Pictured here is the Elcan SpecterDR, which is used by the German special forces and is an innovative product that combines a reflex reflex sight for close combat and a 4x magnification telescopic sight for longer range combat. Also note the non-standard attachment of accessories to the G36 assault rifle - a hallmark of special forces around the world
It is intuitively clear that the special forces, based on the nature of their missions, must accordingly be equipped with "special" weapons
However, to be more precise, this implies a careful selection of the very best "tools", taking into account special tasks or, undoubtedly, even one specific task. Indeed, the weapons used by Special Operations Forces (MTR) soldiers are "special" not so much with regard to their specific design and characteristics, but rather because the special forces themselves have the privilege of choosing them, regardless of standardization issues or any other industrial or logistic considerations based solely on their own assessments and preferences. Indeed, a very large part of the "MTR mysticism" consists in the use of different weapons than is prescribed by a regular infantry unit, and it is not uncommon to see an MTR soldier inside the same unit carrying a different weapon.
Another aspect of "exclusivity", which consists in a thorough search for absolutely optimal solutions in the field of equipping the MTR, is that personal and crew-serviced weapons, as a rule, are almost never used in MTRs in a configuration originally produced by the manufacturer; armament should receive a whole series of design changes, improvements and additional devices.
Personal weapon
Automatic pistols (and in some cases also revolvers) represent a very strange paradox in the equipment of the MTR. While pistols and revolvers are rapidly losing popularity as standard combat weapons, even including minor tasks such as self-defense or weapons for non-combat personnel, they are still an integral part of the MTR arsenal and have really effectively replaced the combat knife as a symbol of close combat. The use of MTR pistols is usually associated with the "killing" of specific people, but in reality it is much more important to provide a deliberate close defense.
Prudence invariably requires the elimination or reduction of the noise of the shot. An important difference in this regard is quiet weapons (that is, created as such or capable of using silent ammunition) and the so-called "muffled", usually due to the installation of a silencer.
Typical examples of silent pistols are the Chinese Type 64 and Type 67, both with 7.65 x 17 rimless chambers, based on the expansion chamber concept. The Russians, for their part, have developed a whole family of silent / flashless cartridges that are used in the single-action firing mechanism (non-self-cocking). The first appropriate weapons for the special forces were two small large-caliber models, the SMP (cartridge SP2 7.62x35) and S4M (cartridge SP3 7.62x62.8), whose obvious limitations led in 1983 to the introduction of the PSS semi-automatic pistol (self-loading special pistol) with a magazine on 6 rounds. The PSS still has no analogues in the West; it is currently armed with several units of the Russian special forces (for example, the Interior Ministry's capture groups and the FSB's Alpha group). It fires SP4 7.62x42 cartridges with a 13-gram steel bullet, designed specifically to obtain good armor-piercing power, at least against the simplest types of body armor. The Tula KBP recently introduced the Stechkin OTs 38 pistol chambered for SP4, which apparently was aimed at fulfilling the strong desire of the special forces not to leave behind shot casings.
PB Makarov represents a kind of compromise between silent and muffled weapons. It is based on the design of a standard Makarov automatic pistol and fires conventional 9x18 cartridges with a traditional removable silencer, but also has a large expansion chamber around the perforated barrel. More recently, Russian Special Forces units appear to have adopted a silent version of the new PYa automatic pistol (known as the MP-443 Grach), selected in 2003 as the new standard pistol of the Russian Armed Forces.
Western industry and MTR soldiers were never particularly interested in silent weapons, but, nevertheless, several models of pistols were developed and manufactured specifically for the requirements of special forces (including the well-known Heckler & Koch Mk23Mod0 for the American command of special operations forces); they are all equipped with standard mufflers. Rather, the emphasis is on features such as maximum stopping power, robust construction and superior reliability, while a large magazine, usually the main requirement for military handguns, is less important here.
