ST Kinetics SR-88

ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1988

Also known as: SR 88, CIS SR-88, SR-88A

Overview

The ST Kinetics SR-88 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) since 1988. 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)3680 g (129.8 oz)
Weight (loaded)4130 g (145.7 oz)
Overall Length960 mm (37.80")
Folded Length810 mm (31.89")
Barrel Length460 mm (18.11")
Action TypeGas Operated Rotating Bolt
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity970 m/s (3182 fps)
Muzzle Energy1882 J (1388 ft·lbf)
Effective Range400 m (437 yd)
Maximum Range500 m (547 yd)
Rate of Fire750 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist178 mm (7.01")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishParkerized

Calibers

Features

Variants

Base model

St-Kinetics-Sar-80

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 25,000 · Production years: 1988-1999

Produced primarily for Singapore Armed Forces with limited export. Exact production figures are not publicly disclosed. Replaced in service by the SAR-21.

Origin

Country of origin: Singapore

Notes

The SR-88 addressed several shortcomings of the SAR-80, incorporating improved reliability, better ergonomics, and a higher cyclic rate of 700-900 RPM (compared to the SAR-80's 600 RPM). The later SR-88A variant introduced further improvements and was produced in both standard and carbine configurations. The SR-88 served as a bridge between the SAR-80 and the SAR-21 bullpup in Singapore Armed Forces service. It used the same folding stock concept as the SAR-80 but with a slightly shorter overall length (960mm vs 970mm). The rifle was compatible with all standard M16-type STANAG magazines. Both the SR-88 and SAR-80 were phased out of frontline Singapore military service with the adoption of the SAR-21 in 1999.

Background

The SR-88 represented the second generation of Singaporean assault rifle design, demonstrating the country's growing confidence in indigenous small arms development. While the SAR-80 relied heavily on British Sterling Armaments expertise, the SR-88 was developed more independently by CIS engineers, building on lessons learned from the SAR-80 program and drawing from the proven AR-18 design lineage.