Delta Armory DA-C04-ETU CHARLIE™ M4/AR-15 KeyMod AEG

Delta Armory presents the DA-C04-ETU, the upgraded version of the DA-C04, an M4/AR-15 AEG platform of the CHARLIE™ range. The CHARLIE™ ETU range gives you all of the pre-upgraded internals present in the ALPHA™ ETU range, contained inside a high-density polymer shell with an alloy outer barrel, resulting in the same impressive downrange effect and advanced MOSFET functions with considerable weight savings, ideal for the new skirmisher who wants something that can go toe to toe with almost anything you will encounter on a skirmish site. 

Whether you are looking for your first Airsoft gun and want something upgraded out of the gate or you need a light yet high-performance platform for late in the day when your arms are spent, the DA-C04-ETU CHARLIE™ M4/AR-15 KeyMod AEG is ideal. Inside the reinforced version 2 gearbox you will find a plethora of CNC machined aluminium parts, including the nozzle, piston head and cylinder head, along with CNC machined steel 16:1 gears, cylinder and spring guide. With Delta's strongest parts present, an electronic trigger unit/MOSFET was added to the formula, providing pre-cocking and the ability to program the selector for burst mode and binary trigger, backed up by a high torque neodymium magnet motor. 

On the outside, the DA-C04-ETU is one of the more exciting CHARLIE™ line offerings, equipped with a mock KeyMod handguard to give it an elite look, further reduce weight and allow the included 20mm rail sections to be positioned wherever you need your accessories mounted. If you seek an AR platform with a modern look and impressive internals without all the weight of a full metal platform slowing you down, the DA-C04-ETU will be an asset to your arsenal.

Starting at the tip of the alloy outer barrel we can find an alloy birdcage flash hider, which mounts to the 14mm CCW male threads. The birdcage gives the DA-C04-ETU the classic M4/AR-15 look, but can easily be swapped out for a muzzle brake for a more custom style, a tracer unit for come CQB action or a suppressor if you have more of a sneaky play style.

Surrounding the outer barrel we have the polymer mock KeyMod handguard, which is styled after the KAC URX4 and gives the rifle a dynamic, high speed look. The mock KeyMod attachment interface is still functional and allows the 3 included rail sections to be moved around and mounted anywhere at the 3, 6 or 9 o'clock position on the handguard, though the mock KeyMod slots are not compatible with aftermarket KeyMod accessories.

The 12 o'clock position provides a full-length 20mm Picatinny rail which integrates seamlessly with the receiver rail to allow for longer optical sights to be used or red dot sight magnifier combos. As it arrives, the DA-C04-ETU is equipped with a pair of flip-up aperture iron sights, both of which are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The sights can be deployed by pressing the textured tabs on each, which will snap the sights into position under spring pressure. To stow the sights, simply push them back down and they will lock into place.

Moving rearward we reach the receiver, which is a familiar M4/AR-15 layout and is constructed from high density polymer with a matt black finish. The fire selector is located on the left side of the AEG and sits directly above the pistol grip to provide fast and easy access for right-handed shooters. The fire selector has a 90-degree throw between modes, making it quick to operate but not too easy to accidentally knock it and end up in the wrong fire mode. Each fire mode is indicated with recessed markings reading SAFE-SEMI-AUTO.

At the centre of the left side of the receiver, we can find a dummy bolt release catch which doesn't have a function in an Airsoft AEG but is included to keep the externals looking realistic. The bolt release is a separate part which is a nice touch to avoid the tell-tale signs that this is an Airsoft gun and not the real deal. Over on the right side of the receiver, we can see what is known as the forward assist button, located on the upper receiver behind the mock shell deflector. This button also has no function but serves to force the real M4/AR-15 bolt carrier into battery if it fails to close due to dirt ingress. The button can be pressed and is a separate part, showing that Delta Armory wants us to have the realistic looks we deserve!

The magazine release is on the right side of the magazine well and is ideally positioned to be pressed with the trigger finger from a firing grip for right-handed users. Left-handed users can use their support hand thumb to press the release, and this can be done quite fast with a little practice. The surface of the mag release is textured to provide the necessary gripping qualities, and is protected from accidental presses by the "magwell fence", a raised protrusion in the receiver which stops the mag release from catching on your gear as you move.

The adjustable HOP-up unit is located inside the mock ejection port over on the right side of the upper receiver. This device allows you to adjust the amount of backspin applied to your BBs and tune the DA-C04-ETU for your ammo weight of choice, looking for the flattest possible trajectory. The Rotary HOP-up adjuster can be accessed by holding the charging handle back, after which the dust cover will spring open and the mock bolt plate will retract. The rotary HOP-up design is known as the latest and greatest for M4 AEGs, and it is always nice to see up-to-date internal parts, even in reasonably priced platforms like this.

