Russia’s Izhevsk Machine Building
Plant (Izhmash) has officially unveiled its new fifth generation
Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle.
Until recently, the
new Kalashnikov rifle remained shrouded in mystery. The reason for that
was that the plant started developing the new model on its own
initiative. The Defence Ministry did not place an order for its
development and generally greeted it with little enthusiasm. The
development of the new rifle was initiated mainly by the plant’s Chief
Designer Vladimir Zlobin and was completed in 2011. The new rifle is
practically a base model, which enables the clients to make any
additional changes to the design and ergonomics of the weapon, says an
official of the Izhmash Company, Elena Filatova.
“One
of the features that is specific to the new Kalashnikov rifle is its
modular nature. It is designed as a base model which can serve as a
basis for making about 20 different modifications of weapons which could
be used for both civil and military purposes and with different caliber
bullets,” Elena Filatova said.
The difference
between the new AK-12 and its previous models is that it can be operated
with one hand. The designers decided to install safety switches on both
sides of the rifle rather than on the just right-hand side. The
capacity of its magazine has been doubled to 60 rounds, while its
accuracy has been improved, the new model has enhanced target pointer
and a higher quality of barrel. The designers have built integrated
Picatinny rail at the top of the cover to enable the use of additional
equipment such as optical, bore sighter or night vision equipment. This
makes it possible to use the weapon around the clock. To improve the
weapon’s firing accuracy, the rifle’s dynamic and other features have
been modified.
The brand-new model meets all of the
Russian Defence Ministry’s key requirements apply for Russia’s military
personnel. At the same time, it is also manufactured for export
purposes. The Izhmash designers have managed to improve the
characteristics of the rifle while at the same time preserving the
qualities of the conventional Kalashnikov rifle which made it famous
around the world. These include the simplicity of the rifle and
reliability and durability. The rifle will start undergoing formal tests
towards the end of 2012- beginning of 2013.
Source: Ruvr
