Kalashnikov AK-12 (AK-200)

History of the Kalashnikov AK-12 (AK-200)

The AK-47 transformed the world military scene as a ubiquitous combat system accessible to the general public. The gun proved relatively inexpensive to manufacture and, perhaps more importantly, was a solid field weapon with reliable action and simple handling in the hands of the "greenest" people.

As such, the AK-47 - Kalashnikov's most famous and most recognizable assault rifle - continues to be found around the world. Over time, the series has been modernized with the times, including major facelifts in the 1970s (AK-74) and 1990s (composite-focused AK-100 series).

The latest version is the 'AK-12', manufactured by the long-sought Izhmash, which is currently (2012) being evaluated by the Russian military as the next standard automatic weapon for its army. The AK-12 is expected to be produced by a "family" of automatic weapons, which includes a base assault rifle, a shortened carbine form, a compact submachine gun, a dedicated sniper/sniper rifle, and a rifle similar to the previous Russian Army infantry doctrine (AK-47/AK-74 itself developed in various forms to meet the needs of the battlefield over time).

The AK-12 designation denotes the final production-ready form of the prototype AK-200, described elsewhere on this website.

Considering the export market and the proliferation of different cartridge types around the world, the AK-12 will be an inherently modular product that, with some changes to the internal base assembly and barrel, will provide a variety of calibers, constantly satisfying customer request. Additionally, the introduction of the Picatinny rail system now allows the use of a variety of non-Russian accessories, including laser sights, tactical flashlights, grips, night vision, reflex sights, and more.

In this way, the AK-12 system will be highly customizable and equally highly marketable on the world stage.

The basic form of the Russian Army Assault Rifle will be armed with the Soviet 5.45x39mm cartridge. There are two proposed NATO standard forms - 5. 56x45mm NATO and 7. 62x51mm NATO cartridge types. It is also expected to support 6.5mm Grendel and 7.62x39mm Soviet bullets.

However, the firing action remains the same in all shapes and revolves around a proven long-stroke pneumatic piston that utilizes the pivot pin function. The AK-12 receiver accepts a standard 30-round curved magazine, a 60-round AK-74-style magazine, or a 100-round drum magazine (as a light machine gun). The rate of fire is estimated at 600 to 1,000 rounds per minute, depending on configuration and cartridge size. The muzzle velocity is approximately 2,950 feet per second, and the effective range is up to 2,000 feet (again depending on site conditions, selected cartridge and general weapon configuration). The AK-12 receiver has a more restrained, ambidextrous, thumb-operated fire selector near the pistol grip (unlike the traditional large fire selector used on earlier AK rifles).

The magazine release/clamp is located in the usual position behind the magazine for easy access. The cylinder is placed directly above the barrel assembly in its usual Kalashnikov configuration, while the barrel is sealed by a new slotted muzzle brake. Another notable change is the repositioning of the rear sight from the center of the top of the receiver to the rear of the receiver (this complements the traditional front sight located behind the muzzle brake).

The AK-12 will be able to provide semi-automatic fire, three-round burst mode and fully automatic fire, as well as the required safety. The charging handle attaches to the right side of the receiver, as does the ejection port. Picatinny rails are located on the top of the receiver and on the sides and bottom of the handguard to accommodate multiple accessories.

The overall construction of the weapon appears to be a mix of steel and plastic (steel is used for the main receiver components, cylinder and barrel, while plastic is used elsewhere to save cost and weight).

The carbine version will be called the AK-12U, while the submachine gun will be called the PPK-12. The sniper rifle variant will be called the SVD-12, while the light machine gun will be designated the RPK-12.

All models are traditional in the Russian army's inventory, and if the AK-12 is accepted in large numbers, they will replace the previous form. All forms will also feature side-folding stocks and interchangeable barrel assemblies to expand on the modular approach.

The LMG will use a sturdy bipod, heavier, longer barrel and 100-round drum (same as the previous RPK-74) to fulfill its dedicated role on the battlefield.

The inherent design of this range of automatic rifles makes it suitable for all types of soldiers - special forces, commandos, airborne infantry, basic infantry, support and logistics, and guerrilla fighters.

Specification

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Changes