Created about 20 years ago, the SR3 Whirlwind machine still has no analogues and direct competitors. According to professionals, not a single weapon in the world is able to stand up for its replacement. It differs from its counterparts primarily in its small dimensions, very non-burdensome weight and at the same time retains all the advantages of a serious military weapon. As conceived by gunsmiths, the Whirlwind is intended primarily for counterterrorism units and security agencies.
History of creation
Machine SR3 "Whirlwind" was developed in the Klimov Central Research Institute "TochMash" back in 1994. The project was led by designers A. D. Borisov and V. N. Levchenko. The CP index indicates that weapons are classified as “special designs.” Later, another design engineer, A. I. Tashlykov, joined the team, under whose leadership in 1996 the new machine was launched into serial production. The development is based on the previously created silent AS “Val” submachine gun, with which the Whirlwind is fully unified in its main details, which greatly facilitates the production and operation of both types of weapons.
Subsequently, the development and experiments were continued, and after modernization the production of a new version of this weapon was launched. So there was a machine "Whirlwind" SR-3M, combining the advantages of SR-3, AC, BCC. There are still no weapons like this in the world. And all thanks to the tandem of small dimensions and super-powerful ammunition.
Cartridge and lethal force
The nine-millimeter cartridge has a unique stopping ability, punching at almost any distance almost any body armor. We can confidently say that the enemy will be hit on the spot with the first shot. Even if the enemy is dressed in 5th grade armor and is located at a distance of several tens of meters, a shot from the Whirlwind will stop and render it harmless. The armor plates will receive the crushing energy of the shot, but will not extinguish it. Such a blow can result in serious internal damage, up to ruptures of internal organs and bone fractures. Professionals in such cases say that sometimes a hole pierced by a bullet is preferable to hitting a body armor plate.
In shortened assault rifles, the SP5 and SPb cartridges with heavy bullets with initial subsonic speed proved to be very useful. They had a low impulse of return. The combination of these indicators allowed the designers to create weapons that are comparable in weight and size to submachine guns, while significantly exceeding the latter in terms of firepower and lethal force. Cartridge "Whirlwind" in comparison with the usual gives a reduced sound pressure and has a less tendency to ricochets. This makes it possible to fire in tight enclosed spaces. For firing from the Whirlwind, special 9x39 mm armor-piercing cartridges are used to successfully hit the enemy in body armor of the fifth protection class at a distance of up to 50 m, the fourth class - up to 120 m, the third class - up to 200 m, the second class - up to 300 m.
Box-type stores were borrowed from their predecessors and initially contained 20 rounds. For the CP-3M version, a store designed for 30 rounds was developed.
Device machine SR-3
The design is almost similar to the AS "Val". The trigger mechanism makes it possible to use the firing mode bursts and single. Unlike many brothers, the small-sized automatic machine SR 3 "Whirlwind" is equipped with an autonomous fuse, separated from the fire mode switch. The fuse is located on the surface of the receiver. The button-type translator is located behind the trigger. The possibility of using a silencer is not provided.
The steel butt can be folded up and forward. Handguard and handle are made of shockproof plastic.
Automatic CP3 "Whirlwind" has a gas engine. The long stroke of the gas piston is rigidly connected to the bolt frame. At the same time, the channel is locked by turning the shutter, which has 6 combat ledges. There are no openings for the removal of powder gases on the barrel of the machine. The barrel of the machine has a compensator-flame arrester. The rifling of the trunk is made in a special way - they have a variable slope. This ensures the stability of the bullet in flight and high accuracy of fire. On the handle there are special thickenings designed to prevent the fighter’s hand from moving forward to the muzzle.
SR-3M and its main differences
Features of this type of weapon:
- the ability to screw the silencer;
- use of a metal magazine with 30 rounds;
- folding frame butt;
- the ability to install optical sights (the same as for the "Val");
- flag fuse;
- folding additional handle.
The performance characteristics
The new SR3 Vortex submachine gun without cartridges in a store has a weight of only 2 kilograms. The length of the weapon when the stock is folded is 39.5 cm, the unfolded stock extends it to 64 centimeters. The bullet takes off from the "Whirlwind" at a speed of 290 m / s and is capable of hitting targets at a distance of half a kilometer. At the same time, professionals note a good accuracy of weapons, even if you shoot from them during dashes. Given the time required to replace the horns, in the battle of the "Whirlwind" can be made from 40 to 60 rounds per minute.
Destination
Machine SR 3 "Whirlwind", due to its small size, can be used for hidden wear. It can be conveniently placed even under a jacket. In some cases, this advantage is simply invaluable. In addition, the SR3 Whirlwind machine can be placed in a small-sized case that does not attract much attention. First of all, both versions are of interest to services involved in the fight against terrorism, the protection of public figures, and special operations. In addition, this weapon can be used for personal self-defense of military personnel.
Given the fact that the very development and production of weapons with precisely these characteristics was initiated by the special services, its considerable popularity among professionals is not surprising. "Whirlwind" - an assault rifle whose photos are recognized even by beginners in military affairs, is rightfully considered one of the best types of assault and protective weapons . Today it is officially in service in many units of the Russian special services.