DIO KH2002 (Khaybar)

History

In the 1980s, Chinese manufacturer NORINCO (Northern Industries Corporation) started local production of US-made AR-15 based assault rifles in caliber 5.56x45mm NATO and .233 Remington cartridges from a pneumatic rotary bolt Bore firing. Its form and function exactly replicate the original American product.

The weapon was sold to interested parties as "CQ 5.56" and is still in circulation today (2013).

Beginning with CQ, Iranian engineers developed a branch called DIO "S-5.56" ("DIO" = "Defense Industry Organization"), which retained the same caliber and actions - basically a Chinese product Replica - although it combines more local expertise and manufacturing capabilities to promote a self-sufficient Iranian defense complex. DIO S-5.

56 started marketing in 2003. From this, a more aggressive attack weapon design took shape and proved to be more of Iranian origin. Work on this type of design began in 2001 and was tested before being accepted in 2003 and entering mass production as "KH2002" in 2004.

Interestingly, the Iranians chose the "bullpup" route for the new weapon, integrating the magazine advance, firing action and most of the systems into the stock, freeing up the front to showcase the shorter front end, while retaining the use of the full Long rifled barrel. The overall lines of the receiver are clean, as well as a section of side-mounted rails for various accessories.

Above the receiver is a long carry handle that wraps the ambidextrous charge handle and houses the rear iron sight assembly. The gas system is mounted above the barrel, a small section of which protrudes from the front end, with a slotted flash suppressor at the muzzle and a high front iron sight in its center. The trigger assembly and angled pistol grip are placed underneath as usual, although a handguard is one piece and includes a fore grip with ergonomic finger grooves for a secure grip.

The rear end of the gun is large to accommodate most of the internal workings, including the bottom-mounted feed and side-mounted ejection ports. The rear end of the stock is padded to provide some comfort as the weapon is pressed against the shoulder when fired.

Overall, the KH2002 demonstrates cutting-edge design and demonstrates the development of Iran's weapons design capabilities.

The KH2002 retains the 5.56x45mm NATO chamber and twist bolt system gas operation. The chuck uses a STANAG-style magazine with 20 or 30 rounds. The 20-round version is a removable straight box with a 30-round standard M16 curved design die.

The rate of fire is specified at 800 to 850 rounds per minute, and the muzzle velocity is 900 meters per second. The fire selector allows for semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes, as well as a three-shot blast facility.

The effective engagement range is 450 meters, the total weight is 3.7 kg product, and the barrel length is 780 mm. A foldable bipod is optional for continuous fire reels and optics - also optional, it can be mounted on the receiver.

The bolt mechanism also retains the ability to flip to allow left-handed shooting - making the KH2002 a truly ambidextrous product that rivals modern European designs like the British L85 and Austrian Steyr AUG.

KH2002 is currently serving on the front lines of the Iranian Armed Forces, also known as "Khaybar". From the base assault rifle system, the line resulted in a form of assault carbine with a shortened barrel and a specially designated marksman/sniper form with special optics and a longer barrel.

Specification

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