T86
Summary
| Country | 🇹🇼 Taiwan |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | 205th Armory |
Technical specifications
| T86 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 700 - 800 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 880 mm (34.6 in) |
| Weight | 3.17 kg (7.0 lb) |
| Range | 300 m (984 ft) |
Description
Development of the T86 rifle commenced in 1992, with the goal of replacing the T65 series. Initial concepts, including radical ideas such as caseless ammunition, were investigated but ultimately deemed too high-risk. The XT86 prototype, revealed in 1996, featured notable innovations and represented a shift away from typical US firearms design influences. However, the ROC military subsequently directed the 205th Armory to revise the rifle to incorporate more features from the established T65 design. The XT86 pre-production model, rolled out in 1997, exhibited a return to characteristics of the T65 series, particularly the T65K3 carbine. The final T86 design was approved in 1998 and officially designated as the 5.56 mm T86 Combat Rifle. It represents the second original rifle design developed by the 205th Armory and served as the developmental basis for the T91 rifle now in volume production.
The T86 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed assault rifle employing a short-stroke gas piston system and a rotating bolt mechanism, elements inherited from the T65 series. Its upper and lower receivers are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. The rifle features an M4 carbine style polymer telescopic stock and buffer mechanism, replacing a side-folding metal stock seen on early prototypes. The polymer handguard from the prototype was retained in the final design. Control layouts are similar to those found on the T65 and M16 rifles. The T86 includes a 4-position selector switch providing safe, semiautomatic, three-round burst, and automatic firing modes. Sights consist of an M16A2-style front post paired with a rear peephole sight, the latter being adjustable for both windage and elevation.
Distinctive characteristics include the absence of a forward assist mechanism and a brass deflector with a modified shape. The barrel measures 375 mm (14.8 in) and is fitted with a flash suppressor. It features a rifling twist rate of one twist in 178 mm (7.0 in). The bore is chrome-lined, enabling compatibility with all standard 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. ROC military magazines include lateral protrusions to prevent over-insertion, but standard STANAG magazines are also compatible. The T86 design emphasizes modularity, allowing field stripping without specialized tools. The gas piston system and the trigger assembly can be detached as complete units, simplifying maintenance procedures.
Accessories that can be mounted include:
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An optional scope via a Picatinny rail located on the carrying handle
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The T85 40 mm grenade launcher.
The T86 saw limited production runs and operational service following its prolonged development phase. Contrary to initial expectations, the ROC Army and Marine Corps did not place large orders for the rifle. This was reportedly due to defense budget priorities in the late 1990s, which necessitated delaying the planned replacement of existing T65K1 and T65K2 assault rifles. However, a small quantity of T86 rifles was reportedly adopted by the ROC Navy Underwater Demolition Team and underwent extensive trials under varied environmental conditions. Despite its limited overall production, the T86 design proved foundational for the later T91 rifle, which is manufactured in volume.
Reported users of the T86 rifle include Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. Jordanian royal guards and special troops are among the units reportedly armed with Taiwanese-made T86 carbines.