By UV00
The WKW Orzeł (Polish for Eagle) is a brand-new anti-materiel rifle designed and produced in Lublin, Poland, by NS Arms Corporation. Its primary application is for taking out lightly armoured targets such as soft-skinned vehicles, missile guidance equipment, radar equipment, and so on. It is also used to dispose unexploded ordnances from a fairly safe distance and taking out enemy personnel at ranges beyond that of the usual ammunition.
History[]
The WKW Orzeł was designed in response to a United States-sponsored competition to find a replacement for the ageing Barrett M107 rifle. Inspired by the success of their earlier ANSh-15 assault rifle, the designers decided to go ahead with a weapon in the bullpup configuration to minimise overall weapon length and weight.
The rifle's basic designed were drafted in early January 2015. After many fine-tunings and refinements, the finalised design and the prototype was in place in late February 2015. Despite the rifle being untested, rumours have circulated that some countries have expressed their interest in procuring the rifle.
The final result of the competition saw the WKW Orzeł being beaten by one of the competing participants, the HAMR Mk. 1. Despite this, everyone at NS Arms Corporation felt absolutely proud of what they have accomplished. Currently the weapon is being considered for testing by the Polish Armed Forces.
On the current market, it is currently facing stiff competition from various other platforms, especially from Alexandrov Design Bureau's KSV-14.
Weapon Design[]
The WKW Orzeł is a gas-operated, rotating bolt weapon, similar to the Barrett M82/M107. It is fed from a 5-round magazine. It is primarily chambered for the .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) round; it was decided by the armourers some time later to also chamber it in the 12.7x108mm round, commonly used by former Eastern Bloc nations.
Weapon Information[]
- Weight: 35.2 lb (16 kg)
The standard model of the WKW Orzeł. It is chambered for the .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) round and the 12.7x108mm round. Fitted with a Trijicon TR22 telescopic sight; other sights can be mounted as well. Optional equipments include a carrying handle and a tripod. Note the safety switch in the "safe" position.
- Length: 32 in. (813 mm)
- Barrel length: 27.5 in. (0.7 m)
- Cartridge: 12.7x99mm NATO, 12.7x108mm
- Operation: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Muzzle velocity: 2,772 ft (845 m)
- Effective range: 1914 yds (1750 m)
- Feed system: 5-round magazine
- Sights: Telescopic sights
- Attachments: RIS, Picatinny rail, various day & night optics, electronic devices, tripod, carry handle
- Users: None (currently)
