Steyr IWS 2000
Steyr Mannlicher · Sniper Rifle · Prototype · 1990
Also known as: IWS 2000, Infantry Weapon System 2000, Steyr AMR
Overview
The Steyr IWS 2000 (Infantry Weapon System 2000) is a radical prototype anti-materiel rifle that fires 15.2mm armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds from a smoothbore barrel, using the same technology employed by modern tank guns scaled down to a man-portable weapon. The long-recoil semi-automatic action and hydraulic buffer system manage the enormous recoil forces generated by the proprietary cartridge, which launches a tungsten sub-caliber dart at 1,450 m/s. Despite its impressive armor-penetrating capability of 40mm RHA at 1,000 meters, the weapon remained a prototype due to its extreme weight and the high cost of its specialized ammunition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 18000 g (634.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 18500 g (652.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1800 mm (70.87") |
| Barrel Length | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| Action Type | Long Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1450 m/s (4757 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 21025 J (15507 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2500 m (2734 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Composite |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 15.2x169mm APFSDS · primary — also known as 15.2mm Steyr, 15.2x169mm, Steyr APFSDS
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Smoothbore Barrel, Apfsds Ammunition, Bullpup Configuration, Bipod, Hydraulic Recoil Buffer, Picatinny Rail, Muzzle Brake
Production
Production years: 1990-present
Prototype only. Very limited numbers produced for testing and evaluation. Never entered full production.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Notes
The IWS 2000 uses a smoothbore barrel like a tank gun rather than a rifled barrel. The APFSDS projectile consists of a tungsten flechette (dart) housed in a plastic sabot that falls away after leaving the barrel, with the dart stabilized by fins rather than spin. The long-recoil operating system allows the entire barrel to travel rearward during firing, combined with a hydraulic buffer to reduce felt recoil to manageable levels. The rifle is configured in a bullpup layout to keep overall length reasonable despite the 1,200mm barrel.
Background
The Steyr IWS 2000 borrowed directly from tank gun technology, firing miniature armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot rounds from a smoothbore barrel. The tungsten dart penetrator travels at 1,450 m/s and can defeat 40mm of rolled homogeneous armor at 1,000 meters, making it one of the most powerful shoulder-fired weapons ever designed. It remains one of the few infantry weapons to use APFSDS ammunition, a technology otherwise exclusive to main battle tanks.