<ref name="gunblast"/> |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projectile weight | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert |
| Muzzle velocity | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert |
| Muzzle energy | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert |
Feeding
The P90 uses a unique horizontally mounted feeding system—patented in the United States—that contributes to the weapon's compact profile and unusual appearance.<ref name="dockery2007"/> U.S. Patent 4,905,394 ("Top mounted longitudinal magazine") was awarded in 1990, naming René Predazzer as the sole inventor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The detachable box magazine is mounted parallel to the P90's barrel, fitting flush with the top of the weapon's frame, and it contains 50 rounds of ammunition which lie in two rows facing left, offset 90° from the bore axis.<ref name="marchington2004"/> As the cartridges are pushed back by spring pressure and arrive at the rear end of the magazine, they are fed as a single row into a spiral feed ramp and rotated 90 degrees, aligning them with the chamber.<ref name="marchington2004"/> The magazine body is composed of polymer, and it is translucent to allow the shooter to see the amount of ammunition remaining at any time.<ref name="marchington2004"/>
Sights and accessories
The P90 was originally equipped with the Ring Sights HC-14-62 reflex sight, but the current weapon is instead fitted with the Ring Sights MC-10-80 sight, which was specifically designed for it.<ref name="gourley2003"/><ref name="ringsights01">Template:Cite web</ref> The HC-14-62 has a polymer housing and uses a forward-aimed fiber optic collector to illuminate the white daytime reticle, which consists of a large circle of about 180 minutes of arc (MOA), with a 20 MOA circle surrounding a 3.5 MOA dot in the center. The MC-10-80 has an anodized aluminium housing, and has a similar black reticle. The night reticle for both the HC-14-62 and the MC-10-80 consists of an open T that is primarily illuminated by a tritium module, and, in the HC-14-62, ambient light drawn in by an upward-facing collector. The sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation, and it can be used in conjunction with night vision equipment.<ref name="ringsights01"/> As backup in case the reflex sight is damaged, a set of fixed iron sights is provided on each side of the reflex sight housing.<ref name="ringsights01"/> The newest MC-10-80, designated as the MC-10-80 Electronic, no longer uses tritium for its night reticle. Instead, the normal reticle can be illuminated in green powered by a CR2032 battery, with eight different brightness settings. The illuminated reticle makes the sight more versatile in a variety of different conditions.Template:Citation needed
The P90 has provisions for mounting a number of different types of accessories, including tactical lights and laser aiming devices. A sling can be attached to the P90 for greater ease of carry, or it can be fitted with various sound suppressors such as the Gemtech SP90, which was designed specifically for the weapon in cooperation with FN Herstal.<ref name="jones2009"/> This stainless steel suppressor with a black oxide finish is built according to MIL-SPECs, including saltwater corrosion resistance.<ref name="jones2009"/> It has a length of Template:Convert, a diameter of Template:Convert and a weight of Template:Convert.<ref name="jones2009"/> When subsonic ammunition is used in conjunction with the suppressor, it reduces the sound signature of the P90 by 33 dB.<ref name="jones2009"/> A small case collector pouch for the P90 is available which fits over the ejection port and collects spent cases as they are ejected downward; the pouch will collect up to one hundred cases before filling.<ref name="gourley2003"/><ref name="wall2003"/>
Variants
P90
P90 TR
The P90 TR (Triple Rail) model, also known as the "flat-top," was introduced in late 1999.<ref name="jones2009"/> It features a receiver-mounted triple MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail interface system, or "Triple Rail," for mounting accessories.<ref name="jones2009"/> Also, instead of the integrated reflex sight, this model uses standard tritium iron sights. There is one full-length accessory rail integrated into the top of the receiver, and two rail stumps are included on the sides of the receiver.<ref name="jones2009"/> The top rail will accept various optical sights with no tools or additional mounting hardware required, and the side rails serve to mount secondary accessories, such as tactical lights or laser aiming devices.Template:Citation needed
P90 USG
The P90 USG (United States Government) model is similar to the standard P90, except the reflex sight housing is aluminium, and the sight has a revised reticle.<ref name="rodriguez2008"/> The black reticle consists of a tiny dot inside of a small ring, which is joined by three posts that glow red in low light conditions due to tritium-illumination.<ref name="rodriguez2008"/> The USG reflex sight can be removed and replaced with a special MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail mount for attaching a different sight.<ref name="rodriguez2008"/>
P90 Laserex models
