Country of origin |
Ukraine |
Entered service |
- |
Caliber |
5.45 x 39 mm |
Weight |
3.45 kg |
Length |
702 mm |
Length (with folded stock) |
- |
Barrel length |
415
mm |
Muzzle velocity |
900
m/s |
Cyclic rate of fire |
600 - 650 rpm |
Practical rate of fire |
40 - 100 rpm |
Magazine capacity |
30 rounds |
Sighting range |
? |
Range of effective fire |
~ 500 m |
|
The
Ukrainian Vepr (boar) assault rifle was revealed in 2003.
However this assault rifle was not adopted by Ukrainian
Armed Forces. It is worth noting that there were
plenty of Kalashnikov rifle conversions with bullpup layout, however
none of them had any success. Currently Ukrainian Army mainly uses
Soviet-designed assault rifles, such as the
AK-74
and older
AKM.
The Vepr is
a gas operated, selective fire weapon with bullpup layout. It is chambered for
the 5.45x39 mm ammunition. It has been advertised as a mayor
improvement over the AK-74, however some sources claim, that it is
no more than the standard AK-74 with bullpup design.
A safety /
fire mode selector is similar to that of the previous AK-74. It has
single fire and full-auto modes. This assault rifle has a polymer buttplate, foregrip and pistol handle. Because of its layout the Vepr is smaller than the standard AK-74. It is believed, that Vepr's
ballistic performance is identical to its predecessor. This weapon
is not ambidextrous.
This rifle
is compatible with standard AK-74 magazines, holding 30 rounds.
Initial
models of the Vepr assault rifle had adjustable open sights with a
standard side mount for scopes and night vision sights. Later models
have a Picatinny-type rail and are fitted with indigenous red dot
sights. The latest version of the Vepr also featured an integral
40 mm grenade launcher. This weapon is compatible with a silencer.
Variants
Vepr
designated marksman rifle, chambered for a more powerful 7.62x39 mm ammunition.
It is fed from 5-
or 10-round
capacity magazines. This weapon also has a longer barrel. It is
claimed that this rifle has similar accuracy compared to that of the
SVD
designated marksman rifle.
|