The North PacificBoard

Mass:
- 3.1kg (7 lb) (Carbine)
- 3.25 kg (7.2 lb) (Assault Rifle)
- 3.40 kg (7.5 lb) (SAW)
- 3.50 kg (7.7 lb) (DMR)
Length:
- 577–843 mm (22.7–33.2 in) (11") (AR)
- 634–931 mm (25.0–36.7 in) (14.5") (SAW)
- 703–971 mm (27.7–38.2 in) (16.5") (DMR)
Barrel Length
- 177mm (7in) Carbine
- 280 mm (11 in) AR
- 368 mm (14.5 in) SAW
- 419 mm (16.5 in) DMR
Width: 81mm (3.2in)
Height: 195 mm (7.7 in)
Cartridge(s):
- 5.56×45mm
- 7.62×51mm
- 7.92×57mm
- 7.92×43mm
- 7.92×33mm
- 7.62×39mm
- 7.62×54mmR
- 5.8×43mm
Action: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt
Rate of Fire: 850 rounds/minute
Muzzle Velocity:
- 800 m/s (2,600 ft/s) (11" barrel)
- 850 m/s (2,800 ft/s) (14.5" barrel)
- 875 m/s (2,870 ft/s) (16.5" barrel)
Effective Firing Range: 500 m (550 yd)
Feed System: Detachable box and drum magazines (AK and STANAG Compatible)
Sights: Iron Sights and Picatinny Rails for various optics

The Multicaliber Rifle Platform, also known as the MARS-500S or just “MARS”, is a modular gas operated assault rifle developed by Edenshel GmBH, by a design team led by the established firearms designer Nicolas Lichtenfels, as a response to a slump in Austro-German exports and to meet the needs for the Austro-German Multicaliber Rifle Platform project.

It was developed for the MRP project as part of a design competition to find a rifle to work as a flexible weapon platform for both Law Enforcement and for the SOCOM forces of the Reichswehr. Initially competing with four other prototypes, developed by other companies such as Mauser, HK, and Walther, this design was put forward by Edenshel. As the competition progressed the design did gather significant interest for its focus on extreme modularity, with a plan for exporting the weapon in mind. As the competitors were eliminated, it was found to be the only one to meet the stringent requirements for weight, durability, and reliability.

The rifle itself is laid out in a conventional pattern, opting against bullpup configurations, and is a gas-operated, rotating bolt design. It uses a short stroke piston system, with the gas system being made adjustable, with marked presets for different calibers that will be commonly encountered. The whole rifle is made up of high strength steel, with use of titanium and durable polymers to save on weight, making the weapon much more easy to carry and wield compared to other rifles. It’s most distinctive feature is the fact it can break down into three assemblies for easy maintenance and modifications, relying on a system of captive pins that prevents loss of parts and keeps it held together tightly.

Using a swappable bolt, barrel, and magazine well assembly system, it features the capability to be rapidly and easily converted to any number of calibers and aftermarket or specialist parts. Along with this it features a set of picatinny rails to accept any number of attachments and sights, but also has a folding buttstock that is both extendable/collapsible With an adjustable cheek rest for comfort and accuracy.

The rifle also features fully ambidextrous controls, semi automatic and fully automatic capabilities but also a three round burst setting. With its swappable magazine well system, it can accept a wide variety of magazines, from STANAG magazines, G-36 Magazines, and with the caliber changes available, also will be able to use AK-47 and 74 magazines along with magazines from other Austro-German Rifles.