Overall, the PAW-20 functions essentially as a conventional assault weapon. An integrated sight allows for precision firing at range while the firing operation itself revolves around a tried and true gas-operated system with a rotating bolt. This follows in line with many of the popular assault rifles today. The firing action is semi-automatic in nature, requiring a trigger pull for each round fired. While the base design of the PAW-20 might seem limiting to left-handed shooters, the weapon can be fired from the left shoulder - though with the right hand remaining as primary and the left hand used as forward support. The PAW-20 is, therefore, not a truly ambidextrous weapon in that respect but not entirely restricted to right-handed shooters.
The heart and soul of the PAW-20 system is undoubtedly its collection of 20x42mm point-detonating projectiles (these developed by the Denel PMP division). There are four different basic types of cartridges available and these include HEI (High-Explosive, Incendiary), SAPHE (Semi-Armor Piercing, High-Explosive), APC (Armor-Piercing, Capped) and Practice (PRAC) rounds. Each bears a distinct design and finish color to visually distinguish them from one another. The HEI projectile features a brass-colored snub-nose cap with a yellow body containing a red band. The SAPHEI is similar though completed with a more conical nose cap that sports a black finish. The APG round is all-black with a decidedly pointed tip. The Practice round features a blunt nose cap and is colored light blue for quick identification.
The 20mm shell has proven to cut clean through wood and steel surfaces with relative ease, broadening the tactical applications of the weapon significantly. This allows the PAW-20 operator the capability to counter threats posed from entrenched enemy infantry, "technicals" and lightly-armored vehicles. Denel markets the use of these 20mm grenades as a sound choice over that of the more popular 40mm types. The 20mm flies along a straighter trajectory with increased accuracy at range and weighs a fraction of the 40mm - three 20mm projectiles can be carried for each 40mm type. Reloading is also quickened by the use of a smaller cartridge (particularly when set in magazine form) while ranges are further increased. With that said, 40mm grenade launchers are typically fielded as secondary weapons alongside primary assault weapons such as the M16 rifle. The PAW-20, however, is regarded as a standalone weapon intended to be the primary option for a dedicated infantryman trained in its use. A PAW-20 soldier would then have the capability to carry as many as 60 to 80 grenades into combat to which, when considering that the suppression effects of a grenade over that of a bullet, certainly hold an advantage. Each 20mm cartridge also operates with an inherent "burst effect" that is not range-dependent - a target at 20 yards away is just as susceptible to carnage as a target at 40 yards with no adjustment being necessary on the part of the firer. Unlike conventional bullet cartridges, a grenade can cause damage to a target or target area even with a near miss thanks to its explosive nature. The PAW-20 can, therefore, be used as a point target weapon, a suppression effect weapon and an area saturation weapon as needed, this across natural terrains as well as urban settings. Denel marketing material also hints at the prospects of the PAW-20 as a "less than lethal" anti-riot weapon firing applicable rounds. This can serve well in peacekeeping and security endeavors.
As it stands, the PAW-20 is termed in "advanced development" and has yet to be adopted by any one national army. Its protracted development and extremely dedicated battlefield role - not to mention expected costs per unit - may perhaps damage its overall reach on the lucrative military market. However, the weapon does fill a noticeable void as a very unique and impressive combat weapon system that seems to be truly lacking on the modern battlefield.
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