Assault automatic system ShAK-12. High potential and limited interest
Photo https://ren.tv
At the beginning of the last decade, the so-called. assault rifle complex ShAK-12. This weapon was created to solve special problems, which influenced its appearance, characteristics and capabilities. An unusual sample, when declassified, predictably attracted the attention of specialists and the public - and continues to do so. The other day, Rosoboronexport reminded about unusual weapons, which may serve as a hint at its plans.
Double action
According to known data, the development of the future ShAK-12 started in the middle of the XNUMXs and was carried out in the Tula TsKIB SOO. The customer was the FSB Special Purpose Center. Based on the experience of operations in recent years, he formed special tactical and technical requirements for promising weapons for special forces.
A promising machine was supposed to reliably hit manpower in protective equipment or behind obstacles. At the same time, it was necessary to provide a high stopping effect. With all these qualities, convenience was required from the machine, the ability to install additional devices, etc.
In the course of preliminary studies at TsKIB SOO, it was found that common types of cartridges would not allow such characteristics to be obtained. The necessary potential had a special cartridge 12,7x55 mm, developed earlier. New modifications of such ammunition with different bullets were developed, and an automatic machine with additional devices was created for the resulting line of cartridges.
ASh-12 submachine gun with silencer for supersonic ammunition and magazine for 10 rounds
Work on the ShAK-12 complex was completed at the turn of the decade. In 2011, he was adopted by the customer in the person of the TsSN and went into series. At the same time, for obvious reasons, there is no reliable information about the production, supply and operation of machines. Also, it was not reported about the adoption of the complex by other law enforcement agencies or the sale of machine guns abroad.
Later, the machine gun and other elements of the complex were demonstrated to the public. Weapons of an unusual appearance with special characteristics naturally attracted attention. SHAK-12 regularly appears at various exhibitions and enjoys a certain popularity.
A complex approach
The key element of the ShAK-12 complex is 12x55 mm cartridges, made on the basis of the cartridge case of the STs-130 ammunition for the Vykhlop rifle. To solve different problems, four cartridges with different features and characteristics have been developed. So, the PS-12 cartridge is equipped with a subsonic bullet weighing 33 g. The PS-12A product carries a 7-gram bullet with an aluminum core, and an armor-piercing bullet weighing 12 g was created for the PS-18B. Of particular interest is the PD-12 cartridge with two bullets weighing 17 g, increasing the density of fire.
Four cartridges differ from each other in ballistics and combat characteristics. The effective range of a two-bullet ammunition does not exceed 100 m, while the PS-12 and PS-12A allow firing at 200 m. For the armor-piercing "B", the range reaches 300 m. with overcoming barriers.
Elements of the complex
Especially for the new cartridges, the ASh-12 “assault assault rifle” was developed from scratch. To improve ergonomics, the machine is built according to the bullpup scheme. The receiver is made of stamped steel and is complemented by a number of plastic parts. The total length of the weapon is 675 mm; barrel length is unknown. Weight without cartridges and attachments - 5,2 kg.
Automation is built on the principle of barrel recoil with its short stroke. Studies have shown that only such a scheme is able to work reliably with all PS / PD-12 cartridges that have different energy. Technical rate of fire ASh-12 - 650 rds / min. Food is supplied from detachable plastic magazines for 10 or 20 rounds with two-row placement. Sleeves are thrown to the right without the possibility of restructuring.
The trigger mechanism is spaced along the receiver. The main parts responsible for the production of a shot are located at the rear of the weapon. Fire control is carried out by a traditional trigger. Above it on the left and right is a fuse box. The fire translator is made separately; its flags are on both sides of the receiver behind the magazine shaft.
PS/PD-12 series cartridges
The open materials featured several options for equipping the machine. On top of the receiver, a carrying handle with the function of the base of the sight and / or front sight could be attached. Also known are machines with a long Picatinny rail, on which sights or a similar handle can be mounted. Additional straps are placed on the forearm.
Cartridges 12,7x55 mm give a sufficiently large return, which is why the barrel is equipped with a muzzle brake. It is argued that thanks to him, in terms of recoil strength, the ASh-12 is comparable to normal-caliber rifles. It is also possible to install two types of silent firing devices. One is designed for firing subsonic bullets and provides minimal noise, and the second is used with supersonic bullets, which do not allow you to remove all the sound.
Limited success
As far as we know, about 10 years ago, the ShAK-12 complex was adopted by the FSB, and serial weapons of this type came into the possession of special forces. The production and supply of such weapons to other customers was no longer reported. This may indicate the secrecy of such orders or their absence.
Over the past years, ShAK-12 and its components have been repeatedly demonstrated at various exhibitions - and invariably attracted the attention of visitors. However, real orders from foreign armies and law enforcement agencies have not yet been received.
ASh-12 in "tactical" version
However, the industry is still counting on getting contracts. So, recently Rosoboronexport published a video with a story about the complex and its demonstration, incl. with shooting in different modes. Perhaps such "advertising" will contribute to the emergence of real interest from foreign structures. Whether such hopes will come true - time will tell.
For a narrow niche
The ShAK-12 complex as a whole is of great interest from a technical and tactical point of view. Within the framework of this project, it was possible to successfully solve a specific technical problem related to the combination of fundamentally different functions and characteristics. Accordingly, a shooter with an assault rifle gets special abilities in battle.
The modular layout of the complex allows you to prepare the machine for use, taking into account the various features of the planned battle. In particular, it is possible to fire with little or no sound, depending on the cartridge and silencer. It is possible to use any sights that provide the desired capabilities.
In this case, the main advantages are achieved through the use of cartridges with several types of bullets. Carrying magazines with different ammunition and changing them, the machine gunner can quickly adapt to the changing picture of the battlefield and effectively attack and destroy cash targets in a wide range of operating ranges. The enemy can no longer rely on body armor or cover.
Rosoboronexport about the complex
However, as practice shows, only certain structures and divisions wanted to use this potential. Apparently, the minimum production and operational successes of the ShAK-12 and ASh-12 were due precisely to their special capabilities and special appearance. From certain points of view, the positive qualities of the complex look like disadvantages.
Such shortcomings can be considered the specific ergonomics of the machine gun itself and together with additional equipment, special firing characteristics and capabilities, difficulties with the use of different cartridges, etc. In addition, a complex of this kind is of potential interest only for special forces, which significantly reduces possible sales volumes.
With an uncertain future
Thus, TsKIB SOO was able to create a very successful and technically interesting model of weapons for solving special problems. However, beyond such a range of tasks, the potential of the complex turns out to be redundant and redundant, and individual features of the machine and other products turn into shortcomings.
As a result, the ShAK-12 is still a small-scale weapon and is used by only one Russian structure. However, the situation may change in the future. It seems that Rosoboronexport intends to promote the unique assault rifle on the international market. And it cannot be ruled out that the recent publicity will contribute to the emergence of long-awaited export orders.
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