Vidhwansak: Difference between revisions
No edit summary Tag: Reverted |
Citation bot (talk | contribs) Add: date, title. Changed bare reference to CS1/2. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Grimes2 | #UCB_webform 812/1162 |
||
(25 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown) | |||
Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
|image=Vidhwansak.jpg |
|image=Vidhwansak.jpg |
||
|image_size= 300 |
|image_size= 300 |
||
| caption = Vidhwansak Anti |
| caption = Vidhwansak Anti Materiel Rifle (AMR) |
||
|origin=India |
|origin=India |
||
|type=[[Anti-material rifle]] |
|type=[[Anti-material rifle]] |
||
Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
|is_UK=yes |
|is_UK=yes |
||
<!-- Service history --> |
<!-- Service history --> |
||
|service= |
|service= 2007–present |
||
|used_by= See ''[[#Users|Users]]'' |
|used_by= See ''[[#Users|Users]]'' |
||
|wars= |
|wars= |
||
Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
|variants= |
|variants= |
||
<!-- General specifications --> |
<!-- General specifications --> |
||
|spec_label= 14. |
|spec_label= 14.5mm variant |
||
|weight= 29 |
|weight= {{convert|29|kg|abbr=on}} |
||
|length= 2 |
|length= {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} |
||
|part_length= 1.2 |
|part_length= {{convert|1.2|m|abbr=on}} |
||
|crew= |
|crew= |
||
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> |
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> |
||
|cartridge= [[12.7×108mm]], [[14.5×114mm]], [[ |
|cartridge= [[12.7×108mm]], [[14.5×114mm]], [[20mm caliber|20x82mm]] |
||
|caliber= |
|caliber= |
||
|barrels= {{plainlist|*8 Grooved, 1.1 |
|barrels= {{plainlist|*8 Grooved, {{convert|1.1|m|abbr=on}} length, Quick Change type |
||
*8 Grooved, 1.22 |
*8 Grooved, {{convert|1.22|m|abbr=on}} Length, Quick Change type |
||
*Rifling: 1:390 |
*Rifling: 1:{{convert|390|mm|abbr=on}}, 1:{{convert|420|mm|abbr=on}}, 1:{{convert|560|mm|abbr=on}}}} |
||
|action= |
|action= [[Bolt Action]], recoiling barrel |
||
|rate= |
|rate= |
||
|velocity= 845 |
|velocity= {{convert|845|m/s|abbr=on}}, {{convert|1080|m/s|abbr=on}}, {{convert|720|m/s|abbr=on}} |
||
|range= |
|range= {{convert|1800|m|abbr=on}} |
||
|max_range= |
|max_range= {{convert|2300|m|abbr=on}} |
||
|feed= 3-round magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sniperselite.com.ar/introvidhwansak.html|title=Fusil de Francotirador Vidhwansak|website=www.sniperselite.com.ar|access-date=2014-08-23|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140823015909/http://www.sniperselite.com.ar/introvidhwansak.html|archive-date=2014-08-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="militaryfactory.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=268|title=Vidhwansak AMR Anti-Materiel Rifle / Sniper Rifle - India|access-date=2014-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701121950/http://militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=268|archive-date=2014-07-01|url-status=live}}</ref> |
|feed= 3-round detachable [[box magazine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sniperselite.com.ar/introvidhwansak.html|title=Fusil de Francotirador Vidhwansak|website=www.sniperselite.com.ar|access-date=2014-08-23|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140823015909/http://www.sniperselite.com.ar/introvidhwansak.html|archive-date=2014-08-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="militaryfactory.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=268|title=Vidhwansak AMR Anti-Materiel Rifle / Sniper Rifle - India|access-date=2014-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701121950/http://militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=268|archive-date=2014-07-01|url-status=live}}</ref> |
||
|sights= 8X42 Power [[Telescopic sight]] with [[Parallax]] adjustment}} |
|sights= 8X42 Power [[Telescopic sight]] with [[Parallax]] adjustment |
||
}} |
|||
'''Vidhwansak''' ([[Sanskrit]]: " |
