The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a symbol of Russian small arms of the second half of the 20th century. For many years, designers have tried to create something worth attention, as trouble-free and reliable. However, in most cases, the result was another modification of the AK-47. However, after 1995 the situation changed somewhat. Russian designers have developed several noteworthy rifles. In this article, we will look at the new weapons of Russia, which are going to be put into service with the military forces.
A short preface
Since 1949, the most popular and sought-after weapon almost all over the world has been the Kalashnikov assault rifle. However, abroad, except for the Makarov pistol, AK-47 (and its modifications), as well as Simonov carbines, they did not know anything else. After the collapse of the USSR, the situation changed a little. Gunsmiths got to work and developed several promising models of small arms. It is safe to say that the Russian Army will have a new assault rifle that will replace the obsolete AK-47 and its modifications. Of course, the Russian defense industry is unlikely to tell all its secrets about what weapons the army will be equipped with and when. Nevertheless, today something is known about the AN-94 assault rifle, a silent sniper rifle and other developments of Russian gunsmiths. In this article we will try to look at new types of pistols, rifles and machine guns.
Russia's newest weapons
In fact, the number of projects being developed in the field of the Russian defense industry is simply enormous. These are nuclear submarines of the Akula project, support for Terminator tanks, the Ajax supersonic aircraft and much more. But in one case we are dealing with aircraft, in the other with heavy ground equipment. We are more interested in the development of small arms, for example, the AN-94, which is fundamentally different from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The Ministry of Defense says that soon the AN will completely replace the AK-47/74, as well as the AKM. Kalashnikov himself had a rather negative attitude towards the new small arms of the Russian infantry, but today this machine gun can be considered a standard. The essence of the new development is that the firing efficiency, compared to the AK, has been increased by 1.5-2.0 times. Along with this, demands were made for reduced returns. With all this, Russia’s new weapons had to be no less reliable and trouble-free under any circumstances.
NGSW Advanced Small Arms Program: reasons for its appearance, current and expected results
Despite the saturation of the battlefield with sniper and grenade launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and mortars, the most important weapon of any modern army is still the main weapon of the infantryman - the machine gun / automatic rifle.
The latest models of small arms in service with the leading countries of the world do not provide significant advantages compared to the AK-47 and M-16, which were put into service in the middle of the 20th century.
Origins of the problem
The assault rifles and automatic rifles currently in service with the world's largest armies, such as the Kalashnikov assault rifle or rifles of the M-4/M-16 family, either trace their origins back to the mid-20th century, or, although they are based on new materials and design solutions, practically do not differ from them in their characteristics.
The main problem is that over time, the main ammunition used in machine guns is still intermediate cartridges of 5.56x45 mm, 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm calibers. From time to time, disputes arise between supporters of the 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm calibers, but in fact this is the notorious replacement of sewn with soap. Each cartridge has its own advantages and disadvantages, which manifest themselves in certain regions and combat scenarios.
A complicating factor is the rapid improvement of personal armor protection (PB). In particular, the use of ceramic armor elements, for example, made of boron carbide, can significantly reduce the effectiveness of small arms of calibers 5.56x45 mm, 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm.
Diagram of an armored element with a ceramic plate on the outside, a composite substrate and a layer of material that protects against damage beyond the barrier
For example, Russian military combat equipment "Ratnik" includes a 6B45 body armor that can withstand ten hits from an SVD armor-piercing incendiary cartridge.
Body armor 6B45, armor plates and a deformed bullet core of a 7.62x54R cartridge fired from an SVD rifle after hitting the armor plate
Taking this into account, it can be assumed that the 5.56x45 mm, 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm cartridges have practically exhausted their modernization potential, and the scales in the confrontation between “sword and shield” began to tip towards the “shield”.
The insufficient effectiveness of 5.56x45 mm, 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm cartridges led to the appearance in certain units of the US armed forces of 7.62x51 mm caliber rifles, designed to defeat the enemy at a greater range than is possible with weapons of 5.56x45 mm caliber . For example, the US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as part of the purchase of Belgian FN SCAR rifles, refused to purchase the 5.56x45 mm SCAR-L modification, focusing on purchasing the 7.62x51 mm SCAR-H modification.
FN SCAR-H rifle caliber 7.62x51 mm
Responding to the demands of the armed forces for increased firepower, the German company Heckler&Koch also introduced the HK417 rifle in 7.62x51 mm caliber, in addition to the HK416 rifle in 5.56x45 mm caliber.
Rifle HK417 caliber 7.62x51 mm
However, all of these solutions only allow increasing the range of hitting targets, but do not solve the issue of hitting targets protected by modern and future NIB. Negative factors are also a decrease in wearable ammunition due to the increased mass of 7.62x51 mm cartridges compared to 5.56x45 mm cartridges, and higher weapon recoil.
Thus, having fully experienced the shortcomings of the 5.56x45 mm caliber in Afghanistan, as well as being impressed by the progress in creating LEDs in Russia and China, the United States decided to significantly increase the firepower of the fighters by creating a completely new weapon-cartridge complex, and began the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program.
NGSW Program: Ammunition
The NGSW program includes the creation of a new generation squad rifle NGSW-R (Next Generation Squad Weapon Rifle), designed to replace the M-4 rifle, and a new generation squad rifle NGSW-AR (Next Generation Squad Weapon Automatic Rifle), intended to replace M249 machine gun.
Companies such as VK Integrated Systems, Bachstein Consulting and MARS Inc. took part in the competition. and Cobalt Kinetics, AAI Corporation Textron Systems, General Dynamics-OTS Inc. and Sig Sauer Inc. In principle, the US armed forces have carried out similar programs more than once; of the latest, we can recall the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) program, within the framework of which an attempt was made to develop a rifle-grenade launcher system, including a 5.56x45 mm assault rifle and a 20-mm automatic grenade launcher
Prototype of a rifle-grenade launcher system under the OICW program
The complexity, high cost and unsatisfactory characteristics of the rifle-grenade launcher system led to the division of the OICW program into the creation of a separate modular XM8 assault rifle of 5.56x45 mm caliber and a self-loading hand grenade launcher XM25 of 25 mm caliber. Ultimately, all of the above programs were closed despite the fact that the XM25 grenade launcher managed to show up in Afghanistan and received fairly positive reviews from military personnel.
XM8 modular assault rifle of 5.56x45 mm caliber and XM25 self-loading hand grenade launcher of 25 mm caliber
The key difference of the NGSW program is that it is planned to adopt not only a new weapon, but also a fundamentally new 6.8 mm caliber cartridge. And speaking about the NGSW program, you need to start with a new cartridge.
MARS and Cobalt have developed a 6.8 mm caliber cartridge with a bullet weighing 9.07 grams, providing an initial bullet speed of 976 m/s. Based on these parameters, it can be seen that the initial bullet energy of this ammunition will be over 4300 J, which exceeds the initial energy of bullets for most cartridges of 7.62x51 mm and 7.62x54R calibers. The case body is supposedly made of stainless steel to be able to withstand increased pressure and to reduce the weight of the ammunition.
VK Integrated Systems presented the 6.8 Sherwood cartridge, developed on the basis of the .284 Winchester cartridge. The characteristics of the 6.8 Sherwood cartridge are unknown, but based on the characteristics of the .284 Winchester cartridge, which provides a bullet weighing 9.7 grams with an initial speed of 858 m/s with a muzzle energy of about 3600 J, it can be assumed that the characteristics of the 6.8 Sherwood cartridge will be comparable with those of the 6.8 mm cartridge from MARS and Cobalt.
6.8 mm cartridge from MARS and Cobalt next to 5.56x45 mm and 7.62x51 mm cartridges (left) and 6.8 Sherwood cartridge from VK Integrated Systems (right)
The most innovative ammunition can be considered a telescopic cartridge with a polymer sleeve from Textron Systems. Presumably, it will make it possible to reduce the mass of wearable ammunition to the maximum extent, taking into account the increase in ammunition power, but at the same time, the diameter of cartridges made in a telescopic form factor may exceed that of a cartridge of similar power made in a traditional layout. What is uncritical for a light machine gun, with its volumetric box, may be unacceptable for an automatic rifle with a box magazine. However, apparently, it is expected that the diameter of the cartridge case of all declared ammunition will increase, so this drawback can be considered uncritical.
A more compelling argument is the lack of experience in long-term operation of telescopic ammunition with a polymer case in real combat conditions, which could potentially lead to insoluble problems during the operation stage, for example, deformation of cartridges as a result of heating the weapon, mechanical or climatic influences.
