Combat properties of ak 47. Welcome to the memorial online museum of m.t. Kalashnikov. Brief information about the machine

This article will discuss weapons with a worldwide reputation, the development of which marked the beginning of a whole era in the field of domestic weapons design. The performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle were improved from one model to another, but the principle of operation remained unchanged. The traditions laid down by the creator himself in his model remained inviolable: quality, reliability, simplicity and long term services.

History of creation...

The prerequisites for the development of a new weapon model were the results of a meeting of the technical council at the USSR People's Commissariat in July 1943, where the captured prototype of the German StG-44 and the American M1 Carbine carbine were dismantled.

About a month later, a new experimental cartridge of 7.62 x 41 mm caliber was created, subsequently the cartridge was adjusted, as a result, the caliber was converted to 7.62 x 39 mm.

Later, a number of design competitions were announced, as a result of which the famous machine gun was developed.

In 1947, it was decided to start the production of the machine gun in Izhevsk. And two years later, two samples were put into service: a standard AK with a caliber of 7.62 mm and a model with a folding stock - AKS - of the same caliber.

1959 marked the release upgraded version machine. The flaws identified during operation were corrected, on the basis of the TKB-517 automatic machine already in use, new performance characteristics Kalashnikov assault rifle and the first AKM-based machine gun was produced.

Machine

The Kalashnikov assault rifle, performance characteristics and main parts were refined from one version of the product to another to increase efficiency, reliability and improve quality. However, the design features remained unchanged.

From the moment it entered service, the performance characteristics established at that time became the starting point for the unceasing development of design ideas. The types and forms of butts, the shape of the handle, the length of the barrel changed. Models of the hundredth series (in addition to the protrusions for mounting the bayonet-knife) have a socket for mounting. The fifth generation machine gun (for example, AK-12) has different kind equipment, such as optical or collimator sights, laser designators or a flashlight. The quality, purpose, performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are constantly improving.

Purpose of the main parts of the product

Now you should dwell directly on each component in order to make out which part serves what.

Trunk- is intended to set the direction of the bullet's flight directly when fired.

Receiver- acts as a connector for all parts and mechanisms of the machine, ensures that the barrel is closed with a bolt and the latter is locked.

receiver cover- contributes to the protection of the internal parts of the product (placed in the receiver) from contamination and penetration of foreign objects.

sighting device- consists of a front sight and a sight. Designed to point the barrel of the machine gun at the target to produce the most effective shooting.

Butt- Provides comfortable shooting along with the handle.

Bolt frame - actuates the bolt and trigger mechanism. The shutter, in turn, sends the cartridge into the chamber, locks the bore, breaks the capsule shell, removes the sleeve.

Return mechanism- brings the bolt carrier and the bolt to its original (front) position.

Gas tube and handguard- protect the hands of the shooter from burns, and also set the direction of movement of the gas piston.

trigger mechanism- pulls the trigger, which is in the cocked (combat) position. It strikes the striker, thereby providing automatic fire in bursts or single fire. Serves to stop firing, set the safety lock, and also prevents shots when the shutter is locked.

handguard- serves for a convenient girth of the body of the machine gun when firing. Together with a gas tube, it protects the shooter's palm from burns.

Shop- serves for storage and transportation of machine gun cartridges, as well as feeding into the chamber for firing in a different position.

Bayonet knife- in a position attached to the machine gun, it is used in a bayonet attack or any other form of close contact combat. Can be used as a knife, saw and wire cutter.

TTX of the Kalashnikov AK-74 and not only

The modern model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-74M has the following characteristics: the weight of the product is 3.6 kg without cartridges, 3.9 kg - equipped, 5.8 kg - without cartridges, but with the NSPUM model installed, the sight of the NSPU-3 type is slightly lighter - only 0.1 kg.

An empty magazine weighs 0.23 kg, and a bayonet-knife without a scabbard weighs only 0.32 kg.

The length of the machine is 940 millimeters, and with an attached bayonet - 1089 mm. With the stock unfolded, this figure already has a value of 943, and with the stock folded - 704 millimeters. With the advent of new models, the performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are undergoing changes.

The barrel length is 415 mm with the installed muzzle brake compensator and only 372 mm without it.

