Samsun Yurt Savunma (SYS) is exhibiting the 12.7 mm M2-series heavy machine guns produced under the CANiK brand for the first time at IDEF’21. SYS is offering a Quick-Change Barrel (QCB) version of the M2 to ground forces with a tripod, which can be dismantled into two parts for easy carry. The highly corrosion resistant version of this gun, CANiK M2 QCB-N, is a solution optimized for naval platforms. Among the products and solutions offered by the company for air, platforms are the CANiK M2F with a higher rate of fire, and lighter mounts that have been developed especially for aircraft.
CANiK M2 QCB version of this weapon has now entered mass production, and SYS has carried it ahead of the competition through intensive R&D studies that have doubled the life of the barrel, firing pin and ejector. The weapon also stands out with its accuracy, achieving below 6 MOA with standard ammunition.
When the M2 heavy machine gun is to be used by dismounted ground forces, the weapon is mounted on a tripod. Being produced as a single part item, it is very difficult for a single person to carry this tripod weighing approximately 20 kgs. On the other hand, the carbon fibre light tripod developed specially by SYS and that weighs only 8 kgs can be easily carried by personnel.
Many weapon systems developed for land platforms are also integrated into naval platforms with little to no modification for such reasons as cost-effectivity. The adverse environmental conditions in the sea, like saltwater, can affect the weapons negatively. The special coating technology applied by SYS provides the CANiK M2 QCB-N heavy machine gun with greater corrosion resistance.
SYS, and its weapon integration specialist subsidiary Unidef, have developed lighter mounts for aircraft using different alloys and distinctive design principles. This has resulted in integration solutions that can provide high firepower without the adverse effects of weight, as this is one of the main design constraints for aircraft.
Extended Lifespan through Focused R&D Studies
The extended life of the barrel, firing pin and ejector of the CANiK M2 QCB, distinguish it from its peers, and this life extension is a result of intensive R&D and testing. The company started this journey to produce the world’s best M2 heavy machine gun, under the CANiK brand. Its efforts led to the development of a nonesuch barrel manufacturing technology that is unique around the world. Thanks to these studies, the accuracy of the barrel has been increased to less than 6 MOA.
SYS launched mass production of the weapon and has reached a production capacity of 3,000 units per year as of 2021. SYS has thus become the fifth company in the world with the ability to produce this renowned machine gun that has already recorded considerable battlefield experience.
C. Utku Aral, General Manager of SYS, describing the works leading up to the launch of production of the weapon, said: “The innovations and changes incorporated into our CANiK brand M2 QCB heavy machine gun are more significant than most of the upgrades made to date since the initial production in the 1930s. We made considerable material and design changes to the quick-change barrel to meet the high specification of the ‘Machine Gun for Platforms Project’ of the Presidency of Defence Industries. As a result, we have increased barrel life far beyond even the most prominent models on the market. In parallel with this, the materials we use for the basic components of the firing mechanism and the special processes we apply to these parts have increased the durability of the weapon as a whole, allowing it to operate with higher performance for longer periods, even in the most challenging operational conditions. We have developed a weapon with a firing pin, ejector and barrel that lasts twice compared to its peers in the world. As those who have some proficiency in using this weapon know very well, these three components are the parts of the weapon that experience the most wear, and so they are detrimental in the service life of the weapon.”
Infantry’s Long-Range Firepower
M2 holds a privileged and indispensable place on the machine gun market with the features summarised in Table 1. Aral describes the history of the weapon as follows: “The heavy machine gun, known as ‘Ma Deuce’, is one of the longest-lasting weapons in the inventory of the world’s armed forces. It was originally conceived as a heavy weapon to be capable of long-range firing with high-penetration ammunition, for use against tanks and aircraft, which were becoming widespread on the front during World War I. The ancestor of this gun was first developed with the enlargement of a .30 calibre M1917 machine to fire .50 calibre rounds. The resulting M1918 machine gun emerged in 1919 and entered in the inventory of the US Armed Forces, and took its final shape as M2 in 1933 with additional improvements.”
The M2 has proven itself as a reliable, efficient and effective weapon that has been effectively deployed in active combat in a wide variety of conditions and in a range of different situations over nearly 90 years, remaining virtually unchanged. The changes made to the initial design of the weapon are modifications aimed at meeting the various needs arising from the use of the weapon aboard various air and land vehicles.
