In the 90s of the last century, the Singaporean armed forces took care of updating their materiel, in particular, small arms. The licensed version of the American M16 and its own SAR-80 and SR-88 assault rifles were already outdated and did not suit the security forces. The development of the new type was entrusted to Chartered Industries Of Singapore. Later, it will become part of Singapore Technologies and will be called ST Kinetics.
The assault rifle was named SAR-21 (Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century. In translation "Singaporean assault rifle of the XXI century") and was first demonstrated to the public in 1999 at the DSEi-99 exhibition. In the same year he was accepted into service.
The main requirement for the new weapon was compactness and ease of use. From these considerations, it was decided to build a rifle according to the bullpup layout. With all the advantages of this scheme, there were some drawbacks, but more about them later. In general, the layout and design of the SAR-21 resembles the Austrian Steyr AUG rifle: the same bullpup scheme, the same shock-resistant plastic case, a carrying handle and the same cartridge - 5, 56mm NATO.
The automation of the Singapore machine is based on a long-stroke gas outlet system. The latter is located above the barrel and is rigidly coupled to the bolt carrier. The loading handle, as on the Heckler & Koch G36, is located on the top of the receiver, above the pistol grip and under the carrying handle. During firing, the loading handle folds forward and does not move. The barrel is locked by turning the bolt; the locking mechanism is similar to that used in the American M16. The shells are ejected through a window on the right side of the machine, which, due to the size of the weapon, does not allow left-handed people to use the SAR-21. The fire safety switch is located on the trigger guard. Three-position button: trigger lock, single fire and automatic.
Incomplete disassembly of the machine implies its division into four separate units: the upper part of the receiver with the barrel, the lower part of the box with the pistol grip and magazine receiver, the firing mechanism in a separate housing and the bolt group. Of particular interest is the placement of the trigger: it is located behind the magazine receiver from the bottom of the receiver. The back of the firing mechanism plays the role of a butt plate.
On the top of the receiver, the SAR-21 has a carrying handle. Like the Steyr AUG, it houses a telescopic sight (magnification 1.5). An open front sight and rear sight are installed on the upper surface of the handle. The third standard sighting device is a laser designator. Even at the factory, it is installed under the barrel and is powered by two AA size batteries / rechargeable batteries. The LCU power button is located on the left side of the forearm, and fits neatly under the thumb.
The SAR-21 is powered by a NATO-compliant 30-round box magazine. In the image and likeness of some samples of European weapons, the regular stores of the Singapore machine gun are made of transparent plastic - a kind of ammunition counter.
In addition to the original version, SAR-21 is produced in several modifications:
- SAR-21GL / SAR-21M203. Option with a factory-installed 40mm grenade launcher. It can be Singapore CIS 40GL or American M203 in export version.
- SAR-21P-rail. This modification lacks a carrying handle, and in its place is a long Picatinny rail for installing various equipment.
- SAR-21MMS Standart. Instead of the forend, a "Modular Mounting System" is installed, consisting of Picatinny rails. The modification is designed to install flashlights, "tactical" handles and other accessories.
- SAR-21MMS Carbine. A version generally similar to the previous one, but shortened by 70 millimeters.
- SAR-21LWC. Light Weight Carbine. The most compact and lightest version of the machine. It does not have a carrying handle, and the loading handle is moved forward. Instead of the original one, a forend is installed on this modification, similar to the corresponding part of the German G36 rifle.
Since 1999, the SAR-21 in various versions has been supplied to the power structures of Singapore. There is no exact export data, but it is known that this assault rifle is supplied to Morocco, Bangladesh, Brunei, Sri Lanka and some other Asian countries. Despite the absence of any revolutionary solutions and technologies, the reviews about the SAR-21 are generally positive, and most of the negative ones concern the fundamental impossibility of shooting from the left shoulder.
