Tavor, the new Israeli assault rifle is lightweight, compact and ergonomically designed to become an “organic” part of the warfighter. It has already been chosen to arm the Israeli (IDF) and Indian elite troops, and is aggressively marketed worldwide, to become a weapon of choice for future infantry combat suits.

The name “T.A.R. 21” stands for “Tavor Assault Rifle 21st Century”.

Tavor is based on extensive research and development and close cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was selected by the IDF in 2003, following an extensive competition against the M4. The plant is gearing up to serial production delivering thousands of rifles starting 2006. The Givati infantry brigade is the first unit to be equipped with the new rifle, gradually fielding the new weapon, beginning with all Summer 2006 new recruits. By March 2007, the Golani infantry brigade and the Kfir infantry brigade are scheduled to get the new weapons, completing the initial procurement batch of 15,000 assault rifles.

Unlike conventional assault rifles, Tavor was developed to produce effective, fast and accurate fire in all conditions, including close combat. Its ergonomic design enables the soldier to operate the weapon as part of an integrated weapon system – such system does not rely only on technology, the system must rely on the human senses and capabilities, and respond best to the human needs. Tavor is well balanced and easily operated with a single (right or left) hand. Specific models can be configured for right or left handed users.

With its integral optical sight, it can be aimed and fire accurately with both eyes opened, maintaining constant eye contact with the target, improving the soldier’s peripheral vision and maintaining effective situational awareness. The compact weapon fits comfortably, aimed instinctively and fired instantly and effectively even by a heavily loaded warfighter, in tight enclosures, where the use of longer weapons is impractical. All Tavor models use flat-top design to accommodate advanced sights and accessories. The current model selected by the IDF is produced of black composites (the original was olive green), some models, such as the sharpshooter version uses Mil-Std 1913 (Picatinny) rail attachment mounting optical sights and other accessories. All versions have a foldable iron sights for backup.

Models

TAVOR T.A.R. 21:

with 40mm M203 grenade launcher

TAVOR C.T.A.R. 21 – commander / compact:

TAVOR S.T.A.R. 21 – sharpshooter:

TAVOR M.T.A.R. 21 – micro version:

TAVOR T.C. 21 – civillian version / semi-automatic only:

History

The development of the new assault rifle, that should eventually replace in service the ageing M16A1, CAR-15 and IMI Galil assault rifles, began in Israel in the 1991. The new rifle was developed by the Israel Military Industries (IMI, now IWI) company, in close cooperation with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The new rifle first appeared on public in the 1998, and the IDF begin to test it in 1999.

Tavor early model

The Tavor program included many technical and operational tests and the adjustment to the specific needs of the modern IDF soldier.  The weapon was ruggedly tested during a period of 3 years, has been qualified and approved by the IDF as the service rifle of the Infantry Forces and has been ordered by the IDF and other countries. The TAVOR is bullpup configuration with superior human engineering, reliability and accuracy, equipped with an integral reflex sight enabling to aim with both eyes open.

In various comparison tests, the TAVOR has proven to be significantly superior because of the operation advantages of the rifle:

• Increased hit probability during exertion.
• High reliability during function in extreme conditions.
• Constant day & night use without zeroing.
• Human engineering that increases user’s comfort and confidence.
• Accurate, compact short rifle with long barrel.
• Rear gravity center  (close to the user’s body) enables to hold and aim to front in movement.
• Ambidextrous.
• Advanced and accurate sighting system attached directly to barrel.

Description and Specifications

The T.A.R. 21 uses a bullpup design, as seen with the French FAMAS, the British SA80, Austrian Steyr AUG, Singaporean SAR-21, Iranian Khaybar KH2002, Chinese Norinco QBZ-95, and Belgian FN F2000. Bullpup rifles are configured in a layout in which the bolt carrier group is placed behind the pistol grip; this shortens the overall length but does not sacrifice barrel length. In theory, the T.A.R. 21 provides carbine length, but rifle muzzle velocity. The bullpup design is also used to minimize the silhouette of Israeli soldiers and to maximize effectiveness in turning corners in urban warfare. The T.A.R. 21 has ejection ports on both sides of the rifle so it can easily be reconfigured for right or left-handed shooters. However, this process requires partial disassembly, meaning that a rifle configured for right-handed shooters cannot quickly be shot from the left shoulder around the left side of an obstacle, and vice-versa, as most conventional rifles can be.

The T.A.R. 21 design is based on advanced ergonomics and composite materials in order to produce a more comfortable and reliable rifle. The T.A.R 21 is waterproof and lightweight. Accuracy and target acquisition are enhanced, by the use of accurate aiming, through the use of an integral reflex optical reflective sight, which projects the aiming point on the center of the sight. Tavor has an attachment for additional sighting devices, such as a 3rd generation night vision sight, which can be installed with no zeroing.

