EMER-K1

Prototype Myanma bullpup assault rifle
EMER-K1
Type
  • Bullpup assault rifle
  • Bullpup light machine gun
Place of originMyanmar
Service history
In service1998-?
Used byTatmadaw (primary user)
Production history
DesignerElectrical Mechanical and Engineering Corps (EMEC)
Designed1995
ManufacturerElectrical Mechanical and Engineering Corps (EMEC)
Produced1995
No. builtPreproduction prototypes only
Specifications
Mass
  • 4 kg (8.8 lb) (no magazine, assault rifle)[1]
  • 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) (light machine gun)[2]
Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, closed bolt
Rate of fire650 rounds/minute[1]
Effective firing range400 m (440 yd)[1]
Feed system30-round detachable STANAG box magazine
SightsPost front sight and adjustable rear sights

The EMER K-1,[3] sometimes known as the EMER K1[4] or EMERK-1,[1] was a prototype bullpup assault rifle made in Myanmar by the Electrical Mechanical and Engineering Corps (EMEC).[5] Reverse engineered in 1995 from the Chinese QBZ-97 assault rifle, the EMER K-1 was prone to stoppage.

History

The EMER K-1's development started after Ng Chung-Keung, a subsidiary of Chinese defense contractor Norinco, exported a batch of QBZ-97 assault rifles to Myanmar.[6][7] Norinco decided not to export any more QBZ-97s due to arms sanctions placed on the country.[2] Myanmar, in response, refused to return them and subsequently were used as the basis for reverse engineering studies.[8]

It was designed by EMEC engineers in 1995 with a batch of 15-16 firearms made for testing and evaluation.[9][1]

Some EMER-K1s were issued to elite Myanmar troops on guard duty at the Yadana gas field, according to Yangon-based diplomats in 1998.[1][2]

The EMER-K1 was not adopted by the Tatmadaw due to various problems on reliability and multiple incidents of stoppages and gun jams.[2] The QBZ-97 was reexamined in order to reverse engineer it once again.[10] This time, the decision was made to use the QBZ-97 as the basis for the MA-1 MK III assault rifle family.[10]

Design

Reports suggested that the development of the EMER-K1 was made possible due to technical assistance from Singapore,[9] in violation of United Nations arms sanctions.[2] This was also made possible due to machinery allegedly supplied by Singapore.[2]

Construction of the EMER-K1s were done via stamping with all-metal bodies.[1][11] The design was based on other assault rifles like the SAR21, SA80, M16, IMI Tavor and the Steyr AUG.[2]

The EMER-K1's flash hider, carry handle, magazine housing, bayonet stud, sling swivels and flip aperture sights are based on the M16 series.[9] The pistol grip, trigger, trigger guard, stock and vent holes are based on the SA80 series.[9]

The rifle’s action appears to be based on the QBZ-95's gas piston.[9] The fire selector has three settings and is positioned on the left side behind the magazine well with the charging handle position on the right side.[2]

Variants

EMER-K1 Assault Rifle

The basic version of the EMER-K1.[9] It, like the LMG version, are 832mm in length with effective range and firing rate as 400m and 650 rounds per minute.[12] Its weight is 4 kg.

EMER-K1 LMG

An LMG version of the EMER-K1.[9] The barrel appears to be an AKM-based muzzle-climb compensator while having a different handguard.[13] It is 500g heavier at 4.5kg with no magazine.[12]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Burma Making Small Arms". The Irrawaddy. August 1998. Archived from the original on 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2018-08-07.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Johnson & Nelson (2016), p. 218.
  3. ^ "无托步枪真香？缅甸山寨97式大批量装备部队，亚洲两国帮了大忙" (in Chinese). 2020-12-22.
  4. ^ Thompson (2019), p. 43.
  5. ^ Remigiusz, Wilk (2010), "Infantry Weapons: The Future Beckons for Asia", Asia Military Review, vol. 18, no. 2, p. 15
  6. ^ "China Exports Its Radical New Assault Rifle". Strategy Page. 17 May 2016. Archived from the original on 2018-07-30. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  7. ^ "菲军警接装中国97式步枪 逐渐取代美制枪械" (in Chinese). B Time. 2017-06-04. Archived from the original on 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2018-08-06.
  8. ^ "China's Assault Rifle: QBZ95". 2017-11-15. Archived from the original on 2018-01-15. Retrieved 2018-08-07.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g V. Kenneth (2012-06-08). "Burmese Small Arms Development". smallarmsreview.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-15. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  10. ^ a b "这不是97式 缅甸自制无托步枪的发展" (in Chinese). B Time. 2018-03-26. Archived from the original on 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2018-08-06.
  11. ^ "Transforming the Tatmadaw: The Burmese Armed Forces since 1988" (PDF). Canberra, Australia: Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies. 1996. p. 34. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-08-07. Retrieved 2018-08-07.
  12. ^ a b Bruce Hawke (1998-07-22). "MYANMAR MAKING SMALL ARMS IN IMPORTED FACTORY". Jane's Defense Weekly.
  13. ^ Johnson & Nelson (2016), p. 219.

Bibliography

  • Johnson, Gary Paul; Nelson, Thomas B. (2016-12-15). The World's Assault Rifles. Ironside International Publishers. ISBN 9781619846012.
  • Thompson, Leroy (2019-05-30). The G3 Battle Rifle. Weapon 68. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 9781472828620.
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