AK-74-A Kalashnikov machine gun of the 1974 model, developed in the Soviet Union. This is a personal automatic weapon designed to defeat the enemy's manpower. The AK-74 has become the development of the previous AKM model, different in the use of smaller barrel cartridges and improved characteristics. Due to the high reliability, easy exploitation and accuracy of shooting, the AK-74 has become the main weapon of the Soviet infantry and some other countries. Its design is easy to master and maintain.
From a rifle to the AK-74-Dam, the Soviet Union adapted to new challenges in the weapons industry
In the late 1960s, the Soviet Union had to modernize small arms. Analysis of hostility at differences in the world shows that reducing the size of the cartridge can significantly increase the efficiency of shooting due to lower profits, increase bullets and improve ballistic of the bullet. The enemy, equipped with the US M16 with the US rifle under the low cartridge of 5,5645 mm, has certain advantages of accuracy and control of weapons in automatic fire. The Soviet Union cannot ignore this.
In 1968, studies on new cartridges began and in 1970, a 5.45 × 39 mm cartridges were created, with improved characteristics compared to traditional traditional 7.62 × 39 mm traditions. He ensures lower profits, increasing the accuracy of shooting, especially when shooting in explosions. Mikhail Kalashnikov with a group of designers developed a new machine, adapted to this cartridge. In tests, the deficiency in designed and removed design, including ammunition supply processes and kidnapped powdered gas.
In 1974, the Kalashnikov rifle under a small barrel cartridge was applied as prescribed by AK-74. In the same year, its mass production began at the Izhevsk machine building factory. AK-74 combines all the advantages of its predecessor, but at the same time has a higher accuracy of shooting and reducing the volume of ammunition, allowing fighters to carry more cartridges without increasing the load. Further improving the structure is carried out as part of the development of additional amendments that are adjusted for different combat conditions.
Technical features and main advantages
The AK-74 has a length of 940 mm and a volume without a 3.3 kg store. The total amount of weapons equipped with a 30 -round store is about 3.6 kg. The design of the machine is based on the principle of removing powder through a special air tube above the barrel, ensuring the stable operation of automation in different operating conditions. Pistons -The gas is connected to the bolt frame. This ensures the high reliability of mechanisms even with extreme pollution and temperature.
The target shooting range is 1000 m, but the effective human resource range does not exceed 500 m.
The fire rate of AK-74 is 600 shots per minute, but the actual fighting speed of the fire is lower, because firing in explosions requires adjustments, store changes and profit control. The complete reload time of the machine is about 4 seconds with a prepared fighter, including the exploitation of an empty store, taking all, its connection and sending the cartridge to the chamber.
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It uses 5.45 × 39 mm barrel cartridge cartridge, highly punched and small jerky pulse. This makes the fire more automatically controlled than the 7.62 mm versions. The use of new cartridges allows significantly increasing the accuracy and accuracy of the shoot, especially with automatic fire mode. A special design of a bullet with the shell and steel core increases the power of piercing and makes the ammunition effectively fight off armored targets.
Another AK-74 is equipped with a typical muzzle brake machine, reducing the return and throwing the barrel during shooting. This is especially important when conducting fire in explosions, as it allows fighters to keep the vision to the target and control the weapons. The muzzle brakes also reduce the proval of the bullet, increasing the effectiveness of automatic fire at an average distance, improving accuracy and handling weapons.
AK-74 evolution: amendment, adaptation and continue to develop
On the basis of AK-74, different amendments have been developed adapted to various combat conditions. AKS-74 is a folded metal butt version designed for the army and aerial battle vehicle. The folding butt reduces the size of the weapon, helping to simplify its transportation and storage in a limited space. The design of the butt allows you to shoot both folded and opened without ineffective.
AK-74 M is a modernized version that appeared in 1991. It is characterized by the presence of plastic accessories, an advanced receiver and a unified bar to install the attractions. AK-74 M supports optical installation, comparison and night attractions, which significantly expand its ability in combat conditions. In this version, the defective protection of metal parts has also been improved.
