Iran Press/ Iran news: On March 8, 2021, Iran’s Minister of Defense unveiled the all-Iranian advanced 7.62 calibre offensive weapon. The initial type of this weapon with a calibre of 5.56 mm and an effective range of 350 meters was unveiled in February 2017 by the then Minister of Defense.
All stages of design, manufacture and production of combat weapons have been carried out by the Iranian experts in the Defense Industries Organization and will be delivered to the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the future.
Overview
Many military experts at the time of the initial unveiling of Masaf (Combat) considered it similar to the German Heckler & Koch HK416, which was true because, in previous years, Iran had bought several of these weapons for its armed forces and was trying to make a native prototype with the reverse engineering method.
In the construction of the Masaf, the technology of an indirect pressure system of gunpowder gas has been used so that a large part of the gas from the combustion of gunpowder inside the bullet is removed from the weapon.
This weapon weighs 3 kg without ammunition and weighs 3 kg and 200 g with ammunition, which is much lighter than other weapons in Iran, and this is a special advantage.
On the other hand, the barrel weighs 200 grams, which reduces the weapon's weight, which is a significant step in increasing the weapon's efficiency.
Specifications and features of the new type of Masaf
Masaf with two 20 and 30 rounds can fire 700 to 1025 bullets per minute.
The basic type of Masaf, like its other Iranian kind, Khaybar, uses 5.56 mm caliber bullets and is fed with 20 and 30 rounds of ammunition.
Bullet velocity is between 850 and 950 meters per second.
The new type of weapon with a calibre of 7.62 x 51 mm is an individual weapon. Earlier, the 45 x5.56 calibre version of Masaf was made, and Iran’s Ministry of Defense unveiled a new and more advanced version in March 2021.
Masaf has features such as lightness, the presence of different rails for installing all kinds of equipment, the long life of the barrel, telescopic butt, and can be used in commando missions.
This weapon has three positions of toggle, sniper, and barrage, and on it, standard Picatinny rail is installed, which allows the installation of peripherals such as camera, Red Dot, grenade launcher, tripod, etc.
This new version of Masaf can fire all 7.62 x 51 calibre bullets.
The effective range of Masaf with a day camera is 800 meters and with the thermal camera is 600 meters. The firing rate of the bullet in this weapon is estimated at 900 meters per second.
The weapon is cooled by air. The weapon system of Masaf is a short piston type, which is armed with indirect pressure of gunpowder gas and is fed by ammunition.
This armament mechanism increases the reliability of the weapon and the life of its sensitive parts.
The obvious feature is the type of pipe; the barrel of this weapon is made based on the hammer-forged design and has much higher strength and life than ordinary barrels.
The bullets in the barrel use 6 right-handed chambers to fire.
Another feature of this weapon is the ambidextrous two-way grenade launcher mechanism, allowing both left-handed and right-handed users to use the weapon easily.
The weapon handle in Masaf has two pedals on the sides, which simplifies the weapon's armament and makes it possible to arm with one finger on both sides.
The presence of a repellent in the armament mechanism plays an important role in reducing the kick of this weapon, which increases its operational capability.
Also, the telescopic butt with the ability to change the size according to the size of the user's body and the installation of a bipod in front of the weapon are among the other positive points in the design of this weapon. The telescopic butt used in this weapon can be adjusted in six positions.
This weapon has a last-ditch toggle that holds the moving tools in the back position when the ammunition is emptied and accelerates the re-armament of the weapon.
Masaf is configured so that in the shortest time and without the need for special tools, it can be converted into a sniper or carbine version.
In general, in the design of this weapon, it has been tried to have the highest degree of ergonomics.
The new type of Iranian weapon has the ability to compete with modern weapons in the world. According to the tests that the forces have carried out on Masaf, it will be gradually replaced by the individual weapons in Iran’s armed forces.
207/224
Read More:
We have appealing weapons for sale: military official
