Denel NTW-20
Denel Land Systems · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1998
Also known as: Mechem NTW-20, Aerotek NTW-20, 20mm NTW
Overview
The Denel NTW-20 is a South African bolt-action anti-materiel rifle capable of firing 20x82mm and 14.5x114mm rounds through an interchangeable barrel system. Designed for anti-materiel roles including the destruction of light armored vehicles, radar installations, and hardened targets at extreme range, the NTW-20 is one of the largest and most powerful shoulder-fired weapons in military service. The rifle uses a unique barrel recoil slide system and hydraulic buffer to manage the extreme recoil forces generated by 20mm ammunition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 26000 g (917.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 29000 g (1022.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1795 mm (70.67") |
| Barrel Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 720 m/s (2362 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 29808 J (21985 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6000 m (6562 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 480 mm (18.90") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Moly Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel Frame With Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black Parkerized |
Calibers
- 20x82mm · primary — also known as 20mm MG151, 20x82mm Mauser
- 14.5x114mm — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114mm Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Picatinny Rail, Bipod Integral, Hydraulic Recoil System, Anti Materiel Design, Multi Caliber Conversion, Side Mounted Magazine, Heavy Barrel Profile, Barrel Recoil Slide
Variants
- Denel NTW-20 14.5mm — Caliber Variant
- Denel NTW-20 20x110mm — Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 1998 · as NTW-20
- South African Police Service
- Pakistani Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Limited military production by Denel Land Systems. Exported to several countries.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Tony Neophytou
Notes
The NTW-20 uses a distinctive side-mounted detachable box magazine that holds 3 rounds of 20x82mm ammunition. The barrel recoils rearward within the stock frame upon firing, with hydraulic buffers absorbing energy before the barrel returns to battery. This sliding barrel system reduces felt recoil to manageable levels despite the enormous cartridge. The multi-caliber conversion system allows field-level barrel swaps between 20x82mm and 14.5x114mm configurations. The weapon breaks down into two man-portable loads for transport.
Background
The NTW-20 was developed by Tony Neophytou at Mechem (later absorbed into Denel) and represents South Africa's answer to the need for a man-portable anti-materiel weapon more powerful than .50 BMG rifles. The choice of the 20x82mm Mauser round, originally designed for the Luftwaffe's MG 151/20 aircraft cannon during World War II, gives the rifle devastating terminal effects against materiel targets. At nearly 30kg loaded, it requires a two-person team to operate effectively and is typically fired from a prone position using its integrated bipod.