There are also shortened versions of the AK-74 developed for special forces and crew of armored vehicles.
AKS-74U is a compact machine with shortened boxes and folded buttocks. Its length is only 735 mm in open state and 490 mm is folded. Thanks to the small sizes and decreased weight of AKS-74U, it is convenient for use in limited space, such as taxi or urban development. But a short tree trunk leads to reducing the scope and reduces the effectiveness of the cartridge.
In addition, the output versions are adjusted according to the requirements of foreign customers have been created. Some of them have changed materials and structural elements to comply with the standards of import countries and increase reliability in various climatic conditions. AK-74 and its amendments have been made according to the license in some states, including Bulgaria, India, Venezuela, and also used in armed forces and special units of many other countries.
The development of the AK-74 did not stop, and in the early 2000s, new versions appeared, such as AK-12, this was a deep modernization of the Kalashnikov platform. The AK-12 has received a more attitude, strips to install attached files and fire control systems have been improved. Despite the appearance of new models, AK-74 and its modernization versions continue to be required in the armed forces of different countries.
Distribution and application
The AK-74 is widely used in the armed forces of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Treaty countries, becoming a standard weapon of infantry units. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, machine guns still served with most post -soviet countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and other Republican countries. It was actively used in military conflicts, including the war in Afghanistan, where he proved his trust in the hot climatic and dust conditions of the terrain.
In addition, AK-74 participated in both Chechen wars, armed conflicts in Donbass and other modern wars. His high and easy -to -operate survival has made him a common choice for abnormal formation and party movements. This machine is also used in wars in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, where he shows that he is an owed weapon capable of working in harsh conditions.
The AK-74 has been exported to dozens of countries around the world, including India, Venezuela, Bulgaria and Vietnam. In some states, its production is established under the license, contributing to widely distribution. In addition to the armed forces, the AK-74 is actively used by law enforcement agencies and special units, where he sets himself as a reliable and effective weapon to perform combat tasks.
Modern use
Today, AK-74 continues to serve with many countries around the world, despite the appearance of more modern small weapons models. In Russia, this machine is gradually replaced by new developments like AK-12, but still needs in different units, especially in the units that need to have proven and reliable weapons. Many military and law enforcement agencies continue to use AK-74, because its specifications still meet the requirements of most combat activities.
In addition to Russian armed forces, AK-74 also actively operates in the former Soviet countries, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and other republicans. In these countries, an automated modernization program is organized for the purpose of improving the attitude and adapting to modern combat missions. The new button, the sights and additional accessories are installed, this makes the weapon more convenient and effective.
AK-74 is also popular in uneven armed groups, militia and various groups around the world. Its reliability, easy maintenance and high survival can make it one of the most popular small weapons on the planet. In conflict areas, such as the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, the machine continues to be actively used in war.
In the warehouse of many states, there are significant reservations of AK-74, allowing them to use it even in replacement conditions with more modern systems. In some countries, experiments are conducted on the adjustment of AK-74 into new ammunition and additional devices to expand its service life and increase combat characteristics. Despite the development of new models, AK-74 still holds its position as one of the most giant and effective small arms in the world.
Interesting the truth: AK-74 played an important role in the process of the Afghan war (1979 Hang1989), where it was actively used by both the Soviet army and Mujahideeen. Special attention has been attracted by the high fire rate of the machine, significantly increasing its efficiency under combat conditions.
Mujahideen, faced with AK-74 fire, called him Shaitan ARB, which means Arabic. This name is due to the fact that the weapon has made the impression of power and huge destruction, especially with positive shooting. The high ratio of fire and the typical sound of the shots has created the feeling of the enemy that he is not only a weapon, but something inhumane, very difficult to stop.
Conclusion
AK-74 is an important period in the development of Soviet small weapons. Its development and performance marks the transition to a new scale and improves combat characteristics. The reliability and simplicity of design and efficiency have made it a popular choice for the armed forces of many countries. Currently, despite the appearance of more modern models, the AK-74 continues to be used and is still a symbol of the Soviet arms field.