Kovrov Mechanical Plant AEK-999 Barsuk

The AEK-999 Barsuk (?????? or badger) is a Russian machine gun chambered for the 7.62×54mmR round. It was developed in the Kovrov Mechanical Plant in the 1990's as a modernized version of the PKM to improve its capabilities in the LMG/SAW role and it was made from 1999 to 2006. The Kovrov Mechanical Plant lost in military trials to the “Petcheneg” machine gun, which was developed under the same requirements at the TSNII TochMash research institute. The AEK-999 machine gun is based on Kalashnikov PKM machine gun, using the same receiver group. The most important changes include a new barrel, made of special steel, also used in the manufacture of aircraft cannon barrels. This new barrel is partially fluted to save weight and improve heat dissipation, and is provided with a mirage top cover and more effective muzzle brake / flash hider. This new barrel can be removed from the gun for inspection or maintenance, but in the combat AEK-999 is not provided with spare barrel. To further enhance weapon capabilities, AEK-999 is fitted with a small polymer forend under the barrel, and a folding bipod is moved forward and attached to the barrel rather than a gas tube. If necessary, the AEK-999 can be equipped with a tactical sound moderator. It also can accept all standard PKM accessories, including a tripod mount, and a 100-round clip-on belt boxes. The AEK-999 was to be capable of sustained automatic fire without requiring a quick-change barrel, and better suited for assault operations where it could be fired from the hip or from the integral bipod.