AEK-999 Barsuk
Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1999
Also known as: Barsuk, AEK-999
Overview
The AEK-999 Barsuk is a Russian general-purpose machine gun developed during the 1990s at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant as a product-improvement of the Kalashnikov PKM. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR and fed from a belt, it is a long-stroke gas-piston, open-bolt design fitted with a partially fluted barrel for reduced weight and improved heat dissipation, a mirage top cover, a more effective muzzle brake, and a polymer forend with a barrel-mounted folding bipod. Intended to improve the PKM in the light machine gun and squad automatic weapon roles, it lost military trials to the competing Pecheneg, and only small batches were produced for special forces of the Internal Troops of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 8740 g (308.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1188 mm (46.77") |
| Barrel Length | 605 mm (23.82") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 825 m/s (2707 fps) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3800 m (4156 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x54mmR · primary — also known as 7.62x54R, 7.62 Russian, 7.62mm Mosin
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Open Bolt, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Fluted Barrel, Mirage Top Cover, Muzzle Brake, Folding Bipod, Quick Change Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Internal Troops of Russia (MVD)
Production
Production years: 1999-2006
Only small batches were produced for the Internal Troops of the Russian MVD before production ended.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Discontinued: 2006
Notes
Often referred to by the nickname 'Barsuk' (Badger). Military production ceased around 2006 after the design lost out to the Pecheneg, though some examples remained in MVD service.
Background
The AEK-999 was the Kovrov plant's bid to keep the PKM competitive against TsNIITochMash's Pecheneg in 1990s Russian GPMG trials; nicknamed 'Barsuk' (Badger), it lost the contest but a handful reached Russian internal-security special forces.