The TAR-21 is a modern Israeli assault rifle chambered for 5.56mm NATO ammunition. The name "TAR-21" stands for "Tavor Assault Rifle - 21st Century". The TAR-21 advance 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.
The TAR-21 utilizes a bullpup design, as seen with the French FAMAS, British SA80 and the Austrian Steyr AUG. Bullpup rifles are configured in a layout in which the breech is placed behind the trigger group; a layout that shortens the overall length but does not sacrifice barrel length. In theory, the TAR-21 provides carbine length, but rifle accuracy.
The TAR-21 design is based strongly on advance human engineering (ergonomics) and composite materials in order to produce a more comfortable and reliable rifle. The TAR-21 is waterproof and lighter than an M4 Carbine. It also includes an advanced red-dot reflection sight and can be mounted with different scopes, night vision systems and other electronic devices. The TAR-21 accepts standard 5.56mm NATO magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 40mm grenade launcher.
Variants
As with many other families of assault rifles, the TAR-21 assault rifle comes in different variations: standard, micro (extremely short), commando, and designated marksman.
Service
The TAR-21 was distributed to Givati Brigade troops during Operation Defensive Shield and received highly favorable reviews. Seen by some as "futuristic", the bullpup has actually been around since the 1940s when the United Kingdom developed the EM1 and the EM2 assault rifles. Initial results have been favorable, but the battle proven and widely issued Colt 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 because they are bought from US aid money. Israel has yet to field the weapon in large quantities, although it has been seen in use by their special forces.
External links
IMI: Tavor, Bullpup assault rifle (http://www.imi-israel.com/imi/doa_iis.dll/Serve/item/English/1.1.2.12.2.5.html) Information page
Tavor (http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/small_arms/tavor/Tavor.html) Israeli Weapons: The TAR-21 Tavor assault rifle
Tavor, the new Israeli assault rifle is lightweight, compact and ergonomically designed to become an 'organic' part of the warfighter.
Tavor assault rifles were tested extensively through three years with field units, modified to respond to evolving requirements realized during actual combat engagements in urban combat and special operations.
Tavor was selected to be the future assault rifle for the IDF infantry units, and the weapon of choice for the IDF future infantry combat suits, replacing various types of M-16, M-4 and Galil.
At the moment of writing (spring of 2003) there were no large purchases of the Tavor by the IDF, because of low funding, but late in the 2002 India signed an US $20M contract with IMI for undisclosed number of TAR-21 assault rifles and Galatz sniper rifles.
The Tavor was not equipped with the normal metal sight that requires closing one eye for shooting.
The design of the Tavor is based largely on lessons learned during military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the 34-month-old Al Aqsa intifada.
Feeds |
Contact