PAPOP
| Poly-Arme Polyprojectile | |
|---|---|
 PAPOP-1 (top) and 2 (bottom) | |
| Type | Bullpupassault riflewithGrenade launcher |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | Prototype |
| Production history | |
| Designer | GIAT |
| Designed | July 1995[1] |
| Manufacturer | GIAT |
| Unit cost | 3000Euros[2] |
| Produced | Cancelled |
| Variants | PAPOP 1 PAPOP 2 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.5 kg unloaded[2] 7 kg with ammunition |
| Length | 830 mm (33 in) |
| Width | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Height | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO 35mm grenade |
| Cartridgeweight | 12.31 g (190.0 gr) 200 g (3,100 gr)[3] |
| Caliber | 5.56 mm (0.219 in) 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Barrels | 2 |
| Action | Selective fire(rifle) Semi-automatic(grenade launcher) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,500 m/s (4,900 ft/s) (rifle) 1,650 m/s (5,400 ft/s) (grenade launcher) |
| Effective firing range | 600 meters |
| Feed system | 25-round detachable box magazine (both versions) 3-round tubular magazine (PAPOP 1 grenade launcher)[3] 2-round tubular magazine (PAPOP 2 grenade launcher)[4] |
| Sights | Gun camera[4] |
| Filling | High-Explosive Fragmentation |
| Filling weight | 43 g (1.5 oz)[3] |
Detonation mechanism | Time fuze,Contact fuze |
ThePAPOP(PolyArmePOlyProjectiles, "multi-projectile multi-weapon" ) was a French project to construct a computerized infantry weapon for theFÉLINsystem, capable of hitting hidden or protected targets. It would have combined a 35 mm grenade launcher with a5.56×45mm NATOassault rifle, both in abullpupconfiguration, complete with targeting aids and an unorthodox sight.
History[edit]
Development of the PAPOP began in July 1995. The project aimed to provide a replacement for theFAMASthen in service with theFrench Armyby the year 2010.[1]It was envisioned as a versatile weapon capable of engaging enemy infantry, even protected, with a range of up to 600 metres.[4]
An industrial partnership was set up to answer the request,GIATbeing the main contractor. The subsystems were designed byFN Herstal(for the assault rifle),Sfim ODS(targeting system),EuroimpactandLacroix(grenades).[3]
Phase 1[edit]
A first prototype was proposed with 3 grenades in an internal tubular magazine. The prototype was deemed too heavy (8 kg) and bulky to be acceptable, which led to the design of a second prototype.[4]
Phase 2[edit]
The second prototype aimed at correcting the issues of the first one, reducing the weight to 6 kg and making the whole system more compact. A particular emphasis was put on usability in urban warfare.
The PAPOP-2 carries 25 5.56 mm cartridges and only two grenades, though a platoon-level configuration allows carrying 5 grenades, at the expense of the weight which then rises to 10 kg.[4]
-
PAPOP 1 -
PAPOP 2. The silhouette of the first prototype is shown for comparison
Systems[edit]
2. Grenade launcher
3. Orientable screen
4. Camera
5. Laser designator and telemeter
6. Batteries and computer
7. Weapon selector
Sub-calibre 5.56mm rifle[edit]
The rifle fires sub-calibre ammunition with a 5.56 NATO round, which has a muzzle velocity of 1600 metres per second, along with the capability of shooting up to range of 600m. The new ammunition offers an enhanced range, and increases the penetrability enough to defeat individual armour of thePASGTtype even at great distance.[4]
Grenade launcher[edit]
The second tube is a semi-automatic 35 mm grenade launcher with programmableairburstshells. A large selector switches from rifle to grenade.
Three grenades are carried in a tubular magazine. They can be programmed to explode near the target, with two selectable yields; pre-cut fragments can be projected either towards the front, the side or the rear of the projectile, depending on how the charge is activated, which are lethal in a 5-metre radius.[3]The 35 mm calibre was selected as to offer capabilities to penetrate flak vests.[4]
Electronic systems[edit]
A camera is fitted in the nose of the weapon, under the rifle muzzle. Batteries and the on-board computer are located in the stock. A rotating LCD screen on the top of the weapon displays information, allowing aiming the PAPOP from behind cover and around corners.[3][4]
The targeting system includes night vision, a laser telemeter, and anIFF[5]and a targeting computer which also programmes the grenades prior to launch.
TheFÉLINconcept requires that data from the weapon could be shared with the other electronic component of the soldier, and transmitted across the battlefield to command posts or information centres. The PAPOP is thus a component of a larger integrated system, usable for reconnaissance or target designation.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ab"France Launches AIF Weapon Program".Jane's International Defence Review.Coulsdon, Surrey, UK:Janes Information Services.1 December 1995.ISSN0020-6512.OCLC1043995674.Archived fromthe originalon 1 July 2009.Retrieved11 September2022.
- ^ab"Giat PolyArme POlyProjectiles (PAPOP)".Archived fromthe originalon 25 May 2009.Retrieved11 September2022.
- ^abcdefGander, Terry J.; Cutshaw, Charles Q. (1 April 1998)."PAPOP".Janes Infantry Weapons(24 ed.). Coulsdon, Surrey, UK:Janes Information Services.ISBN978-0710617972.ISSN0306-3410.OCLC39803144.Archived fromthe originalon 3 March 2000.Retrieved11 September2022.
- ^abcdefghCastro, Fábio (2003)."AIF - PAPOP".Sistemas de Armas(in Portuguese).Archivedfrom the original on 24 May 2006.Retrieved11 September2022.
- ^ab"Trends in Small Arms and Light Weapons Development: Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Dimensions".Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.Archived fromthe originalon 13 August 2012.Retrieved11 September2022.
