In the weapons record of the USSR there are few samples made according to an unusual pattern. These include weapons specially designed for the needs of special forces. This is a SVU AC sniper rifle . She is almost the only one of her kind. However, one cannot say that it turned out unsuccessfully. In any case, it is worthwhile to find out why this rifle gained confidence in the troops and how it stands out among others.
Development history
After adopting the standard rifle for the sniper squad SVD, it soon became clear that the long length is not always convenient when conducting a battle. In addition, long weapons can not always be comfortably transported. For example, in the limited space of an infantry fighting vehicle or aircraft, only inconvenience will occur. When parachuting with a parachute, the SVD was generally dropped in the container to prevent injury to the shooter.
Since the troops, although they were satisfied with the accuracy and reliability of the SVD, still needed a more convenient and compact weapon, in 1977 a competition was launched to improve the SVD. One of the priorities that was set before the designers was to reduce the length in the stowed position. One of the original solutions was proposed by the designers of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. They equipped the SVD with a folding butt. This modification is called SVD-S. Thus, the problem was partially solved, and if the transportation of weapons became comfortable, then the length in the battle still did not change. To finally achieve the required results, the designer L. V. Bondarev proposed an original solution - to perform the same SVD according to the “bullpup” scheme. The rifle got its final appearance in 1979, when the first samples were made, the weapon was called the IED (shortened sniper rifle). Then there was a period of lengthy tests that were carried out in the Tula Airborne Division, and their rifle successfully passed, but the leadership then was mentally unprepared for the use of such unusual weapons. Moreover, the rifle was criticized, they pointed out only flaws without mentioning the merits of the weapon. Truly seriously began to use the rifle only since 1991, and then, only when the special unit "Pennant" insisted on mass production. At first, all the rifles were made by reworking the available SVD warehouses.
The first global modernization of the rifle occurred in 1993. Then they added the possibility of automatic fire to it and the letter A was added to the name. Even later, in 1995, at the insistence of veterans of the war in Chechnya, which, by the way, IED passed with honor, carried out a second modernization. Now bipods were added to its design and the letter C was added to the name. In both cases, the trigger mechanism had to be redone, and the implementation of switching fire modes looked especially modern. Depending on the force of pulling the trigger, the weapon fired either with single shots or bursts. This scheme is now used in many samples.
Currently
Now IED is a rifle that is produced in small batches exclusively for the needs of the FSB special forces and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. In total, no more than 10 thousand weapons were issued, which makes it quite rare. This rifle is equipped exclusively with special forces assault groups. It should be mentioned the fact that the tasks that are assigned to the IEDs can well be carried out with the SVD-S rifle, so there is not much difference in use. It can be noted that the IED is not supplied for export, as it is a special forces weapon, that is, there is no rifle anywhere except Russia.
Design features
Since the IED AC is a bullpup rifle, the magazine receiving neck and trigger mechanism are located behind the trigger. This scheme allowed to reduce the total length of the weapon from 1225 mm (length SVD) to an acceptable - 900 mm. At the same time, the barrel length was reduced by 100 mm without sacrificing combat and operational characteristics. In general, many noted the similarity of the rifle with another successful model since the Second World War - the weapon of the German paratroopers FG-42.
Automation work
IED - a rifle that uses the principle of the removal of gases from the barrel bore as the basis for the operation of automation. The designer of the SVD, Dragunov, borrowed this system from the AK assault rifle, although it is known that Kalashnikov did not participate in the development of the rifle.
In general, almost the entire structure was taken from the parent rifle - SVD, and these are USM parts, a locking system, a receiver, and automation. In addition, the rifle allows the shooter to fire automatically. This is caused by an increase in the length of the descent stroke. However, a sniper rifle shooting like an assault rifle is a very controversial weapon, since managing fire in automatic mode should be a very difficult task. And the cartridge used is quite powerful, which can lead to the destruction of rifle assemblies. When cocking the trigger, the trigger rod and the whisper do not disconnect, which causes a shot on the self-timer, after the shutter returns to its forward position and the barrel bore is locked. In addition, the design of the rifle includes a special translator, which restricts the movement of the trigger.
Trunk
The barrel of the VCA is much more massive than that of the SVD. In its manufacture using high-precision equipment. The barrel contains 4 grooves (right-handed), in increments of 320 mm. A special device is mounted on its muzzle section, which performs many functions - a muzzle brake-compensator, a flame arrester, a weight that reduces recoil and barrel oscillations, as well as shifting the center of gravity of the weapon forward. In addition, the device circulates the gases in the barrel so that the volume of the shot is reduced to about 150 dB.
The information also suggests that they produced IEDs with a standard SVD barrel, which should have a positive impact on accuracy, but there is no evidence of it.
Headset
The pistol grip is made of impact-resistant plastic and is located close to the center of gravity of the rifle. For the convenience of firing, for example, in winter, the trigger guard was increased specifically for a gloved hand. Also, for convenience, a special "cheek" is attached to the receiver, designed to support the head. Some changes also affected the barrel linings and fore-end. Although they were taken from the SVD, they were redone due to the forward movement of the sight.
The back of the receiver serves as a butt. To do this, a special spring-back plate is attached to it. He, like the forend, the protrusion of the "cheeks" and lining is made of polyamide. Since the center of gravity of the rifle has changed - now it is near the fire control handle, this shifted the balance of the rifle in a positive direction. Holding a weapon is more comfortable than the same SVD.
The bipod, designed for shooting from a prone position, can be rotated due to the hinged mount and a special rod, which is rigidly mounted in front of the receiver. A rotation around its axis is possible both to the right and to the left by about 90 degrees. The bipods themselves are of a telescopic type, four height adjustment modes are allowed, the maximum height is 320 mm.
Food and Ammunition
As a cartridge, an SVU sniper rifle uses both standard 7.62 mm ammunition and special 7.62x54 R ammunition.
Rifle magazine holds from 10 to 30 rounds. This can be either a regular store for SVD, or a newer 20-charge sample. There was also information about the development of 30-charge stores, but they were not confirmed.
Sights
IED AC - a rifle on which the PSO-1 sight is mounted according to the standard. But, depending on the combat situation on the rifle, you can install night options - NSPU and the like. As for mechanical sights, the designers abandoned standard sector sights, like the SVD, and made a diopter sight with an adjustable diopter. The diopter and front sight are mounted on folding racks, which increases reliability and keeps the sight from damage. You can shoot with a mechanical sight without removing the optics.
The rifle has a satisfactory accuracy of fire - at a range of 100 m, the spread is not more than 70 mm.
Rifle options
Like an airsoft or hunting weapon, a rifle is not common. VCA - a rifle, airsoft with which is an expensive pleasure. Despite this, its appearance is borrowed in the manufacture of airsoft options. And there can be no talk of free sale on the civilian market, because special forces weapons are almost secret, this applies to IEDs. A rifle, the price of which is equal to several salaries, is too expensive for an ordinary person.
Specifications
- Caliber - 7.62 mm.
- The used cartridge is 7.62x54 mm R.
- Weapon Weight:
- IEDs and IEDs A - 4.4 kg;
- IED speakers - 5.5 kg.
- Rate of fire (automatic mode) - 650 rounds / min.
- Muzzle velocity - 830 m / s.
- Length - 900 mm.
- Barrel length - 520 mm.
- Food - a box magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds.
- Sighting range - 800 m.
- Maximum range - 1300 m.