Mechem NTW-14.5
Denel Mechem · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1998
Also known as: NTW-14.5, Denel NTW-14.5, Aerotek NTW-14.5
Overview
The Mechem NTW-14.5 is a South African anti-materiel rifle chambered for the powerful Soviet 14.5x114mm cartridge, developed by Denel Mechem in the 1990s and adopted by the South African National Defence Forces in 1998. Designed by Tony Neophytou, the NTW-14.5 is one of the largest and most powerful shoulder-fired rifles ever produced, weighing 29 kg and measuring over two meters in overall length. The rifle employs a manually operated rotating bolt action with six locking lugs. To manage the enormous recoil generated by the 14.5mm cartridge, the barrel and receiver assembly recoils within the chassis frame against a combined hydraulic and pneumatic damping system, while a large muzzle brake absorbs an estimated 50-60% of recoil energy. The side-mounted 3-round detachable box magazine feeds from the left side of the receiver. The NTW-14.5 is capable of engaging hardened targets including light armored vehicles, radar installations, and aircraft on the ground at ranges exceeding 2,300 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 29000 g (1022.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 29500 g (1040.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 2015 mm (79.33") |
| Barrel Length | 1220 mm (48.03") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1067 m/s (3501 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 30675 J (22625 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2300 m (2515 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 5000 m (5468 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel Chassis Polymer Furniture |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 14.5x114mm · primary — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114mm Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Hydraulic Recoil Damper, Pneumatic Buffer, Free Floating Barrel, Folding Bipod, Adjustable Monopod, Caliber Conversion Kit, Side Mounted Magazine, Recoiling Barrel
Variants
- Mechem NTW-20 — Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 1998 · as NTW-14.5
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Produced in limited quantities by Denel Mechem for the South African military. Exact numbers classified.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Tony Neophytou
Notes
The NTW platform is convertible between 14.5x114mm and 20x82mm calibers by changing the bolt, barrel, sighting gear, and magazine. This caliber conversion can be accomplished in the field without specialized tools. The 14.5mm variant features a smooth (non-fluted) free-floating barrel that is longer than the 20mm version's fluted barrel. A folding handle under the butt doubles as an adjustable monopod. The rifle requires a two-person team to carry and deploy effectively. The 14.5x114mm cartridge was originally developed for Soviet anti-tank rifles in World War II and is still used in the KPV heavy machine gun.
Background
The NTW-14.5 is sometimes called the 'largest sniper rifle in the world' due to its use of the massive 14.5x114mm cartridge, which was originally designed to penetrate tank armor during World War II. Tony Neophytou, the rifle's designer, also co-designed the innovative Neostead combat shotgun, demonstrating South Africa's surprisingly deep bench of firearms engineers.