The CANiK M2 QCB is now ready to serve the land, air and naval forces as a superior machine gun, with new features that place it ahead of its competitors. It can be used most efficiently in an anti-material role against soft-skinned or lightly armoured air, land and sea vehicles. It can also serve to suppress enemy infantry targets, especially insight defilade or at a long-range.
SYS has completed the design of a lighter version of this weapon with a higher rate of fire namely the M2F for use onboard aircraft, thanks to its knowledge and experience gained from R&D studies with the CANiK M2 QCB. The need for such a high rate of fire weapons emerged due to the increasing speed and manoeuvrability of aircraft in World War II. Additional SYS work on the M2 has also led to the creation of the CANiK M2 QCB-N version of the weapon, which has been provided with high corrosion resistance components for use on naval platforms. SYS has thus created a product family that can offer the most suitable heavy machine gun for all the different needs of various size air, land and sea platforms.
Weapon Integration by Unidef and Unirobotics
The full effectivity of these machine guns, which are essentially platform weapons, can only be achieved through full and seamless integration into the relevant air, land and sea vehicles. At this point, SYS subsidiaries Unidef and Unirobotics can offer the necessary solutions, having developed user-friendly systems that ensure the easy and comfortable use of heavy weapons such as the M2 on various vehicles. For this purpose, many integration solutions have been devised, offering:
- Manual use,
- Single or double gun mounting,
- With or without recoil dampeners, and
- Semi-robotic active stabilizer mounts.
These companies have also designed special machine gun pods utilizing CANiK M2F and CANiK M2 QCB for fixed and rotary-wing platforms.
The CANiK M2 QCB, CANiK M2 QCB-N and CANiK M2F weapons can be used on land, sea and air vehicles for the following purposes, thanks to the integration solutions provided by Unidef and Unirobotics:
- On armoured vehicles: Self-defence against ground and air targets, and in anti-personnel roles.
- On the land vehicles of special operations units: Complementing shorter-range weapons such as the M-134 minigun, for the suppression of infantry from long range, or against lightly armoured vehicles.
- On coast guard boats and ships: For self-defence, or for the projection of necessary and proportionate force in anti-material engagements that occur during law enforcement duties.
- On all classes of surface ships of the naval forces: To fill the capability gap between auto-cannons and point defence systems and the M-134 minigun, as part of a layered self-defence concept, especially against asymmetrical airborne threats or asymmetrical surface threats.
- On special operations boats, rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB), and fast response and patrol boats: To be used in conjunction with relatively shorter-range weapons such as M-134 miniguns, for long-range anti-material engagements and suppression fire.
- Mounted at the doors and ramps of rotary-wing platforms: For the self-defence of the platform, for target engagement and laying suppressive fire.
- Under the wing or fuselage of rotary-wing platforms and fixed-wing light attack aircraft: As part of a machine gun pod for use in close-air support.
- Mounted at the doors of fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft: For “gunship” applications.
Table 1. Technical Specifications of the CANiK M2 QCB Heavy Machine Gun
| Calibre | 12.7×99 mm (.50 cal.) |
| Ammunition Type | All 12.7 mm NATO standard ammunition types |
| Maximum Weight of the Weapon (Excluding flex chute, ammo box and tripod) | 38.5 kg |
| Barrel Assembly Weight (Maximum) | 12 kg |
| Total Length (Maximum) | 1,665 mm |
| Barrel Height (Maximum) | 1,145 mm |
| Operating principle | Air-cooled, belt-fed, recoil-operated |
| Firing Mechanism (Optional) | Fully automatic or semi-automatic |
| Muzzle Velocity (Varies depending on ammunition type) | 900 m/sec. |
| Rate of Fire | 450–650 rounds/minute |
| Effective Range | 1,830 m |
| Maximum Range | 6,800 m |
| Minimum Barrel Life | 20,000 rounds |
| Accuracy (In semi-automatic firing mode) | 18 cm at 100 meters (approx. 6 MOA) |
| Recoil Force | 68–113 kgf (150–250 pound-force) |
Competition Shooters to Outpace their Opponents with SFx RIVAL
SYS is also exhibiting its SFx RIVAL pistol, developed especially for competition shooters, for the first time at IDEF’21. The pistol offers extraordinary ergonomic comfort to the shooter with its specially designed new frame, beavertail and trigger guard. The special aluminium trigger that brakes at 90 degrees and its new magwell like built frame (funnel on the grip) allows for rapid magazine changes which can prevent time losses in competitions where even a split second is important. Aside from these, SFx RIVAL offers all the features needed by the competition shooters right out of the box with its adjustable rear sight and draws attention with its aggressive appearance.
