STL-1A

The STL-1A (or also called the STL-A1)[1] rifle is an assault rifle made in Vietnam. It is produced at the Z111 Factory. The rifle is an improved copy of the AKM rifle, but is commonly compared to an AK-103.[2] The rifle is chambered in 7.62x39mm.[2]

STL-1A
TypeAssault rifle
Place of originVietnam
Service history
In service2015-Present
Used byVietnam
Production history
Designed2015
ManufacturerZ111 Factory
Produced2015-Present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass123 kg (271 lb)
Length123 mm (4.8 in)
Barrel length123 mm (4.8 in)
Cartridge7.62×39mm
Caliber7.62
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of firerounds/min
Muzzle velocity123 m/s (400 ft/s)
Effective firing range123 m (135 yd)
Feed system30-round magazines
SightsSTL-1B has picatinny rails for attachment of various scopes

History

It was originally announced in 2015 that the Z111 Factory would begin producing STL-1A rifles[3] in an occasion to celebrate Vietnamese National Day for Vietnamese defense industry accomplishments.[4] As the STL-1A is based on the older AKM rifles, the factory would convert AKMs and its variants into the new STL-1A rifles. The factory also has the ability to produce these new rifles from scratch.

At the Indo Defence Expo 2018 event, a new variant which combined the STL-1A and the Galil ACE was announced under the name GK3.[5]

After several phases of testing, the People's Army of Vietnam has started to equip soldiers with the STL-1A.[2]

Design

Although the rifle itself is a copy of the AKM that highly resembles a Vietnamese version of an AK-103,[2] it's upgraded in many areas such as new polymer handguards, folding stock, a new ergonomic pistol grip and muzzle brake based on the AK-74 with side-mounted rails to attach scopes.[6][2]

A suppressor and an M203 underbarrel grenade launcher can be attached to the STL-1A.[6]

Variants

STL-1B

A version of the STL-1A with picatinny rails.[2]

References
  1. https://anninhthudo.vn/quan-su/viet-nam-tu-san-xuat-mau-sung-truong-ak103/746565.antd
  2. "Vietnam has upgraded Kalashnikov AKM under the name STL-1A". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2019-04-17.
  3. "Lộ diện hai mẫu súng cực lạ do Việt Nam sản xuất". baodatviet.vn. Retrieved 2019-04-17.
  4. https://soha.vn/sung-truong-tan-cong-ket-hop-galil-ace-va-akm-doc-nhat-vo-nhi-cua-viet-nam-20181108095108388.htm
  5. VCCorp.vn. "Súng trường tấn công kết hợp Galil ACE và AKM độc nhất vô nhị của Việt Nam". soha.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  6. https://baomoi.com/sung-truong-tan-cong-cua-viet-nam-bat-ngo-len-bao-nuoc-ngoai/c/27916835.epi
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