Textron Systems 5.56 CT telescopic cartridge, 5.56x45 mm NATO standard cartridge, Textron Systems 6.8 CT / 7.62 CT telescopic cartridge (their external dimensions are the same) and 7.62x51 mm sectional telescopic cartridge (below)
General Dynamics-OTS Inc. and Sig Sauer Inc. submitted 6.8 True Velocity and 6.8 Hybrid round cartridges to the competition, respectively. The 6.8 True Velocity cartridge case is made of a polymer composite with a metal base. The 6.8 True Velocity cartridge case is made of brass with a stainless steel base. Both companies announce a reduction in the weight of wearable ammunition. Sig Sauer attributes its choice of a hybrid metal sleeve to the inability of existing polymer composites to provide high pressure resistance to the sleeve.
6.8 True Velocity cartridges from General Dynamics-OTS Inc. and 6.8 Hybrid round from Sig Sauer Inc.
Taking into account some conservatism inherent in the military, it should be noted that the decision from Sig Sauer Inc. may well receive priority. Also to the benefits of the ammunition design from Sig Sauer Inc. It can be attributed to the fact that at the initial stage, 6.8 Hybrid round cartridges can be used in the version with a hybrid metal sleeve, and later the user (US Armed Forces) can switch to using fully or partially composite ammunition, for example, with a stainless steel and polymer bottom body of the sleeve.
It can be assumed that the initial energy of a promising cartridge adopted under the NGSW program will be in the range of 4000-4500 J. This is necessary to solve the problem of penetrating existing and future NIBs, which are already capable of withstanding not only intermediate cartridges 5.56x45 mm, 5. 45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm, but also rifle cartridges of 7.62x51 mm and 7.62x54R caliber. A distinctive feature of promising ammunition will be a pressure approximately twice as high as the pressure developed in the barrel by existing military small arms ammunition.
NGSW Program: Weapons
The need to use in future small arms the separation of cartridges, the initial energy of which will significantly exceed not only the initial energy of intermediate ammunition of caliber 5.56x45 mm, 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm, but also rifle cartridges of caliber 7.62x51 mm and 7.62x54R , will require the use of design solutions in future small arms to reduce the impact of recoil on the shooter.
It should be noted that the US armed forces already had experience using automatic weapons chambered for powerful rifle cartridges. We are talking about an M14 automatic rifle chambered for the then new 7.62x51 mm caliber cartridge. In pursuit of the power of ammunition, the United States “missed” the appearance of the Soviet intermediate cartridge 7.62x39 mm, resulting in a powerful, but large and clumsy weapon.
The M14 rifle did not perform very well during US combat in Vietnam, especially in comparison with the Soviet AK-47 assault rifle that the Vietnamese had. Due to the large size and weight of the 7.62x51 mm cartridge, compared to the 7.62x39 mm cartridge, the magazine capacity (20 rounds versus 30 for the AK-47) and the carryable ammunition of an American soldier with an M14 were 1.5 times inferior to those of the Vietnamese soldier with AK-47. Firing bursts from an M14 rifle with minimal acceptable accuracy is actually only possible from a bipod or rest, and at a range of about 100 meters. However, replacing the M4 with the M16 did not greatly improve the situation of American troops due to the behavior of small-caliber 5.56 mm bullets in dense jungles.
Automatic rifle M14 caliber 7.62x51 mm
Let's return to the NGSW program. Of all the candidates mentioned above, General Dynamics-OTS Inc., AAI Corporation Textron Systems and Sig Sauer Inc. were allowed to create prototypes. FN America LLC and PCP Tactical, LLC are also mentioned in some sources, but their final status in the NGSW program is unclear.
As we remember, the recoil of the above-mentioned M14 rifle of 7.62x51 mm caliber did not allow us to ensure any acceptable accuracy and accuracy of burst fire. In the new weapons under the NGSW program, this problem should be solved despite the fact that the initial energy of the new 6.8 mm cartridge must exceed the initial energy of the 7.62x51 mm cartridge.
The proposed solutions include the use of standard silencers on promising rifles and machine guns, which reduce recoil by a third.
An additional benefit that an integrated suppressor would provide would be a reduction in the impact on a fighter's hearing, especially indoors. Of course, a soldier in a modern army must have hearing protection - active headphones, but in reality there are a huge number of situations where they either don’t exist or they fail. Also, the use of silencers on an ongoing basis will reduce the detection range of a fighter by muzzle flash and the sound of a shot.
General Dynamics-OTS prototypes with a muffler made by 3D printing from inokel alloy
Other ways to reduce recoil can include recoil momentum accumulation schemes, balanced automatics, various shock absorber designs and other design solutions, information about which may appear closer to the end of the NGSW program in 2022.
Textron Systems prototypes for the 6.8 CT telescopic cartridge
It can be assumed that the main mode of firing from 6.8 mm weapons will be a mode with a burst cut-off of 2 rounds, which is stated as desirable in the weapons being developed.
Sig Sauer prototypes chambered for 6.8 Hybrid round
conclusions
What advantages will weapons under the NGSW program give to the American army if it is successfully implemented?
Actually, this is what this program was conceived for: increasing the range of hitting targets and confidently hitting targets protected by modern and promising NIB. Among the minuses, we can note the likely decrease in the density of fire from small arms of 6.8 mm caliber at short range due to increased recoil and the high probability of reducing the magazines of promising automatic rifles to twenty rounds.
In general, based on the prospects for the implementation of the American NGSW program, two questions can be asked:
1. How big a threat do the advanced weapons created under the NGSW program pose to the Russian armed forces?
It can be assumed that in the event of a conflict between Russia and the United States, it may not come down to machine guns, so there is no need to rush into a response to NGSW. But with a high probability, the United States will want to test new weapons in the field, and in this context, it cannot be ruled out that they will appear, for example, in Ukraine, or among fighters of various private military companies (PMCs), for example, in Syria. And the possibility of a collision between Russian and American special forces soldiers cannot be completely ruled out due to the specific nature of their activities, combined with increased secrecy. In this case, the lack of weapons adequate to those available to the potential enemy may lead to unacceptable losses of Russian special forces personnel.
Of course, you can hope that “they” won’t succeed in anything under the NGSW program or that this is just another cut. But, in my opinion, this is somewhat risky.
2. Is any reaction needed from the Russian armed forces if the American NGSW program is successfully implemented?
The most interesting thing is that the reaction should be regardless of whether the US Armed Forces successfully implement the NGSW program or not. The need for a new weapon-cartridge complex has been brewing for a long time, and the NGSW program is a “litmus test” showing the need to develop a new generation of small arms. The starting point here is not the emergence of new weapons in the US Armed Forces, but the emergence of NIBs capable of effectively resisting both intermediate ammunition of caliber 5.56x45 mm, 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm, and rifle ammunition of caliber 7.62x51 mm and 7. 62x54R.
In the next article we will try to figure out what developments can be used by domestic gunsmiths to create promising small arms.
Detailed description of AN-94
We can say with confidence that this is the most modern weapon. For example, the butt, as well as the forend, are made of polymers, which makes the weapon more convenient and lighter. The gas tube under the muzzle is a guide lever with a rigid mount. It is noteworthy that it uses the principle of a biased blowback pulse, which is also known as SIS. The essence of such a system is that during recoil the receiver and barrel move separately from the bolt and bolt frame. The AN-94 is equipped with a 4x optical sight to improve shooting accuracy while moving. The standard sight is also made with fundamental differences from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. It is graduated at 1 km. Another innovation is the ability to install a 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher. The latter can fire both live and light-sound projectiles. But the most important thing is to say about reliability. It is increased by more than 150% compared to the AK-74. In practice, the first failure occurs after 40,000 shots.
Small arms: new models and new contracts
The modular assault rifle NK433, first presented in 2022, is proposed by Heckler & Koch for the German army as a replacement for the current G36 model. It is
quite strange in our age of computer and information technology that some types of weapons that have existed for many years seem to still have not solved all of their technical problems. It is quite clear that the problems with assault rifles have not yet been solved. Some of them, created in the 90s, were subject to many criticisms, which led to their premature replacement. The first was the licensed Spanish CETME automatic rifle, which was replaced by the German G36, which is currently being replaced again by a new model.
The French army has begun to receive new assault rifles that will replace the FAMAS bullpup rifle, which has been in service since the late 70s. The HK416F rifle, created by the German company Heckler & Koch, was chosen as a replacement (the numbers indicate compatibility with NATO standards with magazines from M4 and M16, the letter F means France). A total of 117,000 rifles will be purchased, and deliveries will take place from 2022 to 2028. Initially, the contract provided for the supply of 102,000 rifles; an increase of 15,000 units was due to the needs of reserve units. About 93,000 rifles are intended for the army, almost 10,000 for ground units of the navy and air force. The contract also includes 10,767 HK269F 40x46mm grenade launchers, accessories, ammunition, spare parts and technical support for 15 years.