The P90 LV (Laser Visible) and P90 IR (InfraRed) models, both of which were introduced in late 1995, have an integrated laser sight manufactured by Laserex Technologies in Australia.<ref name="idr1996">"Revolution in Slow Motion". International Defense Review (Switzerland), Volume 29 Issue 1, pp 13–14 (January 1, 1996).</ref> The P90 LV model projects an 8 mW visible laser intended to be used as a low-light shooting aid or for dissuasive effect, while the P90 IR model projects a 4.5 mW infrared laser that can only be seen with night vision equipment.<ref name="fnhusap90"/><ref name="remtekp90laser"> Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Self-published inline Both laser systems are compact, consisting of a small, flat panel integrated into the front end of the weapon's frame.<ref name="remtekp90laser"/>
The Laserex P90 laser systems have a weight of Template:Convert, and they are activated by means of a green pressure switch located on the underside of the weapon's pistol grip.<ref name="remtekp90laser"/> The lasers can be configured for three different internal settings: Off – disabled to prevent accidental activation, Training – low intensity for eye safety and extended battery life in training, or Combat – high intensity for maximum visibility.<ref name="remtekp90laser"/> The Laserex P90 laser systems have a battery life of 250 hours when used on the Training setting, or a life of 50 hours when used on the Combat setting.<ref name="remtekp90laser"/>
PS90
The PS90 is a semi-automatic carbine variant of the P90, intended for civilian shooters for personal protection and sporting use;<ref name="fnhusaps90" /> it was introduced in 2005, and continues to be offered in several configurations.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/><ref name="detty2008">Template:Cite web</ref> The PS90 will accept the standard 50-round P90 magazines, but the gun is supplied with a magazine that is blocked to a capacity of 10 or 30 rounds, allowing it to be sold in jurisdictions where magazine capacities are restricted by law.<ref name="detty2008"/>
In order to be legal for purchase by civilians without obtaining a tax stamp for a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) as defined by the United States National Firearms Act, the PS90 carbine has an extended Template:Convert barrel and is semi-automatic, with a trigger pull of approximately Template:Convert.<ref name="rodriguez2008"/><ref name="detty2008"/> The lengthened barrel has eight rifling grooves, with a right-hand twist rate of 1:229 mm (1:9 in) and a rifled length of Template:Convert; the muzzle is equipped with a fixed "birdcage" type flash suppressor.<ref name="detty2008"/>
Despite the added barrel length, the PS90 is relatively compact and lightweight, with an overall length of Template:Convert, and a weight of Template:Convert with a fully loaded 50-round magazine.<ref name="detty2008"/> Due to the added barrel length, the PS90 can achieve a muzzle velocity of up to Template:Convert with SS195LF ammunition, or up to Template:Convert with third-party ammunition.<ref name="fnhusacatalogammo08">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="gunblast">Template:Cite web</ref>
PS90 Standard
The PS90 Standard is the current model of the PS90 offered by FN Herstal.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> It features a MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail fitted to the top of the receiver, which allows the shooter to mount their preferred optical sight.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> The rail includes a set of integrated iron sights, as backup in case the primary sight is damaged.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> As of 2019 the PS90 Standard is available with a black frame.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/>
PS90 SBR
The PS90 SBR variant is functionally identical to the “PS90 Standard”, but instead of the extended 16 inch barrel, this variant retains the standard 10.5 inch barrel of its selective-fire counterpart, thus making it the ballistic equivalent, in semi-automatic only form. The PS90 SBR is not usually listed on FN Herstal's website, but is offered commercially through third-party extensions. These are made either through factory standard layouts, or conversions made by swapping the barrel. This renders the weapon a “short barreled rifle”, and thus the required tax stamp is necessary in order to purchase and/or transfer it. The weapon is regulated as “Title II”, and special certification is required in most states. As with all factory standard PS90 receivers special welding is in place to complicate full auto conversion.Template:Citation needed
PS90 TR
The PS90 TR is now discontinued.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> It featured a "Triple Rail" receiver assembly identical to that of the P90 TR.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> The top of the receiver consisted of an MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail, allowing the shooter to mount their preferred optical sight.<ref name="detty2008"/> Two polymer side rails—one on each side of the receiver—were included for mounting secondary accessories, such as lasers or tactical lights.<ref name="detty2008"/> Like the PS90 Standard, the PS90 TR was available with either an olive drab or black frame.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> As of 2013, the PS90 TR model is no longer listed by FNH USA.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/>
PS90 USG
