World Of Weapons

REAPR (Recoil Enhanced Automatic Precision Rifle) .338 Norma Magnum (8.6x63mm) 1.Introduction 00:00 2.Design 01:27 Introduction The REAPR-338 machine gun was officially introduced during the annual ShotShow expo in January 2024 by its manufacturer, the Ohio Ordnance Works company from USA. This machine gun is designed to fulfill USSOCOM LMG-M (Light Machine Gun – medium) requirements, which were first issued in 2017. The LMG-M contestants are expected to weight about the same (empty) as the 7.62mm M240 machine gun, but provide much longer effective range by firing a much more powerful .338 Norma Magnum (8.6x63mm) ammunition. REAPR-338 stands for "Recoil Enhanced Automatic Precision Rifle, 338 caliber", meaning that this powerful machine gun can be used by a single person in a tactical role similar to the "automatic rifle", providing highly maneuverable and flexible fire support to small infantry or SF units, operating "on foot". It also can be installed on a variety of ground or vehicle mounts, to be used as a replacement to a 7.62mm M240 GMPG, or, in some cases, as a replacement to a fifty-caliber (12.7mm) M2HB heavy machine gun. Design The REAPR-338 machine gun uses a roller-delayed blowback action, somewhat similar to that used in many famous weapons from Heckler und Koch, such as a HK-21 machine gun or a HK G3 rifle. Major differences are that REAPR-338 fires from an open bolt, and has dual return springs mounted on captive guide rods. Gun can fire both in full automatic mode and in single shots, thanks to a mode selector lever located above the pistol grip. This weapon is fitted with a quick-removable barrel that also makes possible various caliber conversion, which would, obviously, also require a bolt group and feed unit changes. The one conversion which was already mentioned is to fire a less powerful and less expensive 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, which can be used for live fire training. The REAPR-338 machine gun use belt feed system with a patented side-sliding feed tray. This side-sliding feature was introduced to ensure fast and comfortable reloads when some type of large optics (an IR or a Night sight or a combination of a day sign and an IR adapter) is blocking the top of the receiver. In that case, the entire feed tray could be unlocked and slid to the left, before opening its top cover for reload. Once a fresh belt is inserted into the tray and top cover is closed, the loaded tray can be pushed back to the center for firing. Empty cases are ejected straight down. The REAPR-338 machine gun features a machined steel receiver of rather slim proportions. Standard features include a side-folding, adjustable shoulder stock, ambidextrous controls and integrated Picatinny rails. If required, barrel can be fitted with a proprietary tactical sound and flash suppressor.

TCM-20 20mm Anti-aircraft gun 1.Introduction 00:00 2.Design 00:26 3.Firepower 01:02 4.Mobility 01:34 Introduction The TCM-20 is an anti-aircraft gun of Israeli origin. It was developed in order to increase the firepower and effective range of the towed US M55 quad 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun. It proved to be successful in combat, although by today's standards it is considered an obsolete system. Design The TCM-20 is based on the US M55 anti-aircraft gun. The four 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine guns have been replaced by two 20mm HS.404 autocannon, one on each side. Most HS.404 were removed from obsolete Israeli aircraft. The TCM-20 is operated by a single person. Others often aid in reloading the autocannon. The TCM-20 is manually aimed at targets and can be used in conjunction with a Elta EL/M-2106 point defense alert radar. Firepower The TCM-20 mounts two HS.404 autocannon that fire the 20x110mm round. Each gun as a cyclic rate of fire of 600 to 700 rpm and feeds from a 60 round drum. The effective range is 1.2 km against air targets and 1.5 km against ground targets. The 20mm rounds will penetrate the walls of buildings and will disable unarmored vehicles and most armored personnel carriers. Mobility Most TCM-20 are towed systems and can be towed by a jeep or light truck that also carries additional ammunition. In order to increase the mobility many Israeli systems were mounted on ex-US half-tracks and captured BTR-152 armored personnel carriers. It is also marketed on the RAM 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle.

S&T Motiv K12 General purpose machine gun 7.62x51mm NATO 1.Introduction 00:00 2.Design 00:38 Introduction S&T Motiv K12, is a 7.62×51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun manufactured by S&T Daewoo to replace M60 machine gun for Republic of Korea Armed Forces. The K12 was first shown to the public in 2009, during the Seoul ADEX International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. It was officially designated as K12 during the development stage, but it was re-designated as K16 as the mass production process began in 2021. Design The K12 is based on the K3's design, layout, and function using a gas piston and rotating bolt. It is fed through a STANAG M13 disintegrating belt link and cannot accept a magazine. The cross-bolt type safety is the same as K3/Minimi, and the receiver is made from steel press with an aluminum alloy feed cover. Although similar in design, the receiver and other important parts are enlarged to accommodate the larger round. The K12 is somewhat heavy for the gun class at 12 kg (26 lb), mainly because it has pistol grip, spade grip, and metal sliding stock all in one gun for the purpose of being quickly converted into a ground-fire machine gun by a dismounted operator; the spade grip can be removed by taking out two pins, removing the grip, and unfolding the stock which is similar in design to the FN Minimi's Para version. Standard machine gun features are included like a folding (K3-style) bipod, quick change barrel, gas regulator, and flash suppressor. It also has a folding ring sight for firing on helicopters with a folding ladder type sight for more accurate aiming. The sight is attached on a MIL-STD 1913 rail, which is also on the feed cover and both sides of the handguard. No laser or optical sight has yet been selected for use on the K12, but some kind of electro-optical accessories are expected in the near future.

