New machines were developed by Kalashnikov Concern specialists as part of the further development of ideas already implemented in previous projects. The new weapon retains certain features of the product MA, shown in the 2016 year, but it has some differences. In addition, in the framework of new projects it was proposed to use original ideas. So, the AMB-17 submachine gun is proposed to be equipped with an integrated device of silent and flameless firing, expanding the range of tasks to be solved.
According to the developer, the new AM-17 was created as a compact and light weapon for special forces. The result of this was getting the smallest possible size and weight. When the stock is folded perspective automaton has a length of about 500 mm. The mass of weapons without a magazine is about 2,5 kg. Such design features greatly simplify the transportation and use of weapons.
As in the case of the "last year" project of AI, the developers of the AM-17 submachine gun decided to move away from some of the traditional solutions used in domestic small arms projects. First of all, it affected the design of the receiver. Instead of a box with a removable lid, used on previous Soviet and Russian machines, it is proposed to use a product consisting of two large units.
The receiver of the big sizes is executed in the form of two "receivers" connected by a hinge and fixed in the working position with the help of a pin. For service elements of the receiver are disconnected and weapons "break in two." As with other systems of similar architecture, in the AM-17, the top element of the receiver is intended for mounting the barrel and some automation components with a gas engine. Its front part serves as the hook shank. The lower receiver, in turn, accommodates the details of the firing mechanism and the receiving shaft of the store. The pistol grip and trigger guard are made integral with the receiver.
The upper part, when firing experiencing significant loads, should be made of steel. A less loaded lower box assembly is proposed to be made of plastic. This approach to the materials allowed to reduce to some extent the total mass of the machine, as well as simplify its production.
It is reported that advanced weapons received automation based on a gas engine with a short piston stroke. The movable slide frame is equipped with a butterfly valve. Locking the barrel before firing is done with the help of three lugs. An interesting feature of the slide group is the placement of the reloading handle. It is fixed above the shutter and almost at the same level with it. At the same time, it is possible to withdraw the handle to any side of the weapon. To do this, in the walls of the upper receiver has a pair of longitudinal slots. Under the right slot is the ejection window.
Automatic received a rifled barrel of medium length. In the presented form, AM-17 is completed with a slotted flame arrester with horizontal windows.
Above the pistol grip is a trigger mechanism. Type USM, unfortunately, is not specified. Control of this device is carried out with the help of a flag of the fuse-translator of fire. For more convenience, the arrow machine has two such flags. They are located above the pistol grip. Depending on the position of the checkbox, it is possible to block USM, fire by singles or firing in bursts.
The AM-17 machine is designed for a domestic intermediate cartridge 5,45x39 mm. For ammunition supply is proposed to use detachable box stores of existing and future types. During the exhibition “Army-2017” the machine gun was shown with a plastic magazine on 30 cartridges, having transparent inserts to control the ammunition consumption. In its place, the store is fixed with a snap-on design.
In accordance with current trends, the new Russian machine gun provides a certain freedom of choice of sighting devices. The upper receiver unit is equipped with a standard Picatinny rail that runs along its entire length. This allows you to install any compatible sight of a particular class. Thus, the exhibition sample of the machine gun was shown with mechanical sights, and in the advertising video from the Kalashnikov concern a weapon with a collimator sight was shown.
Greater ease of use is also provided by an adjustable butt. Its basis is a tubular member pivotally attached to the receiver. Inside such a tube, the L-shaped device is movably fixed with a butt pad, having a lock for fixing in the desired position. If necessary, the butt can be folded forward-right. In the folded position butt does not interfere with shooting. Its “root” part is higher than the pistol grip, while the back plate is located under the window of the ejection of the sleeves.
It is reported that in combat status, the advanced AM-17 machine has the smallest possible dimensions and weight. The combat characteristics, however, have not yet been announced. Perhaps such information will be published in the foreseeable future.
Also, on the basis of existing developments and solutions, the Kalashnikov concern created a small-sized, silent AMB-17 machine gun. In general, it repeats the design of the "basic" AM-17, but has a number of characteristic differences. To obtain a number of new features, ammunition and automation equipment was reworked. In addition, AMB-17 received a modified trunk with additional devices.
One of the most noticeable differences of the silent automaton is another upper unit of the receiver. To install new devices, its front end has larger dimensions. In addition, there are large cracks for the supply of atmospheric air. The rest of the receiver is similar to that used in the AM-17 project.
A sharp reduction in the noise produced when firing, was obtained by means of two solutions. The first is an integrated silent shooting device. This device, characterized by relatively large dimensions, is mounted in front of the upper receiver, on top of the barrel. The task of the device is to hold hot powder gases and prevent the formation of a shock wave outside the muzzle.
The second solution, which reduced the noise of the machine gun, was to choose a different ammunition. Instead of the standard domestic intermediate cartridge, AMB-17 machine gun should use special SP-5, SP-6 and PUB-9. Cartridges 9x39 mm differ subsonic initial speed of the bullet, which further reduces the noise when shooting. To use such a cartridge sponsors had properly recycle automation design. In addition, a silent machine must be equipped with other shops. It declared the possibility of shopping on 20 and 30 cartridges.
The rest of the design of the two machines as similar as possible or identical. Like the AM-17, the special AMB-17 has a flashing receiver, USM controls of increased convenience, folding stock, etc. At the same time, a silent automaton has a slightly greater potential in terms of installing additional devices. The upper Picatinny rail covering the entire length of the receiver was supplemented with a short rail on the bottom surface of the forearm.
By its dimensions and mass, the AMB-17 machine is similar to a “normal” sample chambered for 5,45x39 mm. The mass of the product is about 2,5 kg, the length with the butt folded is about 500 mm. Unfortunately, the main technical and combat characteristics of this weapon have not yet been disclosed either. It is hoped that such information will be published in the near future.
Despite the use of a number of new ideas and solutions that are not yet typical of Russian small arms, promising AM-17 and AMB-17 automata are considered as a means of filling in already existing niches. Thus, an automatic without a silencer can replace existing samples of small-sized automatic weapons used by special units. In some cases, such a replacement will lead to a noticeable increase in firepower.
The AMB-17 submachine gun, equipped with a silent and flameless device, is considered as a potential replacement for the product of the AS “Val”. Both machines use the same cartridge, but the new AMB-17 is smaller. Perhaps there is a difference in the specifications, but the information on this matter yet.
According to published information, at present there are only a few prototypes of advanced small arms. They have already been tested at the shooting range and, apparently, have already passed part of the necessary tests. According to the press service of the Kalashnikov concern, in the next 2018, two automatic machines will be submitted for state tests. After this stage of inspections, a full-scale serial production of weapons can be launched in the interests of a particular customer.
The press service also noted that the power structures of Russia had already expressed interest in promising small arms systems. AM-17 and AMB-17 may be subject to contracts with the Federal Security Service, the Federal Guard Service and the Rosgvardia. However, information about the actual signing of the agreement has, for obvious reasons, have not been published.
In recent years, the Kalashnikov concern has developed and introduced several new small arms models, including promising assault rifles. The creation of new projects and the development of existing designs continues, and their results are regularly shown at exhibitions. In the foreseeable future, all the new tests will have to pass the new small-sized automatic machines AM-17 and AMB-17. Continue to follow the news about this weapon.
On the materials of the sites:
https://kalashnikov.media/
https://tvzvezda.ru/
http://ria.ru/
http://rg.ru/
http://zonwar.ru/
http://mpopenker.livejournal.com/