‘Rifle of 21st Century’ to be unveiled at Adihex for the first time in ME

posted on 14/09/2011: 100 views

Following a spectacular and well received soft launch in Europe, the RX Helix — the hunting rifle of the 21st century — is to be unveiled today, Wednesday for the first time in the UAE and Middle East at the opening day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex 2011).

The new RX Helix rifle — dubbed the hunting rifle for the 21st Century — draws its inspiration from the thoughts Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The rifle, manufactured by the Germany — based Merkel, a subsidiary of Tawazun, is poised to be the centre of attention during Adihex as it sets new standards in terms of safety, ergonomics and handling.

Sheikh Hamed said RX Helix's concept evolved around a rifle with a straight-pull bolt action together with a removable magazine, to allow for more rapid fire, along with a choice of barrels that could be changed quickly and smoothly.

"Improved safety features were essential; to allow for easy transport, it should have a rapid and easy dismantling and reassembly mechanism, without the need for any tool to be used, a unique feature for rifles of this type. And, of course, it should be light, safe, practical and reliable.

Development of RX Helix started after Tawazun assigned their German subsidiary, Merkel, to develop the rifle. Based in the small Thuringian town of Suhl, the century — old Merkel have a reputation for combining the traditional manufacturing methods of handcrafted hunting guns with the highest standards of quality and safety.

For Tawazun, a strategic investment holding company, the success of developing RX Helix is mainly attributed to the insight and support provided by Sheikh Hamed throughout the project stages.

The project faced a major challenge of dealing with the limited space of the closed system housing. This was addressed by adopting Sheikh Hamed's concept for a straight bolt action and for the "Take-down” concept which entails a quick and simple wholly-manual procedure that allows the rifle to be transported safely, securely and discreetly.

RX Helix is being displayed at Tawazun's stand at Adihex. Visitors to the stand can experience firsthand different models of Helix, made with precious Turkish walnut wood

and finished with handmade engravings that range from drawings of animals to arabesque patterns. In addition to the Deluxe, Arabesque and Spirit models, RX Helix is also available in a hi-tech carbon version, a first rifle ever made with stocks made from carbon fibre and carbon coated barrel. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

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