'''Vidhwansak''' ([[Sanskrit]]: "Destroyer")<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/20/stories/2006032004440200.htm|title=Exhibiting the 'powers' that protect us|author=G. Prasad|access-date=2009-10-13|date=2006-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626012527/http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/20/stories/2006032004440200.htm|archive-date=2010-06-26|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> is an Indian multi-caliber [[anti-materiel rifle]] (AMR) or large-caliber [[sniper rifle]] manufactured by [[Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli]].<ref>https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/176291/IAVA-IB4-small-arms-of-indian-state.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref> It can be used in the anti-materiel role for destroying enemy bunkers, lightly armoured vehicles, radar systems, communication equipment, parked aircraft, fuel storage facilities, etc. It is also effective in long-range [[sniping]], [[Counter-sniper tactics|counter sniping]], and [[Bomb disposal|ordnance disposal]] roles.<ref name="IMO"/> |
||
== Development == |
== Development == |
||
The [[Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli]] in association with the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] developed an anti-materiel rifle Vidhwansak in November 2005.<ref name="Tribune 2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060206/nation.htm#7|title=Ordnance factories bag order for 30,000 carbines|date=2006-02-05|access-date=2009-06-07|author=Girja Shankar Kaura|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505050532/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060206/nation.htm#7|archive-date=2009-05-05|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Denel]] [[NTW-20]] rifle was used as a starting point for the design.<ref name="militaryfactory.com"/> After all-terrain and all-weather trials, the user trials began in March 2006.<ref name="IMO"/> Production began in February 2007. |
The [[Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli]] in association with the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] developed an anti-materiel rifle Vidhwansak in November 2005.<ref name="Tribune 2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060206/nation.htm#7|title=Ordnance factories bag order for 30,000 carbines|date=2006-02-05|access-date=2009-06-07|author=Girja Shankar Kaura|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505050532/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060206/nation.htm#7|archive-date=2009-05-05|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Denel]] [[NTW-20]] rifle was used as a starting point for the design.<ref name="militaryfactory.com"/> After all-terrain and all-weather trials, the user trials began in March 2006.<ref name="IMO"/> Production began in February 2007. |
||
After trials, the [[Border Security Force]] ordered 100 Vidhwansaks for use in the border areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/15/stories/2008021553770500.htm|title=Anti-materiel rifle handed over to BSF|access-date=2009-10-13|date=2008-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626012226/http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/15/stories/2008021553770500.htm|archive-date=2010-06-26|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> These were supplied by October 2008.<ref name="OneIndia 2008">{{cite web|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2008/02/15/bsf-ig-satisfied-of-amr-produced-at-oft-1203057214.html|title=BSF IG satisfied of AMR produced at OFT|date=2008-02-15|access-date=2009-06-07|publisher=[[Oneindia.in]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313171942/http://news.oneindia.in/2008/02/15/bsf-ig-satisfied-of-amr-produced-at-oft-1203057214.html|archive-date=2012-03-13|url-status=live}}</ref> The rifle has also been offered to the [[Indian Army]] and the [[National Security Guards]].<ref name="OneIndia 2007">{{cite web|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2007/03/19/oft-develops-ultra-modern-futuristic-weapons.html|title=OFT develops ultra-modern futuristic weapons|publisher=[[Oneindia.in]]|access-date=2009-06-07|date=2007-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217022809/http://news.oneindia.in/2007/03/19/oft-develops-ultra-modern-futuristic-weapons.html|archive-date=2012-02-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IMO"/> However, the Indian Army chose not to bring the Vidhwansak into use as it did not meet the weight requirements.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-starts-process-to-purchase-1500-anti-materiel-rifles/articleshow/57944559.cms|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200222154726/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/army-starts-process-to-purchase-1500-anti-materiel-rifles/articleshow/57944559.cms|archive-date = 2020-02-22|title = Army starts process to purchase 1500 anti-materiel rifles|newspaper = The Economic Times}}</ref> |