Mitsubishi A6M Zero Carrier-based fighter aircraft 1.Introduction 00:00 2. Design and development 02:30 The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" is a long-range carrier-based fighter aircraft formerly manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It was operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter (零式艦上戦闘機), or the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen. The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the Reisen (零戦, zero fighter), "0" being the last digit of the imperial year 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official Allied reporting name was "Zeke", although the name "Zero" was used colloquially as well. The Zero is considered to have been the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world when it was introduced early in World War II, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service also frequently used it as a land-based fighter. In early combat operations, the Zero gained a reputation as a dogfighter, achieving an outstanding kill ratio of 12 to 1, but by mid-1942 a combination of new tactics and the introduction of better equipment enabled Allied pilots to engage the Zero on generally equal terms. By 1943, the Zero was less effective against newer Allied fighters. The Zero lacked hydraulic boosting for its ailerons and rudder, rendering it difficult to maneuver at high speeds. By 1944, with Allied fighters approaching the A6M's levels of maneuverability and consistently exceeding its firepower, armor, and speed, the A6M had largely become outdated as a fighter aircraft. However, as design delays and production difficulties hampered the introduction of newer Japanese aircraft models, the Zero continued to serve in a front-line role until the end of the war in the Pacific. During the final phases, it was also adapted for use in kamikaze operations. Japan produced more Zeros than any other model of combat aircraft during the war.

Avro 504 biplane fighter - bomber 1.Introduction 00:00 2. Design and development 00:35 3. Operational history 01:02 Introduction The Avro 504 was a First World War biplane aircraft made by the Avro aircraft company and under license by others. Production during the war totalled 8,970 and continued for almost 20 years, making it the most-produced aircraft of any kind that served in any military capacity during the First World War. More than 10,000 were built from 1913 until production ended in 1932. Design and development First flown from Brooklands by Fred "Freddie" Raynham on 18 September 1913, powered by an 80 hp (60 kW) Gnome Lambda seven-cylinder rotary engine, the Avro 504 was a development of the earlier Avro 500, designed for training and private flying. It was a two-bay all-wooden biplane with a square-section fuselage. Operational history Small numbers of early aircraft were purchased by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) prior to the start of the First World War, and were taken to France when the war started. One of the RFC aircraft was the first British aircraft to be shot down by the Germans, on 22 August 1914. The pilot was 2nd Lt. Vincent Waterfall and his navigator Lt Charles George Gordon Bayly. The RNAS used four 504s to form a special flight in order to bomb the Zeppelin works at Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance. Three set out from Belfort in north-eastern France on 21 November 1914, carrying four 20 lb (9 kg) bombs each. While one aircraft was shot down, the raid was successful, with several direct hits on the airship sheds and the destruction of the hydrogen generating plant. Soon obsolete as a frontline aircraft, it came into its own as a trainer, with thousands being built during the war, with the major production types being the 504J and the mass production 504K, designed with modified engine bearers to accommodate a range of engines in order to cope with engine shortages. 8,340 Avro 504s had been produced by the end of 1918.

M142 HIMARS light multiple rocket launcher 1.Introduction 00:05 2.Design 01:28 Introduction The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a lightweight multiple rocket launcher developed in the late 1990s for the United States Army. It is mounted on a standard U.S. Army Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) M1140 truck frame. HIMARS carries one pod that can be equipped with either six Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets or one ATACMS missile. Based on the U.S. Army's FMTV five-ton truck, it is capable of launching all rockets within the Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions. HIMARS ammunition pods are interchangeable with those of the M270 MLRS, though HIMARS utilizes a single pod, unlike the M270 and its variants which use two. The launcher can be transported by various aircraft, including the C-17 Globemaster, C-5 Galaxy, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The FMTV truck that carries the HIMARS was initially produced by Armor Holdings Aerospace and Defense Group Tactical Vehicle Systems Division, the original equipment manufacturer of the FMTV. From 2010 to 2017, production was handled by the Oshkosh Corporation. Design The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is similar in design to the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), with the primary difference being that HIMARS is a wheeled vehicle, whereas the M270 is tracked. Both systems can carry the same type of pods, but HIMARS carries one pod, while the M270 carries two. The windows of the HIMARS are constructed from sheets of sapphire laminated with glass and polycarbonate. HIMARS was also tested as a unified launch system for both artillery rockets and the SLAMRAAM surface-launched variant of the AMRAAM anti-aircraft missile. In October 2017, a Marine Corps HIMARS successfully fired a rocket from the deck of the amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage, marking the first instance of launching a rocket at sea against a land target. This demonstrated the system's capability to operate from ships and deliver precision fire from a standoff range against shore defenses. The vehicle's targeting software was reworked to enhance its ability to fire while on a moving launch platform. By early 2022, Lockheed Martin was producing HIMARS at a rate of 48 launchers per year. However, following the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the production rate increased to 60 launchers annually. In October 2022, Lockheed Martin announced plans to boost production to 96 systems annually in response to increased demand caused by the war. Despite these plans, limitations in building new industrial capacity mean it will take several months before production can increase from five to eight vehicles per month.

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle Air superiority fighter 1.Introduction 00:00 2.Overview 01:23 3.Avionics 04:25 4.Weaponry and external stores 06:13 The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing). Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force (USAF) selected McDonnell Douglas's design in 1969 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. The Eagle first flew in July 1972, and entered service in 1976. It is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat, with most of the kills by the Israeli Air Force. The Eagle has been exported to many countries including Israel, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Although the F-15 was originally envisioned as a pure air superiority fighter, its design included a secondary ground-attack capability that was largely unused. It proved flexible enough that an improved all-weather strike derivative, the F-15E Strike Eagle, was later developed, entered service in 1989 and has been exported to several nations. Several additional F-15 variants have been produced.

