VHS-2
HS Produkt · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2013
Also known as: Visenamjenska Hrvatska Strojnica, Springfield Hellion, VHS-D2, VHS-K2
Overview
The VHS-2 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by HS Produkt since 2013. This Croatian-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Safety features include ambidextrous safety selector, firing pin block, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4320 g (152.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 800 mm (31.50") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 940 m/s (3084 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1767 J (1303 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer Reinforced |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Reinforced |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Ambidextrous Ejection, Ambidextrous Controls, Adjustable Buttpad, Picatinny Rail Top, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Grenade Launcher Compatible, Chrome Lined Barrel
Variants
- VHS-D2 — Base Model
- VHS-K2 — Compact
- VHS-F2 — Export
- Springfield Hellion — Civilian Semi Auto
Service history
Operators
- Croatian Armed Forces · adopted 2009
- Iraqi Federal Police
- Iraqi Ground Forces
- Togolese Armed Forces
- Syrian Arab Army
- Cameroonian Armed Forces
- Albanian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War against ISIS (2014-2019)
Production
Production years: 2009-present
Exact production figures not publicly disclosed by HS Produkt. Sufficient to equip the Croatian Armed Forces and export to Iraq, Togo, Cameroon, Albania, and other nations.
Origin
Country of origin: Croatia
Notes
Specifications listed are for the VHS-D2 standard rifle variant. The VHS-K2 carbine variant has a 410mm barrel, weighs 3.75 kg, has an overall length of 710-760mm, and a rate of fire of 830 rpm. The VHS-F2 variant was produced for the French military FAMAS replacement trials but lost to the HK416. The adjustable buttpad length ranges from 800mm to 850mm overall length for the VHS-D2. STANAG 4179 magazine compatible.
Background
The VHS-2 is one of the few bullpup rifles to feature truly ambidextrous ejection, allowing the shooter to switch ejection sides without any parts changes. It competed in France's FAMAS replacement trials but lost to the HK416. The civilian semi-auto version sold by Springfield Armory as the 'Hellion' introduced many American shooters to the Croatian bullpup design for the first time.