IDEF 2011: New combat shotgun unveiled
Turkish firearms design company UTAS used the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul to unveil a new combat shotgun, which it claims addresses all the shortcomings of current products on the market.
The UTS-15, which features a magazine top-feed system and light-weight carbon fibre and polymer construction, weighs 3kg and is 71cm long and yet is capable of holding 15 rounds.
UTAS director of manufacturing and product development Ted Hatfield said the company had originally been approached by Smith & Wesson to develop a high-capacity, short, robust and yet simple to operate pump-action shotgun.
However, following the development of a prototype, the US firearms company pulled out of the project and UTAS decided to take it forward itself.
Designed for use by police and military forces during urban engagements, the shotgun features automatic alternating or selectable feed dual magazines, with quick loading ports, compressible magazine springs and shell counters. The company claims that the UTS-15 is the fastest loading shotgun ever designed.
Hatfield highlighted aspects of the design to Shephard, including a selector that allows each magazine to be selected, a collapsible follower that removes any pressure on the last round, and an action that loads the shell at the same speed regardless of how fast or slow the pumping action.
The shotgun also features a point-and-shoot spotlight and laser night sight as well as an integrated top-mounted picatenny rail for iron sights or optics.
Hatfield said the company was hoping to move into full production of the UTS-15 before the end of the month and was currently looking at tooling and manufacturing options in the US.
‘We have done hours of tests and fired thousands of rounds, and we are extremely happy with the design – the shotgun is capable, robust and simple to operate and maintain.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![First Czech CV90 MkIV rolled out as part of multi-billion-dollar programme]()
First Czech CV90 MkIV rolled out as part of multi-billion-dollar programme
The Czech Republic CV9030 MkIV has a more powerful 1,000HP engine than the previous variant and an upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission.
-
![Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market]()
Digital backbone: bringing new capabilities to the UK defence market
In Conversation: Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan talks to Bittium’s newly appointed general manager for UK defence, Dean Aldridge, about how the company’s tactical communications technologies can empower the British armed forces, and its ambitions for the UK market.
-
![Europe looks to solve tank procurement challenges with upgraded and new platforms]()
Europe looks to solve tank procurement challenges with upgraded and new platforms
The UK government in 2019 reflected a common attitude towards main battle tanks (MBTs) across Western Europe as it moved to reduce its fleet from 227 Challenger 2 vehicles to 148, which would be upgraded under a plan that eventually produced the Challenger 3. Now, however, there is an increased interest in platforms new, upgraded and planned across the continent.
-
![Patria's 6x6: protecting the eyes and ears of the battlefield]()
Patria's 6x6: protecting the eyes and ears of the battlefield
Troops are more than boots on the ground — they’re an army’s eyes and ears. Wherever the mission leads, they must get there safely. Patria’s 6x6 delivers protected, dependable mobility — without compromise.
-
![Norway and Sweden invest in further military support for Ukraine]()
Norway and Sweden invest in further military support for Ukraine
Both Sweden and Norway have committed further financial aid to the country in a bid to help boost their air defences and airborne early warning capabilities, which included commitments to replace donated Patriot Air Defence systems.
