Vektor R6
Denel Land Systems (formerly Lyttelton Engineering Works) · Carbine · In Production · 1994
Also known as: R6, LM6 (civilian)
Overview
The Vektor R6 is a South African selective-fire compact carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Developed in the 1990s from the R5 as an even more compact personal defence weapon for armoured vehicle crews and space-constrained personnel, it features a further shortened barrel and a reduced gas cylinder and piston assembly. Like the rest of the R-series, it is a locally produced derivative of the Israeli IMI Galil, retaining the gas-operated, rotating-bolt action, side-folding stock and Galil-pattern receiver of the R4 and R5.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 805 mm (31.69") |
| Folded Length | 565 mm (22.24") |
| Barrel Length | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1693 J (1249 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 675 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 | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington (chamber compatible)
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Gas Operated Action, Selective Fire, Vented Handguard, Galil Pattern Receiver
Base model
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 1994 · as R6
Production
Production years: 1994-present
Produced by Lyttelton Engineering Works / Denel Land Systems as the compact variant of the R-series
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Lyttelton Engineering Works
Notes
Most compact member of the Vektor R4 assault rifle family. A civilian semi-automatic version is marketed as the LM6.
Background
The R-series rifles trace their lineage to the IMI Galil, which South Africa licensed and heavily reworked after international arms embargoes during the apartheid era forced Pretoria to develop a domestic small-arms industry. The R6 was the final, most compact evolution, shrinking the platform down to a vehicle-crew personal defence weapon.