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 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.
A wide range of sights is available for the Tavor, including the MARS integrated laser pointer and reflex sight night vision 3X magnifying sight, day telescope with 4X magnification, 3X daylight or night vision viewer mounted behind the reflex sight, enabling day and night operation without sight change, special reflex sight for the grenade launcher.
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