| Vektor CR-21 |
| Type |
Assault Rifle |
| Place of origin |
South Africa |
| Service history |
| In service |
prototype |
| Used by |
none |
| Wars |
none |
| Production history |
| Designed |
1997 |
| Produced |
prototype |
| Number built |
prototype |
| Variants |
CR-21 carbine |
| Specifications |
| Weight |
3.72 kg (8.2 lb) |
| Length |
760 mm (29.9 in) |
| Barrel length |
460 mm (18.1 in) |
|
| Cartridge |
5.56x45mm NATO |
| Action |
Gas-Operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire |
700 round/min (full auto) |
| Muzzle velocity |
980 m/s |
| Feed system |
35 round R4 magazines[1] |
The Vektor CR-21 is a modern South African assault rifle (CR-21 meaning Combat Rifle 21st Century)[2] chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. It has been designed by Denel Land Systems as a possible replacement for the South African National Defence Force's current R4 assault rifle.[3]
The rifle is being marketed for export customers, but no sales have been achieved.[2]
[edit] History
First unveiled in 1997, the rifle utilises the bullpup layout. This enables the rifle to be as short as a typical carbine, whilst still retaining the muzzle velocity of longer assault rifles. However, this makes the CR-21 only capable of being fired from the right hand.[3]
[edit] Design
Internally, the CR-21 uses a slightly modified version of the action found in the R4 assault rifle, which is known for its reliability and relatively low weight.[3] The rifle also makes significant use of high-impact polymer,[2] with the only exposed metal part on the rifle being the front of the barrel with its integral flash suppressor. Both of these result in the rifle having a low loaded weight, of 3.72 kg (8.2 lbs).[2] The CR-21 comes standard with a 1X magnification optical sight with an illuminated reticle that does not require batteries.[3][4] This sight is mounted on a sight rail, allowing easy removal and attachment, as well as the use of a range of different sight options. The forward handgrip has been specially designed to be easily removed and replaced with a grenade launcher similar to the M203 grenade launcher.[3] Finally, the stock has a built-in compartment which stores a cleaning kit for the rifle,[2] removing the usual need for the soldier to carry this separately.
A CR-21 carbine was said to have been developed by Vektor.[1] Both of their 35-round magazines are based from the R4/Galil rifles.[1]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Notes
[edit] External links
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| Galil |
ACE (assault rifles) · AR (assault/battle rifle) · ARM (machine gun) · Galatz (sniper rifle) · MAR (carbine) · SAR (carbine) · SR-99 (sniper rifle)
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| Zastava |
M70 (assault rifle) · M72 (machine gun) · M76 (sniper rifle) · M77 (machine gun/battle rifle) · M85 (carbine) · M90 (assault rifle) · M91 (sniper rifle) · M92 (carbine) · M21 (assault rifle)
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M76 (assault rifle) · M78 (machine gun) · M82 (assault rifle) · Rk 62 (assault rifle) · Rk 95 Tp (assault rifle)
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