XT-97 assault rifle
| XT97 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  ROC (Taiwan) |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2008 |
| Manufacturer | 205th Armory |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.17 kg |
| Length | 850 mm (stock extended)
770 mm (stock retracted) 580 mm (stock folded) |
| Barrel length | mm |
| Cartridge | 5.56x45mm NATO, 9x19mm NATO |
| Action | gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | RPM |
| Muzzle velocity | m/s |
| Effective firing range | 600 m |
| Feed system | Various STANAG Magazines. |
| Sights | Various optical sights on Picatinny railing. Folding front and rear backup iron sights. |
The XT97 5.56mm assault rifle (5.56公厘XT97突擊步槍) is a prototype multipurpose rifle currently under development by the 205th Armory, Ministry of Defense, Republic of China. It was first displayed in public during the 2009 Taipei Aerospace Technology Exhibition.
According to official news release, the XT97 is designed to permit quick barrel change in the field, allowing different calibers of ammunition to be fired. Aside from 5.56x45mm NATO, 9mm caliber was mentioned specifically. The stock is both retractable and fold-able. This feature, together with the relocation of the charging handle above the barrel, suggests that the internal design departs significantly from the T65 assault rifle lineage.
Intended users of the XT97 rifle include infantry, airborne, marines, artillery, and mechanized/motorized vehicle crew.