Width is also essential part of performance characteristics Kalashnikov assault rifle. Is 70 millimeters standard product. Height - 195 mm.

The principle of operation for all models is the same - the system for removing gases of burnt gunpowder and the rotary shutter - despite the performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle changing from one model to another.

5.45 is the caliber of the modern AK-74M.

TTX of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AKS-74U and some interesting things

Folding shortened Kalashnikov assault rifle - this is how the abbreviation of the name stands for this weapon. It is a shortened version of the standard AK-74, designed to conduct combat missions in a small enclosed space: to equip military transport crews in peaceful or combat conditions (for example, BTR-80), crews of various guns, as well as landing units. It is in service in security structures, has established itself in those due to its compactness and low weight.

It weighs about 3 kg with cartridges and 2.7 kg without them. The weight of the magazine is 0.21 kg, the mounting of the NSPUM sight weighing 2.2 kg is provided.

The length of the product is 730 mm with the butt unfolded, 490 - respectively, with the butt folded. The length of the barrel itself is 206 mm.

The rate of fire varies from 600 to 700 rounds per second. The effective range is 500 meters, but the effective range is only 300.

A bullet fired from the AKS-74U is capable of developing an initial velocity of 735 m/s.

Features of AKS-74U

In view of the global trend towards the creation of shortened versions of existing assault rifles, the designers of the USSR in the 70s also took care of creating a compact sample of an existing machine gun.

Compared to the original version, "drying" (sometimes there are versions with the letter "h" instead of "w") has the following features:

a significantly shortened barrel with a mounted muzzle, which in turn serves as a flame arrester;
the gas-piston rod is shortened by almost half;
removed the system of slowing down the rate of fire;
improved bullet flight stabilization system with a shortened barrel.

Advantages

The main feature is the relatively high firing range for of this type weapons. But this is far from the only plus. It should also be mentioned:

due to its small dimensions, concealed carrying is possible;
reliable, easy to disassemble, clean and reassemble;
high penetrating power.

disadvantages

Despite the high popularity of the AKS-74U, the product also has a number of disadvantages. Some of them lead to the refusal to use this weapon, some require getting used to. It all depends on the desire and capabilities of the owner.

First of all, a significantly lower accuracy is noticeable to the naked eye compared to the original version of the product.
Sighting range is similarly low when compared with the classic version of the machine.
Low stopping power. This term refers to the parameter of the bullet, which determines the ability of the enemy to take any further actions after being hit by a bullet. IN this case a low indicator of this parameter is associated with the use of caliber 5.45.
The model quickly overheats due to its small size.

Kalashnikov assault rifle in popular culture

In a number of African countries, newborn boys are given the name "Kalash". There are many versions of this term.

One theory says that it is named after the hero of the film "22 Minutes" - a Somali pirate who helped the main character.

According to another version, it is argued that the name has no semantic link to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but means something in local dialects.

And there is also a religious interpretation, rooted in totemic religions based on the cult of patron ancestors. Such views are held by about 16% of the population of all of Africa.

According to this interpretation, the Kalashnikov assault rifle is so famous all over the world that it is difficult to name a country that it would not have influenced. In particular, in a number armed conflicts and in Africa this weapon was also used.

In the end, it got to the point that a number of African tribes who used the famous Kalash identified this weapon with the spirit of a great ancestor, capable of both harming and protecting. Therefore, when a boy was born, and, consequently, a warrior, he was called "Kalash", thus implying that the future protector, support and hope of the whole family is growing.

But this is just one of the theories.

On the albums of many musical groups different directions, images of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are used.

The song "Dragunov" by the Swedish Industrial band Raubtier mentions a Kalashnikov assault rifle in the following context:

Dragunov and Stolichnaya

Smirnoff and Kalashnikoff.

That's it unusual application found a Kalashnikov assault rifle. The device, purpose, performance characteristics are not involved in any way.

"Kalashnikov" on the coats of arms of the countries of the world

The famous automaton is present or was present in different time on the coats of arms of several countries. For example, it is used on the coat of arms and (with an attached bayonet-knife) in the heraldry of the state of Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso from 1987 to 1997.