The pre-installed pistol grip is based on the real steel "Gunfighter mod.3" grip, a modern ergonomic design with a filled backstrap and a reduced grip angle. This allows for a more comfortable shooting stance in CQB when you are running the stock fully collapsed, avoiding wrist fatigue which can develop with more conventional grip designs. The trigger is known as the CNC Type A Flat trigger, offering a flat serrated front surface with a short finger ledge, ideal for rapid double taps. 

Following the receiver, we reach the AR buffer tube, which is a common part found on the vast majority of M4/AR15 AEGs. This buffer tube is constructed from the same tough high density polymer as the receiver and provides 6 positions of adjustment, enough to suit any body type or loadout. The buffer tube system allows you to swap your stock out for any aftermarket M4/AR-15 stock simply and quickly.  If you fancy a change or get tired of the DA-C04's looks in the future, the option to switch out the stock means you have access to the widest variety of aftermarket stock options out there!

Between the receiver and buffer tube, we are treated to an ambidextrous sling plate constructed from steel for maximum strength. This plate allows a single-point sling to be mounted on either the left or the right side of the platform but can be paired with a front sling point (not included) mounted to the 20mm top rail to fit a two-point sling if that is your preference. The buffer tube also provides 6 positions of adjustment for the pre-installed slimline stock. 

The stock itself is a crane-inspired design with a slimline form and a comfortable angled cheek rest, featuring a QD sling socket on either side, together with conventional "footman loops", aka sling slots. With a rubber butt plate featuring lattice checkering, this slimline crane stock stays solidly in your shoulder in any weather conditions but can be swapped for alternative M4/AR-15 AEG stocks if you want to change up the looks or have a preferred stock in mind for your build. 

The buffer tube also serves as the battery compartment for the DA-C02-ETU. To access the battery compartment, you will need to pull the stock adjustment lever (located on the bottom of the stock) out and hold it in place, after which you can slide the stock off the buffer tube, revealing a Deans/T-Plug battery connector inside. We recommend a 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo in stick configuration for the DA-C02-ETU though you may need to keep the stock extended to fit this battery inside. Delta Armory recommends a LiPo battery measuring 1.4 x 1.9 x 10 cm approximately for full functionality of the sliding stock. 

The DA-C02-ETU pairs the high-density polymer build of the CHARLIE™ with the ETU series internals. Inside the version 2 gearbox, we are treated to CNC 16:1 ratio steel gears running on 7mm ball bearing bushings, an SHS piston with a full rack of steel teeth, an SHS tappet plate for reliable feeding, and a CNC aluminium piston head, cylinder head and nozzle for maximum long term durability. The cylinder is also CNC machined from steel, as is the spring guide.

These ultra-strong CNC parts are powered by a high-torque motor with Neodymium magnets, kept in check by the ETU/MOSFET system. The result is an incredible trigger response and rate of fire, with more than enough range to compete with the big boys out in the woods. The party trick of the ETU/MOSFET is the ability to program the fire controls for burst mode, binary trigger and pre-cocking, giving this incredibly cost-effective setup some advanced functions usually reserved for platforms twice this price!

If you like your AR rocking a modern look, pre-upgraded internals and a lightweight but strong high-density polymer build, the DA-C04-ETU CHARLIE™ M4/AR-15 KeyMod AEG is the one to go for. With no compromises when it comes to handling, superb internals with advanced programming functions and impressive downrange effect, the DA-C04-ETU floats like a CHARLIE™ but stings like an ALPHA™!

Features

• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential 
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Flip-up aperture iron sights included - Press the button at the rear on each sight to deploy
• Front and rear sling points - Front on the gas block, rear on the stock 
• KeyMod style handguard - Not compatible with most KeyMod accessories, includes 20mm rail sections
• Extended charging handle latch - Easy access to the HOP-up unit for adjustment
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or rifle scope
• Rotary adjustable HOP-up unit - Easy to adjust in fine increments, holds its setting well long-term 
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock to suit your body type perfectly
• Delta Armory battery stock - Plenty of space for nunchuck batteries, QD sling sockets on each side
• Ambidextrous sling plate - Mount a single-point sling on the left or right side
• Ergonomic pistol grip with reduced grip angle - Great for modern shooting stances, very comfy
• Reinforced version 2 gearbox - 
  • SHS Piston with steel full tooth rack
  • SHS Tappet plate
  • CNC Aluminum piston head
  • CNC Aluminium cylinder head
  • CNC Aluminium nozzle
  • CNC Steel cylinder
  • CNC Steel quick change spring guide
  • CNC Steel 16:1 gearset
  • 7mm Ball bearing bushings
  • Programmable ETU/MOSFET system 
• Rear wired - Mini-Tamiya connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo in stick config.
• Compatible with M4/AR-15 AEG magazines - Plenty of spares available

Package Includes

• Delta Armory DA-C02-ETU CHARLIE™ M4/AR-15 CQBR AEG
• 120rnd Mid-capacity magazine
• Cleaning rod
• User manual