In 2010, by order of the FSB, work began on the creation of a new assault automatic system (SHAK). It was intended for fighters of elite special forces as a highly effective small arms melee weapon, at the heart of the ASh-12 complex (assault machine gun). In 2011, it was presented to the public for the first time. In service with the Federal Security Service, it is listed to this day. Information about the history of creation, device, purpose and technical characteristics of the ASh-12 assault rifle can be found in this article.
Introduction
ASH-12 is a Russian large-caliber assault rifle designed by TsKIB SOO for special forces of the FSB of the Russian Federation. This weapon and the VSSK sniper rifle were created as part of the Exhaust program. ASh-12 has been produced since 2010. It was adopted in 2011
A bit of theory
According to experts, small arms used in the army can be divided into two types:
- Standard machines andpistols, which are inherent in reliability, relative cheapness. These models are easy to operate and have a well-balanced performance.
- Special weapons created by designers on a specific order. According to experts, these models are unusual and are produced within the framework of special projects. One of them was the Exhaust project.
History of Creation
By 2000, Russian special forces already had considerable combat experience. During the Chechen campaign, the fighters had a chance to work in a variety of conditions: in mountainous areas, with one-story and multi-story buildings. When performing assault missions, special forces officers had to use small arms at short distances. There was a need for a new machine with high-pulse bullets. The fired projectile must equally effectively hit the enemy's manpower located behind a brick or stone wall.
In addition, the military command of Russia before the weapons designers was given the task of designing a rifle unit that provides silent fire. The customer of this model was the Special Forces Center of the Federal Security Service. They created an assault rifle at the Central Design Research Bureau of Sports and Hunting Weapons named after Academician Shipunov A. G. in the city of Tula. The first copy was demonstrated in 2011. In the technical documentation, the assault rifle is listed as ASh-12 or ShAK-12.
About design
This shooting model uses the bullpup scheme. For the manufacture of the receiver used stamped steel. For the stock, forearm and handle - impact-resistant plastic. Automation operates due to the energy generated as a result of the recoil of the barrel with a short stroke. The ASh-12 assault rifle is equipped with detachable double-row box magazines. The fuse and the firing mode translator are made as separate levers. The fuse is located above the handle. The back of the weapon was equipped with a translator. The machine has a bolt handle that folds up. The barrel is locked by turning the bolt.
In order to minimize recoil, a two-chamber muzzle brake-compensator (DTK) was placed in the muzzle of the barrel. Despite the innovation in the design, if necessary, the machine can be equipped with a device for silent shooting.
To do this, the fighter will only need to dismantle the DTK, and install a silencer in its place. Also, the employees of the IzhMash plant developed a rifle-grenade launcher system. In this version, there is an underbarrel drum grenade launcher. The assault rifle is carried by means of a special handle. The design of the machine has a special hinged cover that prevents dirt from entering the mechanism through the window for the extraction of cartridge cases. American rifles AR-15 / M16 are equipped with a similar device.
What's special?
According to experts, ASh-12 is a special "weapon-cartridge" complex. Specially forof this model, the employees of TsKIB SOO developed a large-caliber ammunition STs-130 12.7 x 55 mm. Many types of large-caliber heavy bullets are provided for this cartridge: shell, armor-piercing, in which the core protrudes, etc. Due to the high stopping effect, the assault rifle is highly effective in close combat. Russian gunsmiths have created a wide range of cartridges for the ASh-12, so that when solving one or another tactical task with the selection of ammunition, there are no difficulties. Soldiers can load magazines with ammo that is effective at both short and ultra-short range.
About ammunition
Shooting from this automatic weapon is carried out with special subsonic large-caliber 12.7 mm cartridges. Such ammunition is equipped with a 55-mm cartridge case, which is also used in VSSK Vykhlop rifles. According to experts, the cartridge has a very high stopping power. Due to the fact that with an increase in the distance traveled by the projectile, it quickly loses its energy, while firing the STs-130, the risk of hitting third parties is significantly reduced. Light bullet PS-12A with an aluminum core exposed in the nose and a bimetallic jacket. The projectile weighs no more than 7 g. Since this ammunition has a small mass and has subsonic speed, after passing a certain distance, it begins to slow down and has already noticeably reduced energy. According to experts, PS-12A shooting is effective at a distance of no more than 100 m.
Armor-piercing bullets predominantlyused with machine guns equipped with devices for silent shooting. A heavy bullet can penetrate body armor and lightly armored vehicles. Duplex cartridges (or two-bullet) in the technical documentation appear as PD-12.
About sights
The Russian gunsmiths equipped the carrying handle with mechanical sights and three Picatinny rails. In addition, the lower part and sides of the forearm are also equipped with additional slats.
In order to increase the length of the aiming line, and consequently, the accuracy of the battle, the front sight was moved from the folding base in the ASh-12 assault machine. Now it is located in front of the box. Assault machine with an aperture whole, which, as military experts are convinced, has advantages over open-type rear sights. In ASh-12, aiming is carried out much faster and more accurately. Also, the aperture rear sight is much more convenient to direct in low light conditions. Thanks to the slats, the machine is equipped with various front handles that facilitate the operation of weapons, removable bipods and tactical flashlights.
About the performance characteristics of the assault rifle
- The weapon is of the submachine gun type.
- Producing country - Russia. A rifle model is being made at the IzhMash plant.
- In service since 2011.
- Caliber - 12.7 mm.
- The machine weighs no more than 6 kg.
- The total length of the weapon does not exceed 102 cm.
- Shooting is carried out with the cartridge STs-130 12, 7 x 55 mm.
- Withinup to 650 shots can be fired from an assault rifle in one minute.
- The aiming range is from 300 to 350 m.
- Ammunition magazine type. The cartridges are contained in box clips of 10 and 20 pieces.
- The assault rifle is equipped with open sights.
In conclusion
The capabilities of the new assault rifle of Russian specialists were highly appreciated by the military and other states. Western gunsmiths created a similar complex using SOCOM cartridges and 458 Beowulf 50.
Firing from Colt M4 carbines. Unlike Russian munitions, foreign ones with an effective range of up to 200 m.
