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{{Infobox weapon |
{{Infobox weapon |
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|name=KH-2002 |
|name=KH-2002 |
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|image= |
|image= |
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|caption= |
|caption= |
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|type=[[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] |
|type=[[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] |
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|variants= See ''[[KH-2002#Variants|Variants]]'' |
|variants= See ''[[KH-2002#Variants|Variants]]'' |
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<!-- Service history --> |
<!-- Service history --> |
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|used_by=[[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]] in limited numbers (Primary User)<ref name="MT">{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/khaybar.htm|title=KH-2002 Khaybar Assault Rifle - Military-Today.com|last=ARG|website=www.military-today.com|access-date=2010-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209061746/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/khaybar.htm|archive-date=2010-02-09|url-status= |
|used_by=[[Islamic Republic of Iran Army]] in limited numbers (Primary User)<ref name="MT">{{cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/khaybar.htm|title=KH-2002 Khaybar Assault Rifle - Military-Today.com|last=ARG|website=www.military-today.com|access-date=2010-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209061746/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/khaybar.htm|archive-date=2010-02-09|url-status=usurped}}</ref> <br />See ''[[KH-2002#Users|Users]]'' for more details |
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|wars= |
|wars= |
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<!-- General specifications --> |
<!-- General specifications --> |
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The '''KH-2002 ''Khaybar''''' ({{ |
The '''KH-2002 ''Khaybar''''' ({{langx|fa|خیبر}} {{transl|fa|Khayber}}) is an [[Iran]]ian-designed [[assault rifle]], derived from the [[Norinco CQ#DIO Model S-5.56 assault rifle|DIO S 5.56]] assault rifle (an unlicensed clone of the Chinese [[Norinco CQ]],<ref name="GA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gunsandammo.com/military-law-enforcement/khaybar-irans-5-56mm-assault-rifle/|title=Khaybar: Iran's 5.56mm Assault Rifle – Guns & Ammo|date=9 November 2017|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031520/http://www.gunsandammo.com/military-law-enforcement/khaybar-irans-5-56mm-assault-rifle/|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> which in turn is an unlicensed copy of the American [[M16 rifle|M16]]) and further developed by Iran's [[Defense Industries Organization|Defense Industries Organization (DIO)]].<ref name="AR">{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2014_global_defense_security_news_industry/iranian-made_kh-2002_kyaybar_5.56mm_bullpup_assault_rifle_enters_in_service_iranian_army_0901144.html|title=Iranian-made KH-2002 Kyaybar 5.56mm bullpup assault rifle enters in service Iranian army 0901144|last=Administrator|website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=9 January 2014 |access-date=2017-05-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016175538/http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2014_global_defense_security_news_industry/iranian-made_kh-2002_kyaybar_5.56mm_bullpup_assault_rifle_enters_in_service_iranian_army_0901144.html|archive-date=2017-10-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SA">{{cite web|url=http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/2900/2920.htm|title=Khaybar KH2002|access-date=2009-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319103249/http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/2900/2920.htm|archive-date=2009-03-19|url-status=live}}</ref> It was designed in 2001 with samples produced in 2003 with the eventual production of the KH2002 commencing in 2004. It is similar in appearance to the [[QBZ-95]] and the [[FAMAS]].<ref name="DIO">{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=234|title=DIO KH2002 / Khaybar|access-date=2009-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220125404/http://militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=234|archive-date=2009-02-20|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Its improved version, released in 2009, was known as "Sama" ({{ |
Its improved version, released in 2009, was known as "Sama" ({{langx|fa|سما}}).<ref name="AR"/><ref name="SRAR">{{cite web |url=https://silahreport.com/2021/09/15/iranian-5-56mm-rifles-from-s5-56-to-masaaf/ |title = Iranian 5.56mm Rifles: From S5.56 to Masaaf – Silah Report|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004092604/https://silahreport.com/2021/09/15/iranian-5-56mm-rifles-from-s5-56-to-masaaf/|archivedate=2021-10-04|publisher=Silah Report}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:Nur-Ali Shushtari with the KH-2002.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Nur-Ali Shushtari|Brig. Gen. Ali Shushtari]] with the KH-2002.]] |
