The Kalashnikov Concern is steadily moving forward, developing new weapon models and improving old ones. The products of this company are in great demand in the global arms market. One of the promising developments is the AK 12 and AK 15 assault rifles. In the newest versions of the rifles, the developers tried to automate most of the processes and make use as simple and comfortable as possible. Further improvements and elimination of existing shortcomings are planned in future versions.
About slot machines
The author of the development of these rifles is Vladimir Zlobin, the chief designer of the famous large Russian enterprise Izhmash (Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant). The first version of the AK 12 assault rifle was assembled in 2011. Before this, the designer had been nurturing the idea for 10 years.
Ak 12 2011
Initially, the model did not receive government approval, since almost 20 million copies of previous versions were not sold. For 7 years, Zlobin tried in every possible way to draw attention to his development: he conducted test shows, made changes, and updated the design.
In 2016, the AK 12 assault rifle was presented along with its more advanced model, the AK 15. Both versions are currently being tested.
On January 29, 2022, they decided to adopt the AK 12 assault rifle into service with the Ground and Airborne Forces, as well as the Marine Corps of the Russian Federation.
The AK 12 and AK 15 rifles are designed using modern technologies and taking into account user convenience. The main innovations are:
- double-sided shutter button placement;
- moving the handle forward;
- shifting the magazine lever back;
- simple butt design;
- closing the slot for ejecting cartridges;
- reducing the muzzle brake.
The final version of the 2022 AK 12 has even more technical advantages, but this model has not yet been approved by the state.
The term “automatic” originates from the times of the Soviet Union. Then it was applied to automatic weapons. Nowadays this definition is used only in the CIS countries. Since almost all types of harness are now automatic, this name has lost its original meaning. That's what they call rifles now. In addition, this term is also attributed to other mechanisms, such as gaming machines, coffee machines, etc.
Historical information
The Kalashnikov 12 assault rifle received recognition 18 years after the appearance of its project. After the first version was released in 2011, it was criticized for a large number of shortcomings. The first show took place in early 2012. The designer failed to obtain government funding that time. He began to actively work on mistakes.
In September 2016, an updated version of the AK 12 was presented, and the 15 assault rifle was also presented. In both models, the most important advantage was the reduction in caliber. In AK 12, the caliber was 5.45 mm, in AK 15 - 7.65 mm, respectively. During the tests, it was found that thanks to this solution, the weapon began to feel more confident when shooting, and recoil was also significantly reduced. These factors made it much easier to use. This circumstance helped the machines win the attention and favor of the authorities.
AK 12 and 15 2016
Main characteristics of AK 12 and AK 15:
- Shutter delay. The mass is shifted, resulting in improved accuracy;
- Ability to operate weapons with one hand. This effect was achieved by adapting the weapon for two-way use;
- The magazine latch has been moved back, making use more comfortable;
- There are Picatinny mounts that allow you to install additional equipment;
- Simple assembly allows you to get the weapon ready in a matter of seconds;
- It is possible to replace the telescopic butt with a plastic one;
- There are three shot modes: automatic, triple and single;
- A universal barrel that allows you to use grenades from different manufacturers;
- Improved noise reduction technology;
- A sight with a wide range of views.
AK 12 and 15 2022 have not yet been officially presented and are at the finalization stage. According to media reports, it is thanks to these models that the Kalashnikov concern plans to reach the global level and conquer not only the CIS countries, but also the whole of Europe.
AK-15 structure
The AK-15 assault rifle has retained the traditional Kalash design, which is based on a gas exhaust system (used for automatic reloading of ammunition). However, this does not mean that the model did not acquire some design features that were not previously characteristic of weapons in the AK line:
- Safety with four positions: “safety”, “single fire”, “automatic fire”, “firing 2 rounds”. The lever is a small shelf-flag, which is conveniently located under the index finger of the right hand. Switching between modes is possible without intercepting the machine, which makes the model even more convenient to use than before.
