Denel NTW-20
Denel SOC Ltd (Mechem Division) · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1998
Also known as: NTW-20, Mechem NTW-20
Overview
The Denel NTW-20 is a South African anti-materiel sniper rifle chambered for the 20x83.5mm cannon cartridge. Manually operated with a bolt action and a recoiling barrel to tame the immense recoil, it feeds from a 3-round detachable box magazine and breaks down into two backpack-portable loads for two-person transport. Designed to engage materiel targets such as parked aircraft, radar installations, light vehicles, and bunkers at long range, the rifle can be field-converted between its 20x83.5mm and 14.5x114mm chamberings without specialized tools.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 26000 g (917.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1795 mm (70.67") |
| Barrel Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 720 m/s (2362 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 28512 J (21029 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Matte |
Calibers
- 20x83.5mm · primary — also known as 20mm MG 151/20, 20x83.5
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Recoiling Barrel, Muzzle Brake, Two Part Breakdown, Modular Caliber Conversion, Telescopic Sight, Monopod Bipod
Variants
- Denel NTW-14.5 — Caliber Conversion
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 1998 · as NTW-20
- Indian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1998-present
Development began in 1993-1995; adopted by the South African National Defence Force in 1998.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Tony Neophytou
Notes
The 20mm variant trades range for a heavier, more destructive high-explosive or armor-piercing projectile; the companion 14.5mm conversion offers greater effective range against point targets. The complete system is carried by a two-person team in two backpacks.
Background
The NTW-20 was developed by recoil-systems engineer Tony Neophytou at Aerotek before being productionized by Denel's Mechem division. Its recoiling-barrel design and large muzzle brake reduce felt recoil from the 20mm cartridge to a level a single operator can fire from the shoulder.