Since 2007, the outline of "Kalash" has been used on the coat of arms of East Timor.

Also used in the emblem of the "Vanguard of the Red Youth" - a communist Bolshevik organization, common in the states of the former USSR.

Coat of arms of the Ukrainian volunteer paramilitary association formed to eliminate local conflict on the territory of Donbass, also includes a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

New machine, developed by M. T. Kalashnikov, was adopted by the army in 1949. Shortened cartridges 7.62x39 sample M 43 and the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK 47 became a significant achievement of the defense industry of the USSR. Only M. T. Kalashnikov could achieve the combination of all the necessary technical characteristics of a weapon with the principle of removing powder gases from the barrel.

In September 1941, as a tank commander, he, then a sergeant, was seriously wounded and during his wounded leave he tried himself as a weapons designer, and in 1942 he created his first machine gun. This weapon, loaded with Tokarev cartridges, had an unsheathed barrel, a second pistol grip in front of the magazine, and a folding metal shoulder rest. This machine, like the next one - caliber 9 mm, was not produced. Nevertheless, Kalashnikov was included in the Moscow team of designers and focused on developing an assault rifle for new shortened cartridges. Prototype was ready in 1946, and then it was improved and eventually registered for the competition. Kalashnikov presented two prototypes and documentation for the project.

According to the conditions of the competition, he named them with a special cipher: the name consisted of the initial letters of his first name and patronymic, Mihtim. In his memoirs, Kalashnikov describes this competition as follows: “I felt confident enough until such aces as Degtyarev, Simonov and Shpagin appeared ... With whom did I want to measure my strength? Already after the first tests, some samples were completely rejected, and were not even recommended for improvement. For a designer, this is a heavy blow when the work of many sleepless nights suddenly turns out to be unclaimed. However, it's better than losing a thousand soldiers because of your weapons. My Mihtim was among the three models that were recommended for appropriate improvement before new tests ... The second test was to take place in conditions closest to combat.

The loaded machine gun was placed in the swamp water, then someone ran with it for a while and opened fire on the run. The machine was contaminated with sand and dust. However, he shot, and not bad, although he was completely in the mud. Even after the machine was dropped several times from a great height onto a cement floor, there were no malfunctions or interference with reloading. This ruthless examination ended with an unequivocal conclusion: "The 7.62 mm assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov should be recommended for adoption."
This is how this machine gun appeared, which became the prototype of a whole generation of weapons.

The Soviet armed forces have been equipped with Kalashnikovs since 1949. Motorized rifle detachments, security and service units of the air force and naval forces received a version with a stationary wooden butt; airborne troops, tank crews and special units- modification with a folding metal shoulder rest. In the Soviet Union, the automatic machine was officially called automatic weapons Kalashnikov systems (Kalashnikov assault rifle), in the special literature the abbreviations AK and AK 47 are used. In the special press and literature of other countries, this machine gun is often referred to as assault rifle, and the version with a folding metal shoulder rest is often called AKS, or AKS 47.

The AK 47 Kalashnikov assault rifle works on the principle of removing the energy of powder gases from the barrel. Locking is carried out by the lugs of the bolt turning around its axis. The pressure of the powder gases that occurs after the shot, through the hole in the barrel, acts on the gas piston and on the shutter, which, during the reverse stroke, turns out of its blocking device in the housing. The barrel rifling pitch is 240 mm. Even at very high or low temperatures the weapon fires flawlessly. Carob magazines made of steel or light metal for 30 rounds. On the right side is the fuse lever, which is also used as a fire translator.

Although the weapon has a fairly short sighting line (378 mm), good accuracy is achieved when firing: for example, with a single fire from a distance of 300 m, it is 25 and 30 cm. The effective range of a Kalashnikov assault rifle is 400 m with a single fire, when firing bursts 300 m, when firing at group targets - 500 m, when firing at group targets - 800 m, and at air targets - 400 m. The bullet retains its penetrating power up to 1500 m. automatic - from 90 to 100 rds / min.