[[File:Nur-Ali Shushtari with the KH-2002.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Nur-Ali Shushtari|Brig. Gen. Ali Shushtari]] with the KH-2002.]] |
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In the early 2000s, Iran was testing prototypes of G3 battle rifles made under license for the Iranian military in bullpup configurations to test their feasibility.<ref name="SRAR"/> This was later dropped in favor of a similar weapon that's chambered in 5.56 NATO.<ref name="SRAR"/> |
In the early 2000s, Iran was testing prototypes of G3 battle rifles made under license for the Iranian military in bullpup configurations to test their feasibility.<ref name="SRAR"/> This was later dropped in favor of a similar weapon that's chambered in 5.56 NATO.<ref name="SRAR"/> The KH-2002 was planned, from 2006, to replace the G3s in the Iranian military.<ref name="PWPW">{{cite web | url=http://pewpewpew.work/iran/kh2002/khaybar.htm | title=伊朗Kh2002海拜尔突击步枪 ——〖枪炮世界〗 }}</ref> |
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According to a Global Security Studies report, it was observed that Venezuela received 18,000 KH-2002s sold to them by Iran in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globalsecuritystudies.com/Brandon%20Iran%20-AG.pdf|title=Iran's Foothold in Latin America|website=globalsecuritystudies.com|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305202421/http://globalsecuritystudies.com/Brandon%20Iran%20-AG.pdf|archive-date=2018-03-05|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, an investigation was carried out in Uruguay in an attempt to bring KH-2002s into the country through Venezuela, which was a violation of UN embargo rules against Iran, according to reports in the Washington Times.<ref name="WT">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/oct/12/uruguay-caught-buying-iran-arms/|title=Uruguay caught buying Iran arms|publisher=The Washington Times|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305142858/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/oct/12/uruguay-caught-buying-iran-arms/|archive-date=2018-03-05|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the article, all 18,000 rifles and 15,000 rounds of Iranian-made 5.56mm NATO ammunition were confiscated.<ref name="WT"/> |
According to a Global Security Studies report, it was observed that Venezuela received 18,000 KH-2002s sold to them by Iran in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globalsecuritystudies.com/Brandon%20Iran%20-AG.pdf|title=Iran's Foothold in Latin America|website=globalsecuritystudies.com|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305202421/http://globalsecuritystudies.com/Brandon%20Iran%20-AG.pdf|archive-date=2018-03-05|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, an investigation was carried out in Uruguay in an attempt to bring KH-2002s into the country through Venezuela, which was a violation of UN embargo rules against Iran, according to reports in the Washington Times.<ref name="WT">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/oct/12/uruguay-caught-buying-iran-arms/|title=Uruguay caught buying Iran arms|publisher=The Washington Times|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305142858/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/oct/12/uruguay-caught-buying-iran-arms/|archive-date=2018-03-05|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the article, all 18,000 rifles and 15,000 rounds of Iranian-made 5.56mm NATO ammunition were confiscated.<ref name="WT"/> |
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In 2008, Iran had sent ten samples of the KH-2002 to Syria in order to compete for a potential contract with the Syrian Army against the [[AK-74]]M.<ref name="B">{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2015/02/19/from-russia-with-love-syrias-ak-74ms/|title=From Russia with Love, Syria's AK-74Ms – bellingcat|date=19 February 2015|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206004749/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2015/02/19/from-russia-with-love-syrias-ak-74ms/|archive-date=6 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight KH-2002s used in field tests jammed numerous times, leaving two of them in working condition.<ref name="B"/> |
In 2008, Iran had sent ten samples of the KH-2002 to Syria in order to compete for a potential contract with the Syrian Army against the [[AK-74]]M.<ref name="B">{{cite web|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2015/02/19/from-russia-with-love-syrias-ak-74ms/|title=From Russia with Love, Syria's AK-74Ms – bellingcat|date=19 February 2015|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206004749/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/mena/2015/02/19/from-russia-with-love-syrias-ak-74ms/|archive-date=6 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight KH-2002s used in field tests jammed numerous times, leaving two of them in working condition.<ref name="B"/> |
