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==Design==
==Design==
The T.A.R. 21 uses a [[bullpup]] design, as seen with the [[Croatian Army|Croatian]] [[VHS assault rifle|VHS]], [[French Army|French]] [[FAMAS (rifle)|FAMAS]], the [[British Army|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. The T.A.R. 21 provides [[carbine]] length, but [[rifle]] muzzle velocity. The bullpup design is also used to minimize the silhouette of soldiers and to maximize effectiveness in turning corners in urban warfare.
The T.A.R. 21 uses a [[bullpup]] design, as seen with the [[Croatian Army|Croatian]] [[VHS assault rifle|VHS]], [[French Army|French]] [[FAMAS (rifle)|FAMAS]], the [[British Army|British]] [[SA80]], Austrian [[Steyr AUG]], Singaporean [[SAR-21]], Iranian [[Khaybar KH2002]], Chinese [[Norinco]] [[QBZ-95]], and Belgian [[FN F2000]] and [[FN P90]]. 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. The T.A.R. 21 provides [[carbine]] length, but [[rifle]] muzzle velocity. The bullpup design is also used to minimize the silhouette of 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, so it can not be quickly configured while the rifle is in use.
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, so it can not be quickly configured while the rifle is in use.

Revision as of 15:52, 12 July 2009

T.A.R. 21
С.T.A.R. 21
TypeAssault rifle
Place of origin Israel
Service history
In service2007–present
Used bySee Users
WarsOperation Defensive Shield, Operation Summer Rains, 2006 Lebanon War, 2008 South Ossetia War, Operation Cast Lead, Colombian armed conflict, 2008 Cambodian-Thai stand-off
Production history
DesignerIsrael Military Industries Ltd
Designed1991–2001
ManufacturerIsrael Military Industries Ltd (currently Israel Weapon Industries Ltd)
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
MassTemplate:Kg to lb (T.A.R. 21)
3.18 kg (7.0 lb) (C.T.A.R. 21)
3.67 kg (8.1 lb) (S.T.A.R. 21)
2.95 kg (6.5 lb) (M.T.A.R. 21)
3.19 kg (7.0 lb) (T.C. 21)
LengthTemplate:Mm to in (T.A.R. 21, S.T.A.R. 21)
640 mm (25.2 in) (C.T.A.R. 21)
590 mm (23.2 in) (M.T.A.R. 21)
670 mm (26.4 in) (T.C. 21)
Barrel length460 mm (18.1 in) (T.A.R. 21, S.T.A.R. 21)
380 mm (15.0 in) (C.T.A.R. 21)
330 mm (13.0 in) (M.T.A.R. 21)
410 mm (16.1 in) (T.C. 21)
Cartridge5.56x45mm NATO
9x19mm Parabellum (Optional on M.T.A.R. 21)
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire750-900 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity910 m/s (2,986 ft/s) (T.A.R. 21, S.T.A.R. 21)
890 m/s (2,919.9 ft/s) (C.T.A.R. 21)
870 m/s (2,854.3 ft/s) (M.T.A.R. 21)
885 m/s (2,903.5 ft/s) (T.C. 21)
Effective firing range550 m
Feed systemVarious STANAG magazines
SightsITL MARS with integrated laser and IR pointer, Trijicon ACOG (S.T.A.R 21), others available
Tavor redirects here. For other uses, see Tavor (disambiguation).

The T.A.R. 21 is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition with a selective fire system. The name "T.A.R. 21" stands for "Tavor Assault Rifle - 21st Century". It is the standard issued weapon of the Givati Brigade (since August 2006) and Golani Brigade (since August 2008), with the Nahal Brigade receiving it by 2010. The T.A.R. 21 was selected as the future assault rifle of the Israeli Defense Forces, and within the next few years it will become the standard Israeli infantry weapon.

Design

The T.A.R. 21 uses a bullpup design, as seen with the Croatian VHS, French FAMAS, the British SA80, Austrian Steyr AUG, Singaporean SAR-21, Iranian Khaybar KH2002, Chinese Norinco QBZ-95, and Belgian FN F2000 and FN P90. 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. The T.A.R. 21 provides carbine length, but rifle muzzle velocity. The bullpup design is also used to minimize the silhouette of 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, so it can not be quickly configured while the rifle is in use.

