Submachine gun PPK-20 went into series and enters the army
The first version of PPK-20 shown in 2020
In 2020, the Kalashnikov concern developed and introduced a promising small-sized submachine gun PPK-20. In the future, this weapon passed all the necessary tests, incl. as part of trial operation in the troops, and confirmed the design characteristics. To date, all the main work on this project has been completed, and the submachine gun has entered serial production. The first batches of weapons have already been sent to customers.
Production success
Since the first presentation of the new submachine gun, the Kalashnikov concern has regularly talked about the work carried out and their results. They also revealed some plans for the future and made forecasts. Just a few important News this kind has appeared in recent months, incl. literally in a few days.
In August, during the Army-2022 forum, Kalashnikov President Alan Lushnikov announced that by the end of the year, PPK-20 submachine guns and microwave sniper rifles would be delivered to the troops. He also called the new submachine gun the best example in its class, and for the next 20 years. A month later, in mid-September, A. Lushnikov confirmed the previously announced information. At that time, the concern continued to work, and the supply of serial products was still going to begin before the end of the year.
In the last days of December, the management of the Kalashnikov concern spoke about the use of new samples, incl. PPK-20, in the zone of the Special Operation. The weapon was handed over to the armed forces and is being tested in a real conflict. Feedback from users has been established. The responses and wishes of the fighters are analyzed and will be used in the further development of projects.
On February 20, the international military-technical exhibition IDEX 2023 opened in Abu Dhabi (UAE). A joint exposition of the Russian defense industry, organized by Rosoboronexport, was located in a separate pavilion of a large area. One of the participants in this exposition, as in previous times, is Kalashnikov. The concern represents all major modern developments.
In a press release dedicated to the opening of the exhibition, Kalashnikov notes the high commercial potential of the PPK-20 and other samples. Moreover, for the first time, it is reported that export orders for such weapons have been received. The first batches of submachine guns have already been sent to unnamed foreign buyers.
According to TASS, on February 21, A. Lushnikov summed up the interim results of the PPK-20 project. According to him, the Kalashnikov Concern and the Ministry of Defense are now taking measures to adopt the submachine gun into service. At the same time, mass production is established and deliveries are carried out in the interests of the customer.
PPK-20 in 2021 version
For special forces and pilots
Perspective "Kalashnikov submachine gun arr. 2020" PPK-20 was created at the end of the last decade. The finished sample, which has probably already passed the first tests, was first shown to the public in 2020. A year later, a significantly revised version was shown.
PPK-20 was created on the basis of the serial submachine gun PP-19-01 in the Vityaz-SN variant. When developing a new sample, the experience of designing and manufacturing an existing sample was used. In addition, the tactical and technical requirements took into account the wishes of military personnel and intelligence officers who used PP-19-01.
The result of the development was a compact and lightweight submachine gun, using the common 9x19 mm Parabellum pistol cartridge, with high fire performance. Depending on the tasks at hand, the product can be equipped with different devices and accessories.
Initially, it was reported that the PPK-20 will be used by special forces of the armed forces and other structures that require a compact and lightweight weapon. In addition, in 2020-21 tests of the submachine gun began as part of the emergency reserve of pilots of the aerospace forces. They were supposed to use the PPK-20 for self-defense or as a survival tool.
According to the news of recent months, the Kalashnikov Concern is mass-producing new submachine guns and sending batches of these weapons to customers. Our army has already received an unknown number of such products, and they are used during the Special Operation. The details of such exploitation remain unknown, but the development organization is studying and taking them into account.
Technical features
PPK-20 is a compact folding submachine gun for common ammunition. The total length (with the butt unfolded) reaches 660 mm, when folded - 475 mm. Weight with a magazine, but without cartridges - 2,7 kg. Dimensions and weight provide high ease of use, incl. after installing the necessary devices.
The design of the PPK-20 was originally based on Kalashnikov assault rifles of the hundredth series. During the modernization of 2021, the developments under the AK-12 project were used. In both versions, the layout and ergonomics typical of AK products are retained, and parts of a recognizable shape are also used. At the same time, the main parts of the weapon were redesigned for new ammunition and a different principle of operation.
The submachine gun is equipped with a 9 mm rifled barrel 181,5 mm long with a chrome channel. A slotted flame arrester is installed on the muzzle. Especially for PPK-20, a low-noise firing device was developed. It is installed directly on the flame arrester and is secured with a bayonet connection.
PPK-20 received automation based on a free shutter. The bolt looks like the bolt carrier of an AK, but instead of a gas piston, it has a massive rod that ensures proper weight distribution. The shutter is supported by a return spring of a traditional AK design. The shot is fired with the shutter closed. Rate of fire - 800 rds / min.
The design of the trigger mechanism is borrowed from the latest models of machine guns and finalized as necessary. The trigger is built according to the trigger scheme and is controlled by a traditional trigger. On the right side of the receiver, a flag of an advanced design fire fuse-translator is displayed. A smaller checkbox has been added on the left.
Food is supplied from detachable 30-round magazines borrowed from the Vityaz. Various types of 9x19 mm cartridges are used.
The submachine gun is equipped with a folding telescopic stock with adjustable length and an ergonomic pistol grip. On top of the receiver and forearm there is a long rail for mounting sights. There is a regular diopter sight, designed for a range of up to 200 m.
A special bag has been developed for the submachine gun. It allows you to carry the weapon itself, as well as several magazines, a low-noise shooting device, various accessories, etc. The bag also simplifies the packing of the PPK-20 into the pilot's emergency supply, its subsequent removal and use.
With the desired result
Thus, in just a few years, the Kalashnikov concern developed, tested and brought to mass production a new type of small arms with a special combination of characteristics and features. The process of creating a new submachine gun PPK-20 to some extent simplified the use of ready-made developments on previous products. But even in this case, the pace of work and their results are commendable.
As reported, the troops are already receiving serial PPK-20s, mastering them and even using them in the Special Operation zone. The weapon of the new model contributes to the achievement of common goals. At the same time, Kalashnikov not only produces new serial products, but also continues to improve the project - now taking into account the experience of real combat use. And the results of these processes should be expected in the coming years.
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