SAR-21
Encyclopedia : S : SA : SAR : SAR-21
 Different models of the SAR-21. From Top: Standard, MMS Tactical, Grenade Launcher and with the Ultimax 100 at the bottom | |
| ST Kinetics SAR-21 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Nation(s) of origin | Singapore |
| Manufacturer | Singapore Technologies Kinetics |
| Era | Modern |
| History | |
| Date of design | 1999 |
| Production period | 1999-present |
| Service duration | In service after 2000 |
| Operators | Bangladesh Special Forces, Singapore Armed Forces, limited testing in United States law enforcement agencies |
| War service | |
| Variants | Standard, Light Machine Gun (LMG), Sharpshooter, Grenade Launcher (GL), P-rail, Modular Mounting System (MMS), Light-Weight (Carbine) |
| Number built | |
| Specifications | |
| Type | Selective fire rifle |
| Caliber | 5.56 mm NATO M855 / SS109 |
| Ammunition | 5.56 mm NATO |
| Feed system | 30 round translucent polymer box magazine, export models use the aluminium box magazines |
| Firearm action>Action | Gas-actuated Rotating bolt, bullpup |
| Length | 805 mm |
| Gun barrel>Barrel length | 508 mm |
| Weight | 3.82 (empty and without accessories) 0.16 (Laser Aiming Device) 0.12 (empty 30-round magazine)0.46 (fully loaded 30-round magazine) |
| Rate of fire | 450-650 round/min |
| Muzzle velocity | |
| Effective range | |
The SAR-21 is an indigenously built bullpup assault rifle from Singapore. First revealed and subsequently adopted by the Singapore Armed Forces in 1999, it was intended to replace the locally license-built M16S1. Many of its design features are directly intended to counter the weaknesses of the M16 as encountered operationally by infantrymen. SAR-21 stands for "Singapore Assault Rifle" - "21st Century".
Design
Made of a rugged, high impact polymer, most of the manufacturing is done utilising CNC machines, with ultrasonic welding for the steel-reinforced receiver halves and the gun barrel being drop-forged. It uses a modified Kalashnikov/Stoner operating system, boasting high reliability and low recoil. The translucent magazine allows precise assessment of current ammo load.The SAR-21 is also the first production assault rifle of its class to incorporate a built-in Laser Aiming Device (LAD) (powered by a single "AA" battery) as standard. The rifle incorporates various patented safety features, such as a Kevlar cheek plate and overpressure vent that protects the shooter in the unlikely event of a chamber explosion or catastrophic failure. It also has an integral 1.5x optical scope that is built into its carrying handle. The scope is factory-zeroed in order to cut down on range time out of the box which also aids in target acquisition under low light conditions.
History and Development
Since the mid-90's, the Singapore Armed Forces had an outstanding requirement to come up with a replacement for their M16S1. Most of the M-16/AR-15s in service have been in use since the 1970's and the SAF had to either procure newer weapons (thought was given to purchase the M-16A2) or to develop their own indigenious rifle.It was discussed that buying weapons off the shelf would require soldiers to adjust to the weapon, as opposed to a weapon designed specifically to their needs. The rising costs of maintaining the M-16s also made it more justifiable to develop a low-maintenance weapon. As a result, the decision was made in 1995 to design and build the new weapon locally.
The *Advanced Combat Rifle was thus born. This weapon will be the precursor to the SAR-21.
- (unconfirmed, experts please edit as necessary).
Variants
SAR-21 Light Machine Gun (LMG)
Fitted with an open bolt. It has a heavy 508 mm barrel with an integral folding bipod.SAR-21 Sharpshooter
Same as the basic SAR-21, but has 3.5x optical sight instead of standard 1.5x sight.
SAR-21 Grenade Launcher (GL)
Attached with a CIS 40 mm or M203 grenade launcher. Several sub-variants/prototypes incorporate different targeting modules (or mounted on p-rails) for grenade target acquisition. Known sights to have been used include aiming quadrants, various optical sights (the [GLS-203]and [DNS]) and laser fire control systems.SAR-21 P-rail
Has a Picatinny rail in place of its integral optical sight. Charging handle is moved to the left hand side of the weapon (Interchangeable with right side).SAR-21 Modular Mounting System (MMS)
Has integral optical sight and LAD removed to allow a wide variety of add-on tactical accessories, such as vertical assault grips, tactical lights and reflex sights. Charging handle is moved to the left hand side of the weapon. Similar to P-rail model with exception of shorter barrel.Light-Weight SAR-21 with Holo-Dot Sight
A light-weight SAR-21 variant was revealed during the Asian Defence Exhibition held in conjunction with Asian Aerospace 2006. The variant boasts an ultra-short barrel, more plastic components and holo-dot aiming recticle.See also
- Related Development
External links
- [Modern Firearms]
- [Jane's International Defense Review article on SAR-21]
- [Defence Review's SAR-21 review]
- [Official SAR-21 page at ST Kinetics]
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