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It has been suggested that production of the KH-2002 was discontinued in 2012 after DIO was unable to find customers willing to buy the assault rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2014/03/01/the-assault-rifles-of-the-near-future-2-updated/|title=Updated: The Assault Rifles Of The Near Future|date=28 February 2014|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101151032/https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2014/03/01/the-assault-rifles-of-the-near-future-2-updated/|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status= |
It has been suggested that production of the KH-2002 was discontinued in 2012 after DIO was unable to find customers willing to buy the assault rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2014/03/01/the-assault-rifles-of-the-near-future-2-updated/|title=Updated: The Assault Rifles Of The Near Future|date=28 February 2014|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101151032/https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2014/03/01/the-assault-rifles-of-the-near-future-2-updated/|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name="B"/> |
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==Design== |
==Design== |
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The KH-2002 features a four-position fire selector lever which is situated toward the rear of the left side butt-stock behind magazine housing with the M16-type magazine release button on the right side of the magazine housing. |
The KH-2002 features a four-position fire selector lever which is situated toward the rear of the left side butt-stock behind magazine housing with the M16-type magazine release button on the right side of the magazine housing.{{sfnp|Johnson|Nelson|2016|p=714}}<ref name="MF">{{cite web|url=http://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/iran-assault-rifles/khaybar-kh2002-eng/|title=Modern Firearms' Khaybar KH2002 Page|date=27 October 2010 |access-date=2018-03-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312161056/http://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/iran-assault-rifles/khaybar-kh2002-eng/|archive-date=2018-03-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The weapon is not entirely ambidextrous since the ejection port is located on the right side of the rifle.<ref name="MT"/> It uses the globally proliferate [[STANAG magazine]] and is typically fitted with 20- or 30-round magazines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://zonwar.ru/avtomat/Khaybar_KH2002.html |title=Штурмовая винтовка Khaybar KH 2002 |access-date=2019-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130501/http://zonwar.ru/avtomat/Khaybar_KH2002.html |archive-date=2019-02-28 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The selector offers semi-automatic, fully automatic and three-round burst options,<ref name="SA"/> with the safety selection in the forward position. |
The selector offers semi-automatic, fully automatic and three-round burst options,<ref name="SA"/> with the safety selection in the forward position.{{sfnp|Johnson|Nelson|2016|p=1291}} It operates as a gas operated, rotating bolt-type rifle.<ref name="AR"/> The KH-2002 can be outfitted with an AK-type [[bayonet]].<ref name="SRAR"/> |
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The [[Defense Industries Organization|DIO]] promotes the KH-2002 as a "low-recoil, highly accurate, lightweight" weapon, with "modular construction for easy maintenance" and a rotating bolt locking mechanism, presumably designed to facilitate ambidextrous firing, protected under a carrying handle that contains the rear sight.<ref name="DIO"/> The carrying handle can also be used to mount optical or night sights.<ref name="Modlex">{{cite web|url=http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=askh2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927075705/http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=askh2002|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2007|title=AIG|date=27 September 2007}}</ref> |
The [[Defense Industries Organization|DIO]] promotes the KH-2002 as a "low-recoil, highly accurate, lightweight" weapon, with "modular construction for easy maintenance" and a rotating bolt locking mechanism, presumably designed to facilitate ambidextrous firing, protected under a carrying handle that contains the rear sight.<ref name="DIO"/> The carrying handle can also be used to mount optical or night sights.<ref name="Modlex">{{cite web|url=http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=askh2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927075705/http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=askh2002|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2007|title=AIG|date=27 September 2007}}</ref> |
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Its charging handle is located on top of the receiver.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/no-m-16-irans-domestic-copied-assault-rifle-total-mess-174604 | title=No M-16: Iran's "Domestic" (Copied) Assault Rifle is a Total Mess | date=16 December 2020 }}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | The weight of the KH-2002 with the long barrel and an empty 30-round magazine is given as 3.7 kg. The weapon can also be fitted with an optional bipod and a bayonet.<ref name="DIO"/><ref name="Modlex"/> Field stripping the rifle is most likely based on the M16.{{sfnp|Johnson|Nelson|2016|p=1291}} |