IN sighting device includes a mobile sector sight, mounted at a distance of 100 to 800 m, and a front sight with side protection, mounted on a rather high protruding holder. The version with a folding metal butt has a length of 645 mm, with the butt folded out - 880 mm. A bayonet can be used for both versions. A ramrod is fixed under the barrel. The Kalashnikov assault rifle can be disassembled with just a few movements and without special tools. Since 1959, the Kalashnikov assault rifle has been produced in a modified version: the AKM model with a stationary wooden or plastic stock and the AKMS model with a folding metal shoulder rest. The length of both models corresponds to the length of the first versions. Both the length of the barrel and the length of the aiming line are identical.

But there are also differences. AKM and AKMS assault rifles weigh much less. The trigger is equipped with an additional latch for single-fire mode. This ensures that only one cartridge is ignited. The stock, buttstock and shifter are also improved. In addition, a new bayonet has been developed that can be used as a saw or as scissors for cutting barbed wire. The length of the weapon with the bayonet installed is 1020 mm. Further improvements were directed towards hit accuracy. A few years later, the outlet of the barrel of the Kalashnikov assault rifle began to be equipped with an asymmetric compensator, which had a positive effect on the stability of the weapon when firing in bursts. Hit accuracy has been greatly improved. In addition, the weapons of the second version have a large effective range shooting, can be equipped with an additional sight for shooting in the dark, as well as an active or passive night vision device.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle was the model for the Galil automatic rifles developed in Israel. Finnish designers also focused on Soviet machine guns when they developed automatic rifles of models 60,62 and 82 of the Valmet weapon system. The design principle of the Kalashnikov assault rifle decisively influenced development projects small arms in many countries. According to experts, by the middle of 1985, more than 50 million Kalashnikov-type assault rifles were produced. The weapon of this system, as experts from many countries are convinced, is one of the most common modern models of small arms in the world. It can be used in any combat and extreme climatic conditions. This applies not only to machine guns, but also to light and universal machine guns of the same system. AK 47, AKS 47, AKM and AKMS assault rifles have a caliber of 7.62 mm, AK / AKS 74 assault rifles - 5.45 mm, light machine guns of the RPK type - 7.62 mm and RPK 74 - 5.45 mm. Universal machine guns of the PK/PKS and PKM/PKMS models are equipped with rifle cartridges 7.62x54 R.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the AK 47 assault rifle

Caliber, mm	7,62
starting speed bullets (v0), m/s	715
Rate of fire, rds / min	600
Supply of ammunition	magazine for 30 rounds
Weight in a charged state, kg	4,80
Cartridge	7.62x39
Weapon length, mm	870
Grooves/direction	4/p
Sighting range, m	800
Range of effective action, m	400

The new machine gun, developed by M. T. Kalashnikov, was adopted by the army in 1949. Shortened cartridges 7.62 × 39 sample M 43 and the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK 47 became a significant achievement of the defense industry of the USSR. combinations of all the necessary specifications only M. T. Kalashnikov could achieve weapons with the principle of removing powder gases from the barrel.

Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-47 (AKM and AKMC) – video

In September 1941, as a tank commander, he, then a sergeant, was seriously wounded and during his wounded leave he tried himself as a weapons designer, and in 1942 he created his first machine gun. This weapon, loaded with Tokarev cartridges, had an unsheathed barrel, a second pistol grip in front of the magazine, and a folding metal shoulder rest. This machine, like the next one - caliber 9 mm, was not produced. Nevertheless, Kalashnikov was included in the Moscow team of designers and focused on developing an assault rifle for new shortened cartridges. The prototype was ready in 1946, and then it was improved and eventually registered for the competition. Kalashnikov presented two prototypes and documentation for the project.

According to the terms of the competition, he named them with a special cipher: the name consisted of the initial letters of his first name and patronymic, Mihtim. In his memoirs, Kalashnikov describes this competition as follows: “I felt confident enough until such aces as Degtyarev, Simonov and Shpagin appeared ... With whom did I want to measure my strength? Already after the first tests, some samples were completely rejected, and were not even recommended for improvement. For a designer, this is a heavy blow when the work of many sleepless nights suddenly turns out to be unclaimed. However, it's better than losing a thousand soldiers because of your weapons. My Mihtim was among the three models that were recommended for appropriate improvement before new tests ... The second test was to take place in conditions closest to combat.

