Pindad SS2

Assault Rifle [ 2006 ]

The Pindad SS2 series assault rifle is a modernized version of the original SS1 model, itself based on the Belgian FN FNC family.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/10/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

The Indonesian concern of PT Pindad obtained a local-license production agreement from the Belgian firm of Fabrique Nationale to manufacture the FN FNC for the Indonesian military forces. This locally-produced version became known as the "SS1" to which several variants were conceived of from the base assault rifle form. At its core, the weapon was a gas-operated system with a rotating bolt system and fired the 5.56x45 NATO cartridge (as in the FN FNC). The SS1 was introduced in 1991 and proved a serviceable frontline assault rifle for Indonesian military needs for several decades thereafter.

In the early part of the new century, attention was given to developing a more modern and indigenous design to succeed the SS1 family - this ultimately becoming the "SS2" ("Senapan Serbu 2" / "Assault Rifle 2"). The SS2 incorporated many of the design and functionality lessons learned through production and operational use of the Belgian FNC. Additionally, Indonesian armed forces also relied on the American M16. The resulting weapon, therefore, became a decidedly mixed beast of sorts though a capable design in its own right.

Externally, the SS2 is a very refined design, somewhat mimicking the lines of the famous American M16 assault rifle. The skeletal stock of the SS1/FNC remains and keeps its folding nature intact. The receiver has been cleaned up to an extent and sports smooth contours. The top of the receiver is home to an M16-like carrying handle (with integrated iron sights) than can be removed in favor of optics via a Picatinny accessories rail system. The pistol grip is ribbed and ergonomically-angled as in the SS1 while the trigger unit has been slightly reworked with a larger loop. The magazine feed is found ahead of the trigger and supports STANAG detachable box magazines of 20- or 30-round counts. The forend is ribbed for a firm grip while the upper segment is perforated for improved heat dissipation. As in the SS1, the SS2 features a top-mounted gas cylinder with a bottom-mounted barrel assembly. A protruding forward iron sight is clearly identified at the end of the forward grip while the barrel is capped by a slotted M16-style flash hider.©MilitaryFactory.com

Like the SS1 before it, the SS2 is branched out into other related, though useful, battlefield forms. The SS2-V1 is the base primary assault rifle form while the SS2-V2 is nothing more than the carbine form with a shortened barrel assembly and shorter forend grip. The SS2-V4 is a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) form intended to fill the role falling between the assault rifle soldier and the dedicated sniper. Optics in this version are standard. The SS2-V5 is a compact form based on the assault rifle version and will see issue to vehicle crews, special forces groups and paratroopers. In all, the various versions are chambered for the same 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, utilize the STANAG magazine and keep a consistent form to the original SS2 design. This, of course, makes logistical and economic sense to any government military budget today.

To date, production and delivery of SS2 rifles has been somewhat limited since inception began in 2006 though the intent is to outright replace the outgoing SS1 family. Tens of thousands have been ordered since 2005. Of course large-scale acceptance of the weapon will be the ultimate deciding factor when judging the SS2's quality and usefulness on the modern battlefield.

PT Pindad has also saw fit to develop the SS3 - intended to follow the SS2 in service. This version is also chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and retains much of the capabilities of the SS1 and SS2 prior. However, the design of the weapon if of the "bullpup" configuration which presents some benefits (and restrictions) in its overall operation. Bullpup assault rifles are proving exceedingly popular in today's gun market as the configuration consist of relocating the magazine feed aft of the pistol grip, making it part of the stock which, in turn, promotes for a more compact form while keeping a full-length barrel in use. Accuracy is said to be increased in single-shot fire for the operator can keep the primary bulk of the weapon close to his/her body. However, the stock is fixed and cannot be conveniently collapse as in conventionally-design weapon systems. The arrangement also keeps the cartridge ejection port dangerously close to the operator's face, favoring right-handed shooters. Automatic fire suffers somewhat due to increased muzzle climb.

To date, operators of the SS2 series rifles include Bangladesh, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is set to produce the firearm locally under license. Bangladesh has acquired the SS2-V5 version for service with the Black Eagles special forces. The Indonesian Army and the special forces group Kopaska both operate the series.

Brunei, Iraq and Myanmar have expressed interest in committing to the Pindad product.©MilitaryFactory.com

Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications

Basics [+]

Manufacturer(s)

Pindad - Indonesia

Operators

Bangladesh; Indonesia; United Arab Emirates

National flag of the United Arab Emirates

Service Year

2006

National Origin

Indonesia

AUTOMATIC FUNCTION
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.

ASSAULT RIFLE
Modern class of long gun featuring select-fire properties, automatic internal function, and magazine feeding.

Overall Length

990 mm / 38.98 in

Barrel Length

740 mm / 29.13 in

Weight (Empty)

7.50 lb / 3.40 kg

Action

gas-operated; rotating bolt

GAS-OPERATED
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.

Caliber(s)*

5.56x45mm NATO
*May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

Feed

20- or 30-round detachable box magazine

Sights

Adjustable Iron; Optional Optics

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

Max.Effective Range

1,640 ft / 499.9 m | 546.7 yds

Rate-of-Fire

700 rpm

SS2-V1 - Base Assault Rifle Version

SS2-V2 - Carbine Form

SS2-V4 - Designated Marksman Rifle

SS2-V5 - Compact Version for specialist troops

SS2 Subsonic Kal. 5.56mm - Subsonic variant

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Military lapel ribbon for pioneering aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Images

1 / 1

Image from Pindad marketing material.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Chart Military Ranks DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2023 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2023 (20yrs)