- The presence of two sighting rails on the receiver: “Picatinny” and “dovetail”. Special employees divisions of law enforcement agencies have long dreamed of such a function, and now, finally, their desires have come true. Now on one machine gun you can install several sights at once for shooting at different distances, for example, a collimator (from 20 to 60 meters) and optics (100 meters and above).
- The standard sighting device consists of a fixed round front sight and a diopter rear sight. Apparently, IZHMASH designers decided not to get rid of this feature when modernizing the AK-12, because the diopter is a very convenient sight for training shooting from a distance of 50 or 100 meters. Although there is an option to install an open rear sight with the ability to adjust the range from 100 to 800 meters.
- Folding stock, adjustable in height. Thanks to this feature, each shooter can now customize the machine gun, depending on individual preferences and the characteristics of his build (the length of the butt can be adjusted by replacing butt plates of different thicknesses). Moreover, if the butt is in the folded position, the shooter will still have the opportunity to fire - the trigger is not blocked by this, as in older versions.
- The presence of threads for the muzzle "cloth". Most often, a DTK (muzzle brake-compensator), a flash suppressor or a silencer is attached to the weapon, depending on what kind of operation is carried out by law enforcement officers. This feature was also present on other modernized versions of Kalashnikov assault rifles, but it was in the AK-15 that it was brought to fruition - the thread became universal.
In general, the design of the AK-15 has retained its traditional appearance, therefore, the reliability of the rifle unit has remained high. At the same time, IZHMASH designers tried to equip the new machine gun with various modern innovations designed to simplify the process of operating the weapon. The idea was realized almost completely, as you can see by reading the main advantages and disadvantages of the weapon.
Specifications
At first glance, almost identical models also have significant differences. The most noticeable and noticeable difference is expressed in the volume of the caliber. But the differences between them do not end there. To study all the nuances, it is necessary to make a comparison.
Technical review of AK 12:
- caliber 5.45 by 39;
- length with the butt folded – 730 mm, with the butt unfolded – 940 mm;
- weight without magazine - 3.2 kg;
- barrel – 415 mm;
- initial bullet speed – 900 meters per second;
- speed - 650 rounds per minute;
- sight type – 1 km;
- shooting distance – 600 m;
- magazine capacity - 95 rounds;
- shooting modes – 3 (automatic, triple and single).
AK 12 2016
These are the main characteristics of the machine gun.
Technical review of AK 15:
- caliber 7, 62 by 39;
- length with the butt folded – 650 mm, with the telescopic one unfolded – 862 mm, with the plastic one – 922 mm;
- barrel – 415 mm;
- weight without bullets – 3.74 kg;
- speed – 700 rounds per minute;
- capacity of 96 rounds (drum) or 30 (box).
AK 15 2016
Initially, it was planned to improve the AK 12 assault rifle. But after several failures and critical reviews, the developer decided to create a completely new weapon model. The rifle was called AK 15. It was distinguished by its impressive design and ergonomics. During testing in 2016, both models received approval for serial production. Finally, it was decided to develop both versions. According to the results of a survey of users as of 2020, these two rifles are the most popular product in the CIS harness market.
It recently became known that two foreign companies, Definitive Arms and Krebs Custom, have created their own copy of the AK 15. The weapon is practically no different from the Kalashnikov original in technical terms. But the new modification looks more elegant and graceful. Models of different colors have also been developed (there are specimens whose body is painted yellow, blue and green).
AK 15 from Definitive Arms and Krebs Custom
The Kalashnikov Concern tried to sue plagiarism companies. But it was not possible to win the dispute, since the manufacturers of the original weapons had expired technical patents at that time, which means that anyone could work on the AK development schemes.
After such an oversight, the President of the Concern stated that from now on he would carefully monitor the safety of his developments, no matter how much it would cost him. Whether this is so - time will tell. While Kalashnikov is preparing to reach a new level and conquer the whole world.
AK-12 in video games
The new machine gun has gained enormous popularity among developers and fans of various computer games - the weapon attracts fans of such types of entertainment.
