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The Hohe Jagd & Fischerei 2026 in Salzburg | World first: Presentation of the AERA 1 ultralight hunting rifle | 3D printed titanium
Innovation meets tradition: The Hohe Jagd & Fischerei 2026 in Salzburg | An outlook on the technological summit of the hunting world | Visit us in hall H10GES at stand: 10-0343
PS: Weights and detailed photos of the gun can be seen below.
- What is the technological centrepiece of the AERA 1?
The housing is manufactured using the SLM (Selective Laser Melting) process. This involves a laser melting high-precision layers of titanium powder. This allows for a bionic design that would be impossible with traditional methods (milling/drilling), as you can design „around the corner“.
- Which specific titanium is used?
FBT uses titanium 64 grade 23 (Ti6Al4V ELI). The „ELI“ stands for Extra Low Interstitials, which means that the proportion of oxygen and nitrogen is extremely reduced. This makes the material tougher and more resistant to stress cracking than standard titanium - essential for safety at high gas pressures.
- How does the internal honeycomb structure work?
Inside the housing walls is a lattice structure. These honeycombs optimally absorb any forces that occur and channel them into the system, while there is literally „nothing“ in between. This saves a massive amount of weight without sacrificing the torsional rigidity required for long-range shots in the mountains.
- Why is the assembly permanently printed in the system?
The integral rail for Swarovski optics is a fixed part of the housing. Forum users often praise this, as every screw connection on a mount poses a potential risk of set shots or loosening due to vibrations. Here, the system is made from a single mould.
- How heavy is the weapon compared to the competition?
At 1,996 grams (7 mm-08 calibre), it is one of the lightest production guns in the world. For comparison: conventional „lightweights“ usually weigh between 2.4 and 2.8 kg without optics. The AERA 1 therefore saves around a whole kilogramme - the equivalent of a full water bottle in a rucksack.
- Which trigger is fitted?
An Atzl ball trigger is used. According to user reports, this breaks „crystal clear“ and is adjustable between 100 g and 1000 g. This is particularly important for such a light gun, as a trigger that is too hard with a low gun weight will almost inevitably break.
- Is the weapon modular?
Yes, a 3-screw system allows the barrel to be changed quickly. Since the bolt head (3-barrel bolt, 60° opening angle) is also modular, the gun can theoretically be adapted to different calibre groups.
- What is the ERA Lock all about?
All barrels are fitted with the ERA Lock quick-release fastener as standard. This means that the silencer (e.g. the INCA TI) does not have to be laboriously screwed on, but sits absolutely securely and repeatably with a short 60° turn.
- How is the recoil controlled?
It's the combination that makes the difference: The UNIC carbon stock absorbs vibrations thanks to its monocoque construction. In combination with a 3D-printed titanium silencer, the recoil is reduced to the level of a .222 or .243, even though you are shooting a calibre suitable for big game.
- Which calibres are preferred?
The 7 mm-08 is often mentioned because it offers excellent inherent accuracy and a stretched trajectory at moderate gas pressure. However, other calibres will also be favourites for this system in the future due to their universal applicability.
- Does the AERA 1 offer manual tensioning?
Yes, safety is a top priority: The gun has a manual cocking system so that it can be carried absolutely safely with a cartridge in the chamber and is only armed immediately before firing.
- What role does Spartan Precision play in this weapon?
FBT works closely with Rob Gearing („Mr G.“). The AERA 1 is often prepared directly for the magnetic mounts of the Spartan bipods (such as the Javelin Bipod). This emphasises the concept: everything on the rifle must be as light and fast as possible.
- How high-maintenance is the titanium surface?
Titanium is extremely resistant to corrosion (resistant to salt water, sweat and rain). Nevertheless, FBT recommends special care products such as the AEROTEC series to keep the mechanical parts of the 3D-printed system supple.
- Why does the gun cost almost €10,000?
The „technology surcharge“ is often discussed in forums. Here you pay for:
- High-end additive manufacturing (titanium printing machines cost millions).
