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The EMER K-1,[3] sometimes known as the EMER K1[4] or EMERK-1,[1] was a prototype bullpup assault rifle made in Myanmar by the Electrical Mechanical and Engineering Corps (EMEC).[5] Reverse engineered in 1995 from the Chinese QBZ-97 assault rifle, the EMER K-1 was prone to stoppage.
| EMER-K1 | |
|---|---|
| Type |
|
| Place of origin | Myanmar |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1998-? |
| Used by | Tatmadaw (primary user) |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Electrical Mechanical and Engineering Corps (EMEC) |
| Designed | 1995 |
| Manufacturer | Electrical Mechanical and Engineering Corps (EMEC) |
| Produced | 1995 |
| No. built | Preproduction prototypes only |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, closed bolt |
| Rate of fire | 650 rounds/minute[1] |
| Effective firing range | 400 m (440 yd)[1] |
| Feed system | 30-round detachable STANAG box magazine |
| Sights | Post front sight and adjustable rear sights |
History
The EMER K-1's development started after Ng Chung-Keung, a subsidiary of Chinese defense contractor Norinco, exported a batch of QBZ-97 assault rifles to Myanmar.[6][7] Norinco decided not to export any more QBZ-97s due to arms sanctions placed on the country.[2] Myanmar, in response, refused to return them and subsequently were used as the basis for reverse engineering studies.[8]
It was designed by EMEC engineers in 1995 with a batch of 15-16 firearms made for testing and evaluation.[9][1]
Some EMER-K1s were issued to elite Myanmar troops on guard duty at the Yadana gas field, according to Yangon-based diplomats in 1998.[1][2]
The EMER-K1 was not adopted by the Tatmadaw due to various problems on reliability and multiple incidents of stoppages and gun jams.[2] The QBZ-97 was reexamined in order to reverse engineer it once again.[10] This time, the decision was made to use the QBZ-97 as the basis for the MA-1 MK III assault rifle family.[10]
Design
Reports suggested that the development of the EMER-K1 was made possible due to technical assistance from Singapore,[9] in violation of United Nations arms sanctions.[2] This was also made possible due to machinery allegedly supplied by Singapore.[2]
Construction of the EMER-K1s were done via stamping with all-metal bodies.[1][11] The design was based on other assault rifles like the SAR21, SA80, M16, IMI Tavor and the Steyr AUG.[2]
The EMER-K1's flash hider, carry handle, magazine housing, bayonet stud, sling swivels and flip aperture sights are based on the M16 series.[9] The pistol grip, trigger, trigger guard, stock and vent holes are based on the SA80 series.[9]
The rifle’s action appears to be based on the QBZ-95's gas piston.[9] The fire selector has three settings and is positioned on the left side behind the magazine well with the charging handle position on the right side.[2]
Variants
EMER-K1 Assault Rifle
The basic version of the EMER-K1.[9] It, like the LMG version, are 832mm in length with effective range and firing rate as 400m and 650 rounds per minute.[12] Its weight is 4 kg.
EMER-K1 LMG
An LMG version of the EMER-K1.[9] The barrel appears to be an AKM-based muzzle-climb compensator while having a different handguard.[13] It is 500g heavier at 4.5kg with no magazine.[12]
References
Bibliography
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