Steyr IWS 2000

History of the Steyr IWS 2000

The Steyr IWS 2000 (IWS = Infantry Weapon System 2000) was a proposed anti-material rifle, developed by Austrian Steyr Mannlicher in the 1980s. The system is unique in design, applying various "non-rifle" elements to its function and action. The ISW 2000 is designed on the principles of shotguns and field artillery to provide the recoil damping characteristics needed to fire such large rounds.

While the IWS 2000 was loaded for a unique 15.2x169mm fin-stabilized cartridge, it was further developed into the AMR 5075 (AMR = "Anti-Material Rifle") variant, which was loaded with an off-the-shelf 14.5mm cartridge. Currently (2012) the IWS2000 and AMR 5075 are not in mass production and are more or less "in development".

The external configuration of the IWS 2000 includes a large shoulder rest with closed grip and trigger unit. The adjustable bracket is mounted under the stock and is managed by turning a knob on the back. The weapon's receiver is mostly tubular, supported by a foldable bipod assembly. As usual, the 10x optics are mounted on top of the weapon.

The detachable barrel protrudes forward and is closed by a muzzle brake with multiple flaps. The barrel is also housed in an anti-recoil sleeve to counter the violent recoil effect inherent in firing such a large caliber cartridge. The total weight is 40 lbs and the barrel length is 71 inches (47 inches barrel).

The weapon is fired from a 5-round detachable magazine via a long recoil/swivel bolt breech. Long recoil is similar to a modern shotgun, a proven recoil absorber. Effective range is within 1,000 yards, with a maximum listed range of 2,700 yards.

The magazine is inserted into the chute on the right side of the gun body. Interestingly, the IWS 2000 uses a smoothbore barrel rather than the rifled design common to all firearms classified as "rifle".

While not mass-produced, data collected during the development of these two rifles may influence future Steyr Mannlicher projects.

Specification

Fundamentals

Years of Service

1999

Origins

Austria

Categories

Anti-Material Rifle (AMR)

Manufacturer

Steyr Mannlicher - Austria

Operator

Austria

ROLLING

Anti-Tank/Anti-Tank/Anti-Material

Designed to engage at long range and defeat armored/enemy tanks.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,800 mm

70. 87 inches

Run Length

1,200 mm

47. 24 inches

Cured weight

39.68 lbs

18.00 kg

Attractions

10 x range

Action

Long recoil pivot bolt; semi-automatic

Semi-automatic

One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

15. 2mm APFSDS

Circle/Feed

Detachable 5-round box magazine

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

3,280 feet

(1,000m | 1,093m)

Mile speed

4,757 ft/s

(1,450m/s)

VARIANTS

IWS 2000 "Infantry Weapons System" - Original Development; Holds 15. 2x169mm Cartridges; Trapless Layout; Standard 10 x Telescopic Sight Standard; Bipod and Adjustable Monopod shelf. AMR 5075 "Anti-Material Rifle" variant; holds 14.5mm cartridges.