Multi Caliber Individual Weapon System

Multi Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS) / Ghatak assault Rifle

The Multi Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS) / Ghatak assault Rifle
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin  India
Production history
Designer Armament Research and Development Establishment
Manufacturer Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli
Specifications
Weight 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) empty
4 kg (8.8 lb) loaded
Length 910 mm (36 in)
Cartridge 5.56×45mm NATO
7.62×39mm
6.8mm Remington SPC
Action Gas-operated, Rotating Bolt
Rate of fire 600-650 rpm
Muzzle velocity 715–890 m/s (2,350–2,920 ft/s)
Effective firing range 300-500 meters
Feed system 30-round detachable box magazines
Sights Iron sights, various day and night optical sights

Multi Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS)/ Ghatak is the new assault rifle developed by ARDE Pune of DRDO[1] and likely to be manufactured by OFT Trichy of OFB, India. It was first seen at the DEFEXPO 2014 exhibition.[2]

They are currently undergoing small arms trials[1] with three prototype rifles made for testing[3] as a future replace to the INSAS rifle.[4] Trials are expected to last for six to eight months in 2013.[5]

Design

The assault rifle is configured to fire in 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39 and in 6.8 Remington SPC.[2] Its design is influenced by both the AR-15 and the FN FNC.[2] The barrel assembly appears to be based on the AK-47.[6] The design would allow soldiers to configure it according to the needs of the missions by changing rifle barrels.[3] The MCIWS uses a gas operated short stroke piston design.[6]

The rifle would use 30-round plastic-type magazines.[4] It would also be ambidextrous features, such as the charging lever and magazine release.[4]

The MCIWS would include an underbarrel grenade launcher to fire airburst-type grenades.[2] Various sights can be mounted on the picatinny railing on the upper receiver.[4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDO-multi-calibre-guns-undergoing-trials/articleshow/17800129.cms?referral=PM
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/02/18/indias-prototype-mciws-rifle-detail/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=4995872956374916711
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/sauravjha/2976/65064/a-new-year-for-drdo.html
  5. ↑ http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-made-automatic-rifle-production-stuck-in-red-tape-115011100435_1.html
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2014/03/01/the-assault-rifles-of-the-near-future-2-updated/