Tavor is gas operated, using rotating bolt action. All types use standard NATO 5.56 mm ammunition (M855/SS109), accommodate a 30 round magazine and sustain a rate of fire of 750-900 rounds per minute. The rifle accepts standard STANAG NATO magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher.

• Caliber: 5.56 mm
• Cartridge: 5.56 mm NATO M193/M855 (SS109)
• NET Weight: 3.27 kg (T.A.R.) / 3.18 kg (C.T.A.R.) / 3.67 kg (S.T.A.R.)
• Effective range: 600 m
• In service: 2001 – present

Download official description Adobe Reader PDF file format »

partially disassembled T.A.R. 21

Manufacturer

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), former Israel Military Industries (IMI).

Tavor in Action

Tavor in Guatemala

Tavor in Guatemala

[via Israel-Weapon.com (IWI), Defense-Update.com, Israeli-Weapons.com]

The XM8 assault rifle is a proposed replacement for the current M16 rifle and M4 carbine, the standard infantry weapons in today’s US military. The XM8 action is based upon the Heckler & Koch G36, a tried and true infantry weapon with a reputation for toughness and reliability.

The XM29 OICW project, which combined both an assault rifle and a smart grenade launcher, turned out to be too heavy, fragile, and expensive. The rifle part of the XM29 was adapted to become the XM8. The smart grenade launcher part of the XM29 is being developed separately as the XM25.

History

The XM8 is a developmental U.S. military designation and project name for a lightweight assault rifle system that was under development by the United States Army from the late 1990s to early 2000s. The Army worked with the small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch (H&K) to develop the system to its requirements in the aftermath of the OICW contract, for which H&K had been a subcontractor to ATK (General Dynamics was involved in latter stages). Although there were high hopes that the XM8 would become the Army’s new standard infantry rifle, the project was put on hold in mid 2005, and was formally cancelled on October 31, 2005.

The first 30 XM8 prototypes were delivered by November 2003 for preliminary testing. Later, at least 200 developmental prototypes were procured. Among the complaints during testing were too low a battery life for the weapon’s powered sight system and some ergonomics issues. Two other key issues were reducing the weapon’s weight and increasing the heat resistance of the hand guard, which would start to melt after firing too many rounds.

The main testing was largely completed, and the Army pushed for funding for a large field test. However, in 2004 Congress denied $26 million funding for 7,000 rifles to do a wide scale test fielding of the XM8 in 2005. At the time the rifle still had developmental goals that were incomplete, primarily associated with the weapon’s weight; the battery life had been extended, and a more heat-resistant plastic hand-guard added. The earliest product brochure lists the target weight for the carbine variant at 5.7 lb (2.6 kg) with the then current prototype at 6.2 lb (2.8 kg). The weight of the carbine prototype had since grown to 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) according to a brochure released by HK and General Dynamics in January 2005.

During the same period, the Army came under pressure from other arms makers to open up the XM8 to competition. The main argument was that the weapon that was being adopted was a substantially different system than for the original competition that ATK and H&K had actually won (XM29). Other issues were that the Army has a legislated obligation to prefer U.S.-based manufacturers, and that a previous agreement with Colt Defense required the Army to involve Colt in certain small-arms programs. The XM8 program was put on hold by the Army in 2004. The exact reason why this happened is a matter of debate; some combination of the aforementioned technical issues, funding restrictions, and outside pressure being involved.

In 2005, the Army issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) for the OICW Increment One family of weapons. This RFP gave manufacturers six months to develop and deliver prototype weapons with requirements very similar to the XM8 capabilities, but with the addition of a squad automatic weapon (SAW) configuration. Currently, no XM8 prototypes have been shown that actually match the capabilities of the M249 (e.g. fast barrel replacement, high sustained rate of fire, belt feed). The OICW Increment One requirement for the SAW includes fast barrel replacement and high sustained rate of fire, but leaves the ammunition feed choice up to the manufacturer.

As of July 19, 2005, the OICW Increment One RFP was put on an eight-week hold, with an indication given that the program was being restructured as a joint procurement program including the Army and unnamed other branches. On October 31, 2005, the OICW Increment One RFP was canceled until further notice.

In an article in Jane’s Defence Weekly, April 26 2006 (Vol 43, page 30) we learn that “The US Army has again delayed the procurement of its future infantry weapons, this time for more than five years, and is working to field two interim guns in the meantime.”

Description and Specifications

The materials used to build the XM8 are almost entirely composites — with the notable exception of the cold hammer forged steel barrel. Preliminary tests in desert and Arctic conditions have shown XM8 to be a rugged weapon, though some complaints arose. It is reported to be capable of firing 15,000 rounds without cleaning or lubrication and up to 20,000 rounds before barrel replacement. The M16A2 needs to be cleaned often, and has a barrel life of approximately 7,000–8,000 rounds.