The loaded machine gun was placed in the swamp water, then someone ran with it for a while and opened fire on the run. The machine was contaminated with sand and dust. However, he shot, and not bad, although he was completely in the mud. Even after the machine was dropped several times from high altitude on a cement floor, there were no malfunctions or interference with recharging. This ruthless examination ended with an unequivocal conclusion: "The 7.62 mm assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov should be recommended for adoption."
This is how this machine gun appeared, which became the prototype of a whole generation of weapons.

The Soviet armed forces have been equipped with Kalashnikovs since 1949. Motorized rifle squads, security and service units of the air and naval forces received a version with a stationary wooden butt; airborne troops, tank crews and special units - a modification with a folding metal shoulder rest. In the Soviet Union, the machine gun was officially called the automatic weapon of the Kalashnikov system (Kalashnikov assault rifle), in the specialized literature the abbreviations AK and AK 47 are used. or AKS 47.

The AK 47 Kalashnikov assault rifle works on the principle of removing the energy of powder gases from the barrel. Locking is carried out by the lugs of the bolt turning around its axis. The pressure of the powder gases that occurs after the shot, through the hole in the barrel, acts on the gas piston and on the shutter, which, during the reverse stroke, turns out of its blocking device in the housing. The barrel rifling pitch is 240 mm. Even at very high or low temperatures, the weapon shoots flawlessly. Carob magazines made of steel or light metal for 30 rounds are used to supply ammunition. On the right side is the fuse lever, which is also used as a fire translator.

Although the weapon has a fairly short aiming line (378 mm), good accuracy is achieved when firing: for example, with a single fire from a distance of 300 m, it is 25 and 30 cm. The effective range of a Kalashnikov assault rifle is 400 m with a single fire, when firing bursts 300 m, when firing at group targets - 500 m, when firing at group targets - 800 m, and at air targets - 400 m. The bullet retains its penetrating power up to 1500 m. automatic - from 90 to 100 rds / min.

The sighting device includes a mobile sector sight, mounted at a distance of 100 to 800 m, and a front sight with side protection, mounted on a rather high protruding holder. The version with a folding metal butt has a length of 645 mm, with the butt folded out - 880 mm. A bayonet can be used for both versions. A ramrod is fixed under the barrel. The Kalashnikov assault rifle can be disassembled with just a few movements and without special tools. Since 1959, the Kalashnikov assault rifle has been produced in a modified version: the AKM model with a stationary wooden or plastic stock and the AKMS model with a folding metal shoulder rest. The length of both models corresponds to the length of the first versions. Both the length of the barrel and the length of the aiming line are identical.

But there are also differences. AKM and AKMS assault rifles weigh much less. The trigger is equipped with an additional latch for single-fire mode. This ensures that only one cartridge is ignited. The stock, buttstock and shifter are also improved. In addition, a new bayonet has been developed that can be used as a saw or as scissors for cutting barbed wire. The length of the weapon with the bayonet installed is 1020 mm. Further improvements were directed towards hit accuracy. A few years later, the outlet of the barrel of the Kalashnikov assault rifle began to be equipped with an asymmetric compensator, which had a positive effect on the stability of the weapon when firing in bursts. Hit accuracy has been greatly improved. In addition, the weapon of the second version has a long effective range, can be equipped with an additional sight for shooting in the dark, as well as an active or passive night vision device.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle was the model for the Galil automatic rifles developed in Israel. Finnish designers also focused on Soviet machine guns when they developed automatic rifles of models 60,62 and 82 of the Valmet weapon system. The design principle of the Kalashnikov assault rifle has decisively influenced small arms development projects in many countries. According to experts, by the middle of 1985, more than 50 million Kalashnikov-type assault rifles were produced. The weapon of this system, as experts from many countries are convinced, is one of the most common modern models of small arms in the world. It can be used in any combat and in extreme climatic conditions. This applies not only to machine guns, but also to light and universal machine guns of the same system. AK 47, AKS 47, AKM and AKMS assault rifles have a caliber of 7.62 mm, AK / AKS 74 assault rifles - 5.45 mm, light machine guns of the RPK type - 7.62 mm and RPK 74 - 5.45 mm. Universal machine guns of the PK/PKS and PKM/PKMS models are equipped with rifle cartridges 7.62 × 54 R.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the AK 47 assault rifle

November 10, 2009 marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creator of the most famous and reliable machine gun, which is used in various modifications in many countries of the world.

