Rosoboronexport lately launched an in depth video showcasing the Kalashnikov AM-17, a compact 5.45x39mm assault rifle developed to interchange the AKS-74U, which formally ceased manufacturing within the Nineteen Nineties.
The AM-17 combines the reliability and heritage of the AK platform with trendy design components that improve mobility and usefulness in close-quarters fight situations, similar to a brand new polymer decrease.
With growth starting within the late 2010s, the rifle has lately accomplished acceptance trials. It’s slated for serial manufacturing quickly, marking a major replace in Russia’s small arms stock and doubtlessly serving as a supply of earnings from exports to gasoline the continued warfare machine.
Within the video, the presenter tells us that the AM-17 weighs about 2.5 kilograms (5.5 kilos) and measures simply 490 millimeters (19.3 inches) when folded, extending to 750 millimeters (29.5 inches) with the inventory deployed.
This compact dimension is designed to make sure ease of dealing with in tight areas, similar to city environments or inside automobiles, making it particularly appropriate for particular operations, airborne troops, automobile crews, and regulation enforcement personnel.
The rifle, after all, makes use of a short-stroke gasoline piston system that’s stated to considerably enhance firing management and accuracy in comparison with its predecessor, as demonstrated within the video with a number of brief full-auto bursts from the capturing demonstrator.
In the meantime, its full-length Picatinny rail and ambidextrous controls accommodate trendy tactical equipment and different consumer preferences.
Rosoboronexport’s presentation takes a variety of time to laud the AM-17’s mix of “excessive mobility, trendy ergonomics, and rugged dependability,” highlighting options similar to adjustable telescoping inventory, reversible charging deal with, and a foldable design to satisfy the calls for of contemporary building-to-building fight operations.
With a cyclic charge of fireside estimated between 700 and 850 rounds per minute, the rifle is designed to ship speedy and dependable efficiency in close-quarters situations, very like a PDW would.
This introduction can be attention-grabbing, contemplating the continued battle in Ukraine, the place weapons that supply each flexibility and firepower are extremely useful, and the battlefield has was a number of automobile assaults and trench warfare.
The AM-17’s compactness and trendy options imply it might improve Russian forces’ operational capacities, significantly for his or her particular forces models tasked with taking and holding city or confined aims.
Nonetheless, it’s anybody’s guess as to how succesful Russia is of not solely producing and fielding this new weapon for its personal troopers, not to mention any potential export prospects.
