POTD: The L85A2 In RAF Photographic Competition 2024

An image from the RAF Photographic Competition 2024, taken by Richard Beattie. As the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle needed the replacement, it was time for the SA80, short for “Small Arms for the 1980s.” Since its introduction in 1987, the L85 rifle, a key variant in the SA80 family, has served as the standard-issue service weapon for the British Armed Forces. I am not sure if it’s visible on whatever device you’re looking at, but there are markings just above the magazine saying: “L85 A2 5.56×45”.

The caption reads:

“The first prototypes were created in 1976, with production of the A1 variant starting in 1985. There was excitement that the Armed Forces were soon to be given the world’s most advanced rifle, made – and designed – in Britain. 4.98 KG with loaded magazine and optical sight with a muzzle Velocity of 940 Meters a second.”

See more images from the competition here: https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-photographic-competition-2024/

Source: UK MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT 2024 Mr Beattie