Vektor R5
Denel Land Systems (formerly Lyttelton Engineering Works) · Carbine · In Service · 1987
Also known as: R5, LIW R5
Overview
The Vektor R5 is the carbine version of the South African R4 assault rifle, itself a license-built derivative of the Israeli IMI Galil chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Compared to the R4, the R5 features a barrel 130 mm shorter, a shorter gas system and handguard, no bipod, and a flash hider that does not support rifle grenades. It was developed primarily for the South African Air Force, Navy, Military Health Service, and South African Police, where the full-size R4 was considered too cumbersome.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 877 mm (34.53") |
| Folded Length | 615 mm (24.21") |
| Barrel Length | 332 mm (13.07") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2700 m (2953 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Polymer Furniture, Adjustable Iron Sights, Carry Handle, Cleaning Kit In Pistol Grip
Variants
- Vektor R5 Mk1 — Early Production
Base model
Service history
Operators
- South African Air Force · adopted 1987 · as R5
- South African Navy · adopted 1987 · as R5
- South African Military Health Service · adopted 1987 · as R5
- South African Police Service · as R5
Conflicts
- South African Border War (1966-1990)
- Township unrest and post-Apartheid policing (1987-present)
Production
Production years: 1987-present
Issued primarily to South African Air Force, Navy, Medical Service and Police; specific production figures not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Denel Land Systems (Galil-derived)
Notes
Closely modeled on the IMI Galil SAR with South African modifications including a polymer stock and lengthened buttstock to better fit the average South African soldier. A further-shortened R6 carbine was developed for vehicle crews and pilots.
Background
South African aircrew and naval boarding parties found the full-length R4 awkward in confined spaces, so Lyttelton Engineering Works trimmed 130 mm off the barrel, deleted the bipod, and called the result the R5 - a homegrown carbine that has since outlived apartheid-era enthusiasm and remains the standard small arm of the SAAF and SAN.