In 2005, the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) began the Joint Combat Pistol (JCP) program, a rather perplexing and reckless attempt to combine the American Army's Future Handgun System (FHS) and USSOCOM's own projects called Combat Pistol SSO SOFCP (Special Operations Forces Combat Pistol) in a single volume of purchases in the amount of 645,000 pistols. Less than a year later, the program lost the letter "J" (Combat Pistol - CP) and was drastically scaled down to USSOCOM's own needs (approximately 50,000 pistols), before being postponed indefinitely until the end of 2006. Be that as it may, several potential competitors have prepared models that meet the mandatory key characteristics of the JCP / CP (.45 ACP cartridge and the use of two magazines of different capacities); these include, for example, H&K HK45 and HK45C, Beretta PX4 SD, S&W MP45, FN Herstal FNP45 and Sig Sauer P220 Combat TV.
A special category includes automatic pistols with a chamber for powerful types of ammunition, originally developed for the PDW (Personal Defense Weapons) class, which, paradoxically enough, were intended to replace pistols. After the abolition of the H&K P46 (4.6x30) project, the only Western weapon in this category is the FN Herstal FiveseveN (5.7x28). FiveseveN's large, roomy magazine (20 rounds), a significant hitting range (100 m), excellent penetration power and the availability of a full family of special cartridges open up completely new perspectives regarding the combat use of hand weapons.
The Chinese also moved in the same direction, and in 2006 the QSW-06 was introduced to replace the Type 67. It fires Chinese 5.8x21 rounds (two types: the standard DAP92 with Vo = 895 m / s and the supersonic DCV05), they are fed from magazine for 20 rounds, this pistol is equipped with a standard silencer.
The IWI GALIL ACE is the latest 5.56mm assault rifle designed specifically for the needs of the MTR soldiers. The weapon in the picture without a sight
Aimpoint's CompM4 series of red dot scopes match the latest US Army M68 Close-Combat Optic (CCO) melee scope
Submachine guns (SMG)
Despite the general trends regarding standard military small arms, sub-machine guns (SMGs) are still widespread in the MTR units, despite the recent preference for compact / short-barreled assault rifles and carbines in many combat scenarios.
The most common in Western MTRs is without doubt the ubiquitous H&K MP5 series, available in a variety of variants. For highly specialized applications, extremely compactness is appreciated, therefore, certain interest is shown in such models as, for example, the MP-5K, Micro UZI and B&T MP9 (originally Steyr TMP). The vast majority of Western SMGs are chambered for the standard 9x19 cartridge, and numerous attempts by the industry to introduce new or MTR-optimized cartridges such as the 10mm Auto or.40 S&W, or to resurrect the venerable.45 ACP have met with little commercial success. Even the H&K UMP, firing the new + P variant of the.45 ACP cartridge, goes unnoticed in the global MTR community.
Beginning in the late 1980s, the Russian small arms industry has also re-opened the SMG market and has offered an absolutely staggering variety of new designs and models that often show a degree of innovative ingenuity, all of which, as noted, have been "adopted", "approved" or, at least, "tested" by special forces. A partial list could include PP-18 Bizon with a helicoidal magazine (suitable for 9x18 PM / PMM, 7.62x25 Tokarev and 9x19), P-10-01 Vityaz (9x19 and 9x19 7N21 Russian), folding model PP-90 (9x18), PP-91 Kedr / Klin (9x18 PMM), PP-93 (9x19 PMM), PP-90M1 with helicoidal magazine (9x19, 9x19 7N21 / 7N31), PP-2000 (9x19), AEK-919K Kashtan (9x18), OTс -02 Cypress (9x18) and SR-3 Veresk (rather a unique design, acting by exhausting gases, shoots powerful 9x21 cartridges). The helicoidal magazine is a smart idea to combine the large capacity (64 rounds for Bison) with compactness and of course it was immediately copied by the Chinese (Chang Feng 05).
Again, when it comes to muted SMGs, this is definitely the best-known H&K MP-5SD Category 1 weapon, which could in fact be considered a weapon icon for the MTR. Due to the presence of concentric expansion / decompression chambers with internal deflecting flaps, the MOP-5SD can fire a standard 9x19 cartridge, which, however, is made slower (subsonic speed) in order to eliminate the most important part - the sound signature (sign of visibility). The weapon was also produced in several countries under more or less sanctioned licenses and inspired designs such as the Daewoo K7 (South Korea), FAMAE SAF-SD (Chile) and the Pindad PM-2 (Indonesia). The IWI Micro TAVOR MTAR 21 (9x19 variant of the compact 5.56mm carbine) is an interesting attempt at an original modular solution, both modules have a built-in silencer.
