Become a Kalashnikov long-lived machine allowed high performance and great technological resource. Since 1949, from the moment the AK-47 was adopted into service and before the release of the last modification of the AK 100 family of weapons, more than 60 million pieces were manufactured. Today, AK family machines are the main armament of infantry units in 50 countries.
Rebirth AK
The long and flawless combat service of Kalashnikov assault rifles was the reason for the subsequent modernization of this type of small automatic weapons. Despite the high tactical and technical characteristics of the base model, it was necessary to carry out a deep modernization of weapons in accordance with the modern technological conditions of production and combat use. First of all, it was necessary to increase the energy intensity of the automaton, to unify it under conventional automaton cartridges. Finally, there was a real need to increase the attractiveness of weapons in the export version.
The modernization of the AK, AKM, AK-74 and AK-74M models, started on IZHMASH in the early 90s, led to the appearance of the 100th series of automata. The "100" index combined into a single line the new models of small automatic weapons, developed for the 7.62 × 39, 5.45 × 39 cartridges and the NATO ammunition, 5.56 × 45.
Initially, AK machines belonging to the 100 series were designed for export, but their high performance characteristics and a large technological resource made it possible to significantly expand the scope of application of new samples. New small arms began to enter the units of the Russian Army, and it was taken up by law enforcement agencies.
The lineup of the new series is presented today with the following examples of combat automatic weapons: AK 101, AK 102, AK 103, AK 104, AK 105, AK 107 and AK 108 assault rifles. Each modification has its own design features and combat capabilities due to a specific area of application.
Design features of AK series 100
For all models of the 100th series, the AK-74M was mainly used as the base model. Modernization has touched the construction of the bolt, receiver and shop. The changes were aimed at bringing a weapon under the NATO standard 5.56x45 and the use of new cartridges 7.62x39.
The first two models AK 101 and AK 102 have a caliber of 5.56 mm and are designed to use standard NATO ammunition 5.56 x 45mm. Subsequent modifications with indexes 103 and 104 are already small automatic weapons under the “native” domestic caliber 7.62x39 mm. The AK 105 machine gun already has a caliber of 5.45 mm and is an improved version of the models 102 and 104. The AK 105 Kalashnikov gun was created specifically to replace its predecessor, the AKS-74U model machine gun.
From a technical point of view, all the basic structural elements of the AK models of the 100 series remained the same, repeating the principle of operation and the layout of the knots of early modifications of Kalashnikov assault rifles. New images have:
- the same automation, where the return is carried out due to the useful work of powder gases;
- the same principle of operation of the shutter, based on the locking mechanism;
- the same trigger mechanism with a rotating trigger;
- the same mechanism providing dual firing, single and continuous.
New modifications of small arms were created on the basis of new technologies and modern materials. For the manufacture of some important structural elements, such as the gas chamber, the rings of the barrel lining, the base of the front sight and the sight, precision casting was used. This technology significantly improves the quality of products in contrast to the previously used method of hot stamping.
In the hundredth series of machines there are practically no wooden parts. Instead of wood, the products use a new material, glass-filled polyamide, which is distinguished by high wear resistance and can withstand considerable mechanical and dynamic loads. The material is black, so the new machines of the 100th series secretly got the nickname “Black Kalashnikov”. Due to the use in the construction of polyamide, new samples have become much lighter than their predecessors.
Due to the unification of most of the nodes, the designers managed to make the new technics repairable. In the production process, it was possible to completely eliminate the individual adjustment of parts and assemblies of automatic weapons.
Innovations used in models of AK "hundredth" series
In the design of the new series of machines used innovations that enhance the combat characteristics of weapons. For example, on the receiver, on the left side, there is a mounting plate, specially designed for the installation of various sighting devices. Modern models today are increasingly put collimator, night and optical sights.
Standard, "full-size" AK 101, AK 102, AK 103 and AK 104 assault rifles are equipped with seats for the installation of grenade launchers. As before, new models of machines can be equipped with a bayonet. For the entire model range is characterized by the presence of a powerful muzzle brake, which provides stability to the weapon during firing and reduces the recoil force. Model AK 105 is equipped with a silencer, which significantly increases the combat capabilities of the weapon.
Traditionally remained unchanged food ammunition. On equipment of models of the 100th AK 103 series, AK 104 and AK 105 there are plastic horn stores from AK-47, AKM and AK-74 machines. The capacity of the store, as before, is 30 rounds. For weapons designed under the NATO cartridge 5.45 x 39 mm, rectilinear shaped stores are used. The weapon is equipped with folding butts, which makes the "weave" easy to store and use. Butt folded the same way as in the modification of the AK-74M, to the left. Unlike riveted metal butts, plastic parts are less susceptible to deformation and damage.
The range of AK 100 series
The Kalashnikov assault rifle with the index 101 became the firstborn of the new series of automatic small arms. The main task that was put before the developers of the automatic weapon was to bring the weapon in line with Western standards. The model was created as an export option for delivery to countries where the main ammunition is an SS-109 assault rifle caliber 5.56x45 mm.
AK 101 turned out smaller, easier and more convenient to transport. The caliber, respectively, is 5.56x45 mm.
This was followed by the AK 102, which had a shortened trunk. Unlike its predecessors AK-74U, the new model is similar to long-barreled counterparts and, accordingly, has the best ballistic characteristics. The main difference of the new "one hundred and second" from AK-74U is the same location of the gas chamber, which is equipped with a piston rod of the same size as in long-barreled machines. The machine gun is equipped with a sight, which allows effective fire at a distance of up to 500 m. As with other modifications, the weapon can be equipped with a flame arrester used on prototypes.
Both models have a barrel with four grooves, which makes them look like one-type weapons of 5.45 and 7.62 mm caliber. AK 101 and AK 102 have a more direct magazine, designed for 30 rounds.
The third product in the model range of the “hundredth” series is the AK 103, which has become a deep modernization of the usual AK-74M. The machine gun has a traditional caliber of 7.62 mm, specially taken for the use of domestic ammunition 7.62x39. Bringing a new modification under standard ammunition is aimed at increasing the demand for new weapons for our own army and re-equipping law enforcement agencies in droves.
Further, the model range of the 100th series is presented by AK 104 and AK 105 automata. These are the most original versions among the whole Kalashnikov automaton family, representing shortened versions. The technology used in the process of manufacturing new models is aimed at comparing the shortened version with standard weapons. Structurally, the one hundred and fourth is an analogue of the AK 102 automatic machine in which the 7,62х39 cartridge is used. The 105th is a model that is designed for the use of cartridges already in caliber 5.45 x 39 mm. This model is available in various versions, specifically designed for different applications. AK 105 with a silencer is actively used in anti-terrorist units of law enforcement agencies. This can be attributed, and a modification of the AK 105 SPH - oholoschennoe weapons, specially created for demonstrative shooting blank cartridges.
In order to increase the energy intensity of the weapon, a new series of designers used a new type of gas engine, which has two cylinders and two pistons. The result of this modernization was the appearance of the AK 107 and AK 108 modifications. Thanks to the new gas engine, the firing characteristics of the 100 series weapons have significantly improved. In contrast to the previous modifications on 107 and 108, it became possible to fire not only in automatic and single player mode, but also in fixed bursts, three shots each.
