Michael Kalashnikov. Part-3

This is the 3rd part of the Kalashnikov's story.

Kalashnikov: "Then I have opposed changing assault rifle caliber from 7.62 to 5.45mm. I have written a number of letters with the explanation, why 7.62x39 mm round must follow to be on service. It is far from exhausting its capabilities. But they started accuse me in 'retrogradeness', 'conservatism' and 'hostility to progress'.

His position was grounded by the fact that the new caliber (5.45x39) has too low penetrating capability against some kinds of targets, while the AKM's bullet (7.62x39) is even penetrating the light armor. However, the constructor could not stand alone and have taken part in the tender for the assault rifle with the new 5.45 mm round. The short list of that tender had two assault rifles: Kalashnikov (AK-74) and Konstantinov (AEK-971 prototype).

Sergey Plotnikov, the senior researcher of the Central Military museum (Russia): "The Konstantinov's assault rifle has a prominent shortage. Its reloading needs efforts by more than 5 kg".

In result, the (Army) client preferred Izhevsk's Kalashnikov. March, 18, 1974 the USSR government decided to put the new AK-74 on service. In 5 years it has confirmed its high quality.

Assault Rifle AK-74. Caliber -- 5.45 mm. Mass -- 3.6 kg. Cyclic rate -- 600 rounds in minute. Effective range -- 1000 m.

July 1984. Afghanistan. 23 warriors of KGB 'Kaskad' spec-op unit fall to ambush made by Ben-Laden lead 'Black Stork' terrorist unit. The Islamic terrorists had the old Egypt-made 7.62 mm AKM's, while the Russian spetsnaz had 5.45 mm AK-74's. After the fierce night battle the Russians lost 2 killed and 17 were wounded. The terrorists lost 372 persons.

The Kalashnikov's weapon has confirmed its fantastic reliability in Afghanistan.

Sergey Zhiltsov, the Afghanistan veteran, 1983-87: "I saw how quickly our warriors have reload their weapons (AK-74). They threw out the dust and pebbles from their AK's, reloaded them and came back to fire".

In the middle 80th there were more than 100 mln AK's assault rifles in the world. They were on military service of more than 60th countries. The AK design became the world standard, and was learned at all military academies around the world. However, only little was known about Kalashnikov himself.

However, some day Michel Kalashnikov found in his mailbox the letter from an American historian Edward Clinton Ezell. The letter had very short address: 'M. T. Kalashnikov. USSR'.

M. T. Kalashnikov: 'We became good buddies with Ezell. He was the first who wrote a book about it ('The Ak47 Story: Evolution of the Kalashnikov Weapons')".

Soon the stories about 'Izhevsk's sergeant , who equipped the whole world' were appeared in a number of western journals. The Army leadership was waken up: the prominent weapon designer was only a major sergeant.

After this event, the 'star drop' was literally fallen on the constructor. 20 years behind the military service M.T.Kalashnikov became an officer (lieutenant). In next some hours he already became a major lieutenant, and after next day he was called to the DM Ustinov's office. Then Ustinov was very angry however, but turned to Kalashnikov 'major'...

When the information was declassified, Kalashnikov became known also as a designer of peaceful stuff. Being himself a hunting fancier, he designed a number of hunting rifles. However, the part of his inventions have no relation to weapon.

Valery Krylov, the Chief manager of the Russian Artillery Museum: "One day Kalashnikov invited me to his country house. He said there: 'now you will see my last invention'. I thought of course about a new lethal weapon, but then it was hedgehogs winter lodge".

Michail Timofeyevich (Kalashnikov) doesn't like publicity, and practically says nothing about his private life. Only recently was cleared his old interest to poetry.

M. T. Kalashnikov: "Once I was even chosen to a conference of young poets in Kiev. I have written a number of poems, but since my work in weapon design begun, I had no time for lyrics".

Epilogue:




Kalashnikov's assault rifle became not only the most popular weapon around the world, but the symbol of freedom and the great culture phenomenon. Today in Africa the parents often give for their children name 'Kalash' in hope they will inherit the unbeaten durability of the Russian weapon.

Vitaly Babakov, TsNII Tochmash chief engineer: "AK is the admitted world reliability standard".

In its 85 jubilee Michail Timofeyevich (Kalashnikov) wrote a message to the future weapon designers. It was capsulated in Izhevsk's weapon museum. It will be opened in 2047, the 100th birthday year of the famous weapon.

M. T. Kalashnikov: "I should repeat: no limit for perfection. Thus, I'd be glad to greet those who did better. A constructor should not be limited by only his own work but will see the other's achievements".

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• AK-47
• AK-74
• Kalashnikov
• assault
• rifle

[blackshark1984]

Guys, im russian and i found a small mistake, in 2007 Kalashnikov turned 85 not 88, it was said in the video by the talk show. just wanted to help out.

[abraqadabra]

Thanks, but the titles were muxed with the video 3 years ago. Then the MTK age was just 85.

[specnaz09]

I want to shake Michael Kalashnikov's hand.

[21StCenturyWarfare]

KALASHNIKOV is the best weapon.

[ghos7bear]

Mikhail, not Michael

[antoxin93]

AK is truly the best AR of the 20th century,but its really funny how in this show if they show a ''TOP SECRET'' footage of americans its allways the same voice speaking with a stereotypical american accent :D

[spetsnazkommando]

@Gloomshadow1 2 deaths 17 wounded and 372 enemy killed damn

[Gloomshadow1]

@johntyc yeah yeah..that was a Spetnaz unit though, so it could be true. Those guys are pretty good at what they do.

[216trixie]

@liljubaqueadaboi It would be cool if you walk outside into the path of a train. I think.

[proximetrius]

@liljubaqueadaboi this is absurd! Palestine will rather ally with Israel than this.

[johntyc]

I doubt the 23 vs 372 story but I agree AKs are very good guns.

[Trexmaster12]

Dude, YOU are an american.

You were drunk when you posted that comment?

lol

[Z971]

bla bla bla ))) Don't be so angry , we just fucked you up a little and left , nothing serious )))

[Z971]

2 killed 17 wounded vs. 372 allah snackbars killed, ))) Please don't tell us we lost this war )))