Description
Now the standard weapon for British soldiers across the globe, the SA80's early years were surrounded in controversy after a series of dismal performances. It was prone to jamming in desert conditions, had several flimsy parts that would often break after repeated use and had an incredibly sensitive magazine catch. When these issues came to light the SA80 was lambasted by the news, leading to the Ministry of Defence ordering an extensive modification programme that dramatically improved reliability. Combat accounts and in-depth analysis of the SA80's performance in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq guide the reader through its troubled life, while vivid artwork helps to illustrate the transformation it underwent; from an unreliable rifle disliked by the soldiers who used it to being one of the world's most innovative and accurate small arms.
The SA80 family of infantry weapons has provided the primary assault rifles of the British Army for the last three decades, equipping troops in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. They are still in use to this day, despite a troubled history that saw the weapons feature heavily in the news. This highly illustrated title is sure to appeal to military and firearms enthusiasts, as well as anyone with an interest in the British military.
About the Author
Neil Grant is from a military family and grew up on a succession of army bases. Neil has a degree in archaeology, and presently works for English Heritage. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK. Born in Malaya in 1949, Alan Gilliland spent 18 years as the graphics editor of The Daily Telegraph, winning 19 awards in that time. He now writes, illustrates and publishes fiction (www.ravensquill.com), as well as illustrating for a variety of publishers (www.alangilliland.com).
Book Information
ISBN 9781472811042
Author Neil Grant
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 264g
Dimensions(mm) 248mm * 184mm * 7mm
The SA80 family of infantry weapons has provided the primary assault rifles of the British Army for the last three decades, equipping troops in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. They are still in use to this day, despite a troubled history that saw the weapons feature heavily in the news. This highly illustrated title is sure to appeal to military and firearms enthusiasts, as well as anyone with an interest in the British military.
About the Author
Neil Grant is from a military family and grew up on a succession of army bases. Neil has a degree in archaeology, and presently works for English Heritage. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK. Born in Malaya in 1949, Alan Gilliland spent 18 years as the graphics editor of The Daily Telegraph, winning 19 awards in that time. He now writes, illustrates and publishes fiction (www.ravensquill.com), as well as illustrating for a variety of publishers (www.alangilliland.com).
Book Information
ISBN 9781472811042
Author Neil Grant
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 264g
Dimensions(mm) 248mm * 184mm * 7mm