- Small quantities and handmade in Austria
- Vendor parts from premium brands (Atzl, Swarovski interface)
- ... and the gun is 100% Made in Austria
- What hunting scenario is it built for?
The AERA 1 is not a „shooting-range pellet gun“ for 50 shots in a row. It is a thoroughbred mountain and stalking rifle. Its territory is the high mountains, extreme hunting in New Zealand or demanding stalking, where you climb for hours and need absolutely reliable, feather-light equipment for that one precise shot.
From the 19 to 22 February 2026 the Salzburg Exhibition Centre will once again be transformed into the beating heart of the European hunting and fishing scene. „The High Hunting & Fishing“ is far more than just a product show; it is the „trade fair district“ where tradition meets the latest high-tech, where craftsmanship is celebrated and the community of hunters, fishermen and nature enthusiasts come together.
This year's trade fair promises to be a special highlight, as the industry is on the verge of a technological quantum leap - and we cordially invite you to experience this progress at first hand at our exhibition stand.
Salzburg 2026: A trade fair experience in a class of its own
Before we delve deep into the Technical details of our new products it is worth taking a look at the Supporting programme the trade fair. Hohe Jagd & Fischerei 2026 sets new standards in the world of experience.
A special focus this year is on the „genuss.revier“, where Top chefs like Max Stiegl demonstrate how modern, creative cuisine with local venison is created. For the more adventurous among the visitors, the new „outdoor.are(n)a“ has a four-wheel drive course covering over 600 square metres, where state-of-the-art off-road vehicles demonstrate their off-road capabilities.
The next generation is not neglected either: the specially organised „Young Hunters' Day“ on the Sunday of the trade fair not only offers newcomers discounted tickets, but also guided tours and shooting competitions in the laser cinema.
In the midst of this dynamic atmosphere, you will find our stand - a place where we will show you how the Hunting equipment of the future looks.
The hardware highlights from Fine Ballistic Tools (FBT)
When it comes to innovations from Austria, we at Fine Ballistic Tools (FBT) are clearly at the forefront.
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In recent years, FBT has established itself as a pioneer for ultra-light carbon shafts and 3D-printed titanium components. We will be presenting the full spectrum of FBT expertise at our stand:
- UNIC shafts: See the Models „Revolution“ and „SuperErgo“, now equipped with an integrated monopod in the buttstock. These carbon stocks are not only light as a feather, but also absorb recoil in a way that makes shooting a pleasure even with strong calibres.
- INCA silencer: The INCA series of FBT utilises the Advantages of 3D titanium printing to create internal structures, that would be impossible with conventional milling processes. The result is silencers with maximum damping performance and minimum weight and volume.
- The Blaser BBF 95 modification: A special exhibit is the Blaser 95 over and under shotgun, which we will be presenting with a FBT carbon fibre stock and an INCA titanium silencer have refined. A classic weapon that has been given a completely new level of handling and precision thanks to modern accessories.
Our world first: Introducing the AERA 1 hunting rifle - our first ultra-light repeating rifle | 1,996 gram weapon weight
The absolute centrepiece of our stand and a The AERA 1 bolt action rifle is a real world first from Fine Ballistic Tools.
With this rifle, we may be pushing the boundaries of what is technically feasible.
- 3D titanium printing in perfection
The centrepiece of the AERA 1 weapon is the one-piece weapon system, which is produced using the latest 3D printing Titanium 64 Grade 23 is manufactured. This alloy is normally used in aviation and medical technology. What makes it special: Inside the system housing is a complex honeycomb structure, which ensures maximum rigidity while drastically reducing weight. - Reduction to the essentials
We achieve maximum reliability by massively reducing the number of components. An ingenious trick: the SWAROVSKI mounting rail is no longer a screwed-on component, but a fixed, integral component of the 3D-printed weapon system.
