File:British Assault Rifles MOD 45162604.jpg

English: Pictured being fired left to right are the SA80-A2, and EM-2 assault rifles.

The EM-2, also known as Rifle No.9 Mk1 or Janson rifle, which was an experimental British assault rifle.

It was briefly adopted by British forces in 1951, but the decision was overturned very shortly thereafter by Winston Churchill's incoming government in an effort to secure NATO standardisation of small arms and ammunition.

An innovative weapon with the compact bullpup layout and an optical sight, it used one of the early intermediate cartridges (a concept introduced by the Germans with the 7.92×33mm Kurz) as a result of combat experience and German advances in weapons design during World War II.

As the EM-2 could not be easily adapted to the longer and more powerful 7.62×51mm NATO round, it faded from use. However, the bullpup layout for a British service rifle was finally adopted some years later in form of the SA80 assault rifle, the EM-2's spiritual successor, which remains in service today.

SA80 (L85A2) is the personal weapon system used by British Land, Sea and Air Forces. On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned.

SA80 A2 comprises the Individual Weapon (IW) and the Light Support Weapon (LSW).

These are the British Army's standard combat weapons. Made by Heckler and Koch, they fire NATO standard 5.56 x 45mm ammunition. Other attachments including the L123A1 40mm Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) and forward grips.

Both weapons have been modified in light of operational experience. A major mid-life update in 2002 resulted in the SA80A2 series - the most reliable weapons of their type in the world. This reliability is combined with accuracy, versatility and ergonomic design. It is considered a first-class weapon system and world leader in small arms.

• Organization: MOD
• Object Name: DDC-17-144-034
• Supplemental Categories: EM-2, Guns, Weapons, Equipment, SA80
• Keywords: Body Armour, Mk7, Helmet, Headwear, Pouch, Belt, Webbing, PLCE, Personal Load Carrying Equipment, MTP, Multi Terrain Pattern, Camouflage, Combats, Man, Male, Soldier, Non-Identifiable, Personnel, Army, SA80, Assault Rifle, Small Arms, Firearm, Gun, Weapons, Equipment, EM-2, Historic Weapon
• Country: UK