Chiappa Rhino double-action/single-action revolver The Rhino Revolver is a new offering from Italian company Armi Chiappa. This revolver was designed by Antonio Cudazzo and Emilio Ghisoni. The Rhino revolver is initially offered as a “pocket-carry” self-defense version. It was designed from scratch with the intention of providing the most controllable and accurate shooting. This is thanks to its specially designed trigger / hammer system and extremely low barrel axis, as the gun fires from the bottom chamber of the cylinder, rather than the traditional top. It must be noted that while this setup is quite rare, it is not unique. The overall layout of the revolver is optimized for concealed carry, with the cylinder made with a hexagonal (rather than round) cross-section, to make the gun thinner. The low barrel axis also helps manage recoil, as its force goes straight back into the shooter’s palm, rather than causing the muzzle of the gun to jump up, as happens with traditional revolvers. Where recoil force is applied above the holding point, the leverage generated causes the gun to rotate up (jump) under recoil. The other result of this layout is that the Rhino revolver has a somewhat complex trigger setup. The Rhino revolver is a double / single action revolver with swing-out cylinder. The frame of the gun is made from “Ergal” aluminum alloy; the cylinder, barrel and other important parts are made from high quality steel. Reloading of the cylinder is achieved by swinging the cylinder to the left, then pushing the ejector rod to extract all six spent cases at once. Once the chambers are empty, fresh cartridges can be loaded into the cylinder, individually or by using the speedloader. The loaded cylinder is then snapped into place and locked. The cylinder latch lever has an unusual location, as it is installed at the top rear of the frame, co-axially with the cocking lever (“false hammer”). To unlock the cylinder for opening the operator must push the latch lever forward with their thumb. The trigger setup is unusual as it features a fully concealed hammer, which is located inside the frame. To provide a “Single Action” firing mode with manual hammer cocking before each shot, the Rhino revolver is fitted with a cocking lever (“false hammer”), at the top rear of the frame, where the hammer is traditionally located on revolvers. This cocking piece / “false hammer” is connected to the concealed hammer via a push link. To cock the hammer in Single Action mode, the operator must pull the spur on the cocking piece / false hammer back as far as it will go, and then release it. This movement will cock the concealed hammer via an internal linkage, but the cocking piece / “false hammer” will return to the forward position once it’s released. For Double Action firing, the operator can pull the trigger as usual, and this will first cock the internal hammer and then release it at the end of the trigger pull.

Silent semi-automatic pistol 9x17mm (.380 ACP) The Scorpion silent pistol (“მორიელი”, “Scorpio” in the Georgian language) is a specially designed, suppressed firearm intended for use by Special Forces elements of military and law enforcement in Georgia, which was designed by STC Delta solely for special operation forces. It was introduced in 2012 along with other new side arms. This pistol is a simple blowback operated semi-automatic handgun. It fires the relatively mild-powered 9x17mm Short (.380ACP) ammunition, featuring sub-sonic bullet velocities which makes it much easier to suppress. The Scorpion Pistol is of all-steel construction, with a hammer fired double action trigger. It features a sound suppressor made of a front part and a rear part. The rear part is coaxially installed over the barrel, and the front part is removable and attached to the face of the rear part. The front part of the sound suppressor (silencer) has an off-axis passage for the bullet inside to clear line of sight when installed.

1.Introduction 00:00 2.Technical details 02:49 The story of a "Thumper" or "Blooper" (both were unofficial nick-names for M79) began in 1951, when the US Army recognized the need to fill the gap between the maximum range of a had-thrown grenades (about 50 meters) and the minimum range of 60mm mortars (about 400 meters). In 1952 Picatinny Arsenal developed a short, stubby, rimmed cartridge case about 46mm long, with so-called "high/low pressure" system, to launch the 40mm shells. The high/low pressure" system consists of a small, thick-walled compartment at the base of the cartridge case, where propellant (smokeless gunpowder) is stored. This compartment is connected to the empty cartridge interior by several vents. The small compartment formed the "high pressure" area, necessary to achieve proper burning characteristics of a propellant, while the empty interior of the case formed the "low pressure" area, resulting in mild barrel pressures, and low projectile velocities. This system allowed for lighter and less expensive cartridge cases and barrels, while maintaining necessary ballistic properties. the resulting cartridge has been type-classified as M406 HE-FRAG. Springfield Armory (the former Government arsenal) began to develop several launchers for 40mm M406 ammunition, and by the 1960 the first hand-held, single shot 40mm grenade launcher has been officially type classified as M79. First production M79 units were issued to US troops in 1961, and before production in USA ceased in 1971, more than 300 000 of M79 launchers were manufactured in USA by several contractors. First widely used in Vietnam, the M79 turned to be a complete success. Reliable and quite accurate in the hands of a trained operators, it provided extremely mobile firepower to smallest of the infantry units. Following the successful development of the M406 HE-FRAG round, several other types of 40mm ammunition were rapidly developed, including smoke and illumination rounds, HE-DP (dual purpose, fragmentation/antitank), incendiary, buckshot canister (for close-combat and self-defense). The key downside to the M79 was that it required the grenadier to carry an additional personal defense weapon, such as pistol or a submachine gun. This inconvenience was the key reason for development of the M203 underbarrel grenade launcher, which superceded the M79 in the service since early 1970s. Technical details: The M79 is a single shot, break-open weapon with rifled barrel. The barrel is hinged to the receiver and is locked closed by the rotating the lever at the tang of the receiver. 40mm cartridges of various types are loaded from the breech, then barrel is closed. Internal hammer is cocked automatically upon reloading. There is a manual safety, which automatically switches on when gun is reloaded. The trigger guard can be hinged sideways, so the gun can be fired in the winter gloves. The stock is made from wood, and the butt is fitted with the rubber recoil pad. Open sights consist of a hooded front sight and a n adjustable ladder-type rear (with windage adjustment) and is graduated from 75 to 375 meters in 25 m increments. It must be noted that trained operators often left the rear sight in its folding down position, and aimed down the barrel, still achieving good accuracy.

