AEK-999 general purpose machine gun on a bipod with an attached PMS
Simultaneously with refining the Pecheneg machine gun, designers of the Kovrov Mechanical Plant in their turn developed their own unique upgrade of the PKM, designated AEK-999 Barsuk. Among other improvements, the AEK-999 was fitted with a muzzle suppressor.
Just like the Pecheneg, the AEK-999 inherited the baseline design of the PKM machine gun. In order to extend the service Site of the barrel, it was made of the same grades of steel as aircraft cannons Half of the barrel length is fitted with lengthwise ribs. A metal bar above the barrel increases its rigidity and protects the line-of-sight from thermal mirages. The bipod is secured further from the muzzle, with its attachment lug modified to reduce the impact of this load-bearing point on the accuracy of fire.
The barrel is equipped with a carrying handle and a plastic fore-end, taking into the account the fact that the AEK-999 is primarily employed as a light machine gun.
The muzzle suppressor solves the following two major problems: it reduces noise fatigue of the machine gunner himself and improves concealment of the machine gun by decreasing the report audibility range and suppressing the flash.
Specifications AEK-999
Caliber: 7,62 mm
Cartridge: 7,62 x 53
Weight: 8,74 kg
Length: 1,188 mm
Barrel length: 605 mm
Bullet muzzle velocity: 825 m/sec
Rate of fire: 650 rds/min
Effective rate of fire: 250 rds/min
Sighting range: 1,500 m
Cartridge-belt capacity: 100, 200 rds