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⚫ | The Sama-type rifle has improvements made over initial production models such as having a longer carry handle to accommodate longer optics or scopes when it was released in 2009.<ref name="SRAR"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mashreghnews.ir/news/210912/%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%87-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D8%AE%DB%8C%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA|title=تولید انبوه و استقبال نیروهای مسلح از"سلاح خیبر"+جزئیات|date=30 April 2013|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031718/https://www.mashreghnews.ir/news/210912/%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%87-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D8%AE%DB%8C%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Other improvements include a foregrip extension below the barrel to better handle the rifle, two picatinny rails on the receiver were included and the bolt carrier design changed to fit the ejection port.<ref |
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⚫ | The Sama-type rifle has improvements made over initial production models such as having a longer carry handle to accommodate longer optics or scopes when it was released in 2009.<ref name="SRAR"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mashreghnews.ir/news/210912/%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%87-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D8%AE%DB%8C%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA|title=تولید انبوه و استقبال نیروهای مسلح از"سلاح خیبر"+جزئیات|date=30 April 2013|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031718/https://www.mashreghnews.ir/news/210912/%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%87-%D9%88-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%AD-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D8%AE%DB%8C%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D8%B2%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%AA|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Other improvements include a foregrip extension below the barrel to better handle the rifle, two picatinny rails on the receiver were included and the bolt carrier design changed to fit the ejection port.<ref name="GA"/> |
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⚫ | According to an October 2013 report by SIPRI, it's suggested that China may have provided technical assistance to Iranian engineers in designing the rifle.<ref name="Report">{{Cite web |url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/171425/SIPRIPP38.pdf |title= |
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⚫ | According to an October 2013 report by SIPRI, it's suggested that China may have provided technical assistance to Iranian engineers in designing the rifle.<ref name="Report">{{Cite web |url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/171425/SIPRIPP38.pdf |title=China's Exports of Small Arms and Light Weapons |date=October 2013 |last1=Bromley |first1=Mark |last2=Duchâtel |first2=Mathieu |last3=Holtom |first3=Paul |access-date=2024-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802071307/https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/171425/SIPRIPP38.pdf |archive-date=2018-08-02 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Variants== |
==Variants== |
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===Failed contracts=== |
===Failed contracts=== |
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* {{flag|Syria}}: DIO competed with the KH-2002 against the AK-74M, which failed due to numerous jamming incidents.<ref name="B"/> |
* {{flag|Syria}}: DIO competed with the KH-2002 against the AK-74M, which failed due to numerous jamming incidents.<ref name="B"/> |
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* {{flag|Uruguay}}: A smuggling attempt was made by [[CAVIM]] and MODLEX (Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces Logistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran) officials in a bid to supply the Uruguayan military with new assault rifles to secure a potential contract, which failed.<ref>{{Cite |
* {{flag|Uruguay}}: A smuggling attempt was made by [[CAVIM]] and MODLEX (Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces Logistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran) officials in a bid to supply the Uruguayan military with new assault rifles to secure a potential contract, which failed.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Denuncian-triangulaci-n-de-armas-8731095.php |title=Denuncian triangulación de armas Irán-Venezuela-Uruguay |newspaper=Plainview Herald |date=16 August 2007 |access-date=2018-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042323/https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Denuncian-triangulaci-n-de-armas-8731095.php |archive-date=2018-03-14 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WT"/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Khaybar Kh2002}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khaybar Kh2002}} |
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[[Category:5. |
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]] |
