Falcon
Summary
| Country | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic |
| Category | Anti materiel sniper rifle |
| Manufacturer | ZVI |
Technical specifications
| Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | Single shot rounds/min. |
| Caliber | .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) or 12.7 x 108 mm |
| Magazine | 2 rounds |
| Length | 1380 mm (54.3 in) |
| Weight | 13.4 kg (29.5 lb) |
| Range | 2000 m (6562 ft) |
Description
The ZVI Falcon is a Czech 12.7 mm caliber bolt-action bullpup anti-materiel rifle designed by Zbrojovka Vsetín Inc., now ZVI Inc. It is intended for ground troops and special forces to engage distant targets up to 1,600 metres away, such as armoured fighting vehicles or technical equipment.
The Falcon utilizes a bullpup configuration with a bolt-action mechanism based on the Mauser locking system, featuring two locking lugs on the bolt. It is equipped with a fixed 2-round box magazine and a magazine cut-off feature, requiring manual cartridge loading into the chamber when engaged.
Key features include:
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A collapsible bipod
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A carrying handle positioned towards the center of the rifle
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A muzzle brake to reduce recoil by 75 percent
The rifle has a sight rail for the Meopta ZD 10×50 telescopic sight for daytime operations and the Meopta ZN 6× passive night vision sight for nighttime use. A protective cover is available for the optic, and backup iron sights are provided. For transport, the Falcon can be stowed in a carrying case, and a specialized backpack is available for airborne forces.
The ZVI Falcon has been used in the War in Afghanistan and is currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Current users of the Falcon rifle include the Czech Republic, Georgia, North Macedonia, Slovakia, and Ukraine, which received 19 units from the Czech Republic as part of a military aid package in 2022.