ST Kinetics SAR-80
ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1984
Also known as: SAR 80, CIS SAR-80
Overview
The ST Kinetics SAR-80 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) since 1984. Safety features include manual safety selector, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 58 years of firearms manufacturing experience, ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4150 g (146.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 970 mm (38.19") |
| Folded Length | 738 mm (29.06") |
| Barrel Length | 459 mm (18.07") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Rotating Bolt |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 970 m/s (3182 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1882 J (1388 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Folding Stock, Select Fire, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Chrome Lined Barrel, Bayonet Mount
Variants
- SR-88 — Improved
Service history
Operators
- Singapore Armed Forces · adopted 1984 · as SAR-80
- Singapore Police Force · as SAR-80
- Croatian Armed Forces · as SAR-80
- Somali National Army · as SAR-80
Conflicts
- Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995)
- Somali Civil War (1991-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 30,000 · Production years: 1984-1990
Produced primarily for the Singapore Armed Forces and for export. Exact figures are not publicly disclosed. Production ceased when the improved SR-88 entered service.
Origin
Country of origin: Singapore
Notes
The SAR-80 originated from the Sterling Light Automatic Rifle (LAR) project, with UK engineers from Sterling Armaments providing design assistance. Development began in 1976, with first prototypes in 1978 and final design approval in 1984. The rifle uses a short-stroke gas piston action rather than direct impingement, with a rotating bolt derived from the AR-18 lineage. The folding stock reduces the overall length from 970mm to 738mm for transport. The SAR-80 was eventually replaced in Singapore Armed Forces service first by the SR-88 and then the SAR-21 bullpup. It was exported to several countries including Croatia, where it saw use during the Croatian War of Independence.
Background
The SAR-80 marked Singapore's first step toward arms self-sufficiency, transforming the city-state from a pure importer of small arms to a capable designer and manufacturer. The collaboration with Sterling Armaments gave Singaporean engineers invaluable experience that laid the groundwork for the subsequent SR-88 and the highly successful SAR-21 program.