Description
The AKS-74U is a compact carbine variant of the AK-74, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1970s. The “U” in its name stands for “Ukorochennyj,” meaning “shortened” in Russian, which reflects its significantly reduced size compared to the standard AK-74. The AKS-74U was developed to meet the needs of airborne troops, special forces, and vehicle crews who required a more compact weapon that could still deliver the firepower of a full-sized assault rifle.
The AKS-74U features a short barrel and a distinctive conical flash suppressor, which helps reduce the muzzle flash typically associated with shorter barrels. This compact design allows the AKS-74U to be easily maneuvered in confined spaces, making it ideal for urban warfare and close-quarters combat. The rifle retains the 5.45×39mm cartridge, known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, ensuring effective performance at short to medium ranges.
One of the key features of the AKS-74U is its folding metal stock, which can be folded to the side to further reduce the weapon’s length for storage or transport. Despite its compact size, the AKS-74U remains reliable and rugged, characteristic of the Kalashnikov series. It is equipped with adjustable iron sights and has provisions for mounting a side rail for optics. The AKS-74U has been widely used by Soviet and Russian forces, as well as various other militaries and paramilitary groups worldwide.
