ACC-74U replacement: The Russian Federation has completed the "new" AM-17 (photo) test

The AM-17 serial production is expected to begin in 2025, and the machine will be the replacement of the ACS-74U, which has been in service since 1979. According to the developers, the AM-17 is designed to meet modern standards, improving many aspects characteristic of the AC-74U: AM-17 machine is compatible with ammunition 5. 45 × 39 mm used in the Russian army, which facilitates its integration into the current arsenal.

In the future, Kalashnikov plans to develop a ruler based on this platform, adding models of different calibers for military and civilian use. However, despite the stated improvements and positioning of the machine as a new weapon, this platform is not so smooth.

According to Defense Express observers, the whole idea with the start of the AM-17 serial production is more reminiscent of the anecdote, since the prototype of weapons was created in 1975 to participate in the competition for the creation of a small-sized machine gun in a caliber of 5. 45 mm and lost competition ACC-74U. Then this machine, designed by the author of the famous sniper rifle, Eugene Dragunov, has already demonstrated an innovative approach.

In its design, plastic was widely used, and the main solution was to divide the machine into two parts: plastic "lower" and steel "upper", which took over the power loads. The machine, known as MA ("Small-Appa Cut") was lighter than AKS-74U per 200 grams, only 10 mm longer in folded form, but had a longer barrel (12 mm) and higher frequency (100 shots per minute) . However, the design showed less reliable due to problems with the shock-spus mechanism and deformation of the pusher in the gas node.

It also needed refinement of the flames. While these processing was conducted, the competition won the AC-74U, which in 1979 was adopted. Now Kalashnikov presented AM-17 as a replacement of the AKS-74U, which, for all of his "innovativeness", in fact repeats the main decisions of MA, only in the updated weighing, which is given as a new achievement. Although even Russian troops are treated with caution, noting the real opportunities and prospects of the Kalashnikov concern.