Before describing the OTs-14 “Thunderstorm” machine itself, it’s worthwhile to talk a little about the “bullpup” system. It was invented a long time ago and they tried to implement it constantly, but, due to its special specificity, few firearms made using this system came out successful. Why so?
The “bullpup” system is called such a machine arrangement when the bolt with a chamber, a magazine and a trigger mechanism are located behind the handle of the weapon. Initially, this system was conceived to reduce the size of large weapons, thus increasing its compactness. But it creates certain difficulties during operation, since it is impossible to simply remove the butt, swapping the magazine and the pistol grip.
The history of the creation of the machine OTs-14
How did such a non-standard weapon for Russia appear? The concept of "Thunderstorms" was to create a machine for special services and the army, which by default uses a grenade launcher. When installing the latter, a problem arose with standard automatic weapons - the center of gravity shifted, respectively, firing accuracy and balancing worsened.
To solve this problem in the 1990s, a new machine began to be developed. This work was carried out by the Tula TsKIB SOO. The project was led by designers Yu. V. Lebedev and V.N. Teles. By 1994, all stages of the production of the prototype were completed, and the OC-14 "Thunderstorm" was presented to the public. Then a small batch of prototypes entered the test in the army.
Initially, the machine was intended only for special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was made for specially developed subsonic cartridges SP-5 and SP-6 of 9x39 mm caliber. They had a high stopping and punching effect. By shooting them, it was possible to hit the enemy in body armor, as well as being in cars and lightly armored vehicles. Subsequently, another option appeared - for army units. He fired standard 7.62x39 mm cartridges and used AKM magazines for food. There were also options for other common cartridges. But after all the tests were passed, he did not receive much popularity, mass production was not launched. Now the weapon is in service only with the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the personal guard of the President of the Russian Federation.
Machine Features
The Thunderstorm assault rifle is built according to the bullpup system - its base is a modular base on which, depending on the required tasks, you can install a wide range of additional equipment (under-barrel grenade launcher, silencer, optical sights or a muzzle with an additional handle). In accordance with these improvements, 4 types of machine are distinguished:
- automatic grenade launcher complex (installed muzzle and grenade launcher GP-25 or GP-30);
- assault rifle (mounted muzzle with a handle);
- sniper machine (silencer and optical sight installed);
- small automatic machine (without installing any modules).
The modules used are as follows:
- PBS silencer, which provides a stable decrease in the volume of the shot to the level of 118 dB, this is facilitated by the speed of the bullet. The rubber coating makes it possible to use a silencer as a forearm.
- GP-5 grenade launcher, the design of which was changed in accordance with the concept of the machine. For use in the SGK (rifle-grenade launcher complex), the standard GP-25 was redesigned, remodeling it in such a way that it became possible to fire both from the machine gun and from the grenade launcher without removing the hand from the pistol grip. To change the shooting mode provides a special lever.
- Optical sights that are suitable for mounting on a socket mounted on a carrying handle.
The machine kit, in addition to the modules, includes a special case for transporting weapons, as well as accessories for cleaning and care.
The design of automation and main components
Since the AKS-74U was taken for the basis of the OTs-14 "Thunderstorm" assault rifle, on the whole its units do not differ from those of the Kalash. No major changes were made to the receiver, trigger mechanism, or gas vent. The shutter was slightly redone so that it corresponded to the diameter of the sleeve of the SP cartridge. As the barrel became shorter, and the gas pressure in it decreased, the gas outlet was moved back, and the pistol grip was carried forward to the forearm.
The stock was removed, and the back of the receiver was changed to establish a backplate that prevents the receiver from falling out when firing from a grenade launcher, fixing it with a special clip. In order to disassemble the machine, the back plate can be folded to the right (for this it is mounted on a hinge). Placing the back plate on the same channel with the barrel allowed increasing the shooter's control over the weapon.
Sights
The sight is mounted in the handle for carrying weapons. It includes open and diopter sights that can be adjusted. When turning a special flat disk, you can aim openly or through the diopter. You can also adjust the aiming range with a special drum, which has divisions in the range from 50 to 200 meters. Mounting the handle allows you to install on it a variety of optical, night or collimator sights.
Ammunition and food
The machine uses specially designed cartridges for firing - SP-5 and SP-6. They have a subsonic bullet speed. For them, a store was invented that holds 20 or 30 rounds (depending on version). The magazine is located behind the pistol grip according to the layout.
Advantages and disadvantages
Both the pros and cons of the machine were inherited mainly from the bullpup system. Among the advantages of weapons are the following:
- light weight, compact dimensions;
- reduced toss and improved balancing when using a grenade launcher;
- high reliability during operation, inherited from AK;
- a special cartridge, the bullet of which is not prone to ricochets, which allows you to shoot in a limited space without danger to the shooter;
- the possibility of using a silencer;
- almost complete compliance of AK and OTs-14 units, which facilitates repair and replacement of units;
- The original design of the OTs-14 "Thunderstorm" assault rifle, the photo of which makes it easy to distinguish it from similar samples.
However, this machine also has drawbacks that cannot be avoided, because the bullpup system is technically complex and not entirely ideal, and it does not differ in a sufficient level of convenience. What are the disadvantages of the OC-14?
- the small length of the sighting line, which reduces accuracy when firing at long distances;
- placement of the sight at high altitude, which increases the profile of the shooter in a prone position;
- the wide butt plate of the butt is less convenient for resting on the shoulder;
- it is inconvenient to replace the store, its reduced capacity also plays a role;
- translator firing reduces the speed of switching to the grenade launcher and vice versa;
- low convenience of firing due to the expansion of spent cartridges, as well as the inability to fire from the left hand.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the displacement of the center of gravity. Since it is balanced in AK, and in the Storm the receiver is handed back, it will be difficult to get used to the new machine. In addition, the OTs-14 Thunderstorm is much shorter than the AK, and in some cases, for example, when throwing the butt to the shoulder, the machine can even fly out of hand. All this must be taken into account.
Non-combat models
As non-combat models of weapons, airsoft options can be mentioned. At its core, this is a common weapon for this sport, only outwardly converted to a “Thunderstorm”.
Such a solution is understandable, because the machine looks attractive in appearance. And the air strike OTs-14 "Thunderstorm" is much more convenient than combat. If only because it weighs much less.
Thunderstorm machine (-14) - specifications
The following characteristics apply to the OTs-14-4A assault rifle, that is, to the variant with a grenade launcher.
- Caliber - 9x39 mm, 7.62 mm.
- Type of cartridge - 9x39 mm. SP-5, SP-6, PAB-9 or 7.62x39 mm. R.
- Caliber grenade launcher - 40 mm.
- Barrel length - 240 mm.
- The total length is 610 mm.
- The height of the weapon is 294 mm.
- The width of the weapon is 75 mm.
- Weight (without scope and magazine) - 3.8 kg.
- Effective firing range - 400 m.
- Effective range from a grenade launcher is 400 m.
- Rate of fire - 700 rds / min.
- Muzzle velocity - 300 m / s.
- The initial speed of the grenade is 76 m / s.
- Magazine capacity - 20 rounds.
Summary
What can be said by studying this automaton? Undoubtedly, this is one of the best designs of Russian gunsmiths, successfully implementing the bullpup system. However, due to its features, this weapon can only be used in special forces. As for active sports, such as airsoft, the OC-14 Thunderstorm is a rather convenient weapon for this. It is specific, demanding, but in capable hands and with the proper level of service extremely effective.