AK-54: Difference between revisions

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<!-- Service history -->
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1955 - present
| service            = 1955 - present
| used_by            = [[Elatian Army]]
| used_by            = [[Elatian Army]]<br>[[Charnean Army]]
| wars              =  
| wars              = [[Ninvite War]]
<!-- Production history -->
<!-- Production history -->
| designer          =  
| designer          =  
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<!-- General specifications -->
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label        =  
| spec_label        =  
| weight            = 3.7kg
| weight            = 3.6-3.8kg
| length            = 882mm
| length            = 882mm
| part_length        = 414mm
| part_length        = 414mm
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| barrels            =  
| barrels            =  
| action            = Gas operated, rotating bolt
| action            = Gas operated, rotating bolt
| rate              = Semi-automatic
| rate              =  
| velocity          =  
| velocity          =  
| range              = 400m
| range              = 400m
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}}
}}


The '''AK-54''' ('Automata Karabeno 1954') is a model of combat rifle employed by [[Elatia]]. Having entered service in 1955, it continues to be used as the [[Elatian Army]]'s standard issue service rifle.
The '''AK-54''' ('Automataa Karabinaay 1954') is a model of combat rifle employed by [[Elatia]]. Having entered service in 1955, it continues to be used as the [[Elatian Army]]'s standard issue service rifle. It was adopted by the [[Charnean Army]] in 1981 to replace the {{wp|Type 63 assault rifle|Albarodan-63}} assault rifle, and remains the standard issue Charnean service rifle to the present day.  


==Origin==
==Origin==


Elatian infantry squads entered into the Belfro-Elatian War armed mainly with bolt-action rifles, submachine guns and light machine guns. As with many other armies during this period, they discovered that most firefights took place within 200m, and that the volume of suppressive firepower is often the decisive factor in winning engagements. Subsequent to the war, many younger officers advocated the wholesale introduction of assault rifles. This was resisted by the more conservative senior officers, who continued to see value in long-barreled infantry weapons. In 1948, it was decided that the [[K-48]] semi-automatic carbine, chambered for the {{wp|7.62x39mm}} cartridge, would become the new service rifle of the Elatian military.  
Elatian infantry squads entered into the Belfro-Elatian War armed mainly with [[Olesunn_Rifle#Elatian_Models|Olessun bolt-action rifles]], [[AP-42|9mm submachine guns]] and {{wp|FM 24/29 light machine gun|magazine-fed light machine guns}}. As with many other armies during this period, they discovered that most firefights took place within 200m, and that the volume of suppressive firepower is often the decisive factor in winning engagements. Subsequent to the war, many younger officers advocated the wholesale introduction of assault rifles. This was resisted by the more conservative senior officers, who continued to see value in long-barreled infantry weapons. In 1948, it was decided that the [[K-48]] semi-automatic carbine, chambered for the {{wp|7.62x39mm}} cartridge, would become the new service rifle of the Elatian military.  


However, assault rifles were introduced into the Elatian Army through the back door, by being framed as a replacement for submachine guns. It was in this context that the later-ubiquitous [[Suvarova]]n design was copied. The Elatian infantry squad of the 1950's consisted of ten people, with one {{wp|Madsen machine gun|magazine-fed light machine gun}} chambered in the {{wp|7.65x53mm}} cartridge, two AK-54 assault rifles, and six K-48 carbines. It was not until the late-60's that assault rifles finally completely supplanted the semi-automatic carbine as the main infantry weapon.
However, assault rifles were introduced into the Elatian Army through the back door, by being framed as a replacement for submachine guns. It was in this context that the later-ubiquitous design was copied. The Elatian infantry squad of the 1950's-60's consisted of ten people, with one light machine gun, one RPG, one submachine gun (carried by the RPG gunner), two AK-54 assault rifles, and six K-48 carbines, all carried in {{wp|Type 1 Ho-Ha|one halftrack copied from a Tsurushiman design}}. It was not until the 1970's that assault rifles finally completely supplanted the semi-automatic carbine as the main infantry weapon.


==Design==
==Variants==


The original AK-54 had a milled receiver, which took a skilled machinist considerable time to fabricate. Its main distinguishing feature was its permanently-attached folding spike bayonet.
* '''AK-54''': Original milled receiver variant with folding bayonet. Owing to the lesser industrial capability needed for its production (albeit greater need for skilled labour), milled receiver rifles were produced well until the 1990's alongside stamped versions.  


