The Base NTW-20
The 20x82mm model represents the base NTW-20 variant. Aside from the same bolt-action system and a similar 3-round detachable box magazine as found on the NTW-14.5, the 20x82mm model features an overall length of 70.7 inches (1,795mm) with a 39 inch (560mm) fluted barrel. Muzzle velocity is rated at 2,400 feet per second with muzzle energy coming in at about 28,500J. Range is out to 1,500 meters (1,600 yards). 20x82mm ammunition types available include a PRACTICE round, a High-Explosive Incendiary (HEI) round (with or without a tracer) and a Semi-Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) round (also with or without a tracer). The NTW-20 features a circular muzzle brake. Sighting is acquired through a telescopic attachment atop the receiver.
The NTW-14.5
The "lightest" NTW-20 is the 14.5x114mm caliber model (NTW-14.5) which was developed from the base NTW-20. Differences include a folding handle located under the butt, doubling as an adjustable monopod and a simpler barrel removal process. The NTW-14.5 is identified by her longer barrel, which the 14.5 caliber Russian cartridge makes necessary. Another differentiating feature becomes the rectangular muzzle brake. She feeds from a three-round detachable box magazine fitted to the left side of the receiver with the action accomplished by way of the manual bolt-action lever. She weighs in (unloaded) at 64lbs and sports an overall length of 79.3 inches (2,015mm). Her free-floating smooth barrel (not fluted as in the NTW-20) is rifled and measures in at 48 inches in length. Muzzle velocity is rated at about 3,500 feet per second with muzzle energy reportedly 30,675J. Range is out to 2,400 meters (2,600 yards). The 14.5x114mm ammunition consists of the Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) round with or without a tracer. Sighting is acquired through a telescopic attachment atop the receiver.
The NTW-20x110mm
The 20x110mm caliber (NTW-20x110mm) is more of a different beast than the two comparable NTW-20 and NTW-14.5 models. She provides heavy-duty firepower against targets at distance where the indirect fire of a mortar or grenade launcher cannot offer the needed accuracy. The 20x110mm model uses the same manual bolt-action and a similar three-round box magazine but, when empty, weighs in at 69lbs. She sports an overall length comparable to the 20x82mm model (including the length of the barrel) and her muzzle velocity is between the 14.5x114mm and 20x82mm models at 2,700 feet per second. Her muzzle energy, however, is the greatest at approximately 37,000J. The massive amount of recoil is managed through an efficient muzzle brake as well as a double-acting hydraulic damper and spring buffer. Additional recoil is absorbed through the free-floating 39-inch barrel design. Her range is also intermediate when compared against the other two variants, this measuring out to 1,800 meters (2,000 yards. Sighting is through a 250mm Long Eye Relief 8x56 Lynx Telescopic Sight featuring parallax adjustment with a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC). It is of note here that the 20x110mm version is not designed for the same caliber-switching action inherent in the 14.5x114mm and 20x82mm models mentioned earlier. There is an optional vehicle mount for the NTW-20 20x110mm and the weapon is designed for ambidextrous firing.
NTW-20 Service
The NTW-20 family was officially selected for SANDF service in 1998. India is the only other reported operator of the NTW-20 as of this writing.
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