Heckler & Koch P11

Underwater Pistol

Germany | 1976

"The Heckler and Koch P11 Underwater Pistol was developed specifically with the special forces member in mind."

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Heckler & Koch P11. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

50 ft
15.2 m | 16.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

Physical
The physical qualities of the Heckler & Koch P11. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

200 mm
7.87 in
O/A Length

60 mm
2.36 in
Barrel Length

2.65 lb
1.20 kg
Weight

Electrically-Actuated System
Action

7.62x36mm Special
Caliber(s)

5-Rounds Total (one round per barrel)
Feed

Iron Sights
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Heckler & Koch P11 Underwater Pistol family line.

P11 - Base Series Designation

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/26/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Special forces elements have long since required specialized weapons and training to see their particular mission set through. As such there were many types of unique weapon designs that permeated the Cold War decades during which many of today's special forces groups were established. One of the more interesting categories of firearm became the "underwater pistol", a weapon that - as its name suggests - gave the special forces member the capability to fire under water. Such weapons were developed in the United States and the Soviet Union as well as Germany.

In the 1970s, the West German concern of Heckler & Koch began development and testing of an underwater pistol and, in 1976, the weapon was introduced as the "P11" (though it was not formally recognized publically until 1997). It utilized a five-barrel module arrangement with each barrel chambered to fire a 4-inch long steel dart. Power was electrical and served from a battery pack embedded in the pistol grip handle. These components coupled together - along with the trigger group - made for a large handheld weapon but one that was nonetheless deemed effective for its intended role.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

The P11 use of steel darts was common practice for underwater weapons as standard, land-based cartridges were found to perform poorly when fired in water. The darts were officially of 7.62x36mm Special caliber and held an underwater range up to 50 feet. If pressed, the weapon could also fire above water (though with reduced accuracy) up to a range of 100 feet. Sights were fitted to the weapon to provide for some accuracy at range. Once expended the weapon's entire five-barrel module was simply replaced. The module barrels themselves were only reloadable at the HK factory.

Beyond its use by German special forces (GSG-9), the P11 went on to see adoption by various other nations including Denmark, France, Israel, Italy (COMSUBIN), Malaysia (PASKAL), Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom (Special Boat Service), and the United States (Navy SEALs).

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Heckler & Koch P11. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Heckler & Koch GmbH - West Germany

[ Denmark; France; Germany; West Germany; Israel; Italy; Malaysia; Netherlands; Norway; Pakistan; United Kingdom; United States ]

1 / 2

Image from user R.A. via email.

2 / 2

Image from user R.A. via email.

❮ ❯

Going Further...
The Heckler & Koch P11 Underwater Pistol appears in the following collections:

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks of the World U.S. Department of Defense Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols Breakdown U.S. 5-Star Generals List WWII Weapons by Country World War Next

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.

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.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)