T91 assault rifle
Encyclopedia
The T91 assault rifle is produced by the 205th Armory, Ministry of Defense, Republic of China
(Taiwan). It is based on the proven T86 assault rifle
incorporating features from the M16
and AR-18
rifles with more modern features. The T91 is lighter and shorter than the T65
it replaces and has a 6-position telescopic stock to allow adjustment based on individual requirements.
which had been intended to replace the T65 assault rifle series in ROC military service. Experience on the previous design and feedback from various users were incorporated into the T91. Development was completed in 2002, and volume production commenced in 2003.
assault rifle, giving the operator higher mobility and ease of aiming in confined space.
T91 has a 4-position selector switch: S – safe, 1 – semi-automatic, 3 – three-round burst, and A – automatic. Like the T65K2
, T91 utilizes an M16A2-style front post, rear peephole sight. The rear sight, mounted on the detachable handle, is adjustable for windage and elevation. Operation of the charging handle, magazine release, and bolt release are the same as the M16. One notable difference is that the T91 does not have a forward assist
, and the brass deflector is not as pronounced.
The action of the T91 is based on the T65
series. However, parts are not interchangeable because the bolt lug on the T91 is shorter by 1 mm. T91 also inherits the modularized gas piston system from the T86, allowing easy removal for maintenance without the risk of losing small parts.
The telescopic stock on the T91 was designed based on the experience of military and police personnel with the M4 Carbine. The resulting product has improved recoil transfer and handling qualities. A rubber recoil pad is also added for comfort. The handguards are triangular in shape
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T91 has a 407 mm (16 in) barrel with flash suppressor. Rate of rifling twist is 178 mm (7 in). Due to the use of a shorter barrel, the T91 has 20% more recoil than the T65K2
. Average group size at 175 m (191.4 yd) also increased by 10 mm (0.393700787401575 in). The chamber and bore are chrome-lined and can fire all 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. Standard-issue 30-round magazines for the T91 feature indicator holes for the top 2-15 rounds as well as two protrusions on each side to avoid over-insertion. However, standard STANAG magazines may also be used.
The Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology developed a T91 indoor shooting simulator for infantry marksmanship training. This equipment is capable of simulating various weather, shooting distance, and wind conditions.
Other attachments are red dot sight
s or holographic weapon sight
s similar to EOTech.
ordered 101,162 T91 combat rifles as force-wide replacements of all service rifles, with a delivery schedule from 2004 to 2008. The total budget amount was NT$1,803 million (US$54.6 million), placing the unit price at about NT$17,800 (US$539). As of April 2006, nine ROCA
armored, mechanized infantry, and infantry brigades have fully converted to the T91.
In 2005, ROC Military Police
ordered 12,069 T91 combat rifles to equip garrison units in the Taipei capital region. Delivery would span over the next three years.
Export sales of the T91 to Jordan
and Kuwait
have been officially confirmed. The Jordanian Defense Forces had reportedly conducted comparison tests between several service rifles in a desert environment. The T91 is found to have reliability comparable to the AK-47
, while scoring better than M16
, and it is very dependable in desert conditions.
It is also rumored that Indonesia procured as many as 10,000 T91 combat rifles from Taiwan to equip police and border patrol units.
The UAE is reportedly interested in acquiring T91 rifles after Sheikh Hamid bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a visit to Taiwan, and soon quantity of T91 were supplied to the UAE.
There are rumors that arms dealers had secretly inquired about the possibility of sales to certain militant groups in Southeast Asia, but were reportedly rejected by MND. MND did not confirm nor deny such rumors.
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
(Taiwan). It is based on the proven T86 assault rifle
T86 assault rifle
The T86 assault rifle is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, air-cooled assault rifle. It is the second original rifle design conducted by the 205th Armory of Combined Service Forces, Republic of China...
incorporating features from the M16
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
and AR-18
AR-18
The AR-18 is a gas operated, selective fire assault rifle chambered for 5.56x45mm ammunition. The AR-18 was designed at ArmaLite in California by Arthur Miller, George Sullivan, and Charles Dorchester in 1963 as an improved alternative to the AR-15 design, which had just been selected by the U.S....
rifles with more modern features. The T91 is lighter and shorter than the T65
Type 65 Assault Rifle
The T65 is an assault rifle developed and manufactured by the Combined Service Forces of ROC Army in Taiwan. Originally patterned after the Armalite AR-18 that has the short-stroke gas system, prototype unveiled in 1975 showed a rifle that is externally very-heavily influenced by the M4/M16,...
it replaces and has a 6-position telescopic stock to allow adjustment based on individual requirements.
History
T91 was a further development of the T86 assault rifleT86 assault rifle
The T86 assault rifle is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, air-cooled assault rifle. It is the second original rifle design conducted by the 205th Armory of Combined Service Forces, Republic of China...
which had been intended to replace the T65 assault rifle series in ROC military service. Experience on the previous design and feedback from various users were incorporated into the T91. Development was completed in 2002, and volume production commenced in 2003.
Design
T91 is a gas-operated short-stroke, air-cooled, rotating bolt, magazine- or drum-fed, select-fire, modularized military rifle compatible with various tactical accessories. Similar to its predecessor, T91 is a shorter version of the T65K2Type 65 Assault Rifle
The T65 is an assault rifle developed and manufactured by the Combined Service Forces of ROC Army in Taiwan. Originally patterned after the Armalite AR-18 that has the short-stroke gas system, prototype unveiled in 1975 showed a rifle that is externally very-heavily influenced by the M4/M16,...
assault rifle, giving the operator higher mobility and ease of aiming in confined space.