The definitive AK-54B of 1960 saw the introduction of a stamped receiver. It is slightly thicker than average (1.35mm vs 1mm), resulting in increased structural rigidity at the cost of some weight increase. Many of the features of the original milled receiver rifle were also retained, including the pistol grip, the shape of the buttstock and the hooded front sight. Around the mid-70's, Elatian manufacturers gradually dropped the folding bayonet in favour of a modern combat knife bayonet.
* '''AK-54B''': Stamped receiver version produced from 1965. The stamped receiver is slightly thicker and more robust than {{wp|AKM|those commonly available}}. Produced with fixed, under-folding and wire-hanger stock types. Later batches (sometimes known as '''AK-54B1''') feature updates such as slanted muzzle break, knife bayonet and non-enclosed front sight. The vast majority of rifles in Elatian service, even in regular units, remain wood-furnitured AK-54B or B1 models.  
[[File:03 akm.jpg|thumb|left|100px|The folding bayonet was replaced by this knife type in the 1970's.]]


Elatian small arms manufacturing after the Belfro-Elatian War was decentralised, a decision made in order to mitigate the risk of strategic bombing or nuclear attack on major cities upon weapons production. Whilst quality control was strictly enforced, and whilst all parts must be mutually interchangeable, these regional fabricators were permitted to experiment with the designs of various parts. Accordingly, there existed many variations in terms of the configuration of the front sight (hooded or open), the shape of the foregrip and pistol grip, the shape of the fixed wooden buttstock, and even different types of folding stocks. Some factories in more remote parts of the country, which had access to experienced machinists but not modern stamping technology, made milled-receiver guns well into the 1980's.
* '''AK-54C''': Carbine variant with 314mm barrel.


The AK-54F variant entered service in 1993 and is gradually supplanting older versions of the weapon in frontline service. The -F model replaced the wooden furniture with green synthetic, standardised all buttstocks to a side-folding configuration, and harmonised the foresight to the open type. A plastic magazine was introduced, although the older steel magazine remains far more common. Optics are also increasingly common amongst frontline infantrymen, installed using the scope mount located to the side of the receiver. These include the {{wp|1P78-1 Kashtan|Kashtan scope}}, the [https://russianoptics.net/Kobra.html Kobra red-dot sight], as well as various night vision scopes.
* '''AK-54F''': Has synthetic furniture and improved folding stock. Produced from 1995. They were first allocated to the Airborne Corps and Naval Infantry before slowly filtering out to other high readiness units.


The AK-54C is the compact version of the rifle, with its barrel reduced to 305mm in length. It was intended for rear-area troops and vehicle crew as a self-defence weapon, although it has also been popular with special forces personnel.
* '''AK-54M''': Has dust cover bracket, accessory rails and folding or fixed telescoping stock. Produced from 2015.


==AK-54M==
* '''AK-54MS''': A rare variant of the AK-54M made by special forces gunsmiths. These guns are fashioned from old machined receivers for greater accuracy and durability at the expense of slightly greater weight.
[[File:Elatian AK-15 AK-14.png|thumb|right|300px|The AK-54M is essentially a licensed AK-15.]]


The AK-54M is treated within the Elatian military-industrial complex as a version of the AK-54. However, it is effectively an entirely new gun, based upon a licensed version of the Suvarovan {{wp|AK-12#AK-15|AK-15}}. Its main improvement over the older iterations of the rifle is its use of accessory rails for the mounting of optics and other useful devices.  
* '''AK-54C1''': The modernised version of the AK-54C, equipped with dust cover bracket and accessory rails.


The AK-54M has entered service with elite units of the Elatian military and security apparatus and as of 2021 is slowly percolating down the food chain.
==AK-54S==


==AK-54S==
[[File:Elatia AK-98.png|thumb|left|300px|The AK-54S Special Applications Carbine, updated with accessory rails.]]
 
The AK-54S Special Applications Carbine was introduced in the early-90's, primarily intended for use by special forces personnel in close assault missions. The carbine is chambered in the {{wp|9x39mm}}, a necked-up version of the standard service cartridge which combines the virtues of high stopping-power and armour piercing capability in a subsonic package for ease of integration with suppressors. These advantages come at the cost of the reduction of the weapon's effective range to within 200m. Because the rear sight is mounted directly onto the dust cover, the latter is secured into the receiver through the use of brackets located towards the rear of the weapon. The model was updated with accessory rails in the 2000's.


[[File:Elatia AK-98.png|thumb|right|300px|The AK-54S Special Applications Carbine.]]
==AK-18==
[[File:Elatia, AK-18.png|thumb|left|300px|The AK-18 rifle]]


The AK-54S Special Applications Carbine was introduced in the early-90's, primarily intended for use by special forces personnel in close assault missions. The carbine is chambered in the {{wp|9x39mm}}, a necked-up version of the standard service cartridge which combines the virtues of high stopping-power and armour piercing capability in a subsonic package for ease of integration with suppressors. These advantages come at the cost of the reduction of the weapon's effective range to within 200m.
The AK-18 is a deep modernisation of the AK-54 platform, utilising a countermass-based mechanism to significantly reduce felt recoil, especially when employing burst fire. The rifle is in mass production and is being distributed to elite units such as special forces and the Airborne Corps.  