Internally, the XM8 uses a rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like those used in the M16 rifle and M4 carbine. The bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system with a user-removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M4 and M16 direct gas system with gas tube, the XM8 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and carbon back into the weapon’s receiver during firing.

While the XM8 was not exposed to battlefield conditions, it’s still a feat the current service rifle hasn’t come close to rivaling. During their Oct. 20-23 2003 trip to Germany, the weapons experts said they were impressed after watching Heckler & Koch engineers fire four high-capacity magazines, with 100 rounds apiece, in less than five minutes.

This improved reliability can be credited to differences in the XM8’s operating system from the one in the M16. For instance, a thin gas tube runs almost the entire length of the barrel in all of the M16 variants. When the weapon is fired, the gases travel back down the tube into the chamber and push the bolt back to eject the shell casing and chamber a new round. The XM8’s gas system instead is connected to a mechanical operating rod, which pushes back the bolt to eject the casing and chamber the new round each time the weapon is fired. So there’s no carbon residue constantly being blown back into the chamber, reducing the need to clean the weapon as often. You don’t get gases blowing back into the chamber that have contaminates in them. The XM8 also has a much tighter seal between the bolt and the ejection port, which should cut down on the amount of debris that can blow into the weapon when the ejection port’s dust cover is open.

Details

• Caliber: 5.56 mm
• Cartridge: 5.56 x 45 mm NATO
• Weight: 6.4 lbs | 2.8 kg empty
• Designed: 2002
• Produced: 2003 — 2004 (prototypes only)

Variants of XM8

The XM8 is a modular weapon that can be adapted to different roles fairly easily. It can use any of four barrel sizes: 9″, 12.5″, 20″, and heavy 20″.

The 12.5″ barrel is the standard set-up, and with the adjustable buttstock, makes the Baseline Carbine variant. With the stock fully extended, it is 33″ long, the same as an M4 (which has a 14.5″ barrel). It weighs in at about 6.4 lbs, with a goal of being reduced to 5.7 lbs. The M4 with comparable accessories weighs nearly 9 lbs. The picture above shows an XM320 side-loading detachable grenade launcher mounted.

The 9″ barrel makes the weapon a submachinegun-like personal defense weapon (called the Compact Carbine) that would be ideal for vehicle crews. Also, it seems to be that Special Forces types would find it useful for urban raiding missions and the like. With the buttcap (as pictured on the right, second from the top) it is less than 21″ long overall.

There are two versions of the 20″ barrel. There’s a standard weight match-grade unit for sharpshooter work and a heavy-duty machinegun unit with a folding bipod for use as a sustained fire automatic rifle.

See XM8 in action (YouTube video) »

Manufacturer

Heckler & Koch

Engineering work was done at facilities in the United States and Germany by H&K, General Dynamics and ATK.

[via Murdoc Online.com, GlobalSecurity.org & Wikipedia]

There are a selection of AR / M16 ammo types. The 5.56×45 at top and bottom, the 7.62×51 (.308) second from top, 6.8 SPR and 9mm below that. From a few feet away they look pretty much the same, as you look more closely the differences are apparent in the magazines. Their stocks are all much the same, except the SBR which is sporting the Vltor Clubfoot Mod Stock. There are some cool angled shots of this selection of AR15 / M16 carbines:

[Via kill a computer.com]

Related posts:

M16 – United States Assault Rifle
Colt M4 – Versatile Carbine

The M4 Carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter version of the M16A2 assault rifle, achieving 80% parts commonality with the M16A2. The M4 has selective fire options including semi-automatic and three-round burst (like the M16A2), while the M4A1 has a “full auto” option in place of the three-round burst.

Colt M4 Carbine is a versatile weapon system with proven combat utility and performance providing the operator with the confidence required to accomplish any mission. Featuring a 14.5 in. (37 cm) barrel it is designed for use wherever lightness, speed of action, mobility and fire power are required. It can be comfortably carried, yet be instantly available to provide the power, accuracy and range of a 5.56mm Rifle. Proven in military operations, it stands alone as a first-line weapon system. Colt M4 Carbine is today’s weapon of choice; the weapon of the 21st century soldier.

The Colt M4 carbine entered service with US Army in 1994. Basically it is a shortened M16A2 assault rifle with a telescopic buttstock. This carbine was intended as a substitute for submachine guns. It is used by airborne troops, special forces, tank crews, vehicle drivers etc.

Description and Specifications

The M4/M4A1 5.56 mm Carbine is a gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a telescoping stock. A shortened variant of the M16A2 rifle with a 36 cm barrel, the M4 provides the individual soldier operating in close quarters the capability to engage targets at extended range with accurate, lethal fire. The original M4 Carbine has semi-automatic and three-round burst fire modes, while the M4A1 has “semi” and “full auto”, with no three-round burst.

