According to a publication in "La Lettre", France and Belgium are discussing the joint supply of FN Herstal's Evolys machine guns with interchangeable barrel calibres.
The Evolys is lighter than the Minimi and combines the ability to feed tape with the ergonomics and balance of an assault rifle. It can be produced in both 5.56 and 7.62mm calibres with the ability to change calibres in the field and in a minimum of time. In the 5.56 mm version, the Evolys weighs 5.5 kg, while the 7.62 mm calibre weighs 6.2 kg. Depending on the operator, the stock can be adjusted in length and height. According to FN Hesrtsal, the Evolys has less recoil than the Minimi, while using a silencer reduces its sound footprint and makes it difficult for acoustic fire detection systems to reveal its location. Its maximum speed is 750 cartridges per minute, while it can accept, apart from the tape, magazines of 50 cartridges. Its maximum effective range is 1,000 meters.
