Saab Bofors AK-5

1986 COLD WAR MODERN

• 1 Saab Bofors AK-5 History
• 2 Saab Bofors AK-5 Specification
  • 2.1 Basics
  • 2.2 Manufacturer
  • 2.3 Operator
  • 2.4 Roles
  • 2.5 Dimensions and Weight
  • 2.6 Action
  • 2.7 Cartridges and Paper Feeds
  • 2.8 POWER
  • 2.9 VARIANTS

Saab Bofors AK-5 History

In the mid-1970s, in the context of the Cold War (1947-1991), the Swedish army entered a period of review and modernization. This led to an extensive testing phase for the assault rifle, focusing on the 5.56x45mm NATO intermediate cartridge. Exported weapons based on Israel's GALIL and Belgium's Fabrique Nationale FN FNC advanced to the finals, and the FN FNC was ultimately selected as the overall winner.

As a result, the country received a local license for the manufacture of Belgian assault rifles under the local designation "AK-5".

The AK-5 succeeds the outgoing AK-4 series, which itself is a locally produced copy of the West German Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle in 7.62x51mm NATO (licensed). In its prototype form, the AK-5 was designated "CGA5C2", and upon acceptance into service in 1986, became the Army's standard assault rifle.

To better suit local needs, the Belgian FNC has been redesigned with a new trigger guard, pull handle, magazine well, leading edge mode and selector switch. The handguards have been enlarged to better serve gloved hands, and the front end has been cut deeper to support the hand for a firmer grip. The internal structure has been redesigned for better performance in cold weather environments.

Mount support is not built into the design, but can be achieved through an adapter system.

The AK-5 weighs 8.5 pounds empty, has an overall length of 39.5 inches, and a barrel length of 17.7 inches. Its chamber can fire 5.56x45mm NATO bullets via the original FNC gas operation, which relies on a rotating bolt mechanism. Ammunition is fed from a curved 30-round detachable magazine that is inserted in the usual way in front of the trigger unit.

Effective range up to 1,315 feet including sights. The rear sighting device is of the flip-up panel type, and the front is a simple post. Optical sights can also be installed to improve long-range firepower, and iron sights are kept as a backup.

The shoulder rest folds down and folds up by hinges, reducing the overall length of the weapon. Its skeletal double-strut design also reduces the carrying weight of the weapon.

"AK-5A" was used to refer to the original standard infantry rifle. Then there's the "AK-5B," a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) that matches the L9A1 4x25. 5 ranges. It also includes a cheek piece on the shoulder rest for improved operator comfort.

In the mid-2000s, the AK-5B was selected for modernization and thus the "AK-5C" was born. This model adds a Picatinny accessory rail, which is partially placed above the receiver and below the front end. The weapon can now feature red dot sights, different scopes, and a vertical foregrip.

The shoulder rest is adjustable, adding an automatic slide catcher, a new flash suppressor, ambidextrous controls and a 13.8" long barrel assembly. After a four-year conversion, the AK-5C replaced the original AK-5A military rifle in Army inventory.

The original gun was manufactured by FFV Ordnance AB, which later went under the brand name Saab Bofors Dynamics. The modernization was carried out by Saab Bofors Dynamics, which was scheduled to be delivered in 2006.

The AK-5D is a shortened carbine-like variant for vehicle crews and close combat (CQB) operators such as special forces. The AK-5D Mk II was similar in form and function, but improved on the C model.

The AK-5 has since been used with Swedish forces in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Chad, as well as other conflict operations involving Lebanon and Macedonia. It is also used by the Special Operations Forces of the Czech Republic (601st Special Forces) and by selected Swedish and Norwegian police departments.

Saab Bofors AK-5 Specification

Basics

Year of Service

1986

Origins

Sweden

Categories

Assault Rifle/Assault Carbine/Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

Manufacturer

FFV Ordnance AB / Saab Bofors Dynamics - Sweden

Operator

Czech Republic; Norway; Sweden

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Assault Rifle

A modern class of long guns with selected fire characteristics, automatic internals and magazine feeding.

Accuracy/Precision

Long-range accuracy/accuracy capability; good for sniping, especially when equipped with sights.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,005 mm

39. 57 inches

Barrel length

450mm

17.72 inches

Cured weight

8.60 lbs

3.90 kg

Attractions

Front and rear irons; optional optics

Action

Gas powered; rotating bolt; selective fire

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

5. 56x45mm NATO

Circle/Feed

Removable 30-round magazine

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

1,315 feet

(401m | 438m)

Rate of fire

675

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

2,855 ft/s

(870m/s)

VARIANTS

AK-5 - name of the basic series CGA5C2 - name of the AK-5A prototype - 1986 model, manufactured by FFV; original standard variant of the Swedish army. AK-5B - Designated marksman rifle shape; cheeks added to butt; limited production of approximately 5,200 units. AK-5C - Modernized AK-5B for Swedish Army standard issues; 2006 model; modified exterior and interior. AK-5D - Shortened carbine form for vehicle crews and special forces.

AK-5D Mk II - Improved D version of the C assault rifle.