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. It has a normal metal sight but also includes an advanced red-dot reflex sight and can be mounted with different scopes, night vision systems and other electronic devices.

The T.A.R. 21 accepts standard STANAG NATO magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher. Its ambidextrous fire mode selector above the pistol grip has a semi-automatic mode, burst mode, and a fully automatic mode.

Variants

The Tavor assault rifle comes in different variations:

Micro Tavor

The Micro Tavor (M.T.A.R 21), also designated X-95 and sometimes called Tavor-2, is a stand-alone extremely compact weapon specifically designed for special forces units, as well as military personnel who are normally not issued long assault rifles.

With the use of a relatively simple conversion kit, the M.T.A.R 21 can be converted from a 5.56 mm assault rifle to a 9 mm submachine gun loaded with 20, 25, and 32-round magazines. A suppressor can also be added to the weapon, it is part of the 9 mm conversion kit.

Issued to Givati Brigade Reconnaissance Company.

Semi-automatic

The semi-automatic Tavor Carbine (T.C. 21) has been conceived for civilian customers, and as a Police patrol carbine for those Countries, or Law Enforcement agencies, where full-automatic firearms are issued only to SWAT-like units. A semi-automatic Tavor carbine was first seen at the 2002 SHOT Show, when agreements were announced between IMI and the Barrett Firearms Company to manufacture the Tavor in both its military and civilian variants in the United States[1]. This was probably done in order to allow Israel to procure the Tavor using United States military aid money, since, according to American military assistance agreements, said funds must be spent to purchase US-manufactured equipments. The agreement between IMI and Barrett was never finalized, and the semi-automatic Tavor carbine as shown at the 2002 SHOT Show was never manufactured, although that specific design has recently resurfaced. The current Tavor Carbine, made in Israel by IWI, has been designed with slightly shortened barrel, otherwise being identical to the standard T.A.R. 21 assault rifle. As of 2008, it is available for civilian customers to purchase in Canada.[2] The Canadian civilian version comes standard with the Mepro reflex sight and a slightly longer barrel to meet the Canadian requirement for semi-automatic rifles to have a barrel length of at least 18.5 inches. There was a report by Charles Daly President Micheal Kassnar that plans were being made to import, or at least partially build, the Tavor in the United States, which was released through the Charles Daly forums. [3]

Service

After initial testing within Israel Defence Forces' infantry training units, the T.A.R. 21 was distributed to Givati Brigade troops during Operation Defensive Shield. Its bullpup layout was first used in the 1940s when the United Kingdom developed the EM-1 and the EM-2 assault rifles. Initial results have been favorable - the T.A.R. 21 was found to be significantly more accurate and reliable (as well as more comfortable) than the M4 carbine during extensive field testing - but the battle proven and widely issued M16 rifle and its variants will remain in service for some time to come; their unit purchase price is about one third that of the T.A.R. 21. Originally there were some problems with fine sand getting into the Tavor's chamber, but reportedly, numerous adjustments were made and the problem has been corrected.

