The P11 is an underwater pistol manufactured by Heckler & Koch. Rather than firing a conventional bullet, the weapon fires a steel dart from one of five barrels.
Design Details[]
The P11 is manufactured with five barrels, each loaded with one dart. This design is commonly referred to as a pepper-box design, but the method in which it is loaded remains unknown to most users. This required the barrel unit to be sent back to Heckler & Koch each time it needs to be reloaded.
The P11 is fitted with an electronic firing system, designed to ignite the rocket-fuel-powered dart. This system is powered by a battery pack, located in the grip. This system must remain water tight or the P11 would not fire, which is another clue as to why H&K specify that the gun is to be sent back to them to be reloaded.
Ammunition[]
The P11 fires a 100mm (3.9in) steel dart. This dart is often referred to as a rocket, due to the fact that it is fueled by rocket fuel with fins reminiscent to those found on a rocket. The use of a dart is designed to be more accurate than a conventional bullet.
Usage[]
The P11 is used by several nations for their special forces as well as the Navy forces. Notable users of the weapon include Germany (with the German Commando Frogmen), United Kingdom (Special Boat Service) and the United States (U.S. Special Operations). Previously, H&K had been reluctant to acknowledge the existence of the P11, as they had designed the Mk I Underwater Defence Gun in the past.
See Also[]
- SPP-1 Underwater Pistol, similar underwater pistol of Soviet origin.