AK-9
{{Short description|Russian assault rifle}}
{{about|the firearm|Alaska Route 9|Seward Highway}}
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{{more footnotes|date=January 2013}}
{{Update|date=April 2011}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = AK-9
| image = AK-9 Assault rifle.jpg
| caption = A left-side view of the AK-9 with a suppressor equipped
| type = Assault rifle
Carbine
| service = 2007–present{{Cite web|url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=579|title=Izhmash AK-9}}
| wars = Syrian civil war{{Citation needed|date=January 2015}}
| designer = Izhevsk machine-building plant
| number = Few hundreds (limited usage)
| length ={{convert|705|mm|in|abbr=on}},
{{convert|881|mm|in|abbr=on}} (with suppressor),
{{convert|465|mm|in|abbr=on}}folded and without suppressor
| action = Gas-operated, rotating bolt
| image_size = 300
| origin = Russia
| is_ranged = Yes
| used_by = See Users
| design_date = Early 2000s
| manufacturer = Izhevsk machine-building plant
| production_date = 2000s - Present? (potentially still in production)
| variants =
| weight = {{convert|3.8|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} (empty)
| part_length = {{convert|200|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| crew =
| cartridge = 9×39mm
| rate = 700–750 RPM
| velocity =
| range = 400 meters
| max_range = 424 meters
| feed = 20-round detachable box magazine
| sights = Iron sights and various optical sights by the use of Picatinny rail or Warsaw Pact rail
}}
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.
The AK-9 is primarily designed for special units of the Interior Ministry and the Russian Army.{{Cite web|url=http://spec-naz.org/armory/automats_and_assault_rifles/avtomat_kalashnikova_ak_9/|title=Автомат Калашникова АК-9|website=spec-naz.org|access-date=2017-06-30}}The Russian Special Forces wanted to develop a rifle that combines the reliability of the AK platform with the advantages of maneuverability and 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.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}
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.{{cite interview |last=Zlobin |first=Vladimir |interviewer=Andrei Bondarenko |title="Калашниковы" для XXI века |trans-title="Kalashnikovs" for the XXI century |language=ru |newspaper=Krasnaya Zvezda |publication-date=15 February 2013 |issue=28 (26247) |pages=10–11 |url=http://vpk.name/news/84504_kalashnikovyi_dlya_xxi_veka.html |access-date=21 February 2013}}
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|date=March 2022}}
Users
- {{flag|Mongolia}}: Used by the Mongolian Armed Forces and Police, S.W.A.T.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}
- {{flag|Russia}}: In very limited usage.
- {{flag|Syria}}: Used by the Syrian Army and Police.{{Citation needed|date=January 2015}}
References
{{Reflist}}
- [http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/russian-gunmaker-develops-antiterrorist-kalashnikov-20070810-sic.html Russian gunmaker develops 'anti-terrorist' Kalashnikov] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214180346/http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/russian-gunmaker-develops-antiterrorist-kalashnikov-20070810-sic.html |date=14 February 2009 }}.Brisbane Times.10 August 2007. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
- [http://weapon.at.ua/load/321-1-0-831 Article at Weapon.at.ua]
- Article at http://spec-naz.org/armory/automats_and_assault_rifles/avtomat_kalashnikova_ak_9/
{{AK47 derivatives}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:AK-009}}
Category:Assault rifles of Russia
Category:Kalashnikov derivatives