The Fort-221 assault rifle, the characteristics of which will be given in this article, is built on the basis of the Israeli TAR-21 rifle. Currently, this weapon is manufactured by a scientific and production association called “Fort”. This public institution of Ukraine is widely known both in Ukraine and in the CIS countries, as well as the European Union. First of all, thanks to his Fort-12 pistol, as well as his new Fort-17 model, in which the frame is made of special plastic materials.
Recall that the development of the pistol “Fort-17” was not easy for the designers of the association. The idea of the possibility of creating such weapons has been in the minds of gunsmiths from the very moment the company was founded. But it was possible to realize it only when technical difficulties were overcome, which for so long did not allow engineers to create a pistol with a plastic frame.
Outline of Fort 221
The Fort-221 assault rifle, reviews of which we will give a little later, was developed to use a 5.56 mm caliber ammunition. In general, we can say that the weapon is made and manufactured quite well, although it has not the best, but still high efficiency. Due to the special construction of the structure, high reliability was also achieved. Weapons designed to defeat the enemy at medium distances. The effective range is 500 meters.
The performance characteristics
As mentioned earlier, the Fort-221 assault rifle, the price of which remains unknown today (unlike the same Fort-17 or Fort-12 pistol), was designed for a 5.56 mm caliber cartridge .
The design is based on the principle of using powder gases for pressure on the piston. The length of the barrel of the rifle is 375 millimeters, while the total length is almost twice as long (645 millimeters). The width and height of the weapon (in millimeters) are, respectively, 92 and 300.
The mass of the weapon in the discharged state is 3.9 kilograms, in the curb state - 4.3 kilograms. The store is designed for ammunition of 30 rounds. A bullet from the barrel takes off at an initial speed of 890 meters per second. The rate of fire in different modes can be from 500 to 1000 rounds per minute. To squeeze the trigger, you must apply a force equivalent to three kilograms to it.
History
In 2008, a statement was made that an arms factory located in Vinnitsa (and this is a Fort NGO) will sign a contract with its Israeli counterparts on the development of joint weapons. The object of the contract was TAR-21 (nicknamed from the Israeli side). He is “Fort-221” according to the Ukrainian “passport”.
Actually, the Fort-221 assault rifle was made at the Ukrainian factory located in Vinnitsa. However, the essence of the contract was such that components were imported directly from Israel. And rifles were already gathering on them. But this was only the first time, since very soon “Fort” began to use not only imported parts, but also components made here.
The adoption of the “Fort-221” rifle in the armed forces of Ukraine officially dates from 2009, or rather, December 23, 2009. Then the corresponding decree was signed by representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The Border Committee, the Foreign Intelligence Service and the State Guard Department also took part in this process.
Tar-21
What is it? TAR-21 (Russian name “Tavor”) is a modern Israeli-made assault rifle, designed for 5.56x45 mm caliber cartridge. In fact, "Fort 221" is a replica of this weapon, just with a different name, albeit in tune with the original. The design units and technical features of these models are almost identical.
TAR-21 was adopted by the Israeli army in 2004. Often, in the vastness of the international network, one can stumble upon information that the name of the weapon is associated with Mount Tavor, located in Israel.
It is mentioned in the Old Testament. If we think about the index of weapons, then most likely it means that the rifle was developed in the XI century and is intended for use in it. So far, no logical arguments have been heard from anyone.
Using Tavor
This assault rifle was used during the Second Lebanon War, as well as in armed conflicts taking place on the territory of Colombia. There was a use of Tavor during the conflict in South Ossetia. Partly due to such a rich operational base and a large number of positive reviews, the choice of Ukrainian manufacturers fell precisely on the TAR-21.
Gamers will surely recall that this assault rifle is present in various shooters as a game weapon. For example, she is in the game Counter-Strike, Call of Duty and her brother Battlefield, as well as in the online game Warface. And it is not just about the Tavor, but also about its modifications.
Design features
The Fort-221 assault rifle (as well as its shortened counterpart, “Fort-224”) is being manufactured according to the scheme called the bullpup. The stock in the weapon is located on the same level with the barrel. Thus, the designers managed to achieve high accuracy from the rifle. But, as always, there are also disadvantages.
For example, such a design adversely affects the use of sights. The fact is that it must be installed higher. Automation of weapons is ensured by the removal of powder gases from the barrel channel. For this, a special unit is used.
It should be said that the barrel is firmly fixed. On top of it is a plank of the “Picatinny” type. On it, in fact, and sights are attached. The barrel of the rifle can be changed. To do this, on the right side there is a special lock. The weapon case is made of plastic, which has far from the latest strength indicators. Plastic reinforced with steel.
Thus, two goals are achieved at once: the weapon has a good margin of safety, but at the same time (precisely through the use of plastic) it is not so difficult. If we talk about the “Fort-224”, then it was shortened to supply a rifle in the ranks of special forces. Models can be supplemented with accessories, including a laser target designator, a tactical flashlight, as well as a night vision scope (or an ordinary optical sight). All these additional tools are hung on the edges of the weapon, designed just for the supply of tactical body kits.