XT-97
205th Armory, Ministry of National Defense · Assault Rifle · Prototype · 2009
Also known as: T97, XT97
Overview
The XT-97 is a Taiwanese 5.56x45mm NATO select-fire assault rifle developed by the 205th Armory of the Ministry of National Defense, first shown publicly at the 2009 Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. It is gas-operated with a rotating bolt and uses both a retractable and folding stock to shorten its length for storage and transport. A field-swappable barrel system lets it change calibers, including a 9x19mm Parabellum configuration, but the design remained a prototype and was not adopted for service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 850 mm (33.46") |
| Folded Length | 580 mm (22.83") |
| Barrel Length | 370 mm (14.57") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Rotating Bolt |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
- 9x19mm Parabellum · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Multi Caliber, Folding Stock, Telescoping Stock, Picatinny Rail
Service history
Operators
- Republic of China Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 2009
Prototype/demonstrator; not adopted for general service
Origin
Country of origin: Taiwan
Notes
Sometimes mislabelled a bullpup; it is a conventional-layout rifle with a retractable/folding stock. Designed for quick field barrel changes between calibers. Did not enter service.
Background
The XT-97 was Taiwan's bid for a modular, quick-barrel-change rifle that could switch from 5.56mm to 9mm in the field - a clever idea unveiled at a 2009 Taipei defense expo that never made it past the prototype stage.