Parker Hale PDW

Infobox Weapon
name= Parker Hale PDW


caption=
origin= United Kingdom
type=
is_ranged=yes
is_bladed=
is_explosive=
is_artillery=
is_vehicle=
is_missile=
is_UK=yes
service=
used_by=British Army
wars=
designer=
design_date=1999
manufacturer=Parker Hale
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants=
spec_label=
weight= 5.7 pounds unloaded
length= 11.6 inches with stock folded
part_length=
width=
height=
diameter=
crew=
cartridge= 9 mm Luger
caliber=
barrels=4 inch with 1:10 inch twist
action= Recoil operated, open bolt, hydraulic rate control
rate= 280 to 400 RPM
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed= 10, 20, or 30 round double stack stick magazine
sights= Iron

Parker Hale Personal Defense Weapon (PH-PDW) is a submachine gun manufactured by the now defunct United Kingdom firearms, air rifle and firearms accessory manufacturer.

History

Designed and first built by George Ealovega the PH-PDW combines a cutting edge technological advance in recoil and rate of fire control with modern composite construction and light weight.

High rates of fire in full-auto weapons has always been an issue for weapon designers. Ways to control and slow the rate the fire have run from removable weights in the bolt to vacuum bolt control. The PH uses a hydraulic system similar to a motor vehicle's shock absorber. A link connects the rear of the bolt to the hydraulic unit which completely eliminates the mechanical recoil spring. A quantum leap forward in recoil design, the hydraulic control unit can be removed and replaced in less than 1 minute if a faster or slower rate of fire is desired.

The first prototype guns were manufactured by the Rheinlander Instrument Corp. for Ealovega. The original prototype has over 22,000 rounds through it before it was retired for a more advanced model.

Description

The weapon uses a two-stage folding stock allowing for use of body armor or for small stature users. There are two separate mechanical safeties on the weapon. One is a conventional grip safety on the handle and the other is a mechanical toggle lever on the front of the trigger guard. Both have to be disengaged before the weapon can be loaded or fired.

Like most full auto PDW's or submachine guns the PH fires from an open bolt but the unique recoil system allows a very accurate first shot. The weapon claims accuracy of up to 150m.

A standard Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver allows the mounting of virtually any optics system the user wants.

External links

* [http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1600/1643.htm Firearm Photo Archive]