The main disadvantage of the SMG with a built-in silencer for using the MTR is that the already very modest stopping power of their pistol-type cartridge is further reduced due to the need to reduce the bullet speed to subsonic. The Russians have been at the forefront of work on this issue, and in the past, spetsnaz have almost completely replaced their SMGs with AK-47 / AKM assault rifles with a removable silencer, they fire a special subsonic version of the 7.62x39 cartridge with a 193 gram bullet. Starting from the end of the 80s, a more radical approach would be adopted for the special development of special types of cartridges and weapons for firing them. The SP5 and SP6 subsonic 9x39 cartridges showed good performance in terms of practical range (up to 300 m) and penetration. These cartridges are based on the M43 7.62x39 case with a widened neck to 9mm and have a heavy, streamlined bullet; The SP5 has a 260 gram bullet for accuracy, while the SP6 has a 247 gram armor-piercing bullet with a hardened steel core. The first automatic weapons created for these new cartridges were VSS Vintorez carbines from TsNII Tochmash and AS Val, followed by 9A-91 and VKS-94 from KBP, SR-3 Whirlwind from TsNII Tochmash, modular bullpup schemes SOO OTs-14 Groza from TsKIB and the latest model (in 2007) AK-9 developed by Izhmash Kalashnikov. The basic (i.e. 9x39) version of Groza was reportedly in service with the MTR of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, while the special forces, apparently, chose the version with a chamber chambered for the original US 7.62x39 cartridge.
The western counterpart is the.300 "Whisper" cartridge from SSK Industries, it is based on the.221 Fireball extended for a 7.62mm bullet; there are either subsonic (220 g, 1,040 fps) or supersonic (125 g, 2,100 fps) options. Several companies (for example, the French Stopson TFM) modified AR15 assault rifles for new cartridges, but very few of these rifles were sold.
As for the PDW class (Personal Defense Weapons - personal defense weapons), for a short time it seemed that this weapon completely lost its originally intended market (this, however, has nothing to do with its quality and characteristics), it could find a new an important market niche, effectively replacing the SMG in the arsenals of the MTR divisions. However, this does not happen. Despite the clear advantages of PDW in terms of overall ballistic performance and especially penetration strength, whose importance will further increase due to the current widespread use of reinforced body armor, including non-combatant personnel, PDW is purchased in relatively small quantities to replace the SMG for certain specific applications, but not for their final replacement. An important exception is the Chinese army, which is apparently going to introduce the QWC-05 bullpup rifle with a chamber for the already mentioned 5.8x21 cartridge, it has a 50-round magazine, and will replace the muffled Type 79 and Type 85 SMGs in service with the MTR … India also appears to be heading in the same direction with the DRDO's MSMC (Modern Sub-Machine Carbine) weapon and the unique 5.56x30 round.
Optical-electronic sights for small arms
The broad category of optoelectronic sights (or perhaps more accurately sighting systems) consists of two main groups: laser / infrared and collimator devices. Regardless of the technology, their main function is to assist the shooter in capturing and destroying targets or a number of targets without using standard scopes, including very low lighting conditions (especially for laser / IR systems).
Laser / infrared pointers
The laser pointers create a beam that is visible as a small red dot on the target, corresponding to the point of impact of the bullet. This mode of operation makes them suitable for use in special combat conditions, when the stake is placed on instinctive fire "from the hip", for example, in close combat inside buildings.
There are currently two main classes of laser pointers available: daytime systems operating at frequencies around 620 nm to create a red dot that is visible to the naked eye under normal daytime conditions; and night systems that operate in the near infrared range and thus create a red dot that can only be seen with night vision goggles.
