Izhmash PP-19-01 (Vityaz-SN)

History of Izhmash PP-19-01 (Vityaz-SN)

The original Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle has inspired a variety of successful gun designs over the past half century. Its influence rivaled that of the German Mauser at the turn of the century, which laid the foundation for many bolt-action rifle systems of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of the main descendants of the AK-47 model became the AK-74, the successor to the modernized AK-47 known as the AKM and switched to the smaller 5.45x39mm medium rifle cartridge. The AK-47 was then used as the framework for the Vityaz-SN, a state-of-the-art submachine gun (SMG) developed by Russia's Izhmash and currently used as a standardized submachine gun for the Russian Armed Forces as well as various police groups.

The design work took place in the mid-2000s, and the production/service rollout started in 2008 and continues until today (2018). Currently, only Namibia is a foreign operator (Marine Corps) of these Russian submachine guns.

The Vityaz-SN retains the AK-74's rectangular receiver and its large fire selector (safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic fire setting modes exist). The pistol grip/trigger assembly (similar to the modern AK-100 series) and magazine well are in traditional locations along the frame.

The barrel is shorter (9.4 inches in length) to better function as a submachine gun. The skeletonized shoulder rest (inherited from the AKS-74 model) folds laterally on the right side of the case and its skeletonized shape reduces weight.

Iron sights are included, although optical and tactical accessories (flashlight, sights, foregrip) are easily carried by the Picatinny rail section above the receiver and optional extensions on the front end (below, above, and sides). The muzzle brake is slotted for added control and can be replaced with a silencer for stealth operation. The result is an effective and efficient melee weapon for all types of infantry - with an overall length of 27.8" (stock extension) and only 18.9" (folding stock). Total weight is manageable at 6.40 lbs.

Two points of contact allow for the addition of shoulder straps.

One of the main differences between the Vityaz-SN and the traditional Kalashnikov system is that it relies on the ubiquitous German 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge a cartridge favored by Western submachine gun and pistol designs. Introduced in 1901, this cartridge is a proven personnel stopper and is available in large quantities worldwide.

It powers Heckler & Koch's competitive classic MP5 line and its offshoots as well as many other guns around the world.

Internally, the weapon uses a proven recoil operating system with a tight bolt design (as opposed to the AK-74's rotary bolt mechanism gas operation). The rate of fire is 700 to 750 rpm, with a nominal muzzle velocity of 1,245 feet per second and a range of up to 220 yards. The weapon is fed by a detachable 30-round magazine that is inserted into a shaft located directly in front of the trigger assembly (a special assembly allows the magazines to be paired side-by-side for faster reloading).

Both the trigger and safety system are derived from the AK-74, as is the recoil spring/guide rod section.

Variants of the Vityaz-SN series include version 10 and version 20 models. It is understood that Russian special forces are actively using SPETSNAZ elements of the series.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

VARIANTS