Posted on 02/04/2003 3:03:32 PM PST by anotherview
Dror Marom 4 Feb 03 16:39
The IDF is not equipping its combat units with Israel Military Industries’ (IMI) Tavor assault rifle at this time. The reason is a shortage in the defense establishment’s shekel budget. The shortage puts in doubt the IDF’s plan to equip its combat troops with the assault rifle developed by IMI’s small arms division. Only a few rifles have been purchased to date for use in pilot operations to test its combat suitability.
There is concern that the defense establishment’s shekel budget shortage will force the IDF to buy rifles from the US, using US military aid. IMI stated today, “Statements that the Tavor is the best rifle in the world cannot be deposited at the bank. We still expect to receive a full operational purchase order for the rifle, which is essential to improve our global marketing efforts.”
Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz praised the Tavor yesterday during a visit to the company.
In order to improve the chances that the IDF will purchase the Tavor, IMI is negotiating with several US companies to jointly manufacture the rifle. If US companies make the entire Tavor, or at least 50% of its components, it would be declared “Made in USA” and US aid could be used to procure it. IMI’s Integrated Security Systems unit currently manufactures the Tavor. The main parts are produced at IMI’s Kiryat Shmona plant and assembled at IMI’s center in Ramat Hasharon.
The Tavor is designed as a soldier’s personal weapon. It comes in five versions: basic assault rifle; a commander’s personal weapon; a sharp-shooting configuration as a squad weapon; a short version for commando, airborne, paratroopers, special rescue units, and tank crews; and Micro Tavor specially configured for security forces and special missions. The Tavor uses standard NATO 5.56mm ammunition. The special forces version weighs 2.4 kg, and can be equipped with special laser and night vision sights. It is built of advanced rust-resistant materials, and can fire up to 750-900 rounds a minute. The Tavor is designed to NATO standards.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on February 4, 2003
COOL! I wonder where the belt goes in?
The light Israeli beltfed is the Negev squad auto weapon, and it can also be fed either by belt or magazine [hint: if a magazine is used the cyclic rate increases, since the bolt isn't slowed byu operating the belt camming feed lever and pawls] The Negev feeds from the left side, normally, though a righthand feed top cover can be used for twin-mount guns or special vehicle or aircraft applications.
But I'd think the SHRIKE LMG belt-fed upper mechanism for an M16 might be up your alley- they'll work with most any of the pre-ban registered full-auto M16 lower receivers though they are a bit pricy, at least until the *new* wears off the project. And they offer a quick-change barrel feature to the M16 design....
I remain fond of the Australian F89 Minimi though the US M249 SAW is very similar and close enough for most purposes. But the NEGEV is sweet, and the SHRIKE looks promising.
Sorry, girls. When those from the *religion of peacy* come to cut your throats like they did at Gan Dafna, you'll have to make do with M16A1s and CAR15s. Hope they don't choke on the dust.
Where do I sign up????
Stay Safe !
-archy-/-
No. That would be *archy finding it difficult to make choices about his plans for R&R.*
*Archy getting ready for his business conference* would be *this one.*
I don't know, but you'd better figure out the term in Nepalese and Khaskura as well. The Indian Army just ordered 20 million dollars worth of the things for their Gurkhas and paratroops, having found that the Kalishnikov-variant INSAS rifle that they produce themselves was not quite what they were after. The Turks have also been looking at a major Tavor purchase to go with the Merkava MkIV tanks they're considering, though the older Galil design, a bit heavy but reliable as an AK and certainly sturdy enough for use even by Turkish conscripts [using the FN-FAL up till now] as a bayonet platform, is also under consideration- Urra, Urra!
It'll be interesting to see how the TAVOR serves with an M203 mounted, something most bullpups are pretty miserable with [even the Brits are now issuing Canadian C7 carbines for use with the blooper rather than try to hang them onto their discredited L85A1 Individual Weapons.] But the Tavor was said to have been designed with a UGL attachment in mind, though the Indians may go with the Soviet-pattern GP25 40mm UGL systems instead.
And Tavors are turning up in greater numbers in Bosnia as well, with another sale there, as even in subzero weather they work, more than you can say for some aluminum-and plastic 5,56mm rifles....
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