KAL1 general purpose infantry rifle

Summary

The KAL1 general purpose infantry rifle (KAL1 GPIR) was an Australian bullpup rifle designed in the 1970s for jungle warfare following complaints about the weight and length of the L1A1 SLR rifles then in service with the Australian Army.[1] The design never entered service, with the bullpup configured, optically sighted 5.56 mm F-88 Austeyr selected instead in 1989.[2]

KAL1 general purpose infantry rifle
TypeBullpup battle rifle
Place of originAustralia
Production history
DesignerKevin Loughrey
Andrew Witt
Designed1970–1973
ManufacturerSmall Arms Factory Lithgow
No. built1 (working 'mockup')
1 (unfinished prototype)
VariantsKAL1(A)
KAL1(B)
Specifications
Mass3.98 kg
Length856 mm
Barrel lengthSame as L1A1 SLR

Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
Caliber7.62mm
ActionGas-operated, tilting breechblock
Feed system20-round detachable box magazine
SightsIron sights

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ General Purpose Infantry Rifle Non Volatile Technologies Pty Ltd
  2. ^ Dennis et al 2008, p. 502.

References edit

  • Dennis, Peter; et al. (2008). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (Second ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press Australia & New Zealand. ISBN 978-0-19-551784-2.