|||
⚫ | It is being sold at the cost of Rs 10 lakh (about $20,000) as compared to the Denel NTW-20 AMR, which costs Rs 23 lakhs (about $45,000) as of 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main48.asp?filename=Ws070111DEFENCE_II.asp|title=Indian Army to purchase 1000 anti-materiel rifles|access-date=2011-03-17|date=2011-01-07|publisher=Tehelka|author=Ritu Sharma|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716203819/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main48.asp?filename=Ws070111DEFENCE_II.asp|archive-date=2011-07-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IMO" />Due to indigenisation of this weapon, foreign exchange worth over 90 million USD would be saved.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Correspondent|first=Special|date=2020-08-14|title=New Anti-Materiel Rifle launched|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/new-anti-materiel-rifle-launched/article32358384.ece|access-date=2021-11-08|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | It is being sold at the cost of Rs 10 lakh (about $20,000) as compared to the Denel NTW-20 AMR, which costs Rs 23 lakhs (about $45,000) as of 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main48.asp?filename=Ws070111DEFENCE_II.asp|title=Indian Army to purchase 1000 anti-materiel rifles|access-date=2011-03-17|date=2011-01-07|publisher=Tehelka|author=Ritu Sharma|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716203819/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main48.asp?filename=Ws070111DEFENCE_II.asp|archive-date=2011-07-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="IMO" /> Due to indigenisation of this weapon, foreign exchange worth over 90 million USD would be saved.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Correspondent|first=Special|date=2020-08-14|title=New Anti-Materiel Rifle launched|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/new-anti-materiel-rifle-launched/article32358384.ece|access-date=2021-11-08|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | Vidhwansak is a manually operated, rotating [[bolt-action]] rifle. The barrel along with the receiver recoil inside the chassis frame against a damping system. The rifle is fed from a detachable box magazine that is inserted from the left side. The rifle can be quickly disassembled and can be carried in two man-portable packs, each weighing about 12 |
||
⚫ | |||
The rifle has an effective range of 1,800 m (1,300 m for the 20 mm version),<ref name="IMO"/> while shots can be achieved even up to 2,000 m. The rifle is magazine fed, and reloaded through manual [[bolt action]].{{Cn|date=October 2022}} |
|||
⚫ | Vidhwansak is a manually operated, rotating [[bolt-action]] rifle. The barrel along with the receiver recoil inside the chassis frame against a damping system. The rifle is fed from a detachable box magazine that is inserted from the left side. The rifle can be quickly disassembled and can be carried in two man-portable packs, each weighing about {{convert|12|to| 15|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="IMO"/> A [[muzzle brake]] is fitted on the end of the barrel which absorbs an estimated 50-60% of recoil. This is further supplemented by a buffered slide in the receiver. |
||
The Vidhwansak is equipped with an 8X magnification, long-eye-relief telescopic sight with parallax adjustment. A 12X ballistic scope can also be attached.{{Cn|date=October 2022}} |
|||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | The Vidhwansak can be easily converted between the three calibers |
||
The rifle has an effective range of {{convert|1800|m|abbr=on}} ({{convert|1300|m|abbr=on}} for the 20 mm version),<ref name="IMO"/> while shots can be achieved even up to {{convert|2000|m|abbr=on}}. The rifle is magazine fed and reloaded through manual [[bolt action]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://raksha-anirveda.com/indigenously-developed-anti-material-sniper-rifle-vidhwansak-eyes-wider-service-acceptance/ | title=Indigenously Developed Anti-Material Sniper Rifle 'Vidhwansak' Eyes Wider Service Acceptance | date=31 December 2022 }}</ref> |