The Heckler & Koch HK416 rifle was selected by France; most of the rifles will go into service with the ground forces. In June 2017, the first two units of the French army received their NK416 rifles, which will replace the current bullpup FAMAS rifle, which has been in service since the late 70s. The
Army will receive 5300 rifles in 2022, then in the period from 2018 to 2023, it will receive 10,000 rifles per year, and in the last five years of the contract, deliveries will be halved.
The army's share will make it possible to arm the entire personnel of the combat units of the ground forces, which is 77,000 military personnel, as well as those who are not included in these units, plus personnel of reserve units. The first two army units received the HK416F in June of this year: the 1st Sniper Regiment received a batch of 150 rifles and the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion received a batch of 250 pieces. Regarding the new elements: compared to the previous FAMAS rifle, the new model has a magazine for 30 rounds versus 25; the HK416F rifle also has a mirror-symmetrical design, that is, it easily adapts to both right-handed and left-handed people, which cannot be said about the “clarion” (French horn, unofficial name FAMAS), which was produced in two different versions; the butt adapts to the size of the soldier. Four Picatinny rails are mounted on the receiver plate, which allows the installation of additional systems, for example, a 40-mm HK269F under-barrel grenade launcher, also of a double-sided design, a handle with a bipod, optical sights, etc. FAMAS rifle of the FELIN complex
The HK416F rifle will be produced in two versions: 38,505 units for infantry units are purchased in the standard HK416F-S version with a 14.5-inch barrel, and the remaining 54,575 units under the designation HK416F-C (Court - shortened) will be equipped with 11- inch barrel. Currently, most infantry units are armed with the FAMAS FELIN rifle, adapted to the FELIN combat equipment of the French army. In order to preserve the capabilities of the FELIN complex, these units will keep their old assault rifles in service for some time, as the Army plans to release kits to adapt the new rifle to the next phase of the FELIN program around 2022. The French army plans to modernize a total of 14915 HK416F-S rifles in 2020-2021, work will be carried out at the unit level. At a time determined by the command, the troops will receive new FELIN 2.0 combat equipment, which is a further development of the current system, with a special emphasis on mobility and modularity, as well as weight reduction.
The NK433 rifle, easily adaptable for both right-handed and left-handed people, can be equipped with a 40-mm NK269 underbarrel grenade launcher, also of a “double-sided” design, since it can open to the right or left side. The
Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle, however, is still considered a successful platform. The last known contract was concluded with Lithuania for an improved version of this rifle under the designation G36 KA4M1. Improvements are mainly related to ergonomics: new stock, receiver guard and sight rails. Lithuania also purchased a new NK269 underbarrel grenade launcher of a “double-sided” design. The Lithuanian army has already received a number of G36 rifles; A contract from 2016 worth 12.5 million euros provides for the delivery of a publicly undisclosed number of rifles and grenade launchers in 2017.
Germany has finally decided to replace this G36 assault rifle, which was adopted in the mid-90s. In April 2022, the German Defense Procurement Office opened the System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr competition. Applications were supposed to be submitted by the end of May, but there was no official information from applicants. The projected number of rifles should be about 120,000; the choice will be made next year, while production should start in mid-2022 and run until early 2026, the contract value is estimated at 245 million euros. Little is known about the requirements for the new rifle: weight without magazine 3.6 kg, two barrels of different lengths, double-sided rifle, barrel life of at least 15,000 rounds, receiver life twice as high as average. Oddly enough, the requirements say nothing about caliber, which allows applicants to offer weapons of both NATO standards, 5.56x45 and 7.62x51, although the first of them is apparently preferable.
The German armed forces' need for a new assault rifle is about 120,000 units.
The document does not mention the caliber, but all known contenders are likely to focus on the 5.56 mm caliber. Among the contenders, we will no doubt find three national solutions offered by Heckler & Koch, Rheinmetall and Haenel. It remains to be seen how many foreign applicants, such as FN and SIG Sauer, may try their luck in this competition, given the overwhelming desire of the German parliament to keep the money in their own country.
In February 2022, Heckler & Koch introduced its new modular assault rifle NK433, which combines some of the developments and best characteristics of the G36 and NK416 rifles, but at the same time its cost is lower than the cost of the NK416. It refers to a gas-operated weapon with a short-stroke gas piston, made separately from the bolt frame, and locked by an optimized bolt with 7 lugs. The barrels are modular, quick-release and made in six configurations with lengths of 11, 12.5, 14.5. 16.5, 18.9 and 20 inches; The barrels, chromed inside, are made by cold forging. Self-lubricating sliding parts of the bolt made it possible to minimize the maintenance of the weapon. At the request of the Bundeswehr, the NK433 rifle has a three-position fire mode switch: “on safety,” “single” and “automatic”; the rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute. The adjustable gas outlet allows the installation of a muffler. The standard magazine corresponds to NATO STANAG 4179, however, using a special kit, the NK433 rifle can be equipped with a G36 magazine. The lower receiver can be replaced with a G36 or AR-15 style receiver, allowing the user to maintain the same habits acquired with the previous weapon, thereby reducing the amount of combat training. The rifle has a right-folding buttstock with a length-adjustable shoulder rest and a height-adjustable cheek rest. Shooting can be carried out with the butt folded; Replaceable grip pads allow you to adapt it to the size of the shooter’s hand. The receiver is made of aluminum, equipped with a NAR (NATO Accessory Rail) standard STANAG 4694, the receiver has a Picatinny/NAR guide at the 6 o'clock position. At the 3 and 9 o'clock positions we will find Nkeu adapters. The N&K company offers a shot counter, information from which can be downloaded from a short distance using radio frequency identification technology. In addition to the 5.56 mm caliber variant, the new rifle from N&K is also available in the .300 AAC Blackout (7.62×35) cartridge; the 7.62×39 mm version is designated NK123, while the 7.62×51 mm version is designated NK231.
The latest development from Heckler & Koch HK433, whose modular concept allows it to be adapted to the habits of G36 or M4 users.
Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher have teamed up to take part in a competition to replace the German G36 rifle and offer the RS556 model for it (Rheinmetall - Steyr 5.56 ), which is a further development of the STM-556 carbine. presented by the Austrian arms company in 2012. The lower receiver is the same as the AR15 rifle, however, modified for left-handed use. The rifle is equipped with a more reliable and significantly less sensitive to contamination system with a short stroke of the gas piston. The piston acts on a rod, which moves the bolt carrier rearward, and is locked by the rotating bolt. The bolt carrier parts are made of steel, while the upper and lower receivers are made of aluminum. The rifle is available with five barrels of varying lengths and does not require any tools to change them. These solutions are inherited from the Steyr AUG model. The rifle has a four-position gas regulator, which can operate in normal mode, in difficult operating conditions mode, in firing mode with a silencer, and in completely blocked gas exhaust. The telescopic polymer stock has 7 length adjustment positions. In addition to the 5.56 mm caliber option, models chambered for .300 AAC Blackout and 7.62x39 mm cartridges are also offered.
Rheinmetall's RS556 rifle is similar in many aspects to the AR-15 family
. A third German applicant, Haenel (although owned by the Emirati company Tawazun), has proposed another rifle based on the AR15 in the competition to replace the G36. The operating principle of the Haenel Mk 556 model automation is based on the removal of powder gases from the barrel bore. The stock also resembles that of the M4, with five barrels of varying lengths available. A three-position safety-translator of firing modes allows you to fire single shots and continuous bursts. Depending on the customer’s choice, two options for positions are offered: fuse-single-automatic, respectively, at 0°-60°-120° or at 0°-90°-180°. The trigger force is 3.2 kg, all controls and adjustments are suitable for both hands. The receiver is equipped with four NAR guides, and folding mechanical sights are also installed.
The Bundeswehr's contract for a new assault rifle attracted the attention of Rheinmetall, which teamed up with Steyr Mannlicher to offer the RS556, a modification of the STM-556
The last known buyer of the latest development of Accuracy International - the AMHS338 assault rifle chambered for .338 LM - was Lithuania.
If everything is more or less clear with the three German applicants, then little is known about possible foreign applicants. In principle, all major manufacturers of small arms are able to present interesting solutions. Another unclear point concerns the possible common system between France and Germany, proposed by France at the end of 2015, when the NK433 rifle had not yet been “released.”
