Vektor R4
Assault rifle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Vektor R4 is a South African 5.56×45mm assault rifle.[8] It entered service as the standard service rifle of the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1980.[1] In South African service, the R4 replaced the R1, a variant of the 7.62×51mm FN FAL.[7] It was produced by Lyttelton Engineering Works (LIW, "Lyttelton Ingenieurswerke"), now Denel Land Systems.[7]
R4 rifle | |
---|---|
Type | Assault rifle |
Place of origin | South Africa |
Service history | |
In service | 1980–present[1][2] |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | Insurgency in Cabo Delgado Banjska attack[5] |
Production history | |
Designer | Yisrael Galili of Israel Military Industries[2][lower-alpha 1] |
Designed | Late 1970's early 1980's[2] |
Manufacturer | Lyttelton Engineering Works, now Denel Land Systems |
No. built | 420,000[6] |
Variants | R5, R6, LM4, LM5, LM6 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 4.3 kg (9.48 lb)[7] |
Length | 877 mm (34.5 in) with stock extended[7] |
Barrel length | 460 mm (18 in)[7] |
Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO[7] |
Action | Gas-operated (rotating bolt)[7] |
Rate of fire | 600-750 rounds/min[7] |
Muzzle velocity | 980 m/s (3,200 ft/s)[7] |
Effective firing range | 500 m (550 yd)[7] |
Feed system | 35-round detachable magazine[7] |
Sights | Flip up aperture rear sight graduated for 300 and 500 meters[7] |
The weapon is a licensed variant of the Israeli IMI Galil assault rifle[9][10] with several modifications; both the stock and magazine are now made of a high-strength polymer and the stock was lengthened, adapting the weapon for the average South African soldier.[9] Other detailed differences include the R4's lack of a carry handle and a number of improvements made to its internal operating mechanism.[8]