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[[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of Iran]] |
[[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of Iran]] |
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[[Category:Bullpup rifles]] |
[[Category:Bullpup rifles]] |
Latest revision as of 19:51, 22 December 2024
KH-2002 | |
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Type | Bullpup assault rifle |
Place of origin | Iran |
Service history | |
In service | 2004–present |
Used by | Islamic Republic of Iran Army in limited numbers (Primary User)[1] See Users for more details |
Production history | |
Designed | 2001 |
Manufacturer | Defense Industries Organization |
Produced | 2003–2012 |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass | 3.7kg (with long barrel and empty 30-round magazine) |
Length | 780 mm, 730 mm, 680 mm (Assault Rifle, Carbine, DMR) |
Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO |
Caliber | 5.56mm |
Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
Rate of fire | 800 to 850 round/min, cyclic |
Muzzle velocity | 900 to 950 m/s |
Effective firing range | 450 m |
Feed system | Various STANAG Magazines |
Sights | Iron sights Various scopes/sights can be attached on the picatinny rail via carry handle. Two picatinny rails on both sides of upper receiver (Sama model only) |
The KH-2002 Khaybar (Persian: خیبر Khayber) is an Iranian-designed assault rifle, derived from the DIO S 5.56 assault rifle (an unlicensed clone of the Chinese Norinco CQ,[2] which in turn is an unlicensed copy of the American M16) and further developed by Iran's Defense Industries Organization (DIO).[3][4] It was designed in 2001 with samples produced in 2003 with the eventual production of the KH2002 commencing in 2004. It is similar in appearance to the QBZ-95 and the FAMAS.[5]
Its improved version, released in 2009, was known as "Sama" (Persian: سما).[3][6]
History
[edit]In the early 2000s, Iran was testing prototypes of G3 battle rifles made under license for the Iranian military in bullpup configurations to test their feasibility.[6] This was later dropped in favor of a similar weapon that's chambered in 5.56 NATO.[6] The KH-2002 was planned, from 2006, to replace the G3s in the Iranian military.[7]
According to a Global Security Studies report, it was observed that Venezuela received 18,000 KH-2002s sold to them by Iran in 2007.[8] In the same year, an investigation was carried out in Uruguay in an attempt to bring KH-2002s into the country through Venezuela, which was a violation of UN embargo rules against Iran, according to reports in the Washington Times.[9] According to the article, all 18,000 rifles and 15,000 rounds of Iranian-made 5.56mm NATO ammunition were confiscated.[9]
In 2008, Iran had sent ten samples of the KH-2002 to Syria in order to compete for a potential contract with the Syrian Army against the AK-74M.[10] Eight KH-2002s used in field tests jammed numerous times, leaving two of them in working condition.[10]
It has been suggested that production of the KH-2002 was discontinued in 2012 after DIO was unable to find customers willing to buy the assault rifle.[11][10]
Design
[edit]The KH-2002 features a four-position fire selector lever which is situated toward the rear of the left side butt-stock behind magazine housing with the M16-type magazine release button on the right side of the magazine housing.[12][13] The weapon is not entirely ambidextrous since the ejection port is located on the right side of the rifle.[1] It uses the globally proliferate STANAG magazine and is typically fitted with 20- or 30-round magazines.[14]
The selector offers semi-automatic, fully automatic and three-round burst options,[4] with the safety selection in the forward position.[15] It operates as a gas operated, rotating bolt-type rifle.[3] The KH-2002 can be outfitted with an AK-type bayonet.[6]
The DIO promotes the KH-2002 as a "low-recoil, highly accurate, lightweight" weapon, with "modular construction for easy maintenance" and a rotating bolt locking mechanism, presumably designed to facilitate ambidextrous firing, protected under a carrying handle that contains the rear sight.[5] The carrying handle can also be used to mount optical or night sights.[16]
Its charging handle is located on top of the receiver.[17]
The weight of the KH-2002 with the long barrel and an empty 30-round magazine is given as 3.7 kg. The weapon can also be fitted with an optional bipod and a bayonet.[5][16] Field stripping the rifle is most likely based on the M16.[15]
The Sama-type rifle has improvements made over initial production models such as having a longer carry handle to accommodate longer optics or scopes when it was released in 2009.[6][18] Other improvements include a foregrip extension below the barrel to better handle the rifle, two picatinny rails on the receiver were included and the bolt carrier design changed to fit the ejection port.[2]
According to an October 2013 report by SIPRI, it's suggested that China may have provided technical assistance to Iranian engineers in designing the rifle.[19]
Variants
[edit]The variants consisted of the following:[1]
- Assault Rifle: Standard barrel based on the M16A1.