Another competition, albeit of a significantly smaller scale, was announced in Germany in January 2022. This time, a new rifle became necessary for special operations forces. The Defense Acquisition Agency has identified a requirement for 1,705 rifles, to which five more must be added for evaluation testing and another 40 for acceptance testing, meaning the winner will have to supply a total of 1,750 rifles. As for the requirements for the rifle, some of them are known: a rifle chambered for 5.56x45 mm with a short stroke of the gas piston, a barrel life of at least 10,000 rounds, a receiver three times longer. The rifle must be adapted for right-handed and right-handed use and be equipped with STANAG 4694 guides on the receiver and receiver so that additional devices can be installed, for example, a laser module, a flashlight and other devices. The weapon must be compatible with a silencer and must be less than 900 mm in length without a silencer, and the maximum weight without magazine and optics must not exceed 3.8 kg.
Rheinmetall will undoubtedly offer their RS556 model for this competition, however, Heckler & Koch should offer their NK416A5 or NK416A5 models, while Haenel's participation is still in question. As with the above-mentioned competition, little is known about foreign applicants who might take part in the German competition. German Special Operations Forces (KSK) units began receiving the new Haenel RS-9 .338 LM sniper rifle in 2016, designated G-29 by the Bundeswehr. The length of the weapon is 1275 mm, the barrel length is 690 mm, with the butt folded, the total length is reduced to 1020 mm. The KSK special forces chose the Steiner Military 5-25×56-ZF sight, to which an Aimpoint Micro 1-2 red dot sight is attached for close-range shooting. In June 2022, special forces began receiving the B&T Monoblock suppressor, specifically designed for the .338 LM caliber. It adds another 222 mm to the length of the rifle and another 652 grams to its weight, which without accessories is 7.54 kg.
Just recently it became known that the new G95 assault rifle (HK416A7) will replace the G36KA1/A2/A4 automatic rifles.
The new weapon will enter service with special operations forces units of the ground forces and marine special forces. Another country that recently chose the .338 LM caliber for its snipers was Latvia, which purchased an undisclosed number of Accuracy International AHMS rifles in late 2016. This is a big breakthrough in terms of accuracy and range, since before this Lithuanian snipers were armed with semi-automatic rifles of 7.62x51 mm caliber.
While remaining in the sniper world, some young participants joined historical brands. For example, the Austrian Ritter & Stark with its modular rifle SX-1 Modular Tactical Rifle, available in 7.62x51 300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges, and the Italian Victrix, whose portfolio includes four bolt-action rifles, Pugio under 7.62x51, Gladius chambered in 7.62x51, .260 Remington and 6.5 Creed, Scorpio chambered in .338 LM and .300 Win, and Tormentum chambered in .375 and .408 Cheytac, were recently acquired by Beretta. Staying true to Beretta, Poland recently purchased 150 Sako M10 modular rifles chambered in .338 LM.
Beretta, after starting production of the ARX200 rifle chambered for 7.62×51 mm, has already delivered the first batches to the Italian army
Beauties from the Beretta stable, inherited from Victrix (from top to bottom): Victrix Scorpio, Victrix Tormentum, Victrix Pugio
As for assault rifles, Beretta supplies its ARX-200 battle rifles to the Italian army. These 7.62x51mm rifles will allow Italian combat units to improve their combat capabilities compared to the previous 5.56mm Beretta ARX-160 rifles. Beretta should soon begin development of a semi-automatic version of the ARX-200, which will become a pure marksman rifle in the company's portfolio (the lowest level of marksmanship in the classification adopted by the US Ground Forces).
A significantly improved version of the Bren 2 of the original Bren assault rifle has been adopted by the Czech Army, which is currently receiving its first batches
Bren 2 in different configurations: (top to bottom) 14" barrel, 11" barrel and 8" barrel
Many armies are adopting new rifles.
At the end of last year, the Czech army received the first batch of CZ Bren 2 assault rifles. 2,600 were ordered, 1,900 with a 356 mm barrel and 700 rifles in a shortened configuration with a 280 mm barrel. Also at the end of 2016, the Dutch naval special forces received their short-barreled SIG MSKh carbines, becoming the first among special forces to switch to the .300 Blackout caliber; new carbines will replace submachine guns in close combat. Among the ammunition included in the contract, you can find not only standard cartridges and cartridges with subsonic bullets, but also lead-free thin-walled bullets that help avoid ricochet when working in confined spaces. At the beginning of January 2022, the Turkish army received the first batch of 500 MRT-76 7.62x51 mm assault rifles from MKEK; in accordance with the contract, 35,000 rifles will be manufactured by two companies, MKEK will produce 20,000 pieces, and the KaleKalip company will produce 15,000 pieces, respectively. At the IDEF 2022 exhibition, MKEK presented its new assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45 mm MRT-55 (Milli Piyade Tiifegi - national infantry rifle), which comes in two versions, standard with a barrel length of 368 mm and shortened (MRT-55K) . The new rifle features a short-stroke gas system similar to the AR-15; it was developed to meet the needs of Turkish special forces; at the end of 2016, 20,000 rifles were ordered. In addition, a version of the MRT-76 rifle with a 508 mm long table was presented, designated KNT-76 (Keskin Nisanci Tiifegi - sniper rifle); a version of the KAAN-717 carbine with a 305 mm barrel was also shown. As for Russia, it is very active in the small arms market. For example, Venezuela is building a plant in Maracay to produce Russian AK-103 and AK-104 assault rifles, as well as 7.62x39 mm cartridges, which should open in 2019. The family of automatic weapons produced by Israel Weapons Industries is a further development of the Galil assault rifle.
Photo of Galil ACE models 21, 22 and 23 (top to bottom). An Israeli company recently signed an agreement with the Indian Punj Lloyd to create a joint venture for the production of small arms of various calibers. India has always been and remains one of the main potential customers for small arms. Its small arms market is worth several billion dollars. The Indian Ministry of Defense recently issued a request for proposals for the procurement of a limited number of 7.62 mm assault rifles, submachine guns and pistols for the Air Force special forces. But this is just the tip of the iceberg of contracts aimed at re-equipping the Indian armed forces. Foreign companies are merging with local firms. You don’t have to look far for an example; in May 2022, the Israeli company IWI created a joint venture with Punj Lloyd, known as Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems, for the joint production of small arms. India's historical opponent, Pakistan, is also in search of new small arms to replace its G3 and Toure 56 rifles in 7.62x51mm and 7.62x39mm calibers. In search of potential contracts, several contenders, including FN, CZ, Beretta, are closely monitoring all that is happening in the country in the field of small arms.
Finally, a small summary table
Based on materials from the sites: www.nationaldefensemagazine.org www.globalpolicy.org www.heckler-koch.com www.rheinmetall.com www.cg-haenel.de www.steyr-mannlicher.com ritterstark.com www.beretta.com iwi. net en.wikipedia.org www.militaryfactory.com www.weaponslaw.org www.bundeswehr.de pinterest.com armyman.info
New Russian small arms
The large-caliber sniper rifle (ASVK) was developed in the early 2000s. This weapon is fundamentally different from its analogues in that the firing range has been slightly increased, and it has also become possible to hit enemy personnel wearing body armor. The gunsmiths also had a third goal - to ensure that the sniper could hit protected, small-sized objects (enemy shelters, MRKs, radars, satellite communications antennas, etc.). All this became a prerequisite for the creation of a large-caliber sniper rifle with powerful cartridges (caliber - 12.7 mm). Of course, the mass of the weapon in this case was more than 13 kilograms. Without sight and magazine – 12 kg. What is worth noting is the presence of a top rail, which allows you to install various optical and night sights. If there is a need to destroy lightly armored enemy equipment and infantry at a distance of up to 2 km, then the ASVK is used. This new Russian small arms allows you to conduct targeted fire from cover.
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The beginning of the 21st century was not marked by the appearance of “blasters”, “scorchers” and “rattlers” in the armies of the world, as science fiction writers predicted. The military entered the new century with completely “classic” weapons and extensive plans to create new, accurate and powerful weapons. They know well what types of weapons they need today, but it turns out that not all innovations can be implemented in hardware even with the use of ultra-modern technologies.
Cartridge of the future
A qualitative increase in the combat effectiveness of small arms implies not only an increase in the probability of hitting a target with the first shot or burst, but also the ability to conduct intense fire. The main factors here are both the shooting accuracy and the damaging effect of the projectile, and the magazine capacity. At the same time, the size and weight of the weapon must remain within certain limits, especially taking into account actions in cramped conditions and the expansion of the range of fighter equipment.
The capabilities of a weapon are largely determined by the cartridge. Some areas of ongoing research can be assessed using the example of samples presented in 1989 at the American ACR competition - “advanced combat rifle”.
Then (the USA) proposed a 5.56-mm “duplex” cartridge, developed jointly with, - two bullets were placed one after the other in a standard cartridge case. This was not the first attempt by the developers. Back in 1964, the Americans adopted the two-bullet 7.62 mm M198 cartridge. Other countries have also tested designs with multiple bullets, including three to five and even nine. It was expected that this would not only increase the rate of fire, but also make it possible to fire a burst in one shot - before the barrel of the weapon changes its position. In reality, however, relatively light bullets gave both worse accuracy and insufficient lethality (in the USSR, two-bullet 12.7 mm cartridges were used only for machine guns on helicopters).