The M4 Carbine is an extremely accurate and effective weapon under all practical field applications. It is a favorite with both first line infantry operations as well as special forces, unit commanders and vehicle crews. Available with a Safe/Semi/Full Auto 3-position selector the M4 Carbine is today?s weapon of choice.

The M4 Carbine features a redesigned 4-position sliding buttstock allowing it to adapt to soldiers of different sizes and physical characteristics as well as various firing positions or clothing variations. Almost all mechanical components are interchangeable with those of the M16 rifle, ensuring quality, commonality of parts and reduced maintenance costs.

The Carbine barrel is designed to accept the M203 Grenade Launcher which can easily be assembled to the carbine offering the user both point and area firing capabilities. Also, all US and NATO rifle grenades can be fired without any supplementary equipment.

The Close Quarters Battle Receiver (CQBR) is a replacement upper receiver for the M4A1 Carbine. The CQBR upgrades the M4 with a barrel 10.3 in (260 mm) long, the modern equivalent of the Colt Commando short-barrel M16 variants of the past.

A CQBR in comparison to a standard M4A1

The M4 and M16 are not ideally suited for all missions, so it was proposed that the modularity of the M16 series would allow a user to replace the upper receiver of an existing weapon with one more suitable to the task. One of two proposed special mission receivers that were planned for inclusion into the SOPMOD Block II kit, the CQBR has taken off on its own. Like the proposed Special Purpose Receiver, the Close Quarters Battle Receiver has been more or less taken on by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (often referred to as NSWC-Crane or just “Crane”) as its own project following the CQBR’s removal from the SOPMOD program. Just as the Special Purpose Receiver morphed into the Special Purpose Rifle, and was type-classified as Mk 12 Mod 0/1, the complete CQBR-equipped carbine has been type-classified as the Mk 18 Mod. 0.

The purpose of the CQBR remains to provide operators with a weapon of submachine gun size, but firing a rifle cartridge, for scenarios such as VIP protection, urban warfare, and other close quarters battle (CQB) situations. The CQBR is designed to provide improvement over previous AR-15/M16-type weapons in this category. The CQBR is usually issued as a complete weapon system, and not just an upper receiver. The CQBR was once only available to Naval Special Warfare units, but the Mk 18 Mod 0 has become general issue for Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) missions.

The short 10.3 in (262 mm) barrel length requires special modifications to reliably function. The gas port is opened from 0.062 to 0.070 in (0.16 to 0.18 mm). A one-piece McFarland gas ring replaces the three-piece gas ring set. The standard 4-coil extractor spring is replaced with a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) 5-coil spring. An O-ring surrounds the extractor spring.

• Caliber: .223 Rem / 5.56 mm
• Cartridge: 5.56 x 45 mm NATO
• Weight: 5.9 lb / 2.68 kg empty
• Effective range: 660 yd / 600 m
• In service: 1994 – present

Manufacturer

Colt Firearms

The AK-47 was the result of Soviet combat experience during World War II. Studies of battlefield reports showed most combat occurred within 300 meters, and the winner was usually the side with the most firepower.

The bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles used on the Eastern Front were not optimal choices for this kind of combat, and the late-war submachine guns employed to compensate for these shortcomings lacked range and accuracy, leading to compromise designs such as the SKS, and later AK-47, with the AK-47 considered the ultimate answer to these goals. It gave the average soldier a high rate of fire rendering an AK-equipped squad’s firepower equivalent to submachine guns at close range, while also having a sufficiently powerful cartridge to engage moderately distant targets.

The AK-47 was never meant to be an accurate rifle beyond 600 meters since in mobile warfare, distances were covered rather quickly. It also had the advantage of not needing particularly experienced soldiers to be effective — it required very little maintenance, and accuracy wasn’t very important which was ideal for the large conscript-based Soviet army. Weight wasn’t important either because Soviet doctrine placed an emphasis on the use of armored spearheads in an attack, followed closely by troop transports like the BTR-70.

Description and Specifications

The AK-47 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle which has a semiautomatic ROF of 40 rounds (effective range about 400 meters), increasing to 100 rounds on fully automatic (effective range about 300 meters). It has a 30 round detachable box magazine. Renowned for it’s durability, the AK-47 is shorter and heavier than the M16 but with a lower ROF and muzzle velocity.

The weapon was developed for motorized infantry, adopted for service with the Soviet Army in 1949 and designated the AK-47. It was not provided with a bayonet.

• Caliber: 7.62 mm
• Cartridge: 7.62 x 39 mm
• Weight: 8.4 lb / 3.8 kg empty | 9.5 lb / 4.3 kg loaded
• Effective range: 330 yd / 300 m
• In service: 1949 — present