|||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | The Vidhwansak can be easily converted between the three calibers: 12.7 mm, 14.5 mm, and 20 mm, this is done by replacing the barrel, bolt, and magazine, which takes about one minute in the field, without the need for any specialized tools.<ref name="IMO"/><ref name="OFB Specs">{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/26.htm|title=OFB - Vidhwansak|publisher=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=2009-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207210950/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/26.htm|archive-date=2009-02-07|url-status=live}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | |||
The following are current specifications of the Vidhwansak AMR:<ref name="IMO">{{cite web|title=Vidhwansak AMR |website=Indian Military |url=http://www.indian-military.org/army/small-arms-ammunition-ancillaries/snipers-anti-material-rifles/24-vidhwansak-amr.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119052702/http://www.indian-military.org/army/small-arms-ammunition-ancillaries/snipers-anti-material-rifles/24-vidhwansak-amr.html |archive-date=2010-01-19|access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref><ref name="OFB Specs"/> |
The following are current specifications of the Vidhwansak AMR:<ref name="IMO">{{cite web|title=Vidhwansak AMR |website=Indian Military |url=http://www.indian-military.org/army/small-arms-ammunition-ancillaries/snipers-anti-material-rifles/24-vidhwansak-amr.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119052702/http://www.indian-military.org/army/small-arms-ammunition-ancillaries/snipers-anti-material-rifles/24-vidhwansak-amr.html |archive-date=2010-01-19|access-date=2012-10-19}}</ref><ref name="OFB Specs"/> |
||
Line 69: | Line 74: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Weight''' |
| '''Weight''' |
||
| 25 |
| {{convert|25|kg|abbr=on}} |
||
| 29 |
| {{convert|29|kg|abbr=on}} |
||
| {{convert|26|kg|abbr=on}} |
|||
| 26 kg |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Overall Length''' |
| '''Overall Length''' |
||
|1.7 |
|{{convert|1.7|m|abbr=on}} |
||
|2.015 |
|{{convert|2.015|m|abbr=on}} |
||
|1.795 |
|{{convert|1.795|m|abbr=on}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Barrel''' |
| '''Barrel''' |
||
|8 Grooved, 1.1 |
|8 Grooved, {{convert|1.1|m|abbr=on}} length, Quick Change type |
||
|8 Grooved, 1.22 |
|8 Grooved, {{convert|1.22|m|abbr=on}} Length, Quick Change type |
||
|8 Grooved, 1 |
|8 Grooved, {{convert|1|m|abbr=on}} Length, Quick Change Type |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Pitch of Rifle''' |
| '''Pitch of Rifle''' |
||
|1: |
|1:{{convert|390|mm|abbr=on}} |
||
|1 |
|1:{{convert|420|mm|abbr=on}} |
||
|1 |
|1:{{convert|560|mm|abbr=on}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Sights''' |
| '''Sights''' |
||
Line 92: | Line 97: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Muzzle Velocity''' |
| '''Muzzle Velocity''' |
||
|845 |
|{{convert|845|m/s|abbr=on}} |
||
|{{convert|1080|m/s|abbr=on}} |
|||
|1,080 m/s |
|||
|720 |
|{{convert|720|m/s|abbr=on}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Range''' |
| '''Range''' |
||
|{{convert|1800|m|abbr=on}} |
|||
|1,800 m |
|||
|{{convert|2300|m|abbr=on}} |
|||
|2,300 m |
|||
|{{convert|1300|m|abbr=on}} |
|||
|1,300 m |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
Line 105: | Line 110: | ||
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.--> |
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.--> |
||
* {{flag|India}}: |
* {{flag|India}}: |
||
** [[Border Security Force]] (100)<ref>{{cite web |date=2008-02-15 |title=Anti-materiel rifle handed over to BSF |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/15/stories/2008021553770500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626012226/http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/15/stories/2008021553770500.htm |archive-date=2010-06-26 |access-date=2009-10-13 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> and [[Central Reserve Police Force]].<ref>{{cite web |date=31 December 2022 |title=Anti-Material Sniper Rifle of India 'Vidhwansak' AMR |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2022/12/anti-material-sniper-rifle-of-india.html |website=Indian Defence News}}</ref> The [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] is seeking to acquire 450 Vidhwansaks for high-altitude operations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-17 |title=ITBP seeks 450 high-powered sniper rifles for use in high altitude areas |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/itbp-seeks-450-high-powered-sniper-rifles-for-use-in-high-altitude-areas-480700# |website=Tribune India}}</ref> |
|||
* {{flag|India}}: [[Indian Army]] |