- Carbine: Has a short barrel and no front sight.
- DMR: Has a longer barrel.
Users
[edit]Current operators
[edit]- Iran: Used in limited numbers.
Failed contracts
[edit]- Syria: DIO competed with the KH-2002 against the AK-74M, which failed due to numerous jamming incidents.[10]
- Uruguay: A smuggling attempt was made by CAVIM and MODLEX (Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces Logistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran) officials in a bid to supply the Uruguayan military with new assault rifles to secure a potential contract, which failed.[20][9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c ARG. "KH-2002 Khaybar Assault Rifle - Military-Today.com". www.military-today.com. Archived from the original on 2010-02-09. Retrieved 2010-03-02.
- ^ a b "Khaybar: Iran's 5.56mm Assault Rifle – Guns & Ammo". 9 November 2017. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
- ^ a b c Administrator (9 January 2014). "Iranian-made KH-2002 Kyaybar 5.56mm bullpup assault rifle enters in service Iranian army 0901144". www.armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on 2017-10-16. Retrieved 2017-05-20.
- ^ a b "Khaybar KH2002". Archived from the original on 2009-03-19. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
- ^ a b c "DIO KH2002 / Khaybar". Archived from the original on 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
- ^ a b c d e "Iranian 5.56mm Rifles: From S5.56 to Masaaf – Silah Report". Silah Report. Archived from the original on 2021-10-04.
- ^ "伊朗Kh2002海拜尔突击步枪 ——〖枪炮世界〗".
- ^ "Iran's Foothold in Latin America" (PDF). globalsecuritystudies.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2018-03-05. Retrieved 2018-03-05.
- ^ a b c "Uruguay caught buying Iran arms". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on 2018-03-05. Retrieved 2018-03-05.
- ^ a b c d "From Russia with Love, Syria's AK-74Ms – bellingcat". 19 February 2015. Archived from the original on 6 February 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
- ^ "Updated: The Assault Rifles Of The Near Future". 28 February 2014. Archived from the original on 1 January 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
- ^ Johnson & Nelson (2016), p. 714.
- ^ "Modern Firearms' Khaybar KH2002 Page". 27 October 2010. Archived from the original on 2018-03-12. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
- ^ "Штурмовая винтовка Khaybar KH 2002". Archived from the original on 2019-02-28. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
- ^ a b Johnson & Nelson (2016), p. 1291.
- ^ a b "AIG". 27 September 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
- ^ "No M-16: Iran's "Domestic" (Copied) Assault Rifle is a Total Mess". 16 December 2020.
- ^ "تولید انبوه و استقبال نیروهای مسلح از"سلاح خیبر"+جزئیات". 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
- ^ Bromley, Mark; Duchâtel, Mathieu; Holtom, Paul (October 2013). "China's Exports of Small Arms and Light Weapons" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2018-08-02. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "Denuncian triangulación de armas Irán-Venezuela-Uruguay". Plainview Herald. 16 August 2007. Archived from the original on 2018-03-14. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
Bibliography
[edit]- Johnson, Gary Paul; Nelson, Thomas B. (2016-12-15). The World's Assault Rifles. Ironside International Publishers. ISBN 9781619846012.