The rifle from AAI (USA) was equipped with a 5.56-mm cartridge with an arrow-shaped sub-caliber bullet in a standard cartridge case, and the “arrow” weighing 0.66 g accelerated to a speed of 1402 m/s.
Arrow-shaped, feathered bullets have attracted designers for a long time, and the success of such artillery shells with a detachable tray only increased this interest. Experiencing low air resistance, the arrow-shaped bullet has a flat (flat) trajectory and reaches the target much faster than a conventional bullet. Her high speed allows her to confidently penetrate body armor and inflict heavy damage.
The Austrian version of the ACR also included a cartridge with a arrow-shaped bullet (its initial speed was 1,494 m/s), but with a telescopic design - the bullet was placed along the axis of the plastic sleeve, and the gunpowder was placed around the bullet. Until cartridges with arrow-shaped bullets are brought to perfection, it is not possible to ensure correct guidance of the “arrow” along the barrel and symmetrical separation of the pan in the air. As a result, the required accuracy and accuracy of fire is not ensured. But work continues, and this type of bullet may soon become mass-produced.
Attempts to switch to plastic cartridges in live ammunition have not yet stopped. The introduction of plastic is hampered by the enormous pressure of powder gases in the bore of military rifled weapons.
But why not abandon the sleeve altogether? A century and a half ago, it was the introduction of a unitary cartridge with a metal sleeve that became the basis for the development of small arms. But a metal casing significantly increases the weight and cost of the cartridge and requires the weapon to have an extraction mechanism (removal and removal) of the spent cartridge case. According to statistics, it is with the removal of the cartridge case that most of the delays and failures that occur during shooting are associated. The cutouts required for its removal increase the likelihood of clogging of the mechanisms. It is not surprising that for more than 40 years work has been going on on caseless cartridges, in which the bullet is located in a pressed powder block or, conversely, the gunpowder is placed inside the bullet. Work on caseless cartridges was carried out in Austria, Belgium, Germany, the USA, and the USSR (back in 1965, S.G. Simonov developed the AO-31 assault rifle to test such a 7.62 mm cartridge), but without visible success.
The furthest advanced in this matter was the German one, which, together with Dynamite-Nobel, created a new cartridge-weapon complex, designated G11. After much modification, the cartridge took the form of an octagonal powder block, coated with a burning varnish, into which a bullet was recessed and a primer was inserted. It must be said that the Germans tried to make the most of the advantages of the caseless cartridge. The rifle's mechanisms are protected by a plastic case with a small number of cutouts and holes. It uses a compact 50-round magazine. In addition, original automation with a “carriage” installation of the main mechanisms was used. When firing in fixed bursts, the rifle manages to fire three shots (at a rate of up to 2,000 rounds/min) before the moving mechanism, sliding inside the body, reaches the rearmost point and strikes the shooter’s shoulder. Together with the “linear” recoil (the butt is located on the line of the axis of the barrel bore), the “carriage” design significantly increased shooting accuracy. While developing and testing such models, designers have long struggled with the tendency of a caseless cartridge to spontaneously ignite when it enters a chamber heated by shooting. In the “civilian” market, such ammunition has extremely limited use and is used only in single-shot models due to the danger of spontaneous discharge. Over the quarter century of work on the project, it has been repeatedly stated that the G11 is about to enter service. In the early 1990s, it reached military testing in the Bundeswehr; one of its variants was tested under the ACR program. But the ACR program, as we know, ended in nothing, and the German Bundeswehr did not receive this rifle - primarily due to the high cost and complexity of operation.
An interesting development (by the way, also started back in the 1960s) was also proposed for the ACR by the American corporation McDonnell Douglas - a “breechless” weapon. When fired, the breech of the barrel had to be locked by a cartridge case in the form of a flat plastic box, along the axis of which there were three ordinary or arrow-shaped bullets, and on the sides of them - a powder charge. Things didn't go any further than the experiments.
Displaced impulse
The basis for the development of military small arms still remains the “classic” type of cartridges, which, however, does not negate their further modernization. An example of achievements in this direction are the Soviet machine guns created on the “Abakan” theme.
At the end of the 1970s, the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate put forward a requirement to increase the efficiency of firing from a machine gun by 1.5-2 times compared to the AK-74. In August 1981, development work on the topic “Abakan” was approved (that is, “Abakan” is not the name of a specific sample, but a code for the topic). The weapon was developed for a standard 5.45-mm machine gun cartridge and was compatible with old magazines, under-barrel grenade launchers, bayonet knives, and devices for firing from infantry fighting vehicles and from a helicopter. A total of twelve projects were presented, developed by ten design teams from Tula, Izhevsk, Kovrov, and Klimovsk. In 1984, nine prototypes were tested. With such a variety of designs, only three automation schemes were used: “classical” with a gas engine, “balanced” and “with a shifted recoil impulse.” Moreover, the choice of scheme was not determined by affiliation with one or another “company”. Tula TsKIB SOO, for example, brought machines with both “classical” and “balanced” schemes, and Izhmash presented samples in all three groups. Tula man I.Ya.’s machine guns came forward. Stechkin and Izhevsk resident G.N. Nikonova - both “with a shifted impulse”. In 1991, the Nikonov ASM assault rifle passed military tests in the Taman division. In terms of burst accuracy, it exceeded the AK-74 by 4-13 times. The main thing is that the accuracy of shooting from unstable positions (standing and from the hip) has improved. For Kalashnikov assault rifles, this is precisely what causes criticism. On average, firing efficiency increased by 1.6 times. And in 1996, the 5.45-mm Nikonov assault rifle (AN-94) was adopted.
In the AN-94, the new automation scheme was embodied in a production weapon for the first time. It was theoretically worked out by TsNIITochmash engineer P.A. Tkachev back in the 1970s, that is, on the eve of the Abakan competition and almost simultaneously with a similar “carriage” scheme of the German G11. “Recoil impulse displacement” refers to some delay in time between the shot and the weapon hitting the shooter’s shoulder. The weapon is, as it were, divided into two parts, and the “firing unit” can move along a guide inside the casing (carriage). The machine gun manages to fire two shots at an ultra-high rate of 1,800 rounds per minute before the unit reaches its rearmost position. The shooter perceives the recoil impulse at the end of the burst, and two bullets manage to leave the barrel, which has not yet moved from the throwing line. Because of this, the circuit is also called a “recoil momentum accumulation circuit.” The “accumulated” double impulse is softened by a shock absorber. In addition to two-shot bursts, both single-shot shooting and continuous fire at a normal rate of 600 rounds per minute are possible. But even in this case, the displacement of the unit and the shock absorber soften the recoil effect.
“Displaced impulse”, shock absorber, fixed bursts, extended sighting line, replacement of the sight slot with a diopter, complex muzzle device - all this helps to increase shooting accuracy. The mount for optical, collimator and night sights serves the same purpose.
Since work was going on in parallel to improve the 5.45 mm cartridge, we can talk about updating the entire “cartridge-weapon” complex. The design of the new machine gun also included a magazine with double capacity - 60 rounds, but it was abandoned.
For economic reasons, the number of AN-94s delivered to the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Internal Affairs over 10 years did not exceed the number of machine guns that participated in military tests in Soviet times. The complexity of the Nikonov compared to the Kalashnikov and the high price ensure that today it has a place only in special forces units, which do not require mass production, and the shooters are well trained. Little experience in operating the machine and Nikonov’s sudden death in 2003 slowed down the further development of the “displaced impulse” scheme.
Balanced automatic
Against this background, other new schemes remain well positioned for the future. However, they are new, rather, in terms of the time of implementation. Thus, the “balanced automation” scheme was studied at TsNIITochmash under the leadership of V.M. Sabelnikov back in the late 1960s and was tested on a number of prototypes. Now it is represented by the widely advertised AEK-971, -972 and -973 assault rifles, created at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant under the leadership of S.I. Koksharov, and Izhevsk AK-107 and AK-108 developed by Yu.K. Alexandrova and V.N. Paranin (previously, several assault rifles with a “balanced” circuit at Izhmash were developed by Yu.K. Aleksandrov and V.M. Kalashnikov).