Aral explains why they named the pistol “RIVAL” as: “Rival means a person who competes with someone else in the same field of activity or for the same purpose aiming to gain an upper hand. That is why ‘RIVAL’ as the English term for this concept was the most suitable name for our new competition pistol. This name is also a harbinger of a rival that has been produced with superior features than every pistol on the field. As SYS, our goal is to leave all our rivals behind with every new product we introduce to the market. And now with our new pistol RIVAL, we are offering a very competitive handgun to competition shooters all over the world.”
Key to Success in Competition: Speed
SFx RIVAL contains many features to expedite shooters. For example, the special slot placed just in front of the takedown catches on both sides of the pistol, ensures that the pistol automatically locks into suitably designed holsters and does not move unless the user wishes to do so. In addition, these special holsters only release the locks automatically when the pistol is held correctly, allowing the pistol to be drawn quickly. This feature can create a significant difference in the competitions, in the total score of the shooter.
One other innovation in this pistol is the diamond-cut aluminium trigger that brakes at 90 degrees. This trigger is an advanced version of the patented flat aluminium trigger on the TP9 Elite-S Combat model. In this new trigger, while the diamond cut surface that prevents slippage provides the shooter with a high level of trigger control, the shortened pretravel and reset distance allows for rapid shooting.
Aral says about this particular trigger: “Increasing the breaking point to 90 degrees is a first in mass production pistols in the world, being a feature generally observed in trigger mechanisms of special designs. Here, we are taking the superiority of our CANiK brand in trigger technologies one step further into a new level.”
Magwells today are a must-have addition for achieving the speeds that competition shooters need. These special additions that expand the magazine entry of the frame like a “funnel” allow the shooter to insert a new magazine quickly without taking his/her eyes off the target. The grip of the SFx RIVAL, which has a large magazine entry due to its design, acts as a natural magazine funnel. Plus, for shooters who want a larger magwell, the pistol comes out of the box with a magwell fitted matching with their pistol colours. This design also provides an advantage to the shooter in competitions that allow pistols with a built-in magazine funnel (magwell) but do not allow the use of add on magwells.
In addition to all above, the special grey colour of SFx RIVAL, which complements the elegance, bears the signature of the world-famous ceramic coating company CERAKOTE™. This colour, specially designed for SFx RIVAL, is registered as CERAKOTE™ “CANiK RIVAL GREY”.
SFx RIVAL draws attention not only with its exterior design but also with its user-friendly new interior design. Thanks to this new design, the user can easily disassemble the pistol, down to the smallest component, including the trigger group, with just one metal punch.
Ergonomics in a Pistol Equals Performance
The pistol provides a perfect grip to the user with its specially designed advanced frame and beavertail allowing rapid acquisition of sight picture. The bottom of its trigger guard has a curved design, allows the shooter to grasp the pistol more easily with their supporting hand.
In addition, the shooter can adjust the rear sight of the pistol, thanks to the adjustment screws without the need for any gunsmith. There is also the necessary interface on the slide to which the optical sights can be attached.
Similarly, thanks to its special design, the pistol can be disassembled and assembled to the smallest component quickly even in a competition. Thus, shooters can easily clean their pistols in case of an unexpected situation that may occur during the competition.
One other aspect of the pistol that comes to the forefront is its design. Aral explains the design details on the pistol as: “We designed the SFx RIVAL with an aggressive appearance that fits the nature of the competition. We aimed to increase the user’s confidence and motivation. Special cuts on the slide add a powerful look to our pistol. And the fluted barrel reinforces this appearance.”
With all its features and 127 mm barrel, SFx RIVAL can take part in competitions held by organizations such as DPA, IPSC and USPSA without any restrictions.
CANiK TP9 Sub Elite CAS: Indispensable for Secret Missions
Another new product being promoted by SYS at IDEF’21 is the TP9 Sub Elite CAS, which offered for sale in January 2021. This handgun offers many advantages, especially for missions where the pistol requires a concealed carry. Pistols with CAS technologies can be used day or night, thanks to their integrated fibre-tritium optical sights, which need no batteries, and their features allowing rapid draw preventing snagging on casual clothing during undercover missions. These pistols, while supporting classic iron sights, also offer rapid firing with their new triggers.
