VKS "Exhaust": description, characteristics

It’s no secret for a professional military man that any weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you always have to sacrifice something: mobility and compact size - in order to increase caliber; slaughter power - to reduce the unmasking effects. The characteristics of small arms are often mutually exclusive, which is why a developer aiming at a specific result sometimes has to find compromises.

But let's take a look at the VKS “Exhaust”. Its caliber is the same as that of the heavy cliff machine gun (although different ammunition is used), it has tremendous power. Not knowing about the features of the “Exhaust”, one could assume that the rifle is huge, heavy, and the sound of a shot deafens everyone who is not far from the shooter. For example, ASVK “Kord”, OSV-96 “Burglar”, and SVLK-14S are characterized by precisely these characteristics. The “exhaust” is compact and convenient, a powerful silencer with a fire extinguishing function is successfully struggling with unmasking, and the mass of the entire sniper complex is even less than that of a light machine gun.

History of creation

The first developments to create this weapon began in the late 90s of the last century. But the sample was never presented. In 2002, the work resumed.

The chief designer involved in the development of the VKS “Exhaust” 12.7 mm caliber is a leading specialist at TsKIB SOO, a design bureau located in the city of Tula. The rifle made its debut in 2005, but it did not bring him fame. Only in 2012, after the SOFEX-2012 exhibition, the rifle was finally noticed.

Currently, the VKS “Exhaust” is in service with the CSN of the FSB of the Russian Federation, some units of the RF Armed Forces, and is also supplied to the Syrian army.

Features and characteristics of weapons

The “Rifle” rifle is designed to destroy unarmored and lightly armored vehicles, manpower, enemy fortifications at a distance of up to 600 m. The muffler significantly reduces the sound volume of the shot and allows for flameless fire.

The characteristics of the VKS “Exhaust” 12.7 mm caliber are shown in the following table:

Options and options for using additional equipment

This weapon is called not just a rifle, but a sniper complex, because it also includes specially designed ammunition. On the front of the rifle are folding bipod. As unnecessary, they are completely cleaned in the forend, and during operation, you can adjust their height.

The description of the VKS “Exhaust” of 12.7 caliber should be supplemented with information on design features. Recharging is done manually, the lever necessary for this is located on the left. The ejection of the sleeve occurs to the right, as in most types of small arms.

On the back of the stock there is an overlay that can be installed in any convenient position to protect the cheek from the effects of kickback.

The rifle is equipped with a diopter sight. Optionally, you can install a night vision scope or collimator.

Rifle Care: Disassembly and Cleaning

The main parts of the weapon are presented in the following photo.

VKS "Exhaust" 12.7 mm caliber needs regular maintenance. In addition to the main parts, for which cleaning with gun oil and subsequent care with a clean rag is recommended, a silencer also needs special care. It is made of a material with a corrosion-resistant coating, but after each use it is necessary to audit for accumulation of soot.

If it is necessary to switch to another brand of weapon oil, the weapon must be completely disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, all residual cleaning agents removed, and only then proceed with lubrication.

Ammunition

The following types of cartridges have been developed for the VKS “Exhaust”:

• SC-130 PT sniper with a shell bullet;
• SC-130 PT2 sniper with a solid bronze bullet;
• SC-130 VPS sniper with armor-piercing bullet;
• SC-130 PU training.

Disadvantages and advantages

Experts note that, for a number of characteristics, the VKS “Exhaust” currently has no analogues in the world. Its main advantages are the following parameters:

• large caliber;
• great lethal force;
• relatively light weight;
• wide selection of applicable cartridges;
• compatibility with various types of sights;
• the ability to hit targets located in shelters;
• low sound and flame at the moment of firing.

Against the background of these advantages, even the need for manual recharging does not seem a drawback. But still, there are weaknesses in this weapon. These include high returns, massive structure, low rate of fire. It is not necessary to say that the disadvantage is the short range, because the rifle was developed specifically for the conditions in which the opponents are located close to each other.

A few words about the fellow

Russian gunsmiths have already had to work on the creation of "families", which would include several similar samples, designed for the same tasks and having a similar structure. As an example, we can mention the Val family, which, in addition to a full-size assault rifle, includes the VSS Vintorez rifle and the Whirlwind small-sized assault rifle designed for hidden carrying. All 3 samples not only work with the same ammunition, but also have up to 70% of interchangeable parts.

VKS “Exhaust” also has a “relative” - a large-caliber assault machine ASH-12. Currently, there is not much information in open sources - most of the data is classified. The machine is in the arsenal of some special forces of the Russian Federation, it is not exported abroad, and its main purpose is to solve combat missions at short and ultra-short distances. Like a rifle, the ASH-12 can use various types of specially designed ammunition.