ADS
KBP Instrument Design Bureau · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2013
Also known as: Avtomat Dvuhsrednyj Spetsialnyj, Special Dual-Medium Automatic Rifle
Overview
The ADS (Avtomat Dvuhsrednyj Spetsialnyj, meaning 'Special Dual-Medium Automatic Rifle') is a Russian bullpup amphibious assault rifle developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula under the direction of Vasily Gryazev. Officially adopted in August 2013, it represents the culmination of decades of Russian research into dual-medium firearms, building on lessons learned from the APS underwater rifle and the experimental ASM-DT. The ADS is chambered in 5.45x39mm and can fire standard military ammunition (7N6, 7N10, 7N22) above water with a muzzle velocity of 900 m/s and an effective range of 500 meters, while using specialized PSP dart ammunition for underwater engagements effective to 25 meters at 5 meters depth. The weapon features a bullpup layout derived from the A-91M platform with a dual-mode gas system optimized for both air and submerged firing, forward ejection for ambidextrous operation, and an integral but removable 40mm grenade launcher compatible with VOG-25 series grenades. It accepts standard AK-74 magazines, simplifying logistics.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4600 g (162.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Rotating Bolt |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1328 J (979 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45 Soviet, 5.45x39
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Integrated Grenade Launcher, Dual Medium Capability, Dual Gas System, Amphibious Operation, Forward Ejection, Carrying Handle, Picatinny Rail, Ak 74 Magazine Compatible
Service history
Operators
- Russian Naval Spetsnaz · adopted 2013
- Russian Armed Forces (Special Operations) · adopted 2019
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Serial production began in 2021 at KBP Instrument Design Bureau. First deliveries to Russian special forces in December 2019. Export contract for over 100 units signed with undisclosed CIS country in 2015. Exact total production figures are classified.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Vasily Gryazev
Notes
The ADS weight of 4.6 kg includes the integral 40mm grenade launcher. Without the launcher, the rifle is significantly lighter. The dual-mode gas system is a key innovation: it automatically adjusts gas pressure between air and underwater firing modes. The underwater PSP ammunition uses a hardened steel dart projectile weighing 16 grams with a muzzle velocity of approximately 330 m/s in air, while the PSP-U training variant uses a bronze projectile weighing 8 grams at 430 m/s. Underwater effective range decreases with depth: 25 meters at 5 meters depth, down to 18 meters at 20 meters depth. First deliveries to Russian forces occurred in December 2019, with serial production beginning in 2021. An export contract for over 100 units was signed in 2015 with an undisclosed CIS country. The grenade launcher barrel is removable when not needed.
Background
The ADS represents Russia's answer to a problem that has plagued combat divers since the Cold War: how to arm frogmen with a single weapon effective in both environments. Previous solutions like the APS underwater rifle were useless on land, forcing divers to carry two weapons. The ADS finally achieves the goal of a true dual-medium weapon with no compromises in either environment, using standard AK-74 magazines on land and specialized dart ammunition underwater. The weapon's adoption by the Russian Navy marks the retirement of the venerable APS, ending an era of specialized underwater-only firearms.