CAS, short for “CANiK Advanced Sight System”, is a technological infrastructure adaptation that the CANiK R&D centre has been working on for around a year. CAS technologies allow the combination of iron sights with fibre-tritium optic day/night sights. To achieve this, the slide of every pistol model to which the CAS technology will be integrated is redesigned to allow the mounting of fibre optic sights on the pistol as an integral part of the cover, rather than as a protruding accessory.
Accurate Shooting, Day or Night
Normally, fibre-optic sights make use of ambient light, and so cannot be used at night. The tritium in the FT Bullseye sight, however, produces sufficient light for use under night conditions without the need for batteries and can be used for many years. This special sight allows shooters to engage their target very quickly and accurately in light or dark environments. Furthermore, users do not have to worry about whether the battery will run out at a critical moment, as the system doesn’t need one in the first place. Designed to a philosophy that prioritises the meeting of personal preferences and expectations in the best possible way, CAS-series pistols also permit the simultaneous use of fibre-optic sights and classic iron sight.
Another innovation in these pistols is the straight, diamond-cut aluminium trigger that breaks at a 90 degrees angle. This trigger, like that of SFx RIVAL, supports the user in making rapid repetitive shots.
Table 2. Technical Specifications of TP9 Sub Elite CAS and SFx RIVAL Model Pistols from the CANiK Pistol Family
| Model | TP9 Sub Elite CAS | SFx RIVAL |
| Calibre | 9×19 mm | 9×19 mm |
| Magazine capacity | 12* | 18, 20 |
| Barrel Length | 91.5 mm | 127 mm |
| Total length | 170.5 | 205.5 mm |
| Height | 107.3 | 145 mm |
| Width | 37 mm | 36 mm |
|
Weight (with empty magazine) | 690 g | 835 g |
| Frame material | Metal-filled polymer | Metal-filled polymer |
| Movement type | Single action | Single action |
| Mechanism | Semi-automatic | Semi-automatic |
| Firing System | Striker-fired | Striker-fired |
| Safety System | ||
| Sight | Competition rear sight with snap adjustment and fibre-optic front sight | |
| Features |
* Magazine options with 15, 17 and 18 rounds are also available.
SYS Lands at IDEF’21 with All its Brands
SYS is promoting its CANiK brand firearms, along with other brands, at the event. These brands and their most prominent features can be summarised as follows:
- CANiK Academy: Under this brand, CANiK provides advanced tactical and medical training predominantly to governmental institutions. At IDEF’21, additional information will be provided about both these trainings and the professional shooting team of CANiK, while a mini range at the stand will allow shooting.
- CANiK Store: Within this brand, there are physical and online stores where firearm enthusiasts can find every item they are looking for under one roof, from pistols to accessories, optical sights to clothing, and even ammunition depending on their country of residence. There will also be a section at the SYS stand at the exhibition, hosting CANiK Store, where accessories that are part of the CANiK Official Accessory Program and MECANiK brand products will be displayed.
- CANiK Official Accessory Program: Within the scope of this program, all kinds of accessories and spare parts that are compatible with CANiK-brand pistols are designed, produced or supplied, qualified and marketed.
- MECANiK: MECANIK is the accessory brand for universal firearms. This brand includes optics, silencers, tactical textiles and fire safety equipment.
- CANiK App: This mobile application is compatible with all other platforms of CANiK, and can be accessed by users using their CANiK ID. Users can keep a record of their shooting and maintenance with the application by entering information about their pistols and accessories. The application also features a built-in Shot Timer. The application also allows the exploration of the CANiK pistol family and accessories. In the future, CANiK Configurator and CANiK Smart, which will combine pistols and accessories in a virtual environment and offer user-specific firearm solutions, will also be accessible via this application.
- CANiK Smart: The products to be offered under this brand include smart systems integrated into the pistol to measure and analyse user performance during shooting, and consequently, advice the user how to increase their shooting performance. These systems are developed by Unirobotics, one of the SYS affiliates.
- CANiK News: Special interviews, various live events and first-hand news about CANiK, are broadcast through this brand. A studio prepared particularly for CANiK News broadcasts will accompany SYS stand.