In 1943, a new 7.62 mm cartridge was created in the USSR, which received the designation "7.62 mm cartridge of the 1943 model." In terms of power and firing range, the new ammunition occupied a position between pistol and rifle cartridges. Soon, under the new cartridge, the development of a family of small arms began, which was supposed to replace Mosin rifles and PPSh submachine guns (Shpagin submachine gun) and PPS (Sudaev submachine gun).

Work on a new class of weapons, designated in the West as an "assault rifle", and in the USSR as an "automatic", was started in 1944 by several leading "rifle" design bureaus Soviet Union- Simonova, Degtyarev, Sudayeva and others.

In 1945, the Main Artillery Directorate (GAU) of the Red Army (the main customer of small arms in the USSR) announced a competition for the creation of a new machine gun chambered for a rifle cartridge of the 1943 model. Among the main requirements, the following were put forward: high accuracy of combat, limited weight and dimensions of the weapon, non-failure operation, survivability of parts, simplicity of the device of the future machine gun.

The design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was much simpler and cheaper to manufacture compared to the Simonov self-loading carbine, which was the first to be chambered in 7.62 mm.

At the same time, on the basis of the AK, the RPK light machine gun (Kalashnikov light machine gun) was developed and put into service. Together with a single PK / PKS machine gun, similar in design, AK and RPK formed the basis of the small arms complex of the Soviet Army and.

In the 1950s, licenses for the production of AKs were transferred by the USSR to eighteen countries (mainly allies in Warsaw Pact). At the same time, eleven more states launched the production of AK without a license. The number of countries in which AK was produced without a license in small batches, and even more so handicraft, cannot be counted.

According to Rosoboronexport data for 2009, the licenses of all countries that received them earlier have already expired, however, production continues.

The production of AK clones is deployed in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. According to very rough estimates, there are from 70 to 105 million copies of various modifications of Kalashnikov assault rifles in the world.

In 1974, a new modification of the AK, the AK-74, was developed. The weapon entered mass production in 1976. The main difference was the transition to a smaller caliber and a new massive muzzle barrel, which increased the accuracy and accuracy of fire during rapid firing of single shots and bursts.

In the late 1970s, a new model AK assault rifle chambered for 5.45 mm cartridge - AK-74M. The barrel and bolt were changed in it, a compensator was added to prevent the barrel from going up when firing.

It had a folding plastic butt, a special strap for attaching night sights, and it could also be equipped with an underbarrel grenade launcher.

Subsequently, two more variants of assault rifles were created on its basis - AK-101 and AK-103 for the caliber of 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridges.

Shortened AK-102, AK-103, AK-104, AK-105 assault rifles chambered for 5.56x45 mm NATO, 7.62x39 mm, 5.45x39 mm cartridges were also developed. The barrel length of the machine in comparison with the prototype was reduced to 314 mm. With reduced dimensions, it practically retained ballistic performance. The aiming range of these machine guns reached 500 m, the combat rate of fire was 40-100 rounds / min. The total length of the weapon was 824 mm, with the butt folded - 586 mm. Machine weight 3.2 kg. Magazine capacity 30 rounds.

On the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, a number of samples of hunting weapons were also developed: the Saiga carbine chambered for 7.62-9.2 (expansive bullet) and 7.62-8 (shell bullet); smooth-bore self-loading guns: Saiga-310, Saiga-410s, Saiga-410K, Saiga-20, Saiga-20C, Saiga-20K, Saiga-12K, Saiga-308 and etc.; self-loading carbines "Vepr" and "Vepr-308"; sports and training gas-balloon Kalashnikov assault rifle.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle is currently in service with the armies and special forces of 106 countries of the world.

Several states have included the image of a Kalashnikov assault rifle in their symbols: Mozambique (coat of arms and flag, since 1975), Zimbabwe (coat of arms, since 1980), Burkina Faso (coat of arms, in 1984-1997).

