Vektor R4

R4 rifle
TypeAssault rifle
Place of originSouth Africa
Service history
In service1980–present[1][2]
Used bySee Users
WarsInsurgency in Cabo Delgado Banjska attack[5]
Production history
DesignerYisrael Galili of Israel Military Industries[2][a]
DesignedLate 1970's early 1980's[2]
ManufacturerLyttelton Engineering Works, now Denel Land Systems
No. built420,000[6]
VariantsR5, R6, LM4, LM5, LM6
Specifications
Mass4.3 kg (9.48 lb)[7]
Length877 mm (34.5 in) with stock extended[7]
Barrel length460 mm (18 in)[7]

Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO[7]
ActionGas-operated (rotating bolt)[7]
Rate of fire600-750 rounds/min[7]
Muzzle velocity980 m/s (3,200 ft/s)[7]
Effective firing range500 m (550 yd)[7]
Feed system35-round detachable magazine[7]
SightsFlip up aperture rear sight graduated for 300 and 500 meters[7]

The Vektor R4 is a South African 5.56×45mm assault rifle.[8] It entered service as the standard service rifle of the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1980.[1] In South African service, the R4 replaced the R1, a variant of the 7.62×51mm FN FAL.[7] It was produced by Lyttelton Engineering Works (LIW, "Lyttelton Ingenieurswerke"), now Denel Land Systems.[7]

The weapon is a licensed variant of the IMI Galil assault rifle[9][10] with several modifications; both the stock and magazine are now made of a high-strength polymer and the stock was lengthened, adapting the weapon for the average South African soldier.[9] Other detailed differences include the R4's lack of a carry handle and a number of modifications made to its internal operating mechanism.[8]

  1. ^ a b Dr. David Westwood (2005). Rifles: an illustrated history of their impact. ABC-CLIO. p. 392. ISBN 1-85109-401-6.
  2. ^ a b c Jonh Walter (2006). Rifles of the World. Krause Publications. pp. 139–141. ISBN 0-89689-241-7.
  3. ^ Small Arms Survey 2003, p. 267.
  4. ^ Final report of the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic extended pursuant to Security Council resolution 2262 (2016) (PDF). 5 December 2016. pp. 32&48.
  5. ^ @war_noir (25 September 2023). "More photos of the captured weapons in #Zvečan (#Mitrovica)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 26 September 2023 – via Twitter.
  6. ^ Engelbrect, Leon (24 September 2010). "Denel Showcases a 21st Century R4 Assault Rifle at AAD". Defence Web. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Gander, Terry (1997). Jane's Infantry Weapons, 1997-98. Surrey: Jane's Information Group. pp. 173–174. ISBN 0-7106-1548-5.
  8. ^ a b Tilstra, Russell (2011). Small Arms For Urban Combat. Jefferson: McFarland Press. pp. 77–78. ISBN 978-0786465231.
  9. ^ a b Woźniak, Ryszard. Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej – tom 4 R-Z. Bellona. 2002. pp9–10.
  10. ^ John Walter (2006). Rifles of the World. Krause Publications. p. 141. ISBN 0-89689-241-7.


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