STL-1A
Vietnamese assault rifle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The STL-1A (also called the STL-A1)[2] rifle is a prototype assault rifle made in Vietnam chambered in 7.62×39mm.[3]
| STL-1A | |
|---|---|
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  Vietnam |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2015 |
| Manufacturer | Z111 Factory |
| Produced | 2015 |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.5 kg (7.7 lb)[1] |
| Length | 940 mm (37 in)[1] |
| Barrel length | 415 mm (16.3 in)[1] |
| Cartridge | 7.62×39mm |
| Caliber | 7.62 |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 600 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 m/s (2,350 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 300 m (330 yd) |
| Maximum firing range | 800 m (870 yd) |
| Feed system | 30-round magazines |
| Sights | STL-1B has picatinny rails for attachment of various scopes |
History
It was originally announced in 2015 that the Z111 Factory would begin producing STL-1A rifles[4] in an occasion to celebrate Vietnamese National Day for Vietnamese defense industry accomplishments.[5]
Design
As the STL-1A is based on the older AKM rifles, the Z-111 Factory would convert AKMs and its variants into the new STL-1A rifles.[6] It also has the ability to produce these new rifles from scratch.
Although the rifle itself is an upgrade of the AKM that highly resembles a Vietnamese AK-103,[3] it's upgraded in many areas such as new polymer handguards, folding stock, a new ergonomic pistol grip and muzzle brake based on the AK-74 with side-mounted rails to attach scopes.[7][3]
A suppressor and an M203 underbarrel grenade launcher can be attached to the STL-1A.[7]
Aftermath
At the Indo Defence Expo 2018 event, a new variant which combined the STL-1A and the Galil ACE was announced under the name GK3.[8][9]
Introduced as a technology demonstrator, STL-1A and its variants were not mass produced or issued by the Vietnam People's Army. Instead, the PAV adopted the STV rifles as the new standard issue service rifle.[10]
Variants
STL-1B
STL-1A variant fitted with Picatinny rails.[3]