As is known, the main reasons for the loss of shooting accuracy in automatic weapons are changes in the direction of the barrel after each shot due to recoil and a number of impacts perceived by the weapon and the shooter. These are impacts from moving parts of the automation during rollback and rollback, impact of gases into the gas chamber. With a balanced design, the moving parts consist of two oppositely moving masses of equal weight - the bolt frame and the balancer, connected through racks and gears. The pistons of the frame and balancer, entering the gas chamber from the rear and front, under the pressure of the powder gases, begin to simultaneously move in opposite directions at equal speeds. As a result, their movement impulses compensate each other, the shooter perceives only the impulse of the shot, and the displacement of the machine gun is less.
For many years, the original semi-blowback design, developed by A.F., has been making its way to the soldier. Baryshev for a whole range of small arms - from a 5.45 mm machine gun to a 12.7 mm automatic rifle and a 30 mm automatic hand grenade launcher. The movement of the parts is designed in such a way that, by ensuring that the barrel is unlocked sufficiently late after the shot, the effect of recoil on the weapon and the shooter is minimized.
Bullet plus grenade
At the moment, the most promising weapon is considered to be an automatic grenade launcher complex, combining a “bullet” barrel with a grenade launcher that fires primarily a fragmentation grenade. In this area, the Americans decided to achieve “superior firepower” through “unconditional technological superiority” (which would provide a long-term advantage both in military conflicts and in arms markets). They were engaged in “double-caliber” weapons—a combination of small-caliber “bullet” and large-caliber “fragmentation” barrels—during the Vietnam War under the SPIW project (which never came to fruition). Now they have decided to combine the old idea with digital technology.
Since the late 1980s, requirements for a new infantry weapon system have been formed in the United States. After the failure of the ACR competition, an ambitious program emerged that included the OPDW "Advanced Personal Defense Weapon", the OICW "Advanced Individual Combat Weapon", the OSW "Advanced Sniper Rifle" and the OCSW "Advanced Team Weapon". “Double-caliber” individual weapons should immediately replace a carbine, an assault rifle, an under-barrel grenade launcher and a light machine gun. His project was designated XM29 OICW.
They didn’t think long about the “bullet” barrel (“kinetic module”); in fact, it is an assault carbine chambered for a standard 5.56 mm NATO cartridge with standard magazines. For a self-loading grenade launcher (“fragmentation module”), they chose a minimum artillery caliber of 20 mm, and in order to increase the probability of destruction, they decided to ensure that the projectile was detonated close to the target. This is ensured by the main feature of a fragmentation shot - an impact fuse or a programmable remote action. The digital ballistic computer provides information for the fuse and enters it into the bullet's memory using an induction coil directly in the grenade barrel. The “sighting module” calculates the flight time of the projectile, providing accurate range determination using a laser rangefinder, and has day and night sighting channels.
The development of all elements of such a complex is beyond the power of one company - the creation of weapons has become a matter of associations. International “teams” joined the XM29 OICW project. The first was headed by AAI, and included the American Hughes Aircraft, Dyna East, Olin and the German Dynamite-Nobel. The second team, led by the American Elliant Technologies, consisted of the Swiss Contravers, the German Heckler und Koch and the same Dynamite-Nobel.
The feasibility of such weapons has now been practically proven, but the program itself is far from flawless. The reliability of such a complex, miniaturized to the size of an individual weapon, in field conditions is questionable, and a laser rangefinder on an individual weapon gives a high probability of erroneous measurements. And not everyone can control a weapon with a whole series of switches under stressful conditions. The OICW project looks more practical than “blasters” or “scorchers”, but it seems that it is not much cheaper than them. It seems that his numerous “technologies” have one goal - to extract more money from the customer.
The OICW program was linked to the creation of the XM307 OCSW group support weapon - they even initially chose a single 20-mm shot. After all, turning each fighter into a powerful combat unit does not eliminate the issue of fire support weapons. OCSW is being developed by two groups of American and Canadian firms - the first is headed by Olin, the second by Sako. It can be assumed that the new weapon will combine a grenade launcher and an automatic cannon with the possibility of installing it on a machine tool, a car, an armored personnel carrier and a light helicopter. The OCSW caliber was nevertheless increased to 25 mm and three types of shots were provided: fragmentation with a programmable fuse, armor-piercing and training. In turn, a version of a large-caliber “sniper rifle” has been developed for the OCSW shot under the OSW program.
Timeless "classic"
Quite familiar “classical” weapon designs, which have reached a high degree of perfection, like conventional ammunition, are not going to lose ground. The Americans, for example, worried about the high cost and duration of development of the XM29 project, “supplemented” it with the XM8 project - we are talking, in fact, about a new assault rifle chambered for the same 5.56 mm NATO cartridge. The American branch of Heckler und Koch, which took the lead in this project, without further ado, presented the German G36 rifle, modified and given a more “ergonomic” design. This rifle does not have any qualitatively new components, but rather successfully combines already tested solutions. The customer, tired of the not very reliable M16A2, is quite happy with this. After all, it came to this - in Kuwait and Iraq, soldiers put condoms from the soldier’s equipment kit on the barrel of the M16 - since the American rifle is terribly afraid of dust. The experience of aggression in Iraq has prompted talk of urgently replacing the M16A2 with a new weapon.
Likewise, in parallel with the ХМ307, OCSW began developing a more traditional model - a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun to replace the M2НВ Browning.
The designers of the Tula instrument design bureau did not stray far from the “classics” in their A-91M rifle-grenade launcher complex. The main attention here was paid to the size, weight, speed of aiming and opening fire, the possibility of firing from the right and left shoulder (for this the cartridge case is thrown forward, not to the side), with the butt or “from the hip.” The domestic muzzle-loading design of the under-barrel grenade launcher made it possible to integrate it into the forend, thereby ensuring good balancing of the complex. The result is a compact melee weapon.
The experience of using the G11 in Germany and the AN-94 in Russia has caused a number of experts to doubt the need to complicate the weapon in order to achieve accuracy. Troops still prefer weapons that are compact, simple and reliable.
Digital technologies
Regardless of whether ambitious projects like OICW or OCSW succeed or fail, digital technology has already arrived in small arms. The design, which is not devoid of wit, was tested, for example, in the USA as part of the Land Warrior program - EMD (comprehensive program for the development of weapons and equipment for ground forces). The two-channel electron-optical sight was connected by cable to a micromonitor on the helmet. The shooter now sees the image in the sight at any position of the weapon. Another, now “high-tech” way to increase the efficiency of shooting offhand, allowing you to shoot from behind cover or observe the situation without exposing your head to enemy bullets. Only combat experience will show how useful such devices are.
"Shotgun" instead of a rifle?
The problem of the “versatility” of individual weapons can be solved by moving from hitting a “point” to hitting a “volume” with a grapeshot, fragmentation or high-explosive shot. The Americans, who used shotguns in two world wars, in Vietnam and Laos, launched the CAWS program, that is, the “short-range assault weapon system,” in the early 1980s. We were talking about automatic smooth-bore weapons. For the American-German version of the CAWS, several types of 12-gauge shots were created based on a hunting cartridge case: with 20 arrow-shaped bullets, with a sub-caliber armor-piercing bullet, buckshot with 8 lead balls, chemical and smoke. But this program also ended in nothing. The effective firing range of “smooth-bore” guns did not exceed 100 m. But self-loading “tactical shotguns” have gained a foothold in the arsenal of police and counter-terrorism services. Evidence of this is the spread of the Italian SPAS-12, the South Korean USAS-12 and the interest shown by France, Brazil, Chile and Sweden in the Russian tactical rifle Saiga-12 Isp.030.
Smooth-bore weapons may still appear among the military, but for this, apparently, it will be necessary to abandon the similarity of their ammunition with hunting ones.
No moving parts
Automation without moving parts is very attractive due to the relatively small size of the weapon, the absence of mechanical shocks and the possibility of an extremely high rate of fire. Of the latest developments of this kind, the most advertised is the scheme of the Australian designer O'Dwyer. Bullets and propellant powder charges are arranged sequentially in a pre-loaded barrel, the charges are equipped with electric capsules. Several of these barrels (from 6 to 15 “shots” each) with an electronic initiation system allow you to quickly develop an extremely high rate of fire, adjustable over a wide range. In essence, we are talking about combining and “automating” long-standing ideas of multi-barreled “organs” and multi-charged “espinoles”. The rate of fire is limited only by the permissible level of pressure in the barrel bore and the danger of self-ignition of charges. produced several samples of individual and personal weapons using this scheme, allegedly developing a rate of 45-60 thousand rounds/min. True, reloading such a system is a troublesome task: the fighter must carry several blocks of equipped “barrels” with him. For almost ten years, the Metal Storm weapon has not found buyers, although it was offered in anti-aircraft, anti-missile, aviation and even fire-fighting versions.
Rockets in a holster and “liquid gunpowder”
For a good seven centuries, the basis of the action of a firearm has been the throwing of a projectile by the pressure of gases formed during the combustion of a charge of solid gunpowder in the barrel bore. But all this time, the inventors were haunted by the idea of changing the very principle of “throwing”, replacing, for example, a bullet with a rocket.