1.Introduction 00:00 2.Development 00:30 3.Technical details 02:47 The Mosin-Nagant Rifle, known in the Russia as “Vintovka Mosina” (Mosin Rifle), was developed under government commission in the late 1880’s and early 1890’s. It was officially adopted for service by the Russian Tsar in 1891 as “Trechlineynaja Vintovka Obraztsa 1891 Goda” (three-line rifle system 1891). Development: The development of the M1891 rifle is somewhat shady and controversial. During official trials, two designs were selected for the final round – one by the Russian Army captain Mosin, and another, by the Belgian designer Nagant. The selected design, adopted by the Commission, utilized features from both. Leon Nagant was paid for his part of the design with a very serious amount of money. Mosin received a rank promotion and worked at the Sestroretsk arsenal, trying to get this rifle ready for production. The exact amount of influence of each designer is still unclear. Since the Russian arms industry was not ready to produce this rifle at the moment of its adoption, the first batches were purchased from the Chatelleraut Arms factory of France. Full-scale local production only began in 1894 – 1895 at two major Russian state arms factories, Izhevsk and Tula. Foreign contractors were used once again to manufacture this rifle in 1916 and 1917, during the First World War. Russia at that time was in desperate need for more rifles. Contracts were signed with two major American companies, Remington and Westinghouse, which manufactured large numbers of the improved pattern M1891/10 rifle. Because of the upheaval and revolutions in 1917 most of these rifles were not delivered to the Russian government. Later they were used in the USA for training purposes, as well as being sold to civilians. Russian production of this rifle continued until 1948 or so, when the machinery to produce was sold to Poland. The Mosin rifle in different variations was a standard military arm of the Russian and Red Army for some 60 years. It was also adopted and used by China, Finland, Hungary, Poland, North Korea among other countries. It is still a popular rifle in Russia and elsewhere as a civilian hunting rifle, due to relatively low prices and readily available ammunition. Technical details: The Mosin-Nagant rifle is a bolt operated, magazine fed rifle. It used an integral, single stack magazine, loaded from clip chargers, with the capacity for 5 rounds. The magazine protruded below the stock just ahead of the trigger guard. It had a hinged floorplate, used to unload the magazine all at once and to clean it. Due to the single stack design and the lack of feed lips, a special device – second-round cutoff, was built into the magazine to avoid double feeds. On early pattern rifles this device also worked as an ejector, but since the M1891/30 model, a separate ejector was introduced. The rotating bolt featured dual frontal locking lugs that were located horizontally when the bolt was locked. The Mosin-nagant rifle is striker-fired. The striker was cocked when the bolt was opened. A safety was incorporated into the bolt which locked the striker. It was applied by pulling out and rotating a knurled cap at the rear of the bolt. To disengage the safety, reverse operation was required. The bolt could be removed from the receiver without any tools, simply by pulling it open, then depressing the trigger and removing it. It could be further disassembled without any other tools and contained very few parts. Original spike shaped bayonets featured a rectangular cross-section and a point shaped as a flat screwdriver, so that it could also be used as a disassembly tool when removed from the gun. The bayonet was always carried in battle-ready position. Some late pattern bayonet mountings featured front sight protection hoods. All bayonets were attached directly to the barrel. Stocks were usually made from birch, except for American-made M1891/10 rifles, that featured walnut stocks and were thus slightly heavier. Sniper rifles, based on the M1891/30, hand-picked for accuracy, were issued with scope mounts on the left side of the receiver and had the bolt handles bent down.

Mauser 13mm Anti-tank rifle M1918 Mauser T-Gewehr (Tank abwehr Gewehr M1918 = anti-tank rifle, model 1918) weapon is the first of its kind ever to be adopted and see the combat. It was designed in Germany during the closing stages of World War 1, to provide German infantry with inexpensive and man-portable weapon, capable to defeat the armor of the newest British invention, the battle tank. It was adopted in 1918 and manufactured by Mauser Werke arms factory until the Armistice, with total production estimated at about 15 thousand rifles. The Mauser T-gewehr anti-tank rifle proved to be effective enough against earliest British tanks, as their armor was designed to withstand only rifle-caliber ammunition and shrapnel, and the T-Gewehr fired purpose-designed large caliber cartridge loaded with steel-core AP bullet (52 g at 770 m/s). The major drawbacks of the T-gewehr were heavy recoil, heavy weight and huge size – features, later inherited by most weapons of similar class and purpose. It is rumored that normally T-gewehr crew members fired only about 2 or 3 rounds before passing the gun to the team-mate, as they suffered heavily from excessive recoil – the rifle had no recoil mitigation means, such as buffered buttstocks, soft buttpads and muzzle brakes, which became the must for latter weapons of the same class. Mauser T-gewehr anti-tank rifle is a manually operated, single shot bolt action rifle. It uses more or less traditional Mauser-type rotary bolt with frontal locking lugs. Cartridges are loaded manually directly into the chamber. Rifle is fitted into the wooden stock with pistol grip, and an MG-08/15-type bipod is fitted to the front of the stock. The iron sights consisted of the blade front and tangent-type rear, with settings from 100 to 500 meters. The armor-piercing hardened steel cored 13.2×92mm (.525-inch) semi-rimmed cartridge, often simply called "13 mm", was originally planned for a new, heavy Maxim MG.18 water-cooled machine gun, the Tank und Flieger (TuF) meaning for use against "tank and aircraft", which was under development and to be fielded in 1919. The rounds weighed 51.5 g (795 gn) with an initial velocity of 785 m/s (2,580 ft/s)

Bora JNG-90 rotary bolt action sniper rifle Bora JNG-90 sniper rifle was developed by Turkish state with the collaboration of Turkish Gendarmerie and Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK). Its development was started in 2004, and apparently it is fielded by Turkish army and is offered for export. Manufacturer claims that this rifle outperforms most Western rivals in terms of accuracy, shooting 0.3 MOA groups at 100 meters range, according to MKEK tests. Bora JNG-90 sniper rifle is a manually operated weapon with rotary bolt action and detachable box magazine. It is mounted onto aluminum chassis, with polymer pistol grip and fully adjustable butt. Barrel is free-floated and equipped with massive muzzle brake. Top of receiver is provided with integral Picatinny rail for quick installation and replacement of various telescope sights and night vision equipment. Additional accessory rails are provided on the forend.

