Created about 20 years ago, the CP3 "Whirlwind" assault rifle still has no analogues and direct competitors. According to professionals, not a single weapon in the world is capable of replacing it. It differs from its counterparts primarily in its small dimensions, very light weight, and at the same time retains all the advantages of a serious military weapon. As conceived by the gunsmiths, the Whirlwind is intended primarily for counter-terrorism units and security agencies.
History of Creation
The SR3 "Whirlwind" assault rifle was developed in the Klimov Central Research Institute "TochMash" back in 1994. The project was led by designers A. D. Borisov and V. N. Levchenko. The "CP" index means that the weapon belongs to "special developments". Later, another design engineer, A. I. Tashlykov, joined the team, under whose leadership in 1996 the new machine gun was put into mass production. The development is based on the previously created silent automatic machine AS "Val", with which the "Vikhr" is completely unified in terms of the main details, which greatly facilitates the production and operation of bothweapons.
Subsequently, the development and experiments were continued, and after the modernization, the production of a new version of this weapon was launched. This is how the Vikhr SR-3M assault rifle appeared, combining the advantages of the SR-3, AS, VSS. Until now, weapons like this do not exist in the world. And all thanks to the tandem of small dimensions and super-powerful ammunition.
Cartridge and lethal force
The nine-millimeter cartridge has a unique stopping power, penetrating almost any body armor at short distances. We can confidently say that the enemy will be smitten on the spot with the very first shot. Even if the enemy is dressed in armor of the 5th class and is at a distance of several tens of meters, a shot from the Whirlwind will stop and neutralize him. The armor plates will take the crushing energy of the shot, but will not extinguish it. Such a blow can result in serious internal injuries, up to ruptures of internal organs and bone fractures. Professionals in such cases say that sometimes a hole pierced by a bullet is preferable to hitting a body armor plate.
In shortened machine guns, SP5 and SPb cartridges with heavy bullets with an initial subsonic speed turned out to be very useful. They had a low recoil momentum. The combination of these indicators allowed the designers to create a weapon comparable in terms of weight and size to submachine guns, while significantly surpassing the latter in terms of firepower and lethal force. Cartridge "Whirlwind" in comparison with the usualgives reduced sound pressure and has less tendency to ricochet. This makes it possible to fire in tight enclosed spaces. The Whirlwind uses special armor-piercing cartridges 9x39 mm, which allow you to successfully hit the enemy in armored vests of the fifth protection class at a distance of up to 50 m, the fourth class - up to 120 m, the third class - up to 200 m, the second class - up to 300 m.
Box-type magazines were borrowed from their predecessors and initially contained 20 rounds. For the SR-3M version, a 30-round magazine was developed.
The device of the machine gun CP-3
The design is almost the same as AS "Val". The trigger mechanism makes it possible to use the firing mode in bursts and single shots. Unlike many counterparts, the small-sized SR 3 "Whirlwind" assault rifle is equipped with an autonomous fuse, separated from the fire mode switch. The fuse is located on the surface of the receiver. The push-button translator is located behind the trigger. Silencer not available.
The steel stock can be folded up and down. The handguard and grip are made of impact-resistant plastic.
Automatic SR3 "Whirlwind" has a gas engine. The long stroke of the gas piston is rigidly connected to the bolt carrier. In this case, the channel is locked by turning the shutter, which has 6 lugs. There are no holes for the removal of powder gases on the barrel of the machine. The barrel of the machine has a compensator -flame arrester. The rifling of the barrel is made in a special way - they have a variable steepness. This ensures the stability of the bullet in flight and high accuracy of fire. There are special thickenings on the handle designed to prevent the fighter's hand from moving forward towards the muzzle.
SR-3M and its main differences
Features of this type of weapon:
- ability to screw on silencer;
- using a 30-round metal magazine;
- folding frame stock;
- the ability to install optical sights (the same as for "Val");
- flag fuse;
- foldable secondary handle.
Tactical and technical characteristics
The new assault rifle СР3 "Whirlwind" without cartridges in the store weighs only 2 kilograms. The length of the weapon with the butt folded is 39.5 cm, the unfolded butt extends it to 64 centimeters. The bullet flies out of the Whirlwind at a speed of 290 m/s and is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to half a kilometer. At the same time, professionals note a good accuracy of weapons, even if you shoot from it during dashes. Taking into account the time required to replace the horns, the Vortex can be fired from 40 to 60 rounds per minute in battle.
Purpose
Assault rifle SR 3 "Whirlwind", due to its small size, can be used for concealed carry. It can be comfortably placed even under a jacket. In some cases, this advantagesimply invaluable. In addition, the CP3 "Whirlwind" can be placed in a small-sized case that does not attract much attention. First of all, both versions are of interest to the services involved in the fight against terrorism, the protection of public figures, and the conduct of special operations. In addition, these weapons can be used for personal self-defense of military personnel.
Given that the very development and production of weapons with precisely such characteristics was initiated by the special services, its considerable popularity among professionals is not surprising. "Whirlwind" - an assault rifle, the photo of which is recognizable even by beginners in military affairs, is rightfully considered one of the best types of weapons for assault and defensive purposes. Today it is officially in service with many units of the Russian special services.