Users

A Compact Tavor rifle slinged over the shoulder of an Israeli soldier.
File:25-zittara-carbine.jpg
The Micro Tavor (Zittara) manufactured by India under license from IMI.
  •  Azerbaijan: Standard rifle in Azerbaijani Special Forces, but the Azerbaijani government has plans to replace the standard AK-74 with the Tavor.[4]
  •  Brazil: The Tavor is to be licensed by Taurus.[5]
  •  Colombia: The Colombian Army operates the T.A.R. 21 for their special forces Agrupación de Fuerzas Especiales Antiterroristas Urbanas. [6] Colombia bought 30,000 Tavors.[citation needed]
  •  Croatia The Croatian Army bought some numbers for use in special forces SOB
  •  Georgia: Since 2006, the Georgian Army has entered into a $65 million supply agreement for approximately 7,000 T.A.R. 21 rifles (including different variants and grenade launchers). These rifles are designated to replace the AK-74 derivatives that are currently in use by 7,850 special forces personnel.[6] Officials report that 1,300 rifles have already been shipped.[citation needed]
  •  Guatemala: Guatemala's police force or PNC (Policia Nacional Civil) operates the T.A.R. 21 for routine tasks, and some special operations.[7]
  •  India: In late 2002, India signed an Rs. 880 million (about $17.7 million) deal with Israel Military Industries for 3,070 Tavor assault rifles to be issued to India's special forces personnel,[8] where its ergonomics, reliability in heat and sand, and fast-point/fast-shoot design might give them an edge at close-quarters and employment from inside vehicles. By 2005, IMI had supplied 350–400 Tavors to India's northern Special Frontier Force (SFF). These were subsequently declared to be "operationally unsatisfactory". The required changes have since been made, and tests in Israel during 2006 went well, clearing the contracted consignment for delivery. The Tavor has now entered operational service – even as India gears up for a larger competition that could feature a 9 mm M.T.A.R. 21 version.[9] Known as the Zittara in Indian service,[10] the new Tavors have a modified single-piece stock and new sights, as well as Turkish-made MKEK T-40 40 mm under-barrel grenade launchers.[citation needed]
  •  Israel: In use by Givati Brigade and Golani Brigade, as well as by some special forces' units of the Israel Defense Forces. The Nahal Brigade is expected to switch to the Tavor in 2010, as part of a long term process in the IDF that seeks to equip all ground forces with the weapon.[11] It is also being used by a special unit of the Israel Prison Service. The IDF has given its commendations to the T.A.R. 21 family including the Micro-Tavor as its weapon of choice for present and future use. The T.A.R. 21 family has also received high appreciation as a weapon tried in active combat and found the most suitable in all situations.
  •  Portugal: Small quantities of the T.A.R. 21 are in use by field and intervention units of the Polícia Judiciária, like hostage negotiation teams and investigators who usually work alongside other dedicated law enforcement intervention units – the Special Operations Group (GOE) and the National Republican Guard's Special Operations Company (COE); these weapons were initially intended to equip a new unit under the command of the Polícia Judiciária resembling the GOE. The T.A.R. 21 also participated in the competition for the new service rifle for the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and the Police Special Operations Group (GOE) – a bid that also included the local production of the T.A.R. 21 in Portugal. However, the T.A.R. 21 was excluded from the shortlist. The competition has meanwhile been annulled, after the other contenders and both political and defense critics accused the competition of favoring the Heckler & Koch G36.[12][13][14]
  •  Thailand: The Royal Thai Army purchased 15,000 T.A.R. 21 rifles. The second batch of 15,037 was ordered on September 9 2008.[15]
  •  Turkey: Tavor T.A.R. 21 is reported to be in service with the MAK (Muharebe Arama Kurtarma - "Combat Search and Rescue" in Turkish) teams of the Turkish Air Force.
  •  Ukraine: Yuriy Lutsenko, head of Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, announced on October 1 2008 that Israel Weapon Industries and the Ukrainian research and production company RPC Fort will jointly manufacture the Tavor T.A.R. 21 assault rifle, that will enter service with the Ukrainian military and police special units.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.gunblast.com/SHOT_2002_2.htm SHOT Show 2002 Day 2 report
  2. ^ http://www.canadaammo.com/product.php?productid=12&cat=0&page=1 IWI Tavor civilian semi-automatic carbine.
  3. ^ http://www.charlesdalyforum.com/showthread.php?t=2169
  4. ^ "Tavors in Azerbaijan". 2008-06-26. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
  5. ^ "IWI 2009 Annoucement" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-03-29.
  6. ^ a b http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1196847365211
  7. ^ Agentes todavía no saben utilizar fusiles comprados por el Gobierno.
  8. ^ "One FIR, Govt blacklists 7 firms, hits artillery upgrade". The Indian Express. 2009-06-05. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  9. ^ http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/tavor21-rifle-headed-into-service-with-indian-special-forces-03080/
  10. ^ http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/25.htm
  11. ^ IDF website - "Nahal Brigade Receives New Israeli Made Tavor"
  12. ^ Tavor assault rifle, article at the Armas & Munições n.º 3 Template:Pt icon
  13. ^ Substituição da G-3: Governo recorreu para o Supremo, Diário Digital Template:Pt icon
  14. ^ Militares vão continuar a utilizar as velhas 'G3', Diário de Notícias Template:Pt icon
  15. ^ DefenseNews.com Thailand Plans $191.3M Arms Purchase
  16. ^ http://www.altair.com.pl/start-1862
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