PPZR Piorun Grom-M man-portable air-defense system 1.Overview 00:00 2.Launcher Unit 00:27 3.Missile 02:23 Overview: The Piorun (Polish: "thunderbolt") is a Polish man-portable air-defense system, designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, airplanes, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. The set is a deep modernization of the PPZR Grom set, with an alternative designation of Grom-M. Launcher Unit: The Piorun MANPADS is designed to be operated by one soldier. It consists of a single-stage projectile, a single-use tubular launcher, a gripstock, and an on-ground power supply. The launch tube is used to house the Piorun missile and protect it from environmental factors. It is made of lightweight materials, such as fiberglass or composite materials, to minimize weight and enhance portability. The launch tube is also equipped with a carrying handle and sling attachment points for transportation. The gripstock is the control and aiming device that is attached to the launch tube. It features an ergonomic handle with various controls, such as trigger, safety, and arming switches. The operator holds the gripstock and aims the missile at the target. The sight is an optical or electronic device used to aim the missile at the target. It can be either a passive infrared (IR) seeker that detects the target's heat signature or an optical sight with magnification capabilities for daylight operation. Some advanced sights may also incorporate night vision or thermal imaging capabilities for low-light or night-time engagements. The battery unit provides electrical power to the missile system, including the seeker and ignition system. It is typically a compact, removable battery pack that is inserted into the gripstock or connected externally to the system. The Piorun system including the launch unit and the missile has a total weight of 16.5 kg, the same as for the GROM. One of the main features of the new Piorun, there is a mini keyboard on the right side of the trigger module which can be used to select types of targets, environments, and work modes. There is also a day/night optical sight mounted on the tube launcher. Missile: The Piorun missile itself, housed within the launch tube, is a lightweight, solid-fueled, surface-to-air missile with an infrared seeker for guidance is designed to be more resistant to modern countermeasures, such as flares or infrared jammers, than its predecessor, the Grom MANPADS. It is designed to intercept and destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The Piorun MANPADS uses a new short-range missile including a new warhead that can hit a flying target at a distance from 400 m to 6 km and from an altitude of 10 m minimum to 4 km maximum. The missile has a weight of 2 kg. A proximity fuse is used to allow more effective destruction of small-size aerial targets, such as UAVs. The missile of the Piorun has a hitting probability of 10% when jammed.

Alfa Steel and Holek model revolvers are manufactured in the Czech republic by the Alfa Proj company. The major differences between Steel and Holek models are the frame material and chamberings – Steel models feature more robust, yet heavier steel frames, while Holek models feature lightweight aluminum alloy frames. Other than that, both model lines are mechanically similar, and both are offered in a similar variety of barrel lengths, ranging from 2 to 6 inches (51 to 152 millimeters). The Steel model though is capable of chambering the more powerful .357 Magnum round. Alfa Proj revolvers are intended for security, personal defense and sport. These revolvers combine affordable price with traditional Czech quality and attention to detail. Alfa revolvers are traditional double / single action guns with exposed hammers and frame-mounted firing pins. The 6-shot cylinder swings out to the left for ejection and reloading. The cylinder latch is located at the rear of the frame. Depending on the model, Alfa revolvers can be produced with fixed or adjustable rear sights.

1.Introduction 00:00 2.Description 02:04 Walther PP pistols were among the most important developments of the inter-war period. Produced between 1929 and 1945 in significant numbers, these pistols, among with the basically similar but smaller PPK, were widely used as police and military guns in Hitler’s Germany. After the war, production of the PP and PPK pistols was resumed in France by Manurhin under German license. Later on, production was returned to the re-established Walther factory in the city of Ulm ab Donau (pre-war Walther factory was located in the city of Zella-Mehlis), and these pistols have seen widespread use by civilians and police, as well as for personal defense by many non-infantry officers in several European armies. Very close copies of the Walther PP were manufactured after the war by East Germany, Hungary, Romania, Turkey and USA. At the present time, Walther PP, PPK/S and PPK pistols are manufactured in the USA by the Smith & Wesson Company under license from Walther. Walther PPK pistols are essentially similar to the larger PP pistols, except for the different design of the grip frame – while on PP pistols the grip backstrap is integral to the frame and grip panels are two separate items (left and right), on PPK pistols grip frame has a rectangular shape of a magazine channel and the backstrap is formed by the single-piece U-shaped grip unit, also usually made of plastic. While most PPK pistols were made with steel frames, in the post-war period Walther also produced some aluminum-framed PPK/L (Lightweight) pistols. Description: The Walther PP is blowback-operated pistol with a fixed barrel, usually of all-steel construction. A few aluminum-framed PP pistols were built in Germany before the war, and stainless steel versions are manufactured in the USA under Walther’s license since the mid-1980s. The trigger is double-action, with an exposed hammer and a frame-mounted manual safety/decocker; the lockwork is somewhat complicated in a typical German manner and has many small parts and pins. Sights are fixed, with the rear sight blade dovetailed into the slide. Magazines are single-stack; the magazine release button is usually located at the left side of the frame, just below the slide and in front of the grip panel. However, at least some PP pistols were made both before and after the war with so called “European-style” magazine release, located at the heel of the grip. Walther PP and PPK pistols are fitted with a loaded chamber indicator, made in the form of a small pin that protrudes from the rear of the slide (above the hammer) when a cartridge is in the chamber. This indicator is not present on .22LR models.

