IMI Tavor TAR-21 - assault rifle - Israel

CTAR-21 Assault Rifle

WEAPON / ROF / DAM / PEN / BLK / MAG / SS/BRST / RNG
Tavor / 5 / 2 / 1-nil / 4 / Var / 2/6 / 55m
Micro-Tavor / 5 / 2 / 1-nil / 3 / var / 3/8 / 45m
ROUND / 5.56mm NATO
MAG / Var
WEIGHT / See below
PRICE
OTHER

The TAR-21 is an Israeli assault rifle chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. The name "TAR-21" stands for "Tavor Assault Rifle - 21st Century". The TAR-21 advanced model Tavor 2 was selected as the future assault rifle of the Israel Defense Forces and within the next few years it will become the standard infantry weapon.

Design

The TAR-21 utilizes 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 TAR-21 provides carbine length, but rifle accuracy. The bullpup design is also used to minimize the silhouette of Israeli soldiers and to maximize effectiveness in turning corners in urban warfare. The TAR-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 TAR-21 design is based on advanced ergonomics and composite materials in order to produce a more comfortable and reliable rifle. The TAR-21 is waterproof and lightweight. It also includes an advanced red-dot reflex sight and can be mounted with different scopes, night vision systems and other electronic devices. The TAR-21 accepts standard STANAG NATO magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher.

Variants

The TAR-21 assault rifle comes in different variations: standard, micro, and designated marksman. A 2004 brochure lists the compact model as the 21-M and 21-S for other types.

The TAR-21 also bears many superficial similarities to the Singaporean SAR-21, which could be explained by the close relations between the defence industries of the two countries.

Micro Tavor

The Micro Tavor (MTAR-21) is an extremely compact weapon specifically designed for special forces units, as well as drivers and tank crews.

With the use of a relatively simple conversion kit, the MTAR-21 can be converted from a 5.56mm assault rifle to a 9mm submachine gun loaded with 25-round magazines. A suppressor can also be added to the weapon without increasing its length.

Service

The TAR-21 was distributed to Givati Brigade troops during Operation Defensive Shield. Seen by some as "futuristic", the bullpup layout has actually been around since the 1940s when the United Kingdom developed the EM-1 and the EM-2 assault rifles. Initial results have been favorable - the TAR-21 was found to be significantly more accurate and reliable (as well as more comfortable) than the M4 during extensive field testing - but the battle proven and widely issued M16 and its variants will remain in service for some time to come; their unit purchase price is about one third that of the Tavor. Originally there were some problems with fine sand getting into the TAR-21's chamber. But reportedly, numerous adjustments were made and the problem has been corrected.

Type / Assault rifle
Placeoforigin / Israel
Inservice / 1999–2002 (Trials)
2002-Present (Current)
Usedby / Colombia, Costa Rica, Georgia, Israel, India (under license), Portugal.
Wars / Operation Defensive Shield, Operation Summer Rains,
2006 Lebanon war.
Designed / 1991
Manufacturer / Israeli Military Industries (IMI)
Variants / Standard (TAR-21),
micro (MTAR-21),
commando (CTAR-21),
designated marksman (STAR-21).
Weight / 2.8 kg (empty)
3.653 kg (loaded, with optic sight and sling)
Length / 720 mm
Barrellength / 460 mm
Cartridge / 5.56 x 45 mm NATO
Action / Gas-actuated Rotating bolt,
Rateoffire / 750—900 rounds/min
Effectiverange / 200-300m
Maximumrange / 3600m
Feedsystem / Various STANAG Magazines.

Due to the large number of M16s already in the IDF's inventory, and the cost of the TAR-21, it is unlikely that the Tavor will become the dominant Israeli rifle for all Israeli soldiers for quite some time. However, the weapon is already being used by some IDF units; and has also been ordered/delivered to Indian and Georgian special units in significant quantities. The Tavor is also currently in use by the Colombian military units and the Colombian National Police.

Foreign service

India

In late 2002, India signed a Rs. 880 million (about $20 million) deal with Israel Military Industries for 3,070 TAR-21 Tavor assault rifles to be issued to India's special forces personnel, 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 TAR-21s to India's northern Special Frontier Force (SFF). These were declared to be 'operationally unsatisfactory,' however, due to problems with their folding stock; meanwhile, Israeli units like the Galatz were voicing complaints of their own. The required changes appear to have been made, and the Tavor now looks set to enter operational service within a couple of months - even as India gears up for a larger competition that could feature a 9mm Tavor version.[citation needed]

Tests in Israel during 2006 went well, clearing the contracted consignment for delivery. The new TAR-21s will have a modified single-piece stock and new sights, as well as Turkish-made MKEK T-40 40mm under-barrel grenade launchers (UBGLs).Singapore Technologies will supply the 5.56mm ammunition.1

Portugal

Small quantities of the Tavor are also in use by the Portuguese Polícia Judiciária's special operation groups. The TAR-21 also participated in Portugal's competition for its new assault rifle for all the Portuguese armed forces and the Police Special Operations Group — a bid that also included the local production of the Tavor in Portugal. However, the Tavor was excluded from the shortlist. The competition was meanwhile been replaced by another one, after both political and defense critics accused the competition of favoring the Heckler & Koch G36.

Georgia

Since 2006 the Georgian armed forces have entered into a $65 million supply agreement for approximately 7000 TAR-21 rifles (including different variants and grenade launchers). These guns are designated to replace the AK-74 derivatives that are currently in use by 7,850 special forces personnel. Officials report that 1,300 rifles have already been shipped.

Colombia

The Military of Colombia also operates the TAR-21 for their special forces.