In the summer of 2007 in Moscow and Izhevsk, FSUE Rosoboronexport, the Government of the Udmurt Republic and the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant held large-scale celebrations in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle was included in the Guinness Book of Records - it and its modifications account for 15% of all small arms in the world, being the most common small arms.

AK took first place in the list of the most significant inventions of the XX century, according to the French magazine "Liberation", leaving behind atomic weapon and space technologies.

Tactical and technical characteristics of AK-47 assault rifles:

Caliber - 7.62 mm.

Applied cartridge - 7.62x39 mm,

Length - 870 mm,

Length with attached bayonet - 1070 mm,

Barrel length - 415 mm,

Magazine capacity - 30 rounds,

Weight without magazine and bayonet - 3.8 kg,

Weight with equipped magazine - 4.3 kg,

Effective firing range - 600 m,

Sighting range - 800 m,

The initial speed of the bullet - 715 m / s,

Driving mode - single / continuous,

Muzzle energy - 2019 j,

Rate of fire - 660 rds / min,

Rate of fire - 40-100 rds / min,

Range direct shot on a growth figure - 525 m,

Rifling - 4, right-handed, step 240.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

During the Second World War, the Soviet defense industry was faced with the task of rapidly developing new system firearms and its accelerated mass production. Specialists have shown unthinkable performance and for a short time modernized equipment rifle units. Before the end of the war, these modern models, optimally suited to combat conditions, could already supplement or replace the weapons available to the army.

This also applies to automatics. From July 1, 1941 to June 30, 1945, the defense industry supplied the military with more than 6.1 million pieces of Shpagin PPSh 41 and Sudayev PPS 43 assault rifles, loaded with Tokarev 7.62 × 25 cartridges. They supplemented the stocks of repeating rifles and carbines.

Machine guns provided an effective range of 100 to 200 m, repeating rifles - from 400 to 600 m. up to 400 m. According to the analysis of experts, this could only be achieved with the help of improved cartridges and more modern weapons.

It was planned that the ballistic power, dimensions and weight of the new cartridge would be in the range between pistol and rifle cartridges. The large effective range and penetration power of the weapons being developed should not have affected the increase in size and mass. Ammunition developed by N. M. Elizarov, B. V. Semin appeared even before the end of the war. The new machine gun, developed by M. T. Kalashnikov, was adopted by the army in 1949. Shortened cartridges 7.62 × 39 sample M 43 and the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK 47 became a significant achievement of the defense industry of the USSR.

Before there was a version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle suitable for the military, it was tested a large number of experienced weapons Soviet designers S. G. Simonov and A. I. Sudayev. Simonov developed the self-loading carbine SKS 45 named after him for a new type of ammunition.

Sudayev's experimental submachine gun was equipped with shortened cartridges and could fire single shots and bursts. The action of automation is based on the use of energy from the cottage. The weapon is equipped with a blowback, a double-row straight long magazine for 30 rounds, a wooden butt with a pistol grip and a folding bipod. But the weapon did not meet all the requirements. The second experimental machine, tested in August 1944, was also rejected. He was equipped with new cartridges, had a magazine for 35 rounds and acted on the principle of removing powder gases from the barrel.

But the principle that Sudayev used when working on experimental weapons turned out to be correct. The designer abandoned the action of automation using recoil energy, which was well suited for 7.62 × 25 pistol cartridges, but was not suitable for shortened 7.62 × 39 rifle cartridges. The use of recoil energy from a massive bolt, which was well suited for 7.62 × 25 cartridges, was unacceptable for more powerful 7.62 × 39 cartridges, since the bolt of such a weapon had to have such a mass that it would not be either light or convenient in service.

M. T. Kalashnikov was able to achieve the combination of all the necessary technical characteristics of a weapon with the principle of removing powder gases from the barrel.

Nevertheless, Kalashnikov was included in the Moscow team of designers and focused on developing an assault rifle for new shortened cartridges. The prototype was ready in 1946, and then it was improved and eventually registered for the competition. Kalashnikov presented two prototypes and documentation for the project. According to the terms of the competition, he named them with a special cipher: the name consisted of the initial letters of his first name and patronymic, Mihtim.

