| 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 |
| No. built | prototype |
| Variants | CR-21 carbine |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 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 | 20 round magazines or 35 round R4 magazines[1] |
| Sights | Fiber optic illuminated reflex sight |
The Vektor CR-21 is a prototype South African assault rifle ("CR-21" being an abbreviation of Combat Rifle 21st Century)[2] chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. It was designed by Denel Land Systems as a possible replacement for the South African National Defence Force's current R4 assault rifle,[3] however Denel Land Systems has since shifted focus to offering an upgraded R4 assault rifle to the SANDF instead.[4]
The rifle is being marketed for export customers, but no sales have been achieved.[2]
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]
Design[]
Internally, the CR-21 uses a slightly modified version of the Kalashnikov 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][5] 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]
See also[]
References[]
- Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Vektor CR-21". Military Factory. http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=353. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Vektor CR-21". Military Today. http://www.military-today.com/firearms/vektor_cr21.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Max Popenker. "Vektor CR-21 assault rifle (South Africa)". http://world.guns.ru/assault/safr/vektor-cr-21-e.html. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
- ↑ Leon Engelbrecht. "Denel showcases a 21st Century R4 assault rifle at AAD". http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9747:denel-showcases-a-21st-century-r4-assault-rifle-at-aad&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105. Retrieved 2012-03-13.
- ↑ Omutumua Oshili. "Vektor CR-21 Assault Rifle". http://www.satruth.co.za/equip_00076.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
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The original article can be found at Vektor CR-21 and the edit history here.