Pusca Automata Model 1986 (PA md. 86)

History

Before the collapse of the Soviet Union (1922-1991) and the end of communist Romania (1989), the Romanian army transitioned to using a new, state-of-the-art Kalashnikov-based assault rifle as standard equipment for its infantry . Design work was carried out by Romtechnica and manufactured by RomArm S.A. (Cugir). The gun became an 8.15 pound long gun with a 5.45x39 mm cartridge, known as the "Pusca Automata Model 1986".

Retains the pneumatic action with the swivel bolt function, as well as feeding from the curved, detachable 30-round magazine.

The switch to the smaller 5.45mm cartridge is in line with the Soviet push to standardize the new 1974 cartridge and move away from the proven, although the larger and heavier 7.62x39mm cartridge common to Kalashnikov rifles (this Similar to change western from 7.62mm to 5.56mm). The Romanian version retains some design cues from the original AK-47, while introducing a modern AK-74 derivative as well as some proven features of the AKM (both detailed elsewhere on this site).

The rest of the weapon has been completed to better meet the needs of the Romanian Army, and features a vertical foregrip and inherent support for the Under Mount Grenade Launcher (UBGL) assembly as standard. A three-round burst mode is also included, as well as a side-folding metal stock (flipped over to the left side of the receiver). The folded, hollow stock reduces the overall length of the weapon, making it suitable for rationing airborne troops and other Space Infantry units such as vehicle crews.

Tactical accessories are also more widely supported.

As expected, standardized front-line service rifles (such as the 1986 model) served as the basis for several major variants, forming a complete line of automatic weapons. These included a special carbine shape and a light machine gun (LMG) - the former became the PA Model 1986 "Cu Teava Scurta", which was inherently shorter due to the shortened barrel length, while the latter became the PA Model 1993, which included a carrying handle, the gun Tube swap capability, reinforced receiver and bipod support assembly.

The export version of the 1986 assault rifle was designated "AIMS-74". The rifle was also introduced to the civilian arms market under various names.

The Model 1986 series of weapons served in the Bosnian and Kosovo wars in the 1990s as part of Romanian peacekeeping operations in these hotspots. It was also used in war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq due to Romania's involvement.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes