Kbk wz.89 (Onyx)

History

Like the wz/88 "Tantal", the locally produced Polish copy of the Russian AK-74S assault rifle, the wz/89 "Onyks" (or "Onyx") is the locally produced Polish copy of the Russian AKS-74U-U - Marine Gun/carbine, with some modifications added to differentiate it from the original type. This weapon is sometimes classified as a "short assault rifle", but is generally considered a submachine gun or carbine in various Western publications. The main difference between the Russian and Polish versions is that the latter adds a three-round burst capability, as well as a side-folding skeleton stock. In addition, the Polish version has a slightly larger rear sight and can be fitted with various sights and accessories if required.

The muzzle has a compensator that accepts "rifle grenades" fired from the barrel.

The

wz/89 is essentially the carbine version of the longer wz/88 assault rifle, the former designed to serve with those battlefield units that can respect its portability - namely security units, vehicle crews, paratroopers and special forces. Although the first pre-production batches (eventually reaching 200 prototypes) have entered the evaluation phase, the wz/89 never entered service with the Polish army.

Construction started in 1987 and was officially completed in 1990. The project is being handled by Zaklady Metalowe Lucznik, and manufacturing will take place at the Lucznik Arms Factory in Radom, Poland.

Outside, wz. To the untrained eye, the 89 is almost indistinguishable from its Russian counterpart. It retains the same unique wooden furniture on the front grip and long curved magazine. This weapon has a sturdy design and can be held tightly in both hands. The prominent front sight is a standout feature of both designs, and the low barrel is more or less consistent with all previous Kalashnikov designs.

The pistol grip is very slightly angled and sits behind the trigger, which itself is surrounded by an elongated trigger ring. The pull handle is located on the right side of the receiver, just above and in front of the magazine feed. Spent cartridges are also ejected from the opening on the right side, which is directly above the magazine feed. A hinged skeletal stock rounds out the rear end design and folds over the right side of the frame.

When unfolded, the stock increases the length of the weapon system to 28.35 inches from its original folded length of 20.43 inches. The unladen weight of the gun is nearly 6 pounds, 6 ounces, the barrel has a 6-slot right-hand twist, and itself is 8.15 inches in length. For logistical reasons, the Polish version's chamber can fire Soviet 5.45x39mm cartridges from a 30-round detachable magazine.

The cyclic rate of fire is approximately 725 rounds per minute and the muzzle velocity is 3,018 feet per second.

The wz/91 became another form of the Onyks line of weapons, although this version was fitted for the standard 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. This version was conceived specifically for Poland's possible entry into NATO - which finally happened in March 1999, along with the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Specification

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