SAR-21: 21st Century Singapore Machine
In the 90-ies of the last century, the Singapore armed forces attended to renewing their materiel, in particular, the infantry weapons. The licensed version of the American M16 and its own SAR-80 and SR-88 machines have become outdated and are not satisfied with the security forces. The development of a new type was entrusted to Chartered Industries Of Singapore. Later it will become part of Singapore Technologies and will be called ST Kinetics.
The machine gun was called SAR-21 (Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century. Translated "Singaporean assault rifle of the XXI century") and was first shown to the public in 1999 at DSEi-99. In the same year it was adopted.
The main requirement for the new weapons were compactness and ease of use. For these reasons, it was decided to build a rifle on the bullpup layout. With all the advantages of this scheme, it was not without drawbacks, but about them later. In general, the layout and design of the SAR-21 resembles an Austrian Steyr AUG rifle: the same bullpup scheme, the same plastic shockproof body, a carrying handle and the same cartridge - NATO 5,56mm.
The automation of the Singapore machine is based on a long-stroke gas outlet system. The latter is located above the barrel and is rigidly coupled to the bolt carrier. The loading handle, like on the Heckler & Koch G36, is located on the top of the receiver, above the pistol grip and under the carrying handle. During firing, the loading handle folds forward and does not move. The barrel is locked by turning the bolt; the locking mechanism is similar to that used in the American M16. The shells are ejected through a window on the right side of the machine, which, due to the size of the weapon, does not allow left-handed people to use the SAR-21. The fire safety switch is located on the trigger guard. Three-position button: trigger lock, single fire and automatic.
Incomplete disassembly of the machine implies its division into four separate units: the upper part of the receiver with the barrel, the lower part of the box with the pistol grip and magazine receiver, the firing mechanism in a separate case and the bolt group. Of particular interest is the placement of trigger: it is located behind the receiver of the store from the bottom of the receiver. The back of the trigger plays the role of the back plate.
On top of the receiver, the SAR-21 has a carrying handle. Like the Steyr AUG, it contains an optical sight (multiplicity of 1.5). On the upper surface of the handle are installed open front sight and rear sight. The third standard sighting device - laser designator. Even at the factory, it is installed under the barrel and is powered by two AA batteries / batteries. The LCC power button is located on the left side of the forearm, and gently fits under the thumb.
SAR-21 cartridges are powered from a box magazine for 30 cartridges compatible with NATO standards. In the image and likeness of some samples of European weapons, the regular stores of the Singapore machine gun are made of transparent plastic - a kind of ammunition counter.
In addition to the original version, SAR-21 is available in several versions:
- SAR-21GL / SAR-21M203. Option with factory-installed 40-mm grenade launcher. This may be the Singapore CIS 40GL or the American M203 in the export version.
- SAR-21P-rail. On this modification there is no carrying handle, and in its place is a long Picatinny rail for installing various equipment.
- SAR-21MMS Standart. Instead of a forearm, a “Modular Mounting System” system is installed, consisting of Picatinny rail. The modification is designed to install flashlights, "tactical" handles and other accessories.
- SAR-21MMS Carbine. A version generally similar to the previous one, but shortened by 70 millimeters.
- SAR-21LWC. "Lightweight Carbine" (Light Weight Carbine). The most compact and lightweight version of the machine. It does not have a carrying handle, and the charging handle is brought forward. Instead of the original on this modification set the forearm, similar to the corresponding part of the German rifle G36.
From 1999, SAR-21 in various versions is supplied to Singapore’s law enforcement agencies. There is no accurate data on exports, but it is known that this assault rifle is supplied to Morocco, Bangladesh, Brunei, Sri Lanka and some other Asian countries. Despite the absence of any revolutionary solutions and technologies, the reviews on SAR-21 are generally positive, and the majority of negative ones concern the impossibility in principle to shoot from the left shoulder.
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