IMI Tavor TAR-21

IMI rifles. The left two lower rifles are variants of the Tavor, the upper left is a Micro-Tavor, the upper right is a Tavor sniper for designated marksman.

The TAR-21 is a modern Israeli assault rifle chambered for 5.56 mm 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.

Design

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 bolt carrier group is placed behind the pistolgrip; 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 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 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 reflex sight and can be mounted with different scopes, night vision systems and other electronic devices. The TAR-21 accepts standard 5.56 mm NATO magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 40 mm 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. A 2004 brochure lists the compact model as the Tavor 21-C, and 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.

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. Israel has yet to field the weapon in large quantities, although it has been seen in use by their special forces.

See also

*Bullpup

External links

*Israel Weapon Industries (I.W.I.): TAVOR T.A.R 21 5.56 mm
*Israel Weapon Industries (I.W.I.): Micro TAVOR M.T.A.R 21 5.56 mm / 9 X 19 mm
*Tavor Israeli Weapons: The TAR-21 Tavor assault rifle
*Tavor-2 : Tavor-2 Advanced Assault rifle and Micro-Tavor
*Modern Firearms
*Arms World
*Israel's Infantry 2000 program
*Multi-Purpose munitions for the Tavor
*Tavor Program Update