The Kalashnikov assault rifle is the most popular and sought-after firearm in the world. It is in service in 50 countries of the world and has an approximate estimate of about 70 million copies. For comparison, its closest competitor, the American M16 rifle, has only 8 million copies and is in service in only 27 states. The popularity of the machine is ensured by its reliability, ease of maintenance, as well as the firepower that, for example, AK-47 possesses. The speed of the bullet is about 715 m / s, which ensures such a high penetration ability.
Muzzle velocity
Of course, one of the most important characteristics of firearms is the initial speed of the bullet - an indicator of movement at the muzzle of the barrel. It is determined empirically and takes an intermediate value between the speed inside the barrel and the maximum. This indicator affects the characteristics of the machine, such as:
- range of a bullet;
- the maximum possible distance of a direct shot;
- lethal effect;
- bullet penetration;
- compensation for the influence of external factors on the flight path and performance characteristics.
In this regard, the engineer M.T. Kalashnikov faced the task of creating a high-quality AK-47, the bullet speed of which would reach the maximum possible values. To solve this problem, it was necessary to minimize the factors affecting the progress of the projectile inside the barrel and beyond.
The dependence of the speed of a bullet on a variety of factors
The initial speed of the AK-47 bullet, like any other machine, depends on three main factors:
- Bullet characteristics.
- Barrel indicators.
- The properties of the powder charge.
Bullet - a projectile of small arms, the damaging factor and the flight range of which depend on the inertial characteristics of the body. In accordance with this, in order to increase the TTX of the element, the designers primarily seek to reduce its weight. This allows us to solve two problems: minimize the effect of gravity and maintain a more or less direct flight path, increase the accuracy of the shot.
But you can increase the flight speed of the AK-47 bullet and any other weapon not only by increasing the mass of the projectile, but also by lengthening the barrel. The longer the channel, the longer the projectile is exposed to combustible powder gases, which accelerate it.
Powder Charge Characteristics
The decisive influence on the speed of the AK-47 bullet is precisely the characteristics of the powder charge. The first thing to do to increase the penetration of a projectile is to increase the amount of powder charge. The larger it is, the greater the amount of gas generated during combustion, which increases compression inside the barrel. At the same time, one cannot overdo it so that the powder does not explode the machine during ignition.
In AK-47 bullet speed also depends on the size and shape of the grains of gunpowder. The particle size distribution of the powder is selected accordingly. Also, in order to increase the performance characteristics of firearms, it is necessary to take into account environmental factors when shooting:
- Humidity. The higher it is, the “wetter” the powder is, which causes it to flare up for a longer time, reducing the pressure in the barrel.
- Temperature. With increasing temperature, the ignition period of the charge decreases, which increases the compression properties of the gases and the range / speed of the bullet.
The length of the barrel and the weight of the powder charge are selected in the Kalashnikov assault rifle so that they provide maximum penetration of the projectile and its other performance characteristics.
Principle of operation
No one will be surprised if he finds out that the speed of the AK-47 bullet also depends on the machine itself. To start firing, it is necessary to bring a shell into the chamber. To do this, the bolt mechanism is pulled back, which hooks the cartridge on the way back and sends it to the place intended for it.
After pulling the trigger, the firing pin pierces the capsule - a small cap with a flammable substance that ignites the powder. The resulting gases begin to press on the cartridge, moving it along the barrel. The sleeve occupies the entire diameter of the channel, not allowing pressure to fall.
Almost at the very end of the barrel channel there is a gas outlet. As soon as the bullet passes it, the gas through a special tube begins to put pressure on the piston, thereby removing the shutter, which sends the next shell to the chamber. Thus, a continuous circulation of powder gases in the machine is achieved. This provides the maximum initial speed of the bullet and the rate of fire of the weapon.
To summarize
Thus, in the AK-47, the speed of a bullet depends on several components: the length of the barrel, cartridge parameters, indicators of the powder charge and the mechanism for firing. Only M.T. Kalashnikov managed to achieve a rational combination of these characteristics in his creation, thanks to which his brainchild became the most popular, reliable and sought-after firearm in the world.