ZVI Falcon
The ZVI Falcon is a Czech 12.7 mm caliber bolt-action bullpup anti-materiel rifle developed by Zbrojovka Vsetín Inc. (now ZVI Inc.). The rifle is intended for ground troops and special forces for operations against distant targets up to 1,600 metres (1,700 yd) away, such as armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) or technical equipment.[2]
| Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-materiel rifle |
| Place of origin | Czech Republic |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1998[1]–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | See Conflicts |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | ZVI Inc. (formerly Zbrojovka Vsetín Inc.) |
| Variants | OP96 OP99 |
| Specifications (OP99) | |
| Mass | 12.2 kg (27 lb) (single-shot) 12.9 kg (28 lb) (with magazine) |
| Length | 1,260 mm (50 in) |
| Barrel length | 839 mm (33 in) |
| Cartridge | .50 BMG (OP99) 12.7×108mm (OP96) |
| Action | Mauser bolt action |
| Muzzle velocity | 825–925 m/s (2,710–3,030 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 1,600 m (1,700 yd) (day) 800 m (870 yd) (night) |
| Feed system | 2-round fixed box magazine |
| Sights | ZD 10×50 telescopic sight ZN 6× passive night vision sight Backup iron sights |
Design and features
The Falcon is a bullpup bolt-action rifle with a Mauser locking system and fixed 2-round box magazine. It features a magazine cut-off, necessitating a new cartridge must be manually loaded into the chamber after each shot when it is engaged. The bolt has two locking lugs.
Mounted about halfway along the Falcon are a collapsible bipod and a carrying handle. It also features a muzzle brake to dampen recoil; ZVI states that the muzzle brake reduces recoil by 75 percent. A bayonet mount was planned, but was not included on production versions.[3]
The Falcon features a sight rail to mount the Meopta ZD 10×50 telescopic sight for daylight engagements and the Meopta ZN 6× passive night vision sight for nighttime use. A protective cover is available to protect the scope from damage. The rifle also has backup iron sights for emergency use if the scope is damaged.
The Falcon can be stowed in a carrying case for transport, and a special backpack is available for use by airborne forces.
Conflicts
The Falcon was used in the War in Afghanistan[citation needed]. It is also used by Armed Forces of Ukraine during 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[4]
Users
- Czech Republic[5]
- Georgia[6]
- North Macedonia
- Slovakia[citation needed]
- Ukraine 19 gifted from Czech Republic, sent as part of a military package in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[7]
See also
References
- ^ Lauber, Milan (2007). Ruční Zbraně AČR (PDF). Ministerstvo obrany České republiky – AVIS, 2007. pp. 66–69. ISBN 978-80-7278-388-5. Retrieved September 16, 2012.
- ^ "ZVI – Products – Sniper Rifle Falcon". ZVI Inc. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
- ^ "ZVI Falcon OP 96 / OP 99". Small Arms Review. Retrieved October 8, 2017.
- ^ "Ukrainian servicemen received Czech Falcon rifles". Militarnyi. Retrieved 2022-09-20.
- ^ "Odstřelovací puška Falcon". www.acr.army.cz. Armáda ČR. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
- ^ "Сухопутные Силы | VK". vk.com.
- ^ "První česká vojenská pomoc Ukrajině..." [The first Czech military aid to Ukraine...] (in Czech). armadnizpravodaj.cz. 1 March 2022.