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The PAPOP (PolyArmes POlyProjectiles, meaning "multi-projectile multiple weapon system") is a French modular weapon system.
History[]
The PAPOP project aimed to provide a modular and versatile weapon system by 2010 or 2012 with a range of 600 meters. However, due to various complications, the entire project fell through.
Design Details[]
The PAPOP is a two-in-one weapon system, similar to the Heckler & Koch XM29 and Daewoo K11. The weapon uses a targeting system linked to a camera located at the very front of the weapon under the muzzle, with batteries and an on-board computer system for the weapon located in the stock. A rotating LCD screen on the top of the weapon displays information to the shooter; this allows it to be fired around corners or aimed behind cover. This targeting system includes night vision, a laser telemeter and even an IFF system and targeting computer that programs the grenades before firing; this allows the PAPOP to be a component of a larger integrated system used for reconnaissance or target designation. The weapon can be used with the FÉLIN system.
Much like other similar weapons such as the XM29 and K11, the top barrel was the grenade launcher and the bottom barrel is the rifle. A large selector switch allow the shooter to switch between the rifle or grenade launcher components.
Ammunition[]
The weapon uses proprietary 35mm grenades for its grenade launcher, which are lethal in a five-meter radius, and can offer capabilities to penetrate flak vests. These grenades were programmable "smart grenades" that were capable of being programed into airburst rounds, could use two selectable yields and could have pre-cut fragments be projected towards the front, side or rear of the grenade depending on how the charge is detonated.
The rifle component would be chambered for 5.56mm NATO but fire new proprietary sub-caliber rounds from 5.56mm sabots, reportedly these sub-caliber rounds were claimed to have a muzzle velocity of 1,600 meters per second and capable of a range of 600 meters, capable of defeating PASGT (Personnel Armor System fro Ground Troops) armor at even great distances.[1]
Variants[]
- PAPOP 1 - The original concept; it was deemed too heavy and the PAPOP 2 was designed as a result. It carried 30 rifle rounds in a box magazine and 3 grenades in an internal tube.
- PAPOP 2 - The second concept, aimed at correcting all issues seen on the first, was a much more compact weapon. It carried 25 rifle rounds in a box magazine and 2 grenades in its internal tube for standard load-out but a platoon configuration could allow it to carry 5 grenades at the cost of extra weight.
A prototype consisting of only a grenade launcher was also produced.
External Links[]
Wikipedia article on the Papop
References[]
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