CETME Model L
The Model L is a Spanish 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle developed in the late 1970s at the state-owned small arms research and development establishment CETME (Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales) located in Madrid. The rifle retains many of the proven design elements the institute had used previously in its CETME Model 58 battle rifles.
| Model L | |
|---|---|
The CETME Model L | |
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | Spain |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1987–1999 |
| Used by | Spain, Malawi |
| Production history | |
| Designer | CETME |
| Designed | 1981 |
| Manufacturer | CETME |
| Produced | 1986–1991 |
| Variants | Model LC, Model LV |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.4 kg (7.50 lb) (Model L) 3.55 kg (7.8 lb) |
| Length | 925 mm (36.4 in) (Model L) 860 mm (33.9 in) stock extended / 665 mm (26.2 in) stock collapsed (Model LC) |
| Barrel length | 400 mm (15.7 in) (Model L) 320 mm (12.6 in) (Model LC) |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO |
| Action | Roller-delayed blowback |
| Rate of fire | 600–750 rounds/min (Model L) 650–800 rounds/min (Model LC) |
| Muzzle velocity | 875 m/s (2,871 ft/s) (Model L) 832 m/s (2,729.7 ft/s) (Model LC) |
| Effective firing range | 200–400 m sight adjustments |
| Feed system | 12, 20, 30-round detachable STANAG magazine |
| Sights | Front: shrouded post, rear: flip-up sight with two apertures 440 mm (17.3 in) sight radius |
The weapon was successfully trialled between 1981–1982 and approved for serial production in 1984 at the Empresa Nacional Santa Bárbara factory (currently Santa Bárbara Sistemas, integrated into General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems division). The Model L replaced the 7.62mm CETME Model C in service with the Spanish Army and the first rifles were delivered in 1987, by which time orders for approximately 60,000 had been placed. From 1999 onwards the Model L has now been largely replaced in Spanish service with a license-built variant of the Heckler & Koch G36E.