As for the most popular games, the AK-12 can be seen in Warface, Arma, Battlefield, Call of Duty, Contract Wars, Counter Strike, Survarium, World War 3 and many others. In most of them, the weapon does not differ from the authentic model, but in some it has slight differences.
AK-12 in the game Warface
I would like to believe that the weapon will have the same legendary future as its progenitor and will serve exclusively for good intentions.
In general, this is the history of the new Kalash that the Encyclopedia of Weapons website has prepared for you.
Advantages of working with these models
Despite numerous disapproving comments from critics about the similarity of the new weapon with the good old AK-47, it never ceases to be in demand. Thanks to their ergonomics and ease of assembly, the machines of the two models under consideration have already won the love of all users of the CIS countries.
On various forums you can find a lot of positive reviews from soldiers, trainers and other people who are related to weapons. Left-handers especially liked the development, thanks to the ability to rebuild the system to suit their hand.
Alexander Ivanov, a serviceman in the Airborne Forces, left the following comment on his page on a social network: “During 5 years of service, I had the opportunity to hold more than a dozen types of weapons in my hands. For me, the AK 12 is the best that Kalashnikov could invent. The most significant achievement for me personally was that the rifle can be used while holding it in one hand. This is very convenient in case of injury, during serious firefights and in other situations where human resources are sorely insufficient. The only thing that could be improved is the slightly uncomfortable Picatinny rails. It happened to me several times that the body kits were not secured properly and fell out at the most inopportune moment. I hope that this defect will be taken into account in new versions. But in all other respects, the AK 12 can safely be called a weapon of the future."
Soldier with AK 12
Judging by the predominance of positive reviews over negative ones, the creators, although not on the first try, managed to develop a decent weapon.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
Why does everyone love the Kalashnikov assault rifle so much? Of course, for a huge number of advantages and an almost complete absence of disadvantages. To make it easier for you to familiarize yourself with the features of this weapon, we have compiled this small table:
Advantages and disadvantages
Reliable gas exhaust system guaranteeing trouble-free recharging.
Chrome-plated barrel channel and chamber ensure the strength of the weapon.
Three firing modes (automatic, single, and 2 rounds).
The ability to fire with the butt folded - the trigger is not blocked.
Possibility of installing several sighting devices for different mounts.
The machine gun is still a bit heavy compared to European and American rifle units.
There are only four butt positions for height adjustment - quite small for a modern machine gun.
There is no possibility of installing a modern body kit under the Weaver bar, since there is no 16 mm mount
Standard iron sights are only suitable for shooting at round clay pigeon targets.
You cannot install 2 under-barrel attachments at once, for example, a tactical grip and an under-barrel grenade launcher.
In addition, I would like to highlight a few more features that are not obvious advantages of the weapon, but still deserve mention, since many military personnel dreamed of such functions:
- Possibility of installing a removable muzzle brake-compensator and a muffler at the same time.
- The presence of a “hung out” forend provides additional protection of the barrel from loads.
- Possibility of using a 50-round drum instead of a 30-round magazine.
Overall, the AK-15 lived up to the expectations placed on it. The engineers managed not only to eliminate the existing shortcomings of the AK-12, but to bring the outdated Kalashnikov to the same level as modern high-tech foreign rifles (SCAR-H, ACR and others).
The future of slot machines
At the beginning of 2022, the Ak 12 and 15 were adopted by the Airborne Forces, Ground Forces and Marine Corps in Russia. After testing the final versions this year, they are planned to be adopted throughout the CIS. In 2022, the Kalashnikov concern plans to reach a new level and present these developments in the EU. What will come of this is still unknown.
If the company manages to win worldwide fame, Russia will rightfully be able to call itself a power of advanced technologies. The AK 12 and AK 15 rifles have come a hard way to recognition. Thanks to the persistence and hard work of the developers, the current models are considered the best in the entire history of Russian arms manufacturing.
According to experts, there are still many shortcomings, but relying on the enthusiasm of the Concern’s employees, we can say with confidence that all of them will soon become a thing of the past.