CZ 247 9x19 Luger submachine gun 1.Introduction 00:00 2.Description 01:04 Shortly after WW2 Czechoslovak Ministry of Defense (MNO) issued requirements for a new submachine gun, firing 9×19 Luger / Parabellum ammunition. CZ factory in Strakonice (Ceska Zbrojovka Strakonice) developed a variant of the pre-war Vz.38 submachine gun, chambered for 9×19 Luger ammunition, with minor alterations. Designated at the factory as CZ 47/1 and CZ 47/2, it was submitted to Czechoslovak army tests but eventually rejected. Despite of that, it was briefly manufactured during late 1940s as CZ 247 and sold in noticeable quantities to certain African and South American countries. A prototype variant, firing 7,62×25 TT ammunition, was produced as CZ 347 but it was never made in numbers. The CZ 247 submachine gun is a simple blowback operated weapon, firing from an open bolt, in full automatic or semi-automatic mode. Mode of fire is selected by trigger pull, short and light trigger pull produces single shots, while a full-length trigger pull results in full automatic fire. CZ 247 submachine gun is fitted with slim and relatively short wooden stock with a semi-pistol grip. Feed is from double stack detachable box magazines. One peculiar feature of the CZ 247 is that magazine housing is able to rotate and put magazine either below the gun or to the left of the gun, and CZ 247 submachine gun could be fired when magazine is in either position. This feature apparently was added to provide better cover when firing from prone position (with magazine located horizontally to the left), and more comfortable carry and firing from standing or kneeling positions (with magazine turned down). Another unusual feature is a magazine loading tool, built into the right side of the shoulder stock. This tool consists of a charging clip guide, attached to the stock. A full charger clip with 8 rounds is inserted into the guide, empty magazine located at the end of the guide, and then pushed forward, over the cartridges, loading magazine and ejecting empty clip. Five clips are required to completely refill one magazine.

1.Introduction 00:00 2.Development 01:36 3.Design 03:30 Introduction: The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army's Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in 1972. The Army designated the prototype as the YUH-60A and selected the Black Hawk as the winner of the program in 1976, after a fly-off competition with the Boeing Vertol YUH-61. Named after the Native American war leader Black Hawk, the UH-60A entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979, to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the Army's tactical transport helicopter. This was followed by the fielding of electronic warfare and special operations variants of the Black Hawk. Improved UH-60L and UH-60M utility variants have also been developed. Modified versions have also been developed for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. In addition to U.S. Army use, the UH-60 family has been exported to several nations. Black Hawks have served in combat during conflicts in Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Somalia, Ukraine, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and other areas in the Middle East. Development: In the late 1960s, the United States Army began forming requirements for a helicopter to replace the UH-1 Iroquois, and designated the program as the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (U T T A S). The Army also initiated the development of a new, common turbine engine for its helicopters that would become the General Electric T700. Based on experience in Vietnam, the Army required significant performance, survivability and reliability improvements from both UTTAS and the new powerplant. The Army released its UTTAS request for proposals (RFP) in January 1972. The RFP also included air transport requirements. Transport within the C-130 limited the UTTAS cabin height and length. The UTTAS requirements for improved reliability, survivability and lower life-cycle costs resulted in features such as dual-engines with improved hot and high altitude performance, and a modular design (reduced maintenance footprint); run-dry gearboxes; ballistically tolerant, redundant subsystems (hydraulic, electrical and flight controls); crashworthy crew (armored) and troop seats; dual-stage oleo main landing gear; ballistically tolerant, crashworthy main structure; quieter, more robust main and tail rotor systems; and a ballistically tolerant, crashworthy fuel system. The Army selected the UH-60 for production in December 1976. Deliveries of the UH-60A to the Army began in October 1978 and the helicopter entered service in June 1979. Design: The UH-60 features four-blade main and tail rotors, and is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines. The main rotor is fully articulated and has elastomeric bearings in the rotor head. The tail rotor is canted and features a rigid crossbeam. The helicopter can carry 11 troops with equipment, lift 2,600 pounds (1,200 kg) of cargo internally or 9,000 pounds (4,100 kg) of cargo (for UH-60L/M) externally by sling. The Black Hawk helicopter series can perform a wide array of missions, including the tactical transport of troops, electronic warfare, and aeromedical evacuation. In air assault operations, it can move a squad of 11 combat troops or reposition a 105 mm M119 howitzer with 30 rounds ammunition and a four-man crew in a single lift. The Black Hawk is equipped with advanced avionics and electronics for increased survivability and capability, such as the Global Positioning System. The UH-60 can be equipped with stub wings at the top of the fuselage to carry fuel tanks or various armaments. The unit cost of the H-60 models varies due to differences in specifications, equipment and quantities. For example, the unit cost of the Army's UH-60L Black Hawk is $5.9 million while the unit cost of the Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk is $10.2 million.

Heckler-Koch HK 512 semi-automatic shotgun Heckler-Koch HK 512 semi-automatic shotgun was produced during 1970s and 1980s by famous German company Heckler und Koch primary for German military and police use. HK 512 shotguns saw extensive use by special anti-terrorism units such as GSG-9 or KSK, and few were also exported to USA and sold commercially during 1990s. Since Heckler & Koch company had no previous experience in shotgun development, for manufacture of HK 512 shotgun it teamed with another famous gun maker, Italian company Luigi Franchi Spa, which has quite a lot of experience in shotgun manufacture. Apparently, Franchi supplied parts and assemblies to Germany, where H&K factory finished them to German standards, assembled complete guns and proof-fired them. Heckler-Koch HK 512 shotgun is a gas operated weapon, using annular gas piston, located around the magazine tube. Barrel locking is achieved by a tilting piece, located inside the bolt, which engages the barrel extension. Ammunition is fed from tubular magazine, located below the barrel, and gun was designed to fire all standard 12 gauge shells with hulls up to 70mm (2 ¾”) long. Manual safety was made in the form of a cross-bolt button, located behind the trigger. Stock and forend were made from wood. Fixed rifle-type sights were mounted on the barrel. An unusual feature of the HK 512 shotgun was special shot diverter, mounted on the barrel of the gun. It was a sort of muzzle device, intended to create oval, rather than round shot patterns. Depending on the tactical situation on hand, this shot diverter could be set (rotated) for horizontal or vertical dispersion. It also allows use of most types of standard 12 gauge slugs.