The PS90 USG is now discontinued.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> In the same fashion as the P90 USG, this model had an aluminium reflex sight housing with a revised reticle.<ref name="rodriguez2008"/> The black reticle consisted of a tiny dot inside of a small ring, which was joined by three posts that glowed red in low light conditions due to tritium-illumination.<ref name="rodriguez2008"/> The USG reflex sight could be removed and replaced with a special MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail mount for attaching a different sight, and like other models of the PS90, the USG was available with either an olive drab or black frame.<ref name="fnhusaps90"/><ref name="rodriguez2008"/>
As of 2011, the PS90 USG model is no longer listed by FNH USA,<ref name="fnhusaps90"/> and the USG reflex sight is not offered anymore. Template:Citation needed
Users
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Despite being originally intended as a defensive weapon for military personnel whose primary role is not fighting with small arms (such as vehicle drivers), most sales of the P90 have been to special forces and counter-terrorist groups who use it for offensive roles.<ref name="gourley2003"/>
In 1997, suppressed P90s were used in combat by the Peruvian special forces group (Grupo de Fuerzas Especiales) in Operation Chavín de Huantar, the hostage rescue siege that ended the Japanese embassy hostage crisis.<ref name="specialops">Template:Cite web</ref> The operation was a success: all 14 MRTA revolutionaries were killed, and 71 hostages were rescued.<ref name="specialops"/> The MRTA revolutionaries who had taken the hostages were equipped with body armor, but it was defeated by the Peruvian special forces' P90s.<ref name="lewis2007">Template:Cite book</ref> In 2011, P90s were used by Muammar Gaddafi's military forces in the 2011 Libyan civil war, and some of these examples were captured and used in the war by Libyan rebel forces.<ref name="deredactie">Template:Cite web</ref>
By 2009, the P90 was in service with military and police forces in over 40 countries.<ref name="milrev"/> In the United States, Houston Police Department was the first local law enforcement agency to adopt the P90, acquiring it for their SWAT team in 1999.<ref name="wall2003">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2003, the Houston SWAT team became one of the first agencies in the country to use the weapon in a shootout.<ref name="wall2003"/> By 2009, the P90 was in use with over 200 law enforcement agencies in the United States,<ref name="white2009"/> including the Secret Service and Federal Protective Service.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="terry2004">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In response, the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) added the P90 and PS90 to its NRA Tactical Police Competition standards, allowing law enforcement agencies to compete in the event using either weapon.<ref name="nracomp2009">Template:Cite web</ref>
| Country | Organization | Model | Quantity | Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Flag | Agrupación de Buzos Tácticos tactical diver group of the Argentine Navy | P90 | − | − | <ref name="noro">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="aresnro12">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Policía de Seguridad Aeroportuaria (PSA; Airport Security Police) | P90 | − | − | <ref name="Villada">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Grupo Alacrán special group of the Argentine National Gendarmerie | P90 | − | − | <ref name="Villada"/> | |
| Template:Flag | Jagdkommando (Jakdo) special group of the Austrian Army | P90, P90 TR |
140 | − | <ref name="sunkler2008">Template:Cite book</ref> |
| Kommando Militärstreife & Militärpolizei (Kdo MilStrf&MP) close protection teams | P90 TR | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Marinecomponent/Composante Marine (Belgian Navy) commandos | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Landcomponent/Composante Terre (Belgian Army), replacing the Uzi | − | − | 2004– | <ref name="senatebe2004">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Détachement d'Agents de Sécurité (DAS) dignitary protection group | P90 | 53 | − | <ref name="senatebe2004"/> | |
| Directorate of Special Units (DSU) group of the Federale Politie/Police Fédérale/Föderale Polizei | − | − | − | <ref name="dupont2001">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Former Gendarmerie/Rijkswacht paramilitary police force | P90 | 114 | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Aarschot municipal police force | P90 | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Liège metropolitan police force (replaced the Uzi) | − | − | 2002– | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="liegecity2004">Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> | |
| Zone de Police Boraine (Boussu/Colfontaine/Frameries/Quaregnon/Saint-Ghislain municipalities) police force | P90 TR | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais (BOPE) of the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro State | − | − | − | <ref>Lasterra, Juan Pablo (2008). "La Police Militaire Brésillienne en état de Guerre" (in Spanish). Police Pro No. 11 (September 2008).</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) special group of the CAF Special Operations Forces Command | − | − | 2005– | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Halifax Regional Police force in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) SWAT in Montreal, Quebec | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Εθνική Φρουρά (Cypriot National Guard) special forces | P90 | 350 | 2000– | <ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="gourley2003"/> |