Rocket bullets were developed during the Second World War in Germany. However, the “rocket mania” that swept many countries in the 50s and 60s of the 20th century gave real interest to the topic.
An example is the girojet weapon, created in the USA by R. Meinhardt and A. Bale in 1965. The “bullet” was a miniature turbojet projectile - the powder gases of the engine, exiting through inclined nozzles at the bottom of the bullet, gave it not only forward movement, but also rotation at high speed (hence the name gyro - “rotating”, jet - “reactive”) . The “launcher” was a light 13-mm pistol with a magazine for 6 bullet rockets or a carbine that was not fundamentally different from it. Despite all the tricks, rocket bullets gave much worse accuracy than bullets from conventional rifled weapons, because unguided rockets are always less accurate than rifled artillery projectiles. The almost complete absence of recoil did not improve the accuracy of the Girojet. French designers, in their models of jet weapons, tried to compensate for this shortcoming with a “volley” launch of micro-missiles from a single “cartridge”, but they were not successful either.
The “Girojet” weapon, despite the noisy advertising, perhaps took its only “battle”... in the film “You Only Live Twice” with Sean Connery in the title role. In general, a number of systems that claimed to be “weapons of the future” end up playing it only in movies. Work on small jet weapons was also carried out in other countries, including the USSR. But in the early 1970s they were phased out almost everywhere.
The idea of replacing gunpowder with liquid propellant substances (LPM) is also not new. They have been studied in the field of artillery for about 70 years, and in the last forty years, a rare popular book or article about modern artillery has dispensed with promises of the “imminent appearance” of guns on liquid-metallic weapons. Small arms were also not spared: in the USSR, for example, back in 1942-1943, variants of a 14.5-mm machine gun were being developed that used a mixture of kerosene and nitric acid as liquid explosives. Many small arms projects based on liquid-metal weapons appeared later. Why are LMVs attractive? Firstly, they allow you to achieve high bullet speeds. Secondly, they are easy to dose, which means that the initial velocity of the bullet and the recoil impulse can be varied within a wide range depending on the target. Thirdly, you can do without cartridges by placing bullets in one part of the magazine and a container with one- or two-component liquid explosives in the other. Since LMVs produce higher temperatures, it is much more difficult to ensure the strength and survivability of the trunk. This is where ceramic liners can come to the rescue; besides, work on “ceramic barrels” has been going on for several years. However, so far LMVs have not found their way into either mass-produced artillery pieces or small arms.
The Myth of “Non-Lethal” Weapons
The issue of introducing humane “non-killing weapons of the future” has been discussed for many years. However, such a phenomenon as war cannot be “humanized”. One can recall the situation a hundred years ago, when a lot was also said about a “humane” and “civilized” war. And this was immediately followed by wars, unheard of in terms of casualties and destruction.
Sets of “non-lethal” (“non-lethal”) weapons are indeed entering service with armies, but this is not due to some “new nature of military operations,” but to the possible involvement of troops in police operations. Non-lethal means, often referred to as “special means”, have been used by police and counter-terrorism forces for a long time, and their arsenal is constantly expanding. Their main purpose is to stop or neutralize the enemy without causing damage to his life and health. A person, as we know, is quite vulnerable, and can be neutralized in various ways - mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical and electromagnetic influences. Each damaging factor has a certain level or threshold, after which the results of its impact become really noticeable, and a threshold beyond which they are no longer reversible. It is between these boundaries that “non-lethal” weapons operate.
But when “hand-held tar throwers”, “microwave paralyzers”, “electrified” bullets or rifle flash-noise grenades are included in the “new generation of infantry weapons”, this is either a non-malicious delusion (when any “weapon” is perceived as “military”), or special propaganda . And its goal is, on the one hand, to form “public opinion” about the possibility of “minimizing” casualties among the civilian population in modern combat operations, and on the other, to justify spending taxpayers’ money on poorly controlled projects.
Option for the design of an automatic weapon based on a liquid propellant: 1 – feathered bullet, 2 – hole for passage to the liquid explosive bullet, 3 – spring grips, 4 – bullet holder (used for feeding and extraction), 5 – primer, 6 – bullet seal, 7 – valve, 8 – receiver, 9 – pipeline for liquid substances, 10 – bolt, 11 – firing pin, 12 – check valve for supplying liquid substances to the bullet space, 13 barrel, 14 – disposable magazine, equipped with feathered bullets with holders and a cylinder with JMV
Sniper rifle (SV-8)
This small weapon was developed in 2011. Today the SV-8 is one of the best sniper rifles. It is worth drawing your attention to the fact that all developments took place in strict secrecy; the official announcement was made only in 2011. This is a fairly light weapon, weighing only 6.5 kilograms and with dimensions of 1025 x 96 x 185. The firing range, so to speak, is standard - 1.5 kilometers. 5-round magazine. Currently, the Ministry of Defense plans to replace the SVD and OSV-96 with the SV-8, which is much more reliable and trouble-free, as well as accurate. Soon it is planned to put the SV-8 into serial production and completely replace the obsolete SVD. Therefore, if we consider new weapon developments in Russia, it is definitely worth mentioning the new model sniper rifle.
Machine gun "Kord"
If we talk about modern machine guns that are used by the armed forces of the Russian Federation, then we cannot fail to mention the Kord. Despite the fact that development began in the 90s, the final version was received only in 2007. It is noteworthy that the machine gun can be installed on the T-90S tank. Firing range against ground targets is 2 km, against air targets – 1.5 km. Currently there are a huge number of modifications. For example, there are tank machine guns, as well as infantry ones on bipods and infantry machine guns, etc. High versatility means that the Kord can be used for almost any purpose. If you use bullets with a tungsten core, you can significantly improve the armor penetration rate, so hitting lightly armored enemy vehicles will not be difficult. In addition to all this, the Kord can be equipped with an optical or night sight, which makes this Russian weapon truly universal. The latest developments don't stop there, so let's move on.
The United States has set a historical record for the import of Russian ammunition
In December, RBC, citing foreign trade data from the US Census Bureau, reported that in ten months of 2022 an absolute record was set for the supply of Russian cartridges and their components to America.
From January to October, American companies purchased more than 7.7 thousand tons of Russian cartridges worth $157.9 million. For comparison: for the entire 2020, imports of domestic cartridges to the United States amounted to 5.2 thousand tons worth about $120 million. We are talking about civilian ammunition for rifled weapons, which, with the exception of the bullet design, are almost identical to their military counterparts. These are automatic calibers .223 Rem (5.56x45 mm), 7.62x39 mm, 5.45x39 mm; pistol 9x19 Par., .40 SW, rifle .308 Win (7.62x51 mm) and 7.62x54R.
How will the ban on the sale of Russian ammunition in America turn out?
According to expert estimates, the American market absorbs up to 80–85% of the civilian production of our cartridge factories. The most popular export brands are Tulammo from the Tula Cartridge Plant and Barnaul from the Barnaul Cartridge Plant.
The export activity of our factories resulted in a shortage of ammunition of some popular calibers on the Russian market, and prices for domestic products increased by approximately 60–70%.
On September 7, 2022, a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation came into force, related to the so-called “poisoning” of blogger Alexei Navalny, which, among other things, imposes a ban on the supply of domestic ammunition to the United States. However, as reported, temporary loopholes have already been found to circumvent the restrictions. American importers managed to obtain new licenses for a period of two years in the period between the announcement of sanctions and their entry into force. Thus, supplies of Russian cartridges to the United States will continue at least until the fall of 2023.
About the AK-12 in detail
Along with providing the Russian army with new uniforms, the question of changing small arms arises. Today there is a lot of talk about the “Ratnik” equipment. In addition to new armor, soldiers will also receive a machine gun. According to preliminary data, it will be an AK-12. Let's take a closer look at what kind of weapon this is and what its features are. As the name suggests, the developer of this assault rifle was the Kalashnikov concern, so the caliber of the bullet will be exactly the same as that of the AK-47. The most fundamental difference from its predecessor is the reduced weight. The designers managed to reduce the weight of the weapon by 0.1 kg. Some may think this is a ridiculous number, but it is not. In addition, the trigger mechanism has been improved. From now on, you can pull the bolt with one hand, and there is no need to carry out this activity after each magazine change.
