Korobov TKB-022
Tula Arms Plant · Assault Rifle · Prototype · 1962
Also known as: TKB-022PM, Korobov TKB-022PM
Overview
The Korobov TKB-022 is an experimental Soviet bullpup assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, developed by German A. Korobov at the Tula Arms Plant in the early 1960s. Its radical design used an annular gas piston wrapped around the barrel and a vertically moving wedge breechblock with a U-shaped rammer, allowing an extremely short, compact receiver. The later TKB-022PM models featured a striking Bakelite polymer housing and an ammunition path that ejected spent cases forward, making the weapon fully ambidextrous. Despite delivering accuracy superior to the AKM in trials, it was never adopted.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2800 g (98.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 525 mm (20.67") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2045 J (1508 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 560 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, 7.62mm M43, .30 Russian Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Bullpup Layout, Annular Gas Piston, Vertically Moving Breechblock, Polymer Housing, Ambidextrous Ejection
Variants
- Korobov TKB-022P — Prototype
- Korobov TKB-022PM — Prototype
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces (trials only)
Production
Production years: 1962-1968
Only a handful of experimental prototypes were ever built; the design never entered series production.
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: German A. Korobov
Discontinued: 1968
Notes
Several distinct variants were built: the TKB-022 and TKB-022P (roughly 635 mm long, around 2.5 kg) and the refined TKB-022PM No. 1 and No. 2, which shortened the weapon to about 525 mm. Listed specifications correspond to the TKB-022PM No. 1.
Background
The TKB-022PM's wraparound gas system and forward case ejection let Korobov compress a full-power rifle into a body barely longer than a submachine gun. It was ultimately rejected partly over fears that its plastic housing and rearward center of gravity would not survive field service.