Engineering:5.56×30mm MINSAS

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Short description: Indian personal defense weapon round
5.56×30mm MINSAS
TypePersonal defense weapon
Place of originIndia
Service history
Used byIndian Armed Forces
Production history
Designed2011
ManufacturerAmmunition Factory Khadki[1]
Specifications
Bullet diameter5.56 mm (0.218 in)
Case length30 mm (1.181 in)
Overall length42 mm (1.654 in)
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy
2.6 g (40 gr) 650 m/s (2,100 ft/s) 550 J (410 ft⋅lbf)
Test barrel length: 300mm
Source(s): [2][3]

The 5.56×30mm MINSAS is a firearm cartridge manufactured by India's Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for close-quarters combat use. It has an effective range of 300 metres (980 ft) and good penetration against body armor.[2] OFB claims it exhibits penetration superior to 9mm.[4]

The MINSAS is being manufactured at Ammunition Factory Khadki in Pune.[5]

Development

The first reports of the MINSAS being developed was from 2009 when the MSMC was announced to be in development.[6] DRDO reported that the MINSAS can penetrate both soft body armor and 3.5 mm MS plates at 100 meters.[3]

It was known as the 5.56x30mm INSAS, named after the planned INSAS carbine.[7]

Design

The 5.56×30mm MINSAS round has a total length of 42mm and a total weight of 6g.[8] The bullet length is at 17mm and the weight at 2.6g.[8]

It has a range up to 200 meters.[3] The catridge has a muzzle velocity reportedly close to 900 m/s (2,950 ft/s), with a projectile of approximately 2.6 grams (40 grains).[9]

Types

The MINSAS is available in Ball, Drill, Proof and Blank-type rounds.[3]

Platforms

Name Country Type Note
Modern Sub Machine Carbine India Submachine Gun [10][11]
Amogh carbine India Carbine [12]
Zittara India (Based on Tavor from Israel) Carbine [13][14]

See also

  • Colt MARS - PDW concept from the 1990s with a similar cartridge
  • .221 Remington Fireball - similar cartridge

References

  1. "Indigenous carbine passes final user trials: Ordnance Factory Board". 16 December 2020. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indigenous-carbine-passes-final-user-trials-ordnance-factory-board/story-AybXhL52kCkDWOlKA9Go6N.html. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 Max Popenker. "Modern Sub Machine Carbine / MSMC submachine gun (India)". World Guns. http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg142-e.htm. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Oct_2021.pdf
  4. "Indian MSMC carbine". http://www.firearmsworld.net/india/msmc/msmc.htm. 
  5. "Indian Army to get 'Made in India' carbines designed by DRDO". https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indian-army-to-get-made-in-india-carbines-designed-by-drdo/2147446/. 
  6. "India's new Modern Submachine Carbine (MSMC) and 5.56x30mm Ammunition -". 31 August 2009. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/08/31/indias-new-modern-submachine-carbine-msmc-and-5-56x30mm-ammunition/. 
  7. https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2009/08/new-5-56x30mm-cartridge-from-india/
  8. 8.0 8.1 http://pewpewpew.work/india/msmc/msmc.htm
  9. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/10/31/indian-pdws-amoghminsas-carbine-insas-never-grew/
  10. https://www.ssbcrack.com/2016/06/14-weapon-systems-that-prove-indian-military-is-modernizing.html
  11. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/drdos-new-carbine-clears-armys-final-trials-ready-for-use-7119746/
  12. "Ordnance Factory Board". https://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_31.htm. 
  13. https://www.strategicfront.org/israeli-assault-rifles-journey-prospects-india/
  14. https://defense-update.com/20060816_defexpo06-asymmetiric.html