K6-92 / Borz submachine gun The K6-92 submachine gun was developed during early 1990s in the republic of Armenia, which gained its independence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. At the time Armenia was engaged in the local conflict with Azerbaijan (another ex-USSR republic), and was in desperate need for small arms. The submachine gun is one of the simplest automatic arms to design and manufacture, so Armenian engineers quickly developed a straightforward weapon, which can be easily manufactured by almost any mechanical workshop. Later on, more than few K6-92 submachine guns made its way through the borders into the Chechen republic, the most turbulent part of the Russia. During mid-1990s Chechnya was heavily infested with separatists, Islamic extremists and other kinds of bandits, which found submachine guns to be convenient weapons for urban fighting. Separatist Chechen government attempted to produce a "local" copy of the K6-92 at one of machine-building factories in the city of Groznyj, but very few were made there due to production problems and quality issues. Chechen-made copies of the K6-92 submachine gun are usually referred to as "Borz" (which means "wolf" in Chechen language). It also must be noted, however, that underground workshops, run by separatist forces, also made some "generic" crudely made submachine guns, generally known under the same name (Borz). These "homemade" submachine guns can be distinguished by tubular receiver and extremely poor fit and finish. Overall, the K6-92 submachine guns are reported as crude arms, suitable mostly for close combat. Over last two decades, plenty of these submachine guns turned up in Russia and other former USSR states during various crimes of violence and illegal arms trafficking. The K6-92 submachine gun is a simple blowback operated weapon that fires from open bolt. Receiver is made from steel stampings, welded together. Cocking handle is located at the top, safety / fire mode selector is located at the left side of the gun, above the trigger guard. Gun can be fired in single shots or in full automatic. It is fitted with plastic pistol grip and a top-folding metallic buttstock.

2S3 Akatsiya 152.4 mm self-propelled gun 1.Introducction 00:00 2.Description 00:48 3.Armament 02:14 4.Maneuverability 04:08 5.Series production 05:04 The SO-152 (Russian: СО-152), usually known by its GRAU designation 2S3 (Russian: 2С3), is a Soviet 152.4 mm self-propelled gun developed in 1968, as a response to the American 155 mm M109 howitzer. Development began in 1967, according to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union from July 4, 1967. In 1968, the SO-152 was completed and in 1971 entered service. The fighting vehicle also received the added designation Akatsiya (Акация), which is Russian for Acacia. Description: The 2S3 Akatsiya is armed with a 152.4 mm howitzer based on the Soviet 152.4 mm D-20 howitzer. The artillery system was developed at the design bureau No. 9 of Sverdlovsk. The factory designation of the howitzer is D-22 and the GRAU designation, 2A33. The chassis was developed by Uraltransmash. The driver's and engine-transmission compartments are in the front part of a hull, the fighting compartment with rotatory turret in middle and rear parts of the hull. The armor is welded rolled steel. The SPG is equipped with an R-123 radio set, an R-124 intercom, an automatic CBRN defense system with filtration unit and fire-fighting equipment. The V-59 12-cylinder four-stroke water-cooled diesel engine connects to a mechanical two-speed transmission. The gear box is combined into one block with a planetary steering gear. The 2S3 has self-entrenching equipment which allows it to prepare a trench within 20 to 40 min. The crew consists of 4 to 6 men: a driver, a gunner, a loader, a commander, and two ammunition bearers, which are positioned to the rear of the vehicle feeding rounds through two hatches in the hull rear when in masked firing position. Armament: The 152.4 mm L/27 howitzer D-22 (2A33) can elevate from −4° to +60° with a turret traverse of a full 360°. Rate of fire is 2.6 – 3.5 rounds/min depending on firing conditions. The howitzer is equipped with a double-baffle muzzle brake, a semi-automatic vertical wedge breechblock and an ejector. The 2S3 has a periscopic sight for laying the howitzer, and telescopic sight for engaging targets with direct fire. The howitzer has separate type of loading with ammunition (35 rounds, later raised to up to 46) arranged in two mechanized stowages (in the turret and in the hull rear). The Akatsiya can fire OF-540 and OF-25 high-explosive fragmenting (HE-Frag) 43.56 kg projectiles (also all types of rounds developed for 152.4 mm towed howitzer-guns ML-20 and D-20, and for towed howitzer D-1) at a maximum range of 18.5 km depending on used charge or rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP) to a maximum of 24 km. Other projectiles include BP-540 high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT-FS) with sight distance of 3 km and 250 mm armor penetration, Br-540B and Br-540 armour-piercing ammunition (AP-T) with 115–120 mm armor penetration at a 1000 m, OF-38 Krasnopol laser-guided rocket-assisted projectiles, S1 illuminating, ZH3 smoke, nuclear (explosive yield of 2 kilotons). Secondary armament consists of a remotely controlled 7.62 mm PK machine gun tank (PKT) on commander's cupola for close range anti-aircraft and self defence. Maneuverability: The Akatsiya chassis Objekt 303 is based on that of the Object 123 tracked chassis of the 2K11 Krug surface-to-air missile system; it includes six (rather than seven as in the 2K11 Krug) twin rubber-tired road wheels, four rubber-tired return rollers (two single and two twin), front drive sprocket with detachable sprocket rings (lantern-wheel gear) and idler wheel per side. The track is 14.375 m long, 482 mm wide and has 115 links. The Akatsiya can cross 0.7 m high vertical obstacles, 3.0 m wide trenches, 1.05 m fording depth and climb 30° gradients. It can be transported by the cargo aircraft An-22, which can carry two self-propelled howitzers of this type. Series production: Two prototypes were built in the end of 1968. Factory tests finished in October 1969, and discovered strong gas contamination of the fighting compartment during intensive gunnery, especially during the use of small charges. As a result, army inspectors did not accept four SO-152s built in summer 1969 for ground tests. The problem of gas contamination was solved, allowing the SO-152 to enter service of the Soviet Army in 1971. The first three serial 2S3s were built by Uraltransmash in the end of 1970, and in 1971 nine were produced. The works received an order for 70 2S3 in 1973. The mass production finished in 1993.

