The Vektor CR-21 is a prototype South African assault rifle ("CR-21" being an abbreviation of Combat Rifle 21st Century) chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. It was designed by

Denel Land Systems It was formerly Lyttelton Engineering Works (LIW - from af, Lyttelton Ingenieurswerke), a subsidiary part of the commercial network from Armscor. It then became the ''Systems'' division of the ''Land Systems Group'' of Denel. They are responsib ...

as a possible replacement for the

South African National Defence Force The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) comprises the armed forces of South Africa. The commander of the SANDF is appointed by the President of South Africa from one of the armed services. They are in turn accountable to the Minister ...

's current

R4 assault rifle The Vektor R4 is a 5.56×45mm assault rifle designed in 1979 based on the IMI Galil rifle. It entered service as the standard service rifle of the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1980. The R4 replaced the R1, a variant of the 7.62×51mm ...

, however Denel Land Systems has since shifted focus to offering an upgraded R4 assault rifle to the SANDF instead. The rifle is being marketed for export customers, but as of 2010 no sales had been achieved.

History

First unveiled in 1997, the rifle uses the bullpup layout. This enables the rifle to be as short as a typical carbine, whilst still retaining the muzzle velocity of longer assault rifles. However, this makes the CR-21 only capable of being fired from the right hand as the ejection port is located on the back right side of the rifle. The port can not be changed from side to side. The rifle was adopted in limited numbers by the Peruvian army

Design

Internally, the CR-21 uses a slightly modified version of the Kalashnikov action found in the R4 assault rifle, which is known for its reliability and relatively low weight. The rifle also makes significant use of high-impact polymer, with the only exposed metal part on the rifle being the front of the barrel with its integral flash suppressor. Both of these result in the rifle having a low loaded weight, of 3.72 kg (8.2 lbs). The CR-21 comes standard with a 1× magnification optical sight with an illuminated reticle that does not require batteries. This sight is mounted on a sight rail, allowing easy removal and attachment, as well as the use of a range of different sight options. The forward handgrip has been specially designed to be easily removed and replaced with a grenade launcher similar to the M203 grenade launcher. Finally, the stock has a built-in compartment which stores a cleaning kit for the rifle, removing the usual need for the soldier to carry this separately. A CR-21 carbine was said to have been developed by Vektor. Both of their 35-round magazines are based on those from the R4/Galil rifles.

Users

* :Used by Parachute Commandos and Special Forces Brigade * :Used by the Guardia Nacional Bolivariana and Comandos Rurales

References

;Notes {{AK47 derivatives Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1997 5.56 mm assault rifles Bullpup rifles Carbines Post–Cold War weapons of South Africa Kalashnikov derivatives Assault rifles of South Africa Denel

History

Design

Users

See also

References