|||
== See also == |
== See also == |
||
* [[Denel NTW-20]] |
* [[Denel NTW-20]] |
||
* [[RT-20 (rifle)|RT-20]] |
|||
== References == |
== References == |
||
Line 117: | Line 121: | ||
== External links == |
== External links == |
||
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215174638/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/26.htm |date=December 15, 2018|title=Anti Material Rifle VIDHWANSAK}} |
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215174638/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/26.htm |date=December 15, 2018|title=Anti Material Rifle VIDHWANSAK}} |
||
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/ |
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222161131/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/OFT/14-5-20mm-amr|date=February 22, 2020|title=14.5/20mm AMR}} |
||
{{commons category|Vidhwansak}} |
|||
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}} |
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}} |
||
Line 125: | Line 131: | ||
[[Category:20 mm artillery]] |
[[Category:20 mm artillery]] |
||
[[Category:20mm sniper rifles]] |
[[Category:20mm sniper rifles]] |
||
[[Category:Indian inventions]] |
|||
[[Category:Bolt-action rifles of India]] |
[[Category:Bolt-action rifles of India]] |
||
[[Category:Sniper rifles of India]] |
|||
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]] |
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]] |
||
[[Category:Anti-materiel rifles]] |
[[Category:Anti-materiel rifles]] |
Revision as of 15:50, 29 August 2024
Vidhwansak | |
---|---|
Type | Anti-material rifle |
Place of origin | India |
Service history | |
In service | 2007–present |
Used by | See Users |
Production history | |
Designer | Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli |
Designed | 2005 |
Manufacturer | Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli |
Produced | February 2007[1] |
Specifications (14.5mm variant) | |
Mass | 29 kg (64 lb) |
Length | 2 m (6 ft 7 in) |
Barrel length | 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) |
Cartridge | 12.7×108mm, 14.5×114mm, 20x82mm |
Barrels |
|
Action | Bolt Action, recoiling barrel |
Muzzle velocity | 845 m/s (2,770 ft/s), 1,080 m/s (3,500 ft/s), 720 m/s (2,400 ft/s) |
Effective firing range | 1,800 m (5,900 ft) |
Maximum firing range | 2,300 m (7,500 ft) |
Feed system | 3-round detachable box magazine[2][3] |
Sights | 8X42 Power Telescopic sight with Parallax adjustment |
Vidhwansak (Sanskrit: "Destroyer")[4] is an Indian multi-caliber anti-materiel rifle (AMR) or large-caliber sniper rifle manufactured by Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli.[5] It can be used in the anti-materiel role for destroying enemy bunkers, lightly armoured vehicles, radar systems, communication equipment, parked aircraft, fuel storage facilities, etc. It is also effective in long-range sniping, counter sniping, and ordnance disposal roles.[6]
Development
The Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli in association with the Defence Research and Development Organisation developed an anti-materiel rifle Vidhwansak in November 2005.[7] The Denel NTW-20 rifle was used as a starting point for the design.[3] After all-terrain and all-weather trials, the user trials began in March 2006.[6] Production began in February 2007.
After trials, the Border Security Force ordered 100 Vidhwansaks for use in the border areas.[8] These were supplied by October 2008.[9] The rifle has also been offered to the Indian Army and the National Security Guards.[1][6] However, the Indian Army chose not to bring the Vidhwansak into use as it did not meet the weight requirements.[10]
It is being sold at the cost of Rs 10 lakh (about $20,000) as compared to the Denel NTW-20 AMR, which costs Rs 23 lakhs (about $45,000) as of 2011.[11][6] Due to indigenisation of this weapon, foreign exchange worth over 90 million USD would be saved.[12]
Features
Vidhwansak is a manually operated, rotating bolt-action rifle. The barrel along with the receiver recoil inside the chassis frame against a damping system. The rifle is fed from a detachable box magazine that is inserted from the left side. The rifle can be quickly disassembled and can be carried in two man-portable packs, each weighing about 12 to 15 kg (26 to 33 lb).[6] A muzzle brake is fitted on the end of the barrel which absorbs an estimated 50-60% of recoil. This is further supplemented by a buffered slide in the receiver.
