AK-9

This article is about the firearm. For Alaska Route 9, see Seward Highway.

AK-9
A left-side view of the AK-9 with a suppressor equipped
Type	Assault rifle Carbine
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	2007–present[1]
Used by	See Users
Wars	Syrian civil war^[citation needed]
Production history
Designer	Izhevsk machine-building plant
Designed	Early 2000s
Manufacturer	Izhevsk machine-building plant
Produced	2000s
No. built	Few hundreds (limited usage)
Specifications
Mass	3.8 kg (8.38 lb) (empty)
Length	705 mm (27.8 in), 881 mm (34.7 in) (with suppressor), 465 mm (18.3 in)folded and without suppressor
Barrel length	200 mm (7.9 in)
Cartridge	9×39mm
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	700–750 RPM
Effective firing range	400 meters
Maximum firing range	424 meters
Feed system	20-round detachable box magazine
Sights	Iron sights and various optical sights by the use of Picatinny rail or Warsaw Pact rail
References	[2]

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.^[3] 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]}

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.^[4]

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]}

Users

Map with AK-9 users in blue

•  Mongolia: Used by the Mongolian Armed Forces and Police, S.W.A.T.^{[citation needed]}
•  Russia: In very limited usage.
•  Syria: Used by the Syrian Army and Police.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. "Izhmash AK-9".
2. "АК-9 автомат Калашникова - характеристики, ттх, фото". 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
3. "Автомат Калашникова АК-9". spec-naz.org. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
4. Zlobin, Vladimir (15 February 2013). ""Калашниковы" для XXI века" ["Kalashnikovs" for the XXI century]. Krasnaya Zvezda (Interview) (in Russian). No. 28 (26247). Interviewed by Andrei Bondarenko. pp. 10–11. Retrieved 21 February 2013.

• Russian gunmaker develops 'anti-terrorist' Kalashnikov Archived 14 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine.Brisbane Times.10 August 2007. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
• Article at Weapon.at.ua
• Article at http://spec-naz.org/armory/automats_and_assault_rifles/avtomat_kalashnikova_ak_9/