[[Category: Elatia]]
[[Category: Elatia]]
[[Category: Elatian Army]]
[[Category: Elatian Army]]
[[Category:Charnea]]
[[Category: Ajax]]
[[Category: Ajax]]

Latest revision as of 18:40, 22 December 2024

Elatia AK-83 version 5.png
AK-54
Place of origin Elatia
Service history
In service1955 - present
Used byElatian Army
Charnean Army
WarsNinvite War
Production history
Designed1953
Produced1954 - present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Weight3.6-3.8kg
Length882mm
Barrel length414mm

Cartridge7.62x39mm
ActionGas operated, rotating bolt
Effective firing range400m
Feed system30-rounds box magazine
Sightsadjustable iron sight

The AK-54 ('Automataa Karabinaay 1954') is a model of combat rifle employed by Elatia. Having entered service in 1955, it continues to be used as the Elatian Army's standard issue service rifle. It was adopted by the Charnean Army in 1981 to replace the Albarodan-63 assault rifle, and remains the standard issue Charnean service rifle to the present day.

Origin

Elatian infantry squads entered into the Belfro-Elatian War armed mainly with Olessun bolt-action rifles, 9mm submachine guns and magazine-fed light machine guns. As with many other armies during this period, they discovered that most firefights took place within 200m, and that the volume of suppressive firepower is often the decisive factor in winning engagements. Subsequent to the war, many younger officers advocated the wholesale introduction of assault rifles. This was resisted by the more conservative senior officers, who continued to see value in long-barreled infantry weapons. In 1948, it was decided that the K-48 semi-automatic carbine, chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge, would become the new service rifle of the Elatian military.

However, assault rifles were introduced into the Elatian Army through the back door, by being framed as a replacement for submachine guns. It was in this context that the later-ubiquitous design was copied. The Elatian infantry squad of the 1950's-60's consisted of ten people, with one light machine gun, one RPG, one submachine gun (carried by the RPG gunner), two AK-54 assault rifles, and six K-48 carbines, all carried in one halftrack copied from a Tsurushiman design. It was not until the 1970's that assault rifles finally completely supplanted the semi-automatic carbine as the main infantry weapon.

Variants

  • AK-54: Original milled receiver variant with folding bayonet. Owing to the lesser industrial capability needed for its production (albeit greater need for skilled labour), milled receiver rifles were produced well until the 1990's alongside stamped versions.
  • AK-54B: Stamped receiver version produced from 1965. The stamped receiver is slightly thicker and more robust than those commonly available. Produced with fixed, under-folding and wire-hanger stock types. Later batches (sometimes known as AK-54B1) feature updates such as slanted muzzle break, knife bayonet and non-enclosed front sight. The vast majority of rifles in Elatian service, even in regular units, remain wood-furnitured AK-54B or B1 models.
  • AK-54C: Carbine variant with 314mm barrel.
  • AK-54F: Has synthetic furniture and improved folding stock. Produced from 1995. They were first allocated to the Airborne Corps and Naval Infantry before slowly filtering out to other high readiness units.
  • AK-54M: Has dust cover bracket, accessory rails and folding or fixed telescoping stock. Produced from 2015.
  • AK-54MS: A rare variant of the AK-54M made by special forces gunsmiths. These guns are fashioned from old machined receivers for greater accuracy and durability at the expense of slightly greater weight.
  • AK-54C1: The modernised version of the AK-54C, equipped with dust cover bracket and accessory rails.

AK-54S

The AK-54S Special Applications Carbine, updated with accessory rails.

The AK-54S Special Applications Carbine was introduced in the early-90's, primarily intended for use by special forces personnel in close assault missions. The carbine is chambered in the 9x39mm, a necked-up version of the standard service cartridge which combines the virtues of high stopping-power and armour piercing capability in a subsonic package for ease of integration with suppressors. These advantages come at the cost of the reduction of the weapon's effective range to within 200m. Because the rear sight is mounted directly onto the dust cover, the latter is secured into the receiver through the use of brackets located towards the rear of the weapon. The model was updated with accessory rails in the 2000's.

AK-18

The AK-18 rifle

The AK-18 is a deep modernisation of the AK-54 platform, utilising a countermass-based mechanism to significantly reduce felt recoil, especially when employing burst fire. The rifle is in mass production and is being distributed to elite units such as special forces and the Airborne Corps.