Mannlicher M1893 bolt action rifle Mannlicher M1893 rifle was designed by famous Austrian gun designer Ferdinand von Mannlicher who worked at the Osterreichishe Waffenfabrik-Gesellschaft (OWG) factory, in the city of Steyr. In 1893 this rifle was adopted by Romania, and all production has been carried out by OWG. During WW1, a number of Mannlicher M1893 rifles that were still in OWG warehouses were taken into Austrian service, in its original 6.5x53R chambering or converted to Austria’s own 8x50R ammunition. In 1895 the same rifle with minor modifications was also adopted by Netherlands as Geweer M. 95. Until about 1902, Dutch contract Mannlicher M1895 rifles were produced by Steyr factory. After that, M1895 rifles and carbines were produced by Hemburg arsenal in Netherlands. Production there lasted until 1940. One peculiar feature of Dutch Mannlicher M.95 carbines was that there were way too many (probably more than a dozen) minor variations issued to different branches or services, such as cavalry, engineers, artillery, Navy, colonial troops etc. Mannlicher M1893 / M1895 rifle is manually operated, rotary bolt action weapon. Its bolt is based on modified German Gew.88 design, with dual locking lugs at the front of the bolt body and a detachable bolt head. Fixed magazine, designed by Mannlicher, is loaded using 5-round en-block clips that fit into the magazine and remain there with the ammunition in it. Once all ammunition from magazine is expended, empty clip automatically falls down and out of the magazine, through the opening in the magazine base. M1893 and m1895 Mannlicher clips were of ‘symmetrical’ design, with no designated ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ sizes. Receiver has split rear bridge to allow passage of the bolt handle, conveniently located at the middle of the bolt. Romanian and Dutch rifles are mechanically similar and have minor differences in the barrel lengths (Dutch rifle is slightly longer at 1295 mm overall, its barrel is 788 mm long), rear sight shape, wood and other minute details. Dutch carbines were available with many variations of stocks, fittings and sling loops. Ammunition and clips were interchangeable between all 6.5mm Mannlicher rifles and carbines of this basic design.

STEYR HS .50 longrange sniper rifle The Steyr .50 HS is the development of the famous Austrian arms manufacturer, the SteyrMannlicher Gmbh & Co KG. First displayed at the ShotShow-2004 (February2004, Las-Vegas, USA), this single shot rifle is primary intended for anti-material applications and counter-sniping. The Steyr .50HS is available in two calibers, the old and venerable .50BMG and the new .460Steyr . The Steyr .50 HS is a single shot rifle,with manually operated, rotating bolt with two large locking lugs at the front.The two-stage trigger is factory set to 4lbs (1.8kg). The buttstock is adjustable for length of pull, the cheekpiece is also adjustable. Heavy barrel is partially fluted and fitted with effective muzzle brake. Steyr .50 HS has no iron sights; the MilStd Picatinny rail is standard. Rifle is not intended to be fired off-hand; it is fitted with integral folding adjustable bipods.

Madsen light automatic rifle LAR M/62 7.62×51mm NATO Famous Danish company Dansk Industrie Sindikat (DISA) “Madsen” developed a modern prototype automatic rifle in late 1950s. Apparently, early models were made in caliber 7.62×39 M43 Soviet, to participate in Finnish army trials for new assault rifle. Later on, circa 1959, same weapon was reworked to fire larger and much more powerful 7.62×51 NATO ammunition, and in this form it was offered for any interested buyer as Madsen Light Automatic Rifle, LAR M/62. Apparently, this weapon failed to attract any serious buyers, and it soon went into oblivion. Madsen light automatic rifle LAR M/62 is a gas operated, selective fire weapon which fired from closed bolt. It uses rotary bolt locking and a long stroke piston gas system, with manual gas regulator. Receiver of the gun is made from aluminum alloy, with separate trigger unit / pistol grip attached below. Manual safety / selector switch is located on the left side of pistol grip. Rifle is fitted either with fixed wooden butt or with side-folding tubular metallic butt. Variants: Variants of the LAR came with solid wood stocks that covered the receiver from the handguard to the buttplate, then with a fixed steel tube and side/underfolding stocks. The earlier assault rifle variant (chambered for the 7.62×39mm M43 round but incompatible with AK magazines) was intended for the armed forces of Finland and to draw them away from using a Soviet-based design, the Valmet M62. However, Finland, being a neutral country, ignored this and went ahead with the Valmet M62, adopting it as their standard service rifle due to its cheaper cost for production and potentially better reliability.

Vz. 50 double-action, semi-automatic pistol .32ACP 1.Introduction 00:00 2.Design 01:20 Introduction The Vz. 50 (also known as the CZ 50) is a Czechoslovakian made double-action, semi-automatic pistol. Vz is an abbreviation of the Czech (as well as Slovak) term "vzor" meaning model. The small, pocket-sized Vz.50 was developed during late 1940s for police use and it was chambered for the marginally powerful 7.65×17 Browning ammunition. Influenced by the Walther PP in design, the Vz.50 had several differences in safety and disassembly. In the early 1970s the basic design went through minor face-lift, and the “new” design received the designation of Vz.70. Many Vz.50 pistols were refurbished to Vz.70 standard, with different finish, grip panels and a slightly different safety lever. New Vz.70 pistols were also manufactured between 1970 and 1983. After the replacement in service of the older Vz.50 and Vz.70 by more modern 9mm Vz.82 pistol, most were sold as surplus, as Cz-50 and Cz-70, respectively. Design The Vz.50 (commercially sold as Cz-50) is a compact pistol of all-steel construction, firing the relatively weak 7.65mm ammunition. It has a simple blowback action with a fixed barrel. The trigger is double-action, with an exposed hammer and a frame-mounted decocking safety lever. The sights are fixed. Magazines are single stack. The magazine release button is located relatively high on the left side of the frame, behind the trigger. Vz.70 (Cz-70) pistols are similar, with minor differences in the finish, shape of the safety lever and grips. Manual safety is a lever at left side of the frame, behind the trigger guard.