Microwave rifle: future and advantages
Microwave modifications and configurations for the Russian army
At the end of 2023, the Kalashnikov concern handed over the first production batch of microwave sniper rifles to the Russian army. In the near future, shipment of serial weapons will become a regular and rhythmic process, due to which the army will begin a full-scale rearmament of sniper units. It is expected that the modern rifle, which has a number of characteristic features, will in the future supplant or even replace the well-deserved SVD, and will also give snipers new opportunities.
Rifle in service
The development of the future microwave started in 2016 and was carried out by specialists from the Kalashnikov concern under the leadership of A.Yu. Chukavina. Already in 2017, the first prototype of such a weapon was made for factory testing, and soon the product was demonstrated to the public. In 2017-21 The new rifle went through the entire cycle of testing and fine-tuning, as a result of which it received a recommendation for adoption by the Russian army.
In addition, at the later stages of testing, rifles of a new type found their way into sniper units and were tested in practice. According to available data, in 2022-23. they were even exploited in the zone of the Special Operation to protect Donbass.
About a year ago, in February 2023, the management of the Kalashnikov concern announced the start of preparations for mass production of microwave products at one of the existing sites. The start of the series was expected within the next few months. A few months later, they announced the preparation of a decree of the government of the Russian Federation, by which the rifle would be accepted for service.
Finally, on December 26, 2023, the Kalashnikov concern announced that its Weapons Production Division had produced the first production batch of microwaves. It successfully passed acceptance by the Ministry of Defense and was shipped to the customer. In the near future, the products of the first batch should reach combat units and go into operation.
As reported, microwave rifles have previously been manufactured in batches of different sizes. At the same time, the recent launch of a full-fledged series provides for an increase in volumes and production rates. According to Kalashnikov, in 2023 the production of rifles has increased tenfold compared to previous periods. In the new year 2024, it is planned to reach a pace that meets customer requirements. However, specific numbers, for obvious reasons, are not made public.
Previously, it was repeatedly stated that the Chukavin rifle was being considered as a modern replacement for the old and well-deserved Dragunov rifle. However, the customer and the microwave developer have not yet announced whether a complete replacement of the older model is planned and in what time frame it can be carried out. The size of the accumulated arsenals may require a production program lasting almost tens of years.
New sample
Let us recall that the microwave product is a self-loading sniper rifle designed to hit “soft” targets at distances of up to 1-1,2 km. When creating it, the accumulated experience in the development and operation of weapons of this class was used, as well as ideas that were new for domestic army weapons. The resulting rifle bears virtually no resemblance to the old SVD, which should provide certain advantages.
The microwave is built according to a traditional design with a linear arrangement of the barrel, bolt group and return mechanism. In this case, the so-called curtain design of the receiver: its main unit is U-shaped and accommodates moving parts, and the cover with the trigger mechanism is placed at the bottom. The automation is based on a gas engine with a short stroke of the piston; There is a gas regulator. The bolt is rotary with three lugs. The USM provides only single shots. There are controls on both sides of the rifle. Trigger force is adjustable.
Rifle chambered for 7,62x51 mm NATO, equipped with a silencer
Three rifle options are offered. The basic one, known as SHF-54, uses the domestic 7,62x54 mm R cartridge. Modifications for 7,62x51 mm NATO and 8,6x70 mm / .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition have also been developed. Box magazines with 10 or 20 rounds are used. The magazine for 7,62x54 mm R ammunition is borrowed from the SVD rifle.
7,62 mm microwave modifications can be equipped with barrels with a length from 410 to 565 mm; The 8,6mm option is 560mm only. Depending on the barrel used, the length of the weapon can exceed 1 m. Weight - 4,3 kg (7,62 mm version) or 6,3 kg (.338 LM).
On the upper edge of the receiver there is a long Picatinny rail for mounting sighting devices. The short bar is located under the forend. A folding buttstock of a telescopic design with an adjustable cheekpiece is used.
Clear benefits
The SHF rifle was created as a modern example of the same class as the old, well-deserved SVD. In this regard, the Chukavin rifle is being considered as a future replacement for the Dragunov rifle, and it makes sense to compare the two designs. At the same time, it is not difficult to notice that the new model has certain advantages over its predecessor, which can determine its future and the prospects for rearmament of the army.
A number of strengths of the microwave project are associated with its general novelty. The creators of the modern rifle had the opportunity to study and use the experience of development, production and operation of the SVD product. Various conclusions were drawn from this experience, thanks to which, already at the general concept stage, the microwave rifle began to compare favorably with the previous model, received important positive features and did not inherit its shortcomings.
Сontrols
Novelty of a technical and technological nature is also important. The microwave design uses modern alloys and non-metallic materials. Rifle parts are manufactured using modern technologies. All this allows you to increase technical characteristics and/or optimize production and its cost.
The creators of microwaves wisely used available technologies, materials and technical solutions, thanks to which they managed to obtain high tactical and technical characteristics. In terms of basic parameters, the new rifle is at least as good as the existing SVD, and in some respects it is superior to it. In particular, accuracy has increased by 25-30 percent, which has a positive effect on overall combat effectiveness in various situations.
When creating microwaves, much attention was paid to packaging issues, and the current modular principle is used in this area. Thus, in accordance with the needs and wishes of the shooter, the rifle can be equipped with different types of sights. The use of different muzzle devices is envisaged - flame arresters and silent firing devices.
Modern ideas in the field of ergonomics, both modular and otherwise, were used. Thus, the Picatinny rail provides some flexibility in installing and adjusting the sight. It is possible to use different types of bipods that suit the shooter. The trigger and butt are not replaceable, but provide adjustment for user convenience.
Microwave rifle chambered for .338 LM
It is noteworthy that the microwave rifle can be produced in three modifications for different ammunition, and this significantly improves its commercial prospects. Potential customers represented by foreign armies will be able to choose a weapon option to match their existing ammunition - and receive a modern sniper rifle without the need to rebuild the weapons system and logistics. Moreover, the choice of three cartridges covers the needs of the vast majority of the world's armies.
It should be noted that two modifications of the microwave for 7,62 mm cartridges of the domestic and NATO standard have a similar design, and the rifle for .338 LM differs from them. This shows the fundamental possibility of modifying and rebuilding weapons for different ammunition. If there is appropriate demand, it is possible to develop new modifications for other cartridges of interest to the customer.
The modern approach
The Dragunov sniper rifle entered service with the Soviet army in the early sixties, and at that time was the best model in its class. Subsequently, the requirements for such weapons were adjusted, and the domestic industry tried to modernize the original SVD design with varying results and successes. However, now the need for further updating of this product is in doubt, which led to the start of the development of a completely new sniper rifle.
Over the course of several years, the microwave rifle went through a full cycle of development, testing and refinement, and also showed its potential in the real combat zone. It completely satisfied the Ministry of Defense, and now serial microwave products are being supplied to the troops. So far we are talking only about the first batches, but gradually the number of Chukavin rifles in the army will increase.
It is obvious that for a certain time, two types of sniper rifles will be operated and used in parallel. At the same time, the army will be able to compare them again and draw conclusions. And we can expect that the modern microwave rifle will fully show its potential and become a worthy replacement for the famous SVD.
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