Beyond this major difference, there are a number of intriguing variations and improvements possible. LAM (Laser Aiming Module) from Insight Technologies Inc., adopted by the US Special Operations Command for the OHWS / H & K Mod. 23.45 ACP. It has a dual laser pointer operating in the visible and infrared spectrum, plus a conventional illuminator + IR source. Another interesting model is the increasingly popular AN / PEQ-2, which, in addition to the IR pointer, also works as an IR “spotlight”, which allows (through night vision goggles) to identify a target at a long distance, as well as provide adequate combat visibility in absolute darkness (for example, at night inside a building or in a tunnel).
Collimator sights
The so-called collimator (red dot) systems work on a completely different principle, when the red dot is visualized inside the sight and superimposed on the target image, and not physically projected onto the target itself as in a laser system. Accordingly, collimator sights have no signature and nothing can be detected on the target.
Leading suppliers of red dot sights to the military and police include the Swedish company Aimpoint, which originally invented the system, and the American companies Tasco and Weaver. The Aimpoint Comp M model was purchased in large quantities, starting with 100,000 scopes ordered in 1997 by the US Department of Defense under the designation M-68, plus 10,000 units ordered by France in 2000, 60,000 scopes delivered to Sweden in 2003-2005, later Italy has ordered 24,000 pieces. The M2 has enhancements such as 4 day settings and 6 low light settings, as well as new CET (Circuit Efficiency Technology) diodes to reduce power consumption. It quickly became a popular reflex sight for weapons such as the H&K MP5 series SMG, the H&K G36 and Colt M16A2 assault rifles, the Colt M4 carbine and the FN MINIMI / M249 machine gun. The tactical model R3.5 includes additional elements such as illumination of reticle and the largest magnification 3.5x (previous models were without magnification). The exit pupil with a diameter of 8 mm, combined with a wide field of view, allows you to quickly capture stationary and moving targets. The CompM4 series of scopes (in the American army, the M68 CCO (Close-Combat Optic - close-combat optic)) is said to be the most advanced series of scopes it produces. Improvements include high energy efficiency, which shows continuous operation for 8 years on a single AA battery! CompM4 scopes have a built-in holder, which eliminates the need for a separate ring, using the vertical and front spacers, it can be mounted on various weapons systems.
A specific and potentially hazardous characteristic of collimator systems is that, under certain lighting conditions, their front lens can produce reddish reflections. For this reason, some Comp M users equip their scopes with a honeycomb anti-reflective device.
Mirror systems, which could be considered a variant of the red dot technology, were first introduced several years ago by Bushnell. These devices replace conventional light points with a holographic crosshair that becomes visible when illuminated by built-in light sources and which can be selected from several different configurations (traditional or open reticle, double ring, 3-D lifting marker, etc.) … The main advantages of SLR sights over traditional models are the ability to increase the brightness up to 20 depending on the working conditions and the elimination of possible parallax errors caused by the need for the shooter to simultaneously focus his eye on the red dot and the target, which are located on two different focal planes. Mirror systems, such as the Trijicon series, have very high accuracy and extremely high target acquisition rates, while miniaturization components make it possible to create extremely compact and lightweight devices for handguns. For example, this is the Docter Sight sight (46x25.5x24 mm, 25 g), which also has automatic brightness adjustment depending on the lighting conditions in the direction of the target.
The next step forward in the design of scopes and their parameters was the SpecterDR model from Elcan (Raytheon), recently adopted by the command of the MTR. It is claimed to be the world's most advanced combat optical riflescope. SpecterDR is actually two scopes in one, it combines a telescopic sight with a wide field of view (24 °) and 1x magnification and a long-range telescopic sight (4x magnification, 6.5 ° field of view). Switching between the two aiming modes is instantaneous and unlike scopes with zoom mechanisms, the reduction in eye strain and the optical design are optimal. The battery-powered LED backlight has two ranges: one illuminates the entire crosshair for long-range use in low light and the other just illuminates a red dot in the center in close-range conditions. The zero function is included in the built-in mount, the scope mounts on the Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rails.
The Trijiton RX01-NSN rifle scope is designed for the US military and is designed for close combat. The reticle in all SLR scopes is illuminated by both fiber optics and tritium, ensuring the needle has a bright, clearly marked aiming point in all lighting conditions. RX01-NSN is part of the SOPMOD M4 weapon systems used by the US Army Special Forces
Aimpoint CompM2 in the American army received the designation M68 CCO