T91 has a 4-position selector switch: S – safe, 1 – semi-automatic, 3 – three-round burst, and A – automatic. Like the T65K2
Type 65 Assault Rifle
The T65 is an assault rifle developed and manufactured by the Combined Service Forces of ROC Army in Taiwan. Originally patterned after the Armalite AR-18 that has the short-stroke gas system, prototype unveiled in 1975 showed a rifle that is externally very-heavily influenced by the M4/M16,...
, T91 utilizes an M16A2-style front post, rear peephole sight. The rear sight, mounted on the detachable handle, is adjustable for windage and elevation. Operation of the charging handle, magazine release, and bolt release are the same as the M16. One notable difference is that the T91 does not have a forward assist
Forward assist
The forward assist on a rifle is a button found commonly on M16 and AR-15 styled rifles, usually located near the bolt closure, that when hit will push the bolt carrier forward, ensuring that the bolt is locked. In order to ensure that the extractor is clipped around the rim of the shell, the...
, and the brass deflector is not as pronounced.
The action of the T91 is based on the T65
Type 65 Assault Rifle
The T65 is an assault rifle developed and manufactured by the Combined Service Forces of ROC Army in Taiwan. Originally patterned after the Armalite AR-18 that has the short-stroke gas system, prototype unveiled in 1975 showed a rifle that is externally very-heavily influenced by the M4/M16,...
series. However, parts are not interchangeable because the bolt lug on the T91 is shorter by 1 mm. T91 also inherits the modularized gas piston system from the T86, allowing easy removal for maintenance without the risk of losing small parts.
The telescopic stock on the T91 was designed based on the experience of military and police personnel with the M4 Carbine. The resulting product has improved recoil transfer and handling qualities. A rubber recoil pad is also added for comfort. The handguards are triangular in shape
Type 65 Assault Rifle
The T65 is an assault rifle developed and manufactured by the Combined Service Forces of ROC Army in Taiwan. Originally patterned after the Armalite AR-18 that has the short-stroke gas system, prototype unveiled in 1975 showed a rifle that is externally very-heavily influenced by the M4/M16,...
. Average group size at 175 m (191.4 yd) also increased by 10 mm (0.393700787401575 in). The chamber and bore are chrome-lined and can fire all 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. Standard-issue 30-round magazines for the T91 feature indicator holes for the top 2-15 rounds as well as two protrusions on each side to avoid over-insertion. However, standard STANAG magazines may also be used.
Accessories
T91 has a MIL-STD-1913 rail on the top of the receiver, handguard, and the front-sight block. The standard-issue detachable handle may be removed to accommodate a variety of optical sights and scopes. T91 can also be equipped with the T85 40mm grenade launcher to serve as squad-level fire support.The Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology developed a T91 indoor shooting simulator for infantry marksmanship training. This equipment is capable of simulating various weather, shooting distance, and wind conditions.
Other attachments are red dot sight
Red dot sight
A red dot sight is a common classification for a type of non-magnifying reflector sight for firearms that gives the user an aimpoint in the form of an illuminated red dot...
s or holographic weapon sight
Holographic weapon sight
A holographic weapon sight or holographic diffraction sight is a non-magnifying gun sight that allows the user to look through a glass optical window and see a reticle image superimposed at a distance on the field of view...
s similar to EOTech.
Production and Usage
In 2003, the ROC ArmyRepublic of China Army
The ROC Army's current operational strength includes 3 armies, 5 corps. As of 2005, the Army's 35 brigades include 25 infantry brigades, 5 armoured brigades and 3 mechanized infantry brigades...
ordered 101,162 T91 combat rifles as force-wide replacements of all service rifles, with a delivery schedule from 2004 to 2008. The total budget amount was NT$1,803 million (US$54.6 million), placing the unit price at about NT$17,800 (US$539). As of April 2006, nine ROCA
Republic of China Army
The ROC Army's current operational strength includes 3 armies, 5 corps. As of 2005, the Army's 35 brigades include 25 infantry brigades, 5 armoured brigades and 3 mechanized infantry brigades...
armored, mechanized infantry, and infantry brigades have fully converted to the T91.
In 2005, ROC Military Police
Republic of China Military Police
The Republic of China Military Police is a military police body under the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China . Unlike military police in many other countries, ROCMP is a separate branch of the ROC Armed Forces.-Warlords Era:...
ordered 12,069 T91 combat rifles to equip garrison units in the Taipei capital region. Delivery would span over the next three years.
Export sales of the T91 to Jordan
Jordan
Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
and Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
have been officially confirmed. The Jordanian Defense Forces had reportedly conducted comparison tests between several service rifles in a desert environment. The T91 is found to have reliability comparable to the AK-47
AK-47
The AK-47 is a selective-fire, gas-operated 7.62×39mm assault rifle, first developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is officially known as Avtomat Kalashnikova . It is also known as a Kalashnikov, an "AK", or in Russian slang, Kalash.Design work on the AK-47 began in the last year...
, while scoring better than M16
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
, and it is very dependable in desert conditions.
It is also rumored that Indonesia procured as many as 10,000 T91 combat rifles from Taiwan to equip police and border patrol units.
The UAE is reportedly interested in acquiring T91 rifles after Sheikh Hamid bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a visit to Taiwan, and soon quantity of T91 were supplied to the UAE.
Users
- 10,000 riflesThere are rumors that arms dealers had secretly inquired about the possibility of sales to certain militant groups in Southeast Asia, but were reportedly rejected by MND. MND did not confirm nor deny such rumors.