The Chileo-Argentinian Arms industry has experienced a rapid expansion over the last few years, and continues to experiment and produce new innovations for use by Chilean and allied militaries.

FAMAE Modelo 1938 Antitaque (Pesado y Ligero)

FAMAE, working with engineers from Argentina's FM and using imported documents relating to the design of the Solothurn anti-tank rifle, have developed a Chileo-Argentine anti-tank rifle. The FAMAE Modelo 1938 Antitaque uses a design similar to the Solothurn, with a bullpup configuration and a side-loading magazine. The gun is semi-automatic and recoil-operated.

The FAMAE Modelo 1938 Antitaque is produced in two models: one, the Pesado (Heavy) model, in 25x163mm, and the Ligero (Light) model, in 13.2x96mm. These two calibers correspond with those used by the FAMAE Modelo 1936 Anti-Aircraft cannon and the FAMAE Modelo 1929 heavy machine gun, respectively.

The Pesado model is usually mounted on two wheels for transportation. With a weight of nearly 54 kilograms, it is difficult to man-transport this weapon and it is designed for use with motorized infantry. The gun is also designed to be used in vehicle-based mountings, where a larger 15-round magazine (adapted from the Modelo 1936 AA gun) is used. If it must be man-transported, carrying handles can be inserted into the provided bipod and around the rear monopod that allow four men to carry it for a distance.

The Ligero model is designed for use by the infantry but, like all anti-tank rifles, is still very heavy. With a weight of 24 kg, it is significantly easier to transport than the Pesado, though still not 'light' by any means. It retains the carrying handle system from the Pesado model (also used in the FAMAE Modelo 3 heavy machine gun, adapted from a Japanese design), though it can easily be transported by two men instead of four. The Legero model is usually provided with a ten-round magazine.

Similarly to the Solothurn, different muzzle brakes are fitted to the gun to operate it when different ammunition is used. When high-explosive is used, a one-hole muzzle brake is inserted, while the AP projectiles require a five-hole muzzle brake.

The Pesado model has a penetration capability of 40mm at 100 meters, and the Ligero model has a penetration of 22mm at 100 meters using standard AP ammunition. Chilean designers have expressed interest in developing more advanced ammunition, including that using tungsten cores.

Armor Shields for Machine Guns and AT Rifles

Recognizing the vulnerability of Light and Heavy Machine guns, as well as AT rifles to accurate enemy fire in the defense, FAMAE has constructed test samples of a number of light armor shields for use with these weapons. These shields, made in two sizes (one 13 by 16 inches, for light machine guns, and one 15 by 22 inches, for heavier weapons) have a thickness of 1/4 in and have hardened steel faces for protection from rifle rounds. Initial tests have shown that it can resist penetration from 7mm ball ammunition at 50 meters. The Chilean Army has expressed interest in the acquisition of these shields, planning to use them in pillboxes and also for defensive troops, or those involved in urban combat. The nascent Chilean Sharpshooter school has also expressed interest in using these shields with snipers in close terrain.