| Template:Flag | Útvar rychlého nasazení (URNA) of the Czech National Police | P90 | − | 2000s– | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Cuerpo de Ayudantes Militares del Presidente de la República | − | − | − | <ref name="dominicanoshoy">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Dominican Republic's counter-terrorist group | − | 150 | 2002– | <ref name="lalibrebelgique">Cf. Raf Sauviller, l.c. (2004). "Le Registre est un nid à Problèmes – Des P90 de la FN ont été Livrésau Surinam et en République Dominicaine: de quoi se Scandaliser?" (in French). La Libre Belgique (August 26, 2002).</ref> | |
| Fuerzas Armadas de la República Dominicana (Military of the Dominican Republic) | − | − | − | <ref name="dominicanoshoy"/> | |
| Template:Flag | Comando Especial Antiterrorista (CEAT) | − | 350 | 2002– | <ref>Montes, Julio (2003). "Unidades de élite en Centroamérica" (in Spanish). Tecnología Militar, 2003. N. 4, pp 16–20.</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Commandement des Opérations Spéciales (COS) joint special operations command | − | − | − | <ref name="diez2000"/><ref name="defgouvfr">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| GIGN counter-terrorism group of the Gendarmerie Nationale | P90 TR | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite book</ref> | |
| RAID counter-terrorism group of the Police Nationale | − | − | − | <ref name="sanjar2003">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Ειδική Κατασταλτική Αντιτρομοκρατική Μονάδα (EKAM) unit of the Hellenic Police | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Secretaría de Asuntos Administrativos de Seguridad de la Presidencia (SAAS) | P90 | 20 | 2009– | <ref name="ricardo2009">Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Special Protection Group (SPG; tasked with protection of the prime minister) and the Special Group (India) of Research and Analysis Wing | P90, P90 TR |
− | 2008– | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska) tactical diver group of the Indonesian Navy | − | − | − | <ref name="idnvojnik">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group of the Indonesian Army | − | − | − | <ref name="idnvojnik"/> | |
| Template:Flag | Army Ranger Wing special forces of the Irish Defence Forces | − | − | 2003– | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Col Moschin 9o Reggimento d'Assalto Paracadutisti (9th Parachute Assault Regiment) special forces of the Italian Army | P90 TR | − | − | <ref name="raidsitalia">"Col Moschin 9o Reggimento d'Assalto Paracadutisti". RAIDS Italia Magazine (Template:ISSN), 2007.</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Jordanian Armed Forces | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Forces de Sécurité Intérieure (FSI) | P90 | 10000 | − | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Military of Libya (used by Muammar Gaddafi's military forces in the 2011 Libyan civil war, and some of these examples were captured and used in the war by Libyan rebel forces) | − | 367 | 2008– | <ref name="deredactie"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Unité Spéciale de la Police (USP) group of the Grand Ducal Police | P90 TR | − | − | <ref name="sunkler2008"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) special operations group of the Royal Malaysian Navy | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | BASEP presidential security battalion | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Ejército Méxicano (Mexican Army) Special Forces | P90 | − | − | <ref name="lajornada2005">Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Estado Mayor Presidencial (EMP; Presidential Guard) | − | − | − | <ref name="lajornada2005"/> | |
| Fuerzas Especiales (FES) of the Mexican Navy | − | − | − | <ref name="lajornada2005"/> | |
| Policía Federal (PF; Federal Police) of the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública | − | − | − | <ref name="ricardo2009"/> | |
| Template:Flag | Korps Commandotroepen (KCT) of the Royal Netherlands Army (replaced the Uzi) | P90 TR | − | 2000– | <ref name="gourley2003"/><ref name="ddp1">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Dienst Speciale Interventies (DSI) of the National Police Corps (Netherlands) | P90 TR | − | 2001– | <ref name="ddp2">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB) of the Dutch Gendarmerie | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Special Services Group | − | − | − | <ref name="Pakistan's SSG">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Grupo de Fuerzas Especiales (GRUFE) of the Peruvian Armed Forces | − | − | − | <ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="specialops"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Fuerza de Operaciones Especiales (FOES) of the Peruvian Navy | P90 | 53 | − | <ref name="dintel2007">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="idepe">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Paracaidistas del Ejército (Peruvian Army paratroopers) | − | − | − | <ref name="perudefensa">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police | − | − | − | <ref name="lewis2007"/> |