AEK-971, or the main competitor of the AK-12
Today, the new model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle has a serious competitor. The designers from Kovrov used a fundamentally new design, which significantly reduces the recoil of the weapon. Shooting, due to lower recoil, is smoother, but the weight is slightly greater than that of the AK-12. But if we compare in general, the accuracy of fire of the two models is almost the same. Although the power of the AK is somewhat greater. It is impossible not to notice that the AEK-971 has such a significant advantage as a new firing mode - short bursts. But the AK-12 also has this capability, however, there are some differences. However, both on the one hand and on the other, it is said that it would be good to adopt both models and experimentally determine which is better in real combat conditions. In any case, Russia's newest military weapons will be put into service in 2015, along with the Ratnik kit.
The main news of Army 2021
Forum opening ceremony. Photo by AP RF
The international military-technical forum "Army" has now become the main platform for the first display of the latest developments in the field of weapons and military equipment. At Army 2021, more than fifty different samples, both already known and announced on the eve of the opening of the forum, will be publicly shown for the first time. These developments represent virtually all major sectors of the defense industry.
Small arms
The main supplier of new products in the field of small arms remains the Kalashnikov Concern. This year, most attention is paid to the promising PPK-20 submachine gun, which is being demonstrated for the first time at a public event. This product is a redesign of the existing Vityaz-SN submachine gun and is intended for use as part of a portable emergency reserve for pilots. PPK-20 has already been tested and is ready for production in the interests of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It is also possible to execute export orders.
Submachine gun PPK-20 with installed additional equipment. Photo Concern "Kalashnikov"
For the first time, the AK-12SP assault rifle is being demonstrated - a modification of the well-known AK-12, intended for special forces. In this project, the basic machine receives some ergonomic innovations that simplify operation, incl. using additional devices.
Developments in the civilian sector are widely represented at the Kalashnikov stand. Among them, the most interesting is the “smart” shotgun MP-155 Ultima in serial form. An experimental version of this product was first demonstrated last year, and since then the project has changed significantly. The main parts of the gun remained the same, but the ergonomics were improved and a new on-board computer with the Android operating system appeared.
Land technology
Industry and the army remain interested in the subject of land vehicles for various purposes, as can be seen from the static and dynamic exhibition. Both modernization options for existing equipment and completely new models with a great future are demonstrated.
Product "Military-industrial multi-purpose armored amphibious vehicle." Photo by military industrial complex
A new example of modernization of available equipment was the experimental BMP-3 with the Berezhok fighting compartment. This option of combining already known components is being demonstrated for the first time. It is assumed that the modernization of an infantry fighting vehicle with the help of Berezhka will optimize the technical and combat characteristics. At the same time, the Tula Instrument Design Bureau continues to search for options for improving the BMP-3 by replacing the turret and weapons.
The Military-Industrial Company is showing several full-fledged new products at once. Of greatest interest is the “multi-purpose armored amphibious vehicle.” This is a modern armored car, which is a further development of the ideas of the Tiger and Athlete families. In fact, it is considered as a modern version of the outdated BRDM: the armored car can solve the same problems and is devoid of their characteristic disadvantages.
Armored car K-4386 ZA-SpN. Photo by RIA Novosti
The military-industrial complex continues to develop the already well-known Strela project. The basic and amphibious versions of this armored vehicle were demonstrated earlier. In addition, the possibility of creating a unified non-military vehicle was mentioned. An experienced SUV, aimed at the civilian market and law enforcement agencies, was shown for the first time this year.
The Remdizel enterprise, which is engaged in the Typhoon line, is again showing its developments. A combat vehicle for special forces, K-4386 ZA-SpN, was created on the basis of an existing armored car. It is distinguished by the presence of overhead armor and the presence of a protected turret with machine gun and missile weapons.
The K-4386 AMN-D truck is built on the same chassis. It retained the armored hood and received a single-row cabin, behind which an onboard cargo platform was placed. The possibility of parachute landing is preserved. A car can be used as a vehicle and as a carrier of weapons or various systems.
Protected truck K-4386 AMN-D. Photo Mashnews.ru
The most interesting new products in the field of trucks were presented. Thus, the exhibition demonstrates the new Ural 432067-71 chassis, which is not equipped with a cabin or target load. At the request of the customer, this product can be equipped with various add-ons, incl. military purposes.
Another interesting development is a prototype of the Ural-66 or Project 80 product on the Ural-43206 chassis. It is a four-wheel drive flatbed truck capable of hauling or towing a variety of loads. One of the project designations may indicate that it is being considered as a modern analogue of the old GAZ-66 truck.
Air defense
The Almaz-Antey East Kazakhstan Concern brought several already known samples to Army-2021, incl. presented recently, as well as a number of new products of various kinds. For example, the combat module of the Sosna air defense system is shown, both independently and on different chassis. A version of the complex on the BTR-82A chassis is being demonstrated for the first time.
Multipurpose chassis "Ural 432067-71". Photo Mashnews.ru
The Viking air defense system, which is an export version of the Buk-M3 medium-range complex, is already known to specialists and the public. This time there is the first demonstration of the 9S38E target detection station for this air defense system. It is made on a unified chassis and is equipped with an AFAR with high performance.
At Army 2020, the premiere of the 98R6E “Abakan” non-strategic air defense-missile defense system, consisting of several fixed assets, took place. At the current exhibition they were supplemented with a new detection and target designation station 98L6E.
Aviation and weapons
In the field of aviation technology, Army 2021 will do without any high-profile new products. However, for the first time, new and modernized products of different classes are being demonstrated, which are of great interest to the public and to potential customers. In addition, the United Aircraft Corporation, Russian Helicopters and other enterprises represent the entire range of modern models.
SAM "Sosna" on the BTR-82 chassis. Photo: Bmpd.livejournal.com
The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant is showing the experimental modernized Ka-226T helicopter for the first time. For the first time in the plant’s practice, all design documentation for the project was made in electronic form. With this approach, a new fuselage design was developed, the main systems were updated, etc. As a result of such modifications, the weight and flight characteristics have been improved.
The Kronstadt group presents a helicopter-type UAV BVS-VT 450. The vehicle weighs 450 kg with a flight duration of up to 6 hours and is capable of carrying various loads. It is proposed to be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring, as well as for collecting samples, extinguishing fires, etc.
Viking air defense systems. On the right is the new 98L6E radar. Photo: Bmpd.livejournal.com
Together with the modernized Ka-52M helicopter, the Izdeliye 305E light multi-purpose guided missile (LMUR) from the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau was publicly shown for the first time. The 105-kg product carries a warhead weighing 25 kg and can fly 14.5 km. Guidance is combined, with inertial and television systems, control from a carrier helicopter is provided. In the future, 305E missiles may be included in the ammunition load of various types of domestic helicopters.
Developments for the fleet
Several new developments in the field of marine technology are presented, and all main areas are covered, from large ships to small watercraft. The bulk of such projects are presented by the United Shipbuilding Corporation.
Modernized Ka-226T. Photo "Russian Helicopters"
Current developments in the field of amphibious fleet are demonstrated. Thus, at the stand of the Navy command, a model of the modernized landing ship Project 1171.1 was presented for the first time. In addition, USC will again show the already well-known prototype of the next generation UDC “Cayman”.
For the first time, a model of the supply and support ship Project 15550 “Husky” is shown. In appearance, such a ship is similar to existing large landing ships, but has differences associated with its intended use in the Arctic. With a displacement of approx. 14 thousand tons The Husky will be able to transport 1 division of coastal missile systems, up to 30 vehicles or similar cargo.
Boats for special forces DS-RIB. Photo Concern "Kalashnikov"
Other directions have not been forgotten either. Thus, Rybinsk Shipyard from the Kalashnikov company presented its first inflatable boat intended for special forces. The DS-RIB product can be manufactured in two sizes, for 10 or 12 passengers with cargo. The possibility of transportation on the external sling of a helicopter is provided; There is an autonomous cylinder inflation system.
Premiere time
IMF "Army" is the main domestic platform for demonstrating new achievements of the military-industrial complex, signing contracts and searching for export customers.
Even before the opening of the forum, participating enterprises reveal their plans and announce the range of products planned for demonstration - and among them there are often the most interesting new products. This time the number of interesting new products in all areas exceeds several dozen. Most of them have every chance of entering service with the Russian armed forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as becoming the subject of export contracts. However, these are new developments - and the path to operation will take some time. And in the coming days they will have to be at the exhibition and attract the attention of potential customers.
Something else about the newest
As noted a little above, today there are a huge number of projects that the best gunsmiths of the Russian Federation are working on. However, no one is in a hurry to share their secrets. For example, today it is known that the so-called “Drone” will soon enter service. It is already known that this will be a combat vehicle, but there have been no confirmations or denials from the Ministry of Defense. Nevertheless, we can expect that Russia will have a new weapon (“Dron”), but when this will happen and under what circumstances will remain a mystery until the last. It is quite possible that this will be a secret weapon of the Russian Federation, and it will only be used in the event of direct aggression.
