ST Kinetics (CIS) SR-88

History of ST Kinetics (CIS) SR-88

Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS - now known as ST Kinetics) developed the SAR-80 assault rifle based on the manufacturing experience of the US AR-15 and M-16 rifle systems. However, fewer than 20,000 were produced, proving the effort somewhat disappointing.

CIS then developed a new indigenous automatic assault weapon from 1978 with many improvements over their first attempt, becoming the SR-88 series in 1988 (hence the "Singapore Rifle 88") . Production time span from 1988 to 2000.

The SR-88 owes much of its design to the previous SAR-80 series, and of course retains much of its form and function. The SR-88 is a pneumatic weapon with the cylinder mounted above the barrel in the traditional way.

The firing action further relies on an internal rotating bolt system and the weapon is fed from a standard 30-round STANAG-style curved detachable magazine. Of course, the gun is mounted for the standard NATO 5.56x45 cartridge - the same as the M16.

Iron sights are mounted on the rear of the receiver and above the barrel on the gas cylinder cap. The barrel extends forward of the cylinder head and houses a slotted flash suppressor. Construction includes better quality plastic pistol grips, shoulder rests and handguards, as well as aluminum and steel along the receiver. The cylinder and piston system are chrome-lined for durability.

The barrel can also fire rifle grenades on demand if the cylinders are properly managed, and the handguard is designed to accept the US M203 breech-loaded single-shot 40mm grenade launcher without over-modification. Overall length is 36 inches and weight is 8.11 lbs. The barrel is 18 inches long. A fire selector allows burst and fully automatic fire when needed. Foldable carry handle for easy transport.

The stock of the base rifle is sturdy and sturdy. This version was produced from 1988 to 1995.

An improved version was introduced in 1990, codenamed SR-88A. Introduced new handguards, as well as a new fiberglass/nylon tubular skeleton stock. Upgrade quality again for harsh military abuse. The receiver is made of cast aluminum, while the chamber is still 5.56x45mm NATO. The chrome plating is preserved throughout the operation of the gas system.

Added luminous night vision goggles and optical bracket. Installation of 40mm M203 is still supported. There is also an optional folding shoulder rest, the unit is adjustable and removable, the latter for a more compact approach (from 38" length to 29.37"). The SR-88A was in production until 2000.

CIS also introduced a new SR-88A in the form of an 8.16lb carbine, which is essentially a full-size weapon with a shorter barrel, shorter handguards and foldable shoulder straps. Overall, however, the SR-88A's inherent characteristics remain under control.

With its compact qualities, the SR-88A carbine was issued to paratroopers and the like - those who prefer a more compact weapon.

Outside of the Singapore Armed Forces, the SR-88 ended up being used only by the Slovenian army.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes