Adoption, serial production and operation in the army. Successes of the microwave rifle
Microwave rifle chambered for 7,62x54 mm R
The Russian army is getting a new sniper rifle designed to complement and, in the future, replace the well-deserved SVD. A promising microwave rifle designed by A. Chukavin coped with all the tests, is being prepared for adoption and is already being mass-produced. Now the Kalashnikov concern, which has developed a new weapon, it is necessary to reach the required production rates and ensure the planned rearmament.
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On May 26, the Kalashnikov Concern held an event dedicated to its latest developments in the field of small arms. The main attention of the press and the public, for obvious reasons, was attracted by the presentation of the updated AK-12 mod. 2023 In addition, the concern demonstrated a new PPK-20 submachine gun and a mass-produced microwave sniper rifle.
The president of the Kalashnikov concern, Alan Lushnikov, noted that the microwave product had already been adopted by the Russian army. However, soon the press service of the organization clarified the current state of affairs. According to her, the rifle has not yet been officially put into service, but a corresponding government decree is already being prepared, which will be adopted in the near future.
The concern began production of new rifles, and the first batches have already hit the troops. The servicemen operate new rifles and send their feedback - in general, they were satisfied. At the same time, the head of the concern recalled that the development of the design can continue after it is put into service and into operation.
Sergey Urzhumtsev, chief designer of the Kalashnikov Concern, demonstrates new developments. Left - microwave rifle
Now the main task of "Kalashnikov" in the framework of the microwave project is to work out mass production and reach the required pace. At the end of April, the creator of the rifle, Andrei Yuryevich Chukavin, revealed the main plans of this kind. He recalled that the development of mass production of new weapons is a laborious process. However, the well-established production allows to increase the pace in accordance with the tasks set.
As a result of such processes, production volumes are growing. This year, the production of microwave rifles will be several dozen times higher than last year. In the next 2024, the Kalashnikov concern plans to reach a pace that meets the needs of the customer represented by the Ministry of Defense. However, exact numbers cannot yet be given.
While Kalashnikov is launching production, the state celebrates the merits of the creators of the new weapon. In March 2023, by presidential decree, A.Yu. Chukavin was awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky. The well-deserved award was presented in May, a few days before the presentation of the serial rifle and other products.
Perspective replacement
The future microwave sniper rifle was developed in the mid-XNUMXs as a modern replacement for the well-deserved but old SVD. In the new project, it was planned to use modern materials and solutions that made it possible to improve all the main characteristics of the weapon. In addition, from the very beginning, the development of several modifications of the rifle for different cartridges was considered.
The Chukavin rifle was first shown to the public in 2017 at the Army forum. At the same time, the main provisions of the project and the expected characteristics were revealed. Subsequently, the microwave was repeatedly demonstrated at various exhibitions in Russia and abroad. For example, a few weeks ago it was shown in Minsk at the MILEX-2023 exhibition.
Head of Rostec S. Chemezov and A.Yu. Chukavin (right) with a well-deserved award
For several years, the microwave product has passed the stage of factory testing and design development. At the beginning of 2021, it became known that the rifle entered the stage of state tests, which will determine its future fate. According to known data, the rifle showed its best side, as a result of which preparations for production and adoption began.
In November 2022, the Ministry of Defense issued the first order to the Kalashnikov concern for the mass production of microwave rifles. A few months later, in February 2023, the concern's management announced the successful launch of the series. Now the enterprise is taking measures aimed at increasing production in accordance with the expected requirements of the customer.
It is expected that in the foreseeable future, serial microwaves will begin to massively enter the Russian army and gradually replace the existing SVD. Whether a complete replacement of cash rifles is planned, and how long this process can last, has not yet been specified. However, at the moment the main task is to refine production and reach the required volumes - this will allow us to solve any production problems and fulfill any orders.
Technical features
The microwave product is a self-loading rifle for infantry snipers and generally occupies the same niche as the existing SVD. At the same time, the design of the new rifle was created taking into account the accumulated experience, current customer requirements, etc. This approach made it possible to improve the overall characteristics of the weapon, as well as adapt it to modern conditions.
Incomplete disassembly of the rifle. Frame from video about development methods
It was reported about the development of three variants of the rifle under a different cartridge. So, for the Russian army, the basic modification is intended, using 7,62x54 mm R ammunition. Other customers may be interested in the version of the weapon chambered for the 7,62x51 mm NATO cartridge. An enlarged and reinforced version of the rifle has also been developed, using the more powerful .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition.
Microwave of all modifications is built according to the so-called. curtain scheme. The receiver and internal mechanisms are divided into two units, as in popular foreign-designed products. The upper "receiver" is made of metal and is equipped with a barrel, bolt, etc. Its design corresponds to the occurring loads. The lower part of the box does not experience heavy loads, which made it possible to make it from a polymer.
The total length of the weapon, depending on the set length of the butt, is not less than 940 mm. Length with folded butt - 730 mm. Weight without cartridges - 4,3 kg. The project provides for the use of trunks with a length of 410 to 565 mm.
The rifle received automation based on the removal of powder gases. A short stroke gas piston is used to transfer energy to the bolt carrier. The bolt is equipped with three lugs and locks the barrel by turning. For work in different conditions, incl. with the use of additional muzzle devices, a gas regulator is provided. The trigger mechanism has an adjustable force and is equipped with safety flags on both sides of the rifle.
Microwave chambered for .338 LM
Microwave for domestic 7,62-mm ammunition uses standard magazines from SVD with a capacity of 10 rounds. Under the other two ammunition had to develop their own stores of the same capacity.
It is possible to install various sighting devices. To do this, the Picatinny rail runs along the entire length of the forearm and receiver. It is proposed to put on it both an open sight and various optical means.
The aiming range for the main modifications of the microwave is declared at the level of 1000-1200 m. High accuracy is ensured. So, when using a special sniper cartridge, accuracy reaches 1 MOA - at a distance of 100 m, this corresponds to a dispersion of 30 mm.
More success
Thus, one of the most interesting domestic projects in the field of small arms is successfully approaching the desired results. Not so long ago, the microwave sniper rifle coped with the tests, after which the first order for mass production appeared, and the preparation of documents for adoption into service began. All remaining procedures are expected to be completed shortly.
A certain number of microwave rifles are already in the troops. They provide operating experience, and in addition, snipers help further improve the design. In the near future, the number of such weapons in our army will increase by several times or even dozens of times, which will allow us to talk about full-fledged rearmament.
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