| Template:Flag | Jednostka Wojskowa Grom | P90 TR | − | 2006– | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Biuro Ochrony Rządu (used primarily for dignitary protection) | P90 | − | 2007– | <ref name="polandun">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Grupo de Operações Especiais (GOE) of the Polícia de Segurança Pública | − | − | 2002– | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Detașamentul de Intervenție Rapidă special operations group of the Romanian Military | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | − | − | − | − | <ref name= 'bicc'>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation (CDO FN) | − | − | 2002– | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Útvar osobitného určenia of Slovak Police Force | P90 | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Grupo Especial de Operaciones (GEO) of the Cuerpo Nacional de Policía | P90 TR | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Escuadrón de Zapadores Paracaidistas (EZAPAC) special group of the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force) | P90, P90 TR |
− | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Military of Suriname | − | 900 | 2001– | <ref name="lalibrebelgique"/><ref name= 'bicc'/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Republic of China Armed Forces | P90 | − | 1992– | <ref name="janes1992">"Small Arms Market Survey: Giat France/FN Herstal Belgium" (January 25, 1992). Jane's Defence Weekly (Template:ISSN), Volume 17 Issue 4, p 127.</ref><ref>"Taiwan Faces G11 Snub" (December 1, 1992). Defence UK, Volume 23 Issue 12, p 6.</ref> |
| Template:Flag | กองทัพบกไทย (Royal Thai Army) special units | − | − | − | <ref name="popenker2001">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force | − | − | − | <ref name= 'bicc'/> |
| Template:Flag | Karşı Atak Timi, prime minister's close protection teams. | − | − | − | <ref name="vatan2007">Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Polis Özel Harekat special operations group of the General Directorate of Security | − | − | − | <ref name="vatan2007"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Jandarma Özel Asayiş Komutanlığı domestic special operations group of the Turkish Gendarmerie | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Ukrainian police force (unspecified) | P90 LV | 30 | 2008– | <ref name="listun">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Template:Flag | U.S. Federal Protective Service branch of the DHS (formerly a branch of ICE) | P90 | − | 2001– | <ref name="terry2004"/><ref name="liegecity2004"/><ref name="fbo2005">Template:Cite web</ref> |
| U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service | − | − | − | <ref name="jones2009"/> | |
| Addison police department in Texas (first agency in the country to issue it to patrol cars) | PS90 TR | 52 | 2007– | <ref name="collier2007">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="miller2007">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| U.S. Secret Service | P90 TR | − | 1990s– | <ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="time2009">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| Alaska State Troopers | P90 LV | 9 | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Birmingham, Alabama SWAT | P90 | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Bryan, Texas police department SWAT | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Chula Vista, California SWAT | P90 TR | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Creve Coeur, Missouri police department | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Edina, Minnesota police department | − | 11 | 2005– | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Houston, Texas SWAT (first local law enforcement agency in the country to adopt and use the weapon) | P90 | 5 | 1999– | <ref name="wall2003"/> | |
| Kutztown, Pennsylvania police department | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Passaic County, New Jersey SWAT | − | − | 2002– | <ref name="humphries2008">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Richland County, South Carolina SRT | − | − | 2000– | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Sioux Falls, South Dakota SWAT | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Sparta Township, New Jersey Police Department | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Zapata County, Texas sheriff's department | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | Bodyguards assigned to the Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Ejército Bolivariano de Venezuela (Venezuelan Bolivarian Army) | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Various police forces | − | − | − | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
See also
- AR-57 (AR platform rifle firing FN 5.7×28mm fed from a 50rd P90 magazine)
- FN Five-seven (5.7×28mm handgun designed by FN Herstal to accompany the P90)
- Kel-Tec P50 (Semi-automatic pistol chambered in FN 5.7×28mm)
- ST Kinetics CPW (multi-caliber SMG/PDW able to be chambered in FN 5.7×28mm)
Notes
References
External links
Template:Commons category multi Template:Wikiquote
- Template:Official website
- Template:Official website: FNH USA
- PS90 Owner's Manual
- Template:YouTube
- Template:YouTube
- Template:YouTube
Template:Bullpup firearms Template:FN Herstal firearms Template:Personal defense weapons