The Vidhwansak is equipped with an 8X magnification, long-eye-relief telescopic sight with parallax adjustment. A 12X ballistic scope can also be attached.[citation needed]
The rifle has an effective range of 1,800 m (5,900 ft) (1,300 m (4,300 ft) for the 20 mm version),[6] while shots can be achieved even up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft). The rifle is magazine fed and reloaded through manual bolt action.[13]
Variants
The Vidhwansak can be easily converted between the three calibers: 12.7 mm, 14.5 mm, and 20 mm, this is done by replacing the barrel, bolt, and magazine, which takes about one minute in the field, without the need for any specialized tools.[6][14]
Specifications
The following are current specifications of the Vidhwansak AMR:[6][14]
Ammunition | 12.7×108mm | 14.5×114mm | 20×82mm |
Weight | 25 kg (55 lb) | 29 kg (64 lb) | 26 kg (57 lb) |
Overall Length | 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in) | 2.015 m (6 ft 7.3 in) | 1.795 m (5 ft 10.7 in) |
Barrel | 8 Grooved, 1.1 m (3 ft 7 in) length, Quick Change type | 8 Grooved, 1.22 m (4 ft 0 in) Length, Quick Change type | 8 Grooved, 1 m (3 ft 3 in) Length, Quick Change Type |
Pitch of Rifle | 1:390 mm (15 in) | 1:420 mm (17 in) | 1:560 mm (22 in) |
Sights | 8 X 42 power telescopic sight with parallax adjustment | ||
Muzzle Velocity | 845 m/s (2,770 ft/s) | 1,080 m/s (3,500 ft/s) | 720 m/s (2,400 ft/s) |
Range | 1,800 m (5,900 ft) | 2,300 m (7,500 ft) | 1,300 m (4,300 ft) |
Users
- India:
- Border Security Force (100)[15] and Central Reserve Police Force.[16] The Indo-Tibetan Border Police is seeking to acquire 450 Vidhwansaks for high-altitude operations.[17]
See also
References
- ^ a b "OFT develops ultra-modern futuristic weapons". Oneindia.in. 2007-03-19. Archived from the original on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ "Fusil de Francotirador Vidhwansak". www.sniperselite.com.ar. Archived from the original on 2014-08-23. Retrieved 2014-08-23.
- ^ a b "Vidhwansak AMR Anti-Materiel Rifle / Sniper Rifle - India". Archived from the original on 2014-07-01. Retrieved 2014-08-23.
- ^ G. Prasad (2006-03-20). "Exhibiting the 'powers' that protect us". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2010-06-26. Retrieved 2009-10-13.
- ^ https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/176291/IAVA-IB4-small-arms-of-indian-state.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Vidhwansak AMR". Indian Military. Archived from the original on 2010-01-19. Retrieved 2012-10-19.
- ^ Girja Shankar Kaura (2006-02-05). "Ordnance factories bag order for 30,000 carbines". The Tribune. Archived from the original on 2009-05-05. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ "Anti-materiel rifle handed over to BSF". The Hindu. 2008-02-15. Archived from the original on 2010-06-26. Retrieved 2009-10-13.
- ^ "BSF IG satisfied of AMR produced at OFT". Oneindia.in. 2008-02-15. Archived from the original on 2012-03-13. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ "Army starts process to purchase 1500 anti-materiel rifles". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 2020-02-22.
- ^ Ritu Sharma (2011-01-07). "Indian Army to purchase 1000 anti-materiel rifles". Tehelka. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2011-03-17.
- ^ Correspondent, Special (2020-08-14). "New Anti-Materiel Rifle launched". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
{{cite news}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Indigenously Developed Anti-Material Sniper Rifle 'Vidhwansak' Eyes Wider Service Acceptance". 31 December 2022.
- ^ a b "OFB - Vidhwansak". Ordnance Factory Board. Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
- ^ "Anti-materiel rifle handed over to BSF". The Hindu. 2008-02-15. Archived from the original on 2010-06-26. Retrieved 2009-10-13.
- ^ "Anti-Material Sniper Rifle of India 'Vidhwansak' AMR". Indian Defence News. 31 December 2022.
- ^ "ITBP seeks 450 high-powered sniper rifles for use in high altitude areas". Tribune India. 2023-02-17.
External links
- Anti Material Rifle VIDHWANSAK at the Wayback Machine (archived December 15, 2018)
- 14.5/20mm AMR at the Wayback Machine (archived February 22, 2020)