Concern "Kalashnikov" persistently moves forward, developing new models of weapons and improving the old ones. Products of this company are in great demand in the global arms market. One of the promising developments are the AK 12 and AK 15 automatic rifles. In the newest versions of rifles, the developers tried to automate most of the processes and to make use as simple and comfortable as possible. Further improvement and elimination of existing shortcomings in future versions is planned.
About machines
The author of the development of these rifles is Vladimir Zlobin - the chief designer of the famous large Russian enterprise "Izhmash" (Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant). The first version of the AK 12 was assembled in 2011. Prior to this, the designer had been carrying out the idea for 10 years.
Initially, the model did not receive the approval of the state, since nearly 20 million copies of previous versions had not been sold. For 7 years, Zlobin tried his best to draw attention to his development: he conducted test demonstrations, made edits, updated the design.
In 2016, the AK 12 automatic was introduced along with its more advanced model, the AK 15. Both versions are being tested now.
January 29, 2018 AK 12 automatic still decided to adopt the Land and airborne troops, as well as the Marine Corps of the Russian Federation.
AK 12 rifles and AK 15 are designed with the introduction of modern technology and taking into account the convenience for users. The main innovations are:
- two-way placement of the shutter button;
- move the handle forward;
- shift back store lever;
- simple butt design;
- the closure of the slot for ejection;
- brake reduction bore.
The final version of AK 12 2018 has even more technical advantages, but this model has not yet been approved by the state.
The term "automaton" originates from the time of the Soviet Union. Then it was applied to automatic weapons. Now this definition is used only in the CIS countries. Since almost all types of harness are now automatic, this name has lost its original meaning. So now called rifles. In addition, this term is attributed to other mechanisms, such as gaming, coffee machines, etc.
Historical information
The Kalashnikov assault rifle 12 received recognition 18 years after the appearance of its project. After the release of the first version in 2011, it was criticized for a large number of shortcomings. The first show took place in early 2012. To achieve state funding for the designer at that time failed. He began to actively work on the bugs.
In September 2016, an updated version of the AK 12 was presented, and an automatic 15 was presented. In both models, the most important advantage was the reduction in caliber. In AK 12 caliber was 5.45 mm, in AK 15 - 7.65 millimeters, respectively. During the tests, it was found that thanks to this decision, the weapon began to feel more confident when firing, and the recoil was also significantly reduced. These factors are much easier to use. This circumstance helped the machines to gain the attention and favor of the authorities.
The main characteristics of ak 12 and ak 15:
- Shutter lag The mass is shifted, due to which accuracy is improved;
- An opportunity to work with the weapon with one hand. This effect was achieved thanks to the adaptation of weapons for bilateral use;
- Store latch removed back, making use more comfortable;
- There are Picatinny holders that allow you to install additional equipment;
- Simple assembly allows you to alert the weapon in seconds;
- It is possible to replace the telescopic butt with a plastic one;
- There are three modes of shots: automatic, triple and single;
- Universal barrel, which allows the use of grenades from different manufacturers;
- Improved noise reduction technology;
- Sight with a wide range of views.
AK 12 and 15 2018 are not yet officially represented and are at the stage of refinement. According to media reports, it is thanks to these models that the Kalashnikov concern plans to reach the world level and conquer not only the CIS countries, but also the whole of Europe.
Specifications
At first glance, almost identical models have significant differences. The most tangible and noticeable difference is expressed in the volume of the caliber. But the difference between them does not end there. To explore all the nuances, you need to make a comparison.
Technical review AK 12:
- caliber 5.45 to 39;
- length with folded butt - 730 mm, with unfolded - 940 mm;
- weight without magazine - 3, 2 kg;
- trunk - 415 mm;
- starting speed of the bullet - 900 meters per second;
- speed - 650 shots per minute;
- sight sight - 1 km;
- firing distance - 600 m;
- store capacity - 95 rounds;
- firing modes - 3 (automatic, triple and single).
These are the main characteristics of the machine.
Technical review AK 15:
- caliber 7, 62 by 39;
- length with folded butt - 650 mm, with the telescopic unfolded - 862 mm, with plastic - 922 mm;
- trunk - 415 mm;
- mass without bullets - 3, 74 kg;
- speed - 700 shots per minute;
- capacity of 96 bullets (drum) or 30 (box).
The initial development of the AK 12 was planned. But after several failures and critical reviews, the developer decided to create an entirely new model of weapon. The rifle was named AK 15. It was distinguished by its impressive design and ergonomics. On trial in 2016, both models received approval for serial production. In conclusion, it was decided to develop both versions. According to a survey of users of the state for 2018, these two rifles are the most sought-after commodity on the CIS market.
Recently it became known that two foreign companies, Definitive Arms and Krebs Custom, created their own copy of AK 15. The weapon is practically no different from the "Kalashnikov" original in technical terms. But the new modification looks more elegant and elegant. Also developed models of different colors (there are instances, the body of which is painted with yellow, blue and green paint).
Concern "Kalashnikov" tried to sue plagiarism firms. But it was not possible to win the dispute, since the manufacturers of the original weapons at that time had expired the terms of technical patents, which means that anyone can work according to AK development schemes.
After such an oversight, the Concern's president declared that from now on he would carefully monitor the safety of his developments, no matter how much it cost him. So it is - time will tell. While "Kalashnikov" is preparing to go to a new level and conquer the whole world.
Additional body kits
Automatic machines ak 12 and ak 15 have Picatinny holders, which allows you to attach separate equipment to them as needed. This includes:
- optical sights;
- rocket launchers;
- flashlights;
- range finders, etc.
In 2019, the planned completion of the integrated optical sight. Also in the draft, there are still some refinements of the nuances, but what exactly they want to fix in the constructor remains secret.
The advantages of working with these models
Despite numerous disapproving comments from critics about the similarity of the new weapons with the good old AK-47, it does not cease to be in demand. Due to its ergonomics and ease of assembly, the automata of the two models in question have already managed to win the love of all users of the CIS countries.
In various forums you can find a lot of positive feedback from soldiers, trainers and other people who are related to weapons. Especially the development was liked by left-handers, thanks to the ability to rebuild the system under the convenient hand.
Alexander Ivanov, who serves in the Airborne Forces, left a comment on his page on the social network: “During 5 years of service I had the opportunity to hold more than a dozen weapon types. For me, AK 12 is the best I could invent Kalashnikov.” I personally noted the achievement that the rifle can be used while holding it in one hand, which is very convenient in case of injury, in case of serious skirmishes and in other situations where human resources are catastrophically insufficient. The only thing that could be improved is a little Daubney Picatinny rail. I several times was that skirts do not maintain, as it should, and fell at the wrong time. I hope that this defect will take into account in the new version. And the rest, AK 12 can be safely called the future of arms "
Judging by the prevalence of positive reviews over negative ones, the creators, though not from the first attempt, managed to develop a decent weapon.
The future of automata
In early 2018, the Ak 12 and 15 were adopted by the Airborne Forces, the ground forces and marines in Russia. After completion of the tests of the final versions of this year, their adoption is planned throughout the CIS. In 2019, the Kalashnikov concern plans to reach a new level and present these developments in the EU. What will come of this is not yet known.
If the company succeeds in winning worldwide fame, Russia can rightfully call itself the power of advanced technologies. AK 12 and AK 15 rifles have gone a long way towards recognition. Thanks to the perseverance and hard work of the developers, the current models are considered the best in the entire history of Russian weapons activities.
According to experts, there are still many flaws, but, relying on the enthusiasm of the Concern employees, it can be said with confidence that all of them will soon be in the past.