The integral solution eliminates a potential error interface - the assembly can never become loose and precision is maintained under all circumstances. This makes the AERA 1 weapon to one to 100 % Austrian weapon, perfectly matched to the optics from SWAROVSKI.
Technical sophistication and precision
The AERA 1 is not a toy, but a precision tool:
- Closure: A robust 3-barrel bolt head with an opening angle of just 60° enables fast repeating.
- Trigger with manual cocking: An Atzl ball trigger is fitted, which is adjustable from 100 to 1000 grams - for a crystal-clear break when firing.
- Running concept: The flooded one, Cold-hammered stainless barrel (also from Austria) is 46 cm short and enables an uncomplicated barrel change thanks to a simple 3-screw system. This not only optimises cleaning, but also makes the gun modular.
- Connection: The system is perfectly embedded in the patented UNIC carbon shaft.
- Mouth: All barrels are equipped with the ERA Lock quick-release adapter, which makes fitting the INCA silencer child's play.
- Base price of the gun without accessories: Approx. € 9.979,-
A weight you have to feel! The bare figures sound almost unbelievable: the pure weapon in 7 mm-08 calibre weighs just 1,996 grams.
Even fully assembled ready to hunt - including SWAROVSKI riflescope and INCA silencer - the total weight remains at around 2800 grams.
This means you carry less weight up the mountain and have more energy for the decisive moment. The AERA 1 is the answer for all mountain hunters, for stalking in difficult terrain and for all those who do not want to compromise on equipment.
An appeal to the hunting community
Hohe Jagd & Fischerei 2026 is the perfect stage to present these innovations. But technical data on a sheet of paper is one thing - the The feeling of picking up a weapon, the other.
Hence our appeal to all hunters: visit our stand in Salzburg. Take the AERA 1 in your hand, feel the balance of the UNIC carbon fibre stock in the firing position and the almost incredulous amazement at the low weight.
A special guest: „Mr G.“ and the world of Spartan Precision
One of our absolute highlights in 2026 is our new role as a official distributor of Spartan products in Austria. Spartan Precision Equipment stands for the ultimate lightweight set-up and innovative magnet mounting systems worldwide. The best thing about it: Rob Gearing, better known in the scene as „Mr G.“, will be there in person at our stand!
Rob Gearing is a legend in the outdoor industry. As a former mountaineer and passionate hunter, he realised early on that every gram counts in the mountains.
This frustration with cumbersome equipment led him to develop the „Javelin Bipod“ - a bipod that can be assembled and disassembled in a fraction of a second using powerful rare-earth magnets.
At our stand you can meet Rob Gearing, hear his stories from the mountains and hear first-hand why Spartan products have revolutionised the way we stabilise our weapons in the field.
Austrian premiere: AEROTEC weapon care
Cleanliness and care are essential for the longevity and precision of any hunting rifle. We are proud of this, AEROTEC Weapon Care at a trade fair in Austria for the first time.
AEROTEC stands for state-of-the-art lubricants and cleaning solutions, which have been specially developed for the extreme demands of hunting. Whether in the freezing cold of winter or the heat of a driven hunt - AEROTEC products guarantee Reliable weapon function under all conditions.
At the stand, you will not only have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the products, but also to purchase them directly on site to take your equipment to the next level.
Regional pleasure: SEBO coffee from the Enns Valley
A visit to a trade fair can be exhausting - the many impressions, discussions and journeys through the halls take their toll. That's why this year we are once again focussing on quality from home to replenish your energy reserves. SEBO Coffee provides the necessary caffeine supply at our stand.
The special thing about it is that it is a genuine product from the Styrian Enns Valley. Regionality is important to us - not only for our hunting equipment, but also when it comes to catering for our guests. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and let us talk shop about the latest developments in the industry in a relaxed atmosphere.
We are convinced that the Easy, precise and sustainable hunting of the future is. We are looking forward to it, To hear your opinion on our creations and to start a successful hunting year 2026 together with you.
Waidmannsheil - see you in Salzburg!
