AEK-999
 | This article includes alist of references,related reading,orexternal links,but its sources remain unclear because it lacksinline citations.(December 2012) |
| AEK-999 | |
|---|---|
 AEK-999 on display with a bipod and suppressor | |
| Type | General purpose machine gun |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2008-present |
| Wars | Russo-Georgian War Syrian Civil War 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Kovrov Mechanical Plant |
| Unit cost | $50,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 1188 mm |
| Barrellength | 605 mm |
| Shell | 7.62×54mmR |
| Calibre | 7.62mm |
| Action | Gas-Operated,open bolt |
| Rate of fire | 650 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 825 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 1500 m |
| Feed system | Belt-fed |
| Sights | Rear leaf, front post |
TheAEK-999 Barsuk(Russian:Барсук,"badger") is aRussianmachine gunchambered for the7.62×54mmRround. It is ageneral-purpose machine gun,developed during the 1990s as a modernized version of thePKMto improve its capabilities in theLMG/SAWrole. The AEK-999 was to be capable of sustainedautomatic firewithout requiring a quick-change barrel, and better suited for assault operations where it could be fired from thehipor from the integralbipod.
The AEK-999 was developed in the Kovrov Mechanical Plant for theRussian Armed Forces,but lost in military trials to thePechenegmachine gun which was developed under the same requirements. Kovrov produced small batches of the AEK-999 for theMinistry of Internal Affairsto equipspecial forcesunits of theInternal Troops of Russia,but all military production ceased in 2006.
Design
[edit]The AEK-999 uses the same receiver group as thePKM.The most important change is a new barrel, made of the samesteelused in aviation machine guns for greater durability. This new barrel is partiallyflutedto save weight and improve heat dissipation, and is provided with a mirage top cover and more effectivemuzzle brake.This new barrel can be removed from the gun for inspection or maintenance, but it is not a quick-change barrel for swapping out in combat situations. To further enhance its capabilities, the AEK-999 is fitted with a small polymer forend under the barrel, and the folding bipod is moved forward and attached to the barrel rather than the gas tube. If necessary, the AEK-999 can be equipped with asuppressor.It can also accept all standard PKM accessories, including tripod mount, and 100-round clip-on belt boxes.
