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AK-9
A left-side view of the AK-9 with a suppressor equipped
TypeAssault rifle
Carbine
Place of originRussia
Service history
In service2007–present[1]
Used bySee Users
WarsSyrian civil war[citation needed]
Production history
DesignerIzhevsk machine-building plant
DesignedEarly 2000s
ManufacturerIzhevsk machine-building plant
Produced2000s
No. builtFew hundreds (limited usage)
Specifications
Mass3.8 kg (8.38 lb) (empty)
Length705 mm (27.8 in),
881 mm (34.7 in) (with suppressor),
465 mm (18.3 in)folded and without supressor
Barrel length200 mm (7.9 in)
Cartridge9×39mm
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire700–750 RPM
Effective firing range400 meters
Maximum firing range424 meters
Feed system20-round detachable box magazine
SightsIron sights and various optical sights by the use of Picatinny rail or Warsaw Pact rail
References[2]

The AK-9 is a Russian 9×39mm compact rifle. Its development began when Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (Izhmash), now known as Kalashnikov Concern started working on a new silent, flame-less, compact AK rifle in the early 2000s. When creating the new weapon, the manufacturers have tried to surpass all available competitors, such as the AS Val and SR-3M. The basis for the silent, flame-less shooting complex rifle was designated as the AK-9, where it uses a quick-detachable suppressor. It uses the 9×39mm subsonic cartridge.

The AK-9 is primarily designed for special units of the Interior Ministry and the Russian Army.[3] It is one of the latest models of the popular Kalashnikov rifle series. It is based on the AK-100 series, which is a modernization series of Kalashnikov assault rifles. A unique feature of the rifle is the use of the SP-5 and SP-6 special 9×39mm subsonic cartridges.

According to its characteristics it competes against the 9A-91, AS Val and SR-3M, but has seen limited use compared to these counterparts, which have already seen service in Russian military and police units.

History

In 2006, Russian authorities wanted the Izhmash factory to design a rifle with Kalashnikov properties, but suitable to be used in special operations. Factory manager Vladimir Grodetsky stated that the rifle was for special forces for anti-terrorist operations. Alexei Dragunov, one of the designers of the AK-9, says "It shoots virtually without a sound and it can go through a bullet-proof vest". The AK-9 is also lighter than earlier Kalashnikov models.

From the Vladimir Zlobin interview in February 2013:

We are working on an entire line of various small arms based on the AK-12. These would be submachine guns and compact assault rifles, automatic carbines and hand-held machine guns. On the basic AK-12 platform a series of special-purpose weapons is being developed. For example, the AK-9 was transferred to this platform. The weapons are going to be tested this spring.[4]

Design

The AK-9 is based on the so-called "hundred series" of Kalashnikov assault rifles, such as the AK-104, but with certain improvements. It is a selective fire compact assault rifle chambered in 9×39mm subsonic cartridge.

The AK-9 features the same tried and proven gas operated, rotary bolt action and same "Kalashnikov-style" controls including reciprocating bolt handle, safety/fire selector lever and overall layout with side-folding polymer buttstock. The Polymer furniture is improved with the addition of accessories such as a Picatinny rail on the bottom of the forend and the left side of the receiver is fitted with a Warsaw Pact rail. The barrel can be fitted with a specially designed quick-detachable suppressor (sound moderator), which is especially effective with the 9×39mm subsonic cartridge. The magazine is made of black polymer, holds 20 rounds of ammunition and appears to be of proprietary design, making it not compatible with other (competing) weapons of the same caliber, which are already in service with Russian military and law enforcement.

The AK-9 supports wide range of attachments such as a mounted grenade launcher, laser sights, tactical lights and other tactical accessories. The trigger mechanism allows it to fire in semi-automatic fire and fully automatic fire. The firing module is similar to that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle and is located on the right side of the weapon.[citation needed]

Users

Map with AK-9 users in blue

References

  1. ^ "Izhmash AK-9".
  2. ^ "АК-9 автомат Калашникова - характеристики, ттх, фото". 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  3. ^ "Автомат Калашникова АК-9". spec-naz.org. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  4. ^ Zlobin, Vladimir (15 February 2013). ""Калашниковы" для XXI века" ["Kalashnikovs" for the XXI century]. Krasnaya Zvezda (Interview) (in Russian). No. 28 (26247). Interviewed by Andrei Bondarenko. pp. 10–11. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
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