<P> The SA80 is a British family of 5.56 × 45mm NATO small arms , all of which are selective fire , gas - operated assault rifle s . The L85 rifle variant of the SA80 family has been the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces since 1987 , replacing the L1A1 variant of the FN FAL . The first prototypes were created in 1976 , with production ending in 1994 . The A1 variant was significantly upgraded in the early 2000s by Heckler & Koch as the SA80A2 and remains in service as of 2017 . In mid-2016 a prototype A3 variant was showcased which further improved on the weapon and is reportedly being considered to extend the out of service date beyond 2025 . </P>
<P> The SA80 is a British family of 5.56 × 45mm NATO small arms , all of which are selective fire , gas - operated assault rifle s . The L85 rifle variant of the SA80 family has been the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces since 1987 , replacing the L1A1 variant of the FN FAL . The first prototypes were created in 1976 , with production ending in 1994 . The A1 variant was significantly upgraded in the early 2000s by Heckler & Koch as the SA80A2 and remains in service as of 2017 . In mid-2016 a prototype A3 variant was showcased which further improved on the weapon and is reportedly being considered to extend the out of service date beyond 2025 . </P>
when did the british army start using the sa80
when did the british army start using the sa80
1987
1987