In his memoirs, Kalashnikov describes this competition as follows: “I felt confident enough until such aces as Degtyarev, Simonov and Shpagin appeared ... With whom did I want to measure my strength? Already after the first tests, some samples were completely rejected, and were not even recommended for improvement. For a designer, this is a heavy blow when the work of many sleepless nights suddenly turns out to be unclaimed. However, it's better than losing a thousand soldiers because of your weapons. My Mihtim was among the three models that were recommended for appropriate improvement before new tests ... The second test was to take place in conditions closest to combat. The loaded machine gun was placed in the swamp water, then someone ran with it for a while and opened fire on the run. The machine was contaminated with sand and dust. However, he shot, and not bad, although he was completely in the mud. Even after the machine was dropped several times from a great height onto a cement floor, there were no malfunctions or interference with reloading. This ruthless examination ended with an unequivocal conclusion: "The 7.62 mm assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov should be recommended for adoption."

This is how this machine gun appeared, which became the prototype of a whole generation of weapons. The Soviet armed forces have been equipped with Kalashnikovs since 1949. Motorized rifle detachments, security and service units of the air and naval forces received a version with a stationary wooden butt; airborne troops, tank crews and special units - a modification with a folding metal shoulder rest. In the Soviet Union, the machine gun was officially called the automatic weapon of the Kalashnikov system (Kalashnikov assault rifle), in the specialized literature the abbreviations AK and AK 47 are used. or AKS 47.

The barrel rifling pitch is 240 mm. Even at very high or low temperatures, the weapon shoots flawlessly.

To supply ammunition, carob magazines made of steel or light metal for 30 rounds are used. On the right side is the fuse lever, which is also used as a fire translator.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle can be disassembled with just a few movements and without special tools.

Since 1959, the Kalashnikov assault rifle has been produced in a modified version: the AKM model with a stationary wooden or plastic stock and the AKMS model with a folding metal shoulder rest. The length of both models corresponds to the length of the first versions. Both the length of the barrel and the length of the aiming line are identical.

Further improvements were directed towards hit accuracy. A few years later, the outlet of the Kalashnikov assault rifle began to be equipped with an asymmetric compensator, which had a positive effect on the stability of the weapon when firing in bursts. Hit accuracy has been greatly improved. In addition, the weapon of the second version has a long effective range, can be equipped with an additional sight for shooting in the dark, as well as an active or passive night vision device.

According to experts, by the middle of 1985, more than 50 million Kalashnikov-type assault rifles were produced. The weapon of this system, as experts from many countries are convinced, is one of the most common modern models of small arms in the world. It can be used in any combat and in extreme climatic conditions.

This applies not only to machine guns, but also to light and universal machine guns of the same system. AK 47, AKS 47, AKM and AKMS assault rifles have a caliber of 7.62 mm, AK / AKS 74 assault rifles - 5.45 mm, light machine guns of the RPK type - 7.62 mm and RPK 74 - 5.45 mm. Universal machine guns of the PK/PKS and PKM/PKMS models are equipped with rifle cartridges 7.62 × 54 R.

Characteristics: Kalashnikov assault rifle AK 47
Caliber, mm - 7.62

Weapon length, mm - 870

Weight in a charged state, kg - 4.80
Weight in uncharged state, kg - 4.30
Store weight, kg - 3.88
Weight empty store, kg - 0.42
Cartridge - 7.62 × 39
Barrel length, mm - 414
Grooves / direction - 4 / p
Sighting range, m - 800
Range of effective action, m - 400

Characteristics: AKM Kalashnikov assault rifle
Caliber, mm - 7.62
Muzzle velocity (v0), m/s - 715
Weapon length, mm - 876*
Rate of fire, rds / min - 600
Ammunition supply - 30-round arc-shaped magazine
Weight with a full steel magazine, kg - 3.93
Weight with an empty steel magazine, kg - 3.43
Weight without magazine, kg - 3.10
The mass of an empty steel magazine, kg - 0.33
The mass of an empty light metal magazine, kg - 0.17
Cartridge - 7.62 × 39
Barrel length, mm - 414
Grooves / direction - 4 / p
Sighting range, m - 1000
Range of effective action, m - 400
Bayonet weight with scabbard, kg - 0.45
The mass of the bayonet without scabbard, kg - 0.26