Kalashnikov AKSU-74 (AKS-74U)

History of the Kalashnikov AKSU-74 (AKS-74U)

The AKSU-74 is a submachine gun derivative of the larger AKS assault rifle. Both feed 5. 45x39. 5mm Soviet medium rifle cartridge, but the AKSU-74 is a shortened version of the full-length assault variant with a compact overall design - more convenient for airborne, special forces and vehicle crews who value a smaller footprint for their primary weapons. The AKSU-74 has a folding stock (side folding) and is fed from a 30-round magazine with a curved removable plastic case.

Knowledge of this submachine gun/assault carbine model passed to the West in 1983, when the weapon was already used by the Soviet Army in the Afghanistan theater during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989).

While borrowing many key features of earlier AKS assault rifle designs, the smaller design of the assault carbine model, firing relatively powerful cartridges, required the introduction of additional compensation. As such, the AKSU-74 received a pronounced flash suppressor/muzzle compensator mounted on the "shop end" of the shortened barrel.

An expansion chamber has also been added to the weapon to delay the recoil effect.

The front and rear of the visor are made of iron. The weapon has an effective range of up to 656 feet and a muzzle velocity of 2,410 feet per second. The rate of fire is 800 rounds per minute.

In addition to being used by the Soviet Union (and now the Russian Army, including SPETSNAZ), the AKSU-74 was a well-known participant in the US Delta Force and Navy SEALs.

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