6S1 "Kanareyka" Complex: How the Soviet Army Strengthened Its Special Forces

Exactly 40 years ago, the unique 5.45/30 mm "Kanareyka" rifle-grenade complex (SGC) entered service with Soviet special forces. Developed within the walls of the Central Scientific Research Institute for Precision Machine Engineering (now JSC "TsNIITOCHMASH", part of the "Kalashnikov" concern), this complex became a logical continuation of work on creating a new 5.45-mm cartridge and weapons for it.

The heart of the "Kanareyka" was a special modification of the Kalashnikov AKS-74UB assault rifle. Equipped with a folding shoulder rest and a device for silent and flameless firing (PBS-4), it was complemented by a 30-mm silent grenade launcher. The latter used a HEAT-incendiary grenade and a special propelling cartridge.

The key difference between the PBS-4 device and its predecessor, the PBS-1 from the "Tishina" complex (7.62/30 mm), was the absence of a rubber obturator plug. The PBS-4 was an integral part of the machine gun and was not manufactured separately. Importantly, the device provided effective firing with both special US (reduced speed) cartridges with a subsonic bullet and conventional ammunition.

The grenade launcher module of the "Kanareyka" was similar in terms of sound suppression principle and overall layout to the previous model. However, firing from it was carried out using a new design sight. Unlike the "Tishina" complex, this sight allowed the use of a standard automatic sight, remaining in combat or stowed position. To cushion the recoil when firing from a grenade launcher, a rubber butt plate was installed on the butt.

The cumulative grenade of the complex was capable of penetrating 15-mm armor and ensured reliable target engagement behind an obstacle.

Despite its advantages, the "Kanareyka" complex was decommissioned in the early 1990s. It was replaced by more modern models of small arms: the 6P29 silent rifle (VSS "Vintorez") and the 6P30 special assault rifle (AS "Val"). The development of these advanced systems was also carried out at TsNIITOCHMASH under the leadership of the outstanding designer Petr Serdyukov.

Some tactical and technical characteristics (TTC) of the 6S1 "Kanareyka" rifle-grenade complex (SGC):

• Caliber: 5.45/30 mm.
• Cartridge: 5.45 x 39, 7.62x53R.
• Length with unfolded butt: 900 mm.
• Sighting range of the machine gun and grenade launcher: 400 m.
• Initial grenade velocity: 105 m/s.
• Weight: 5.43 kg (without cartridges and grenades).
• Magazine capacity: 20-30 5.45 x 39 cartridges and 8 7.62x53R for the grenade launcher.

Earlierwww1.ru reported that the work ofRussian MiG-29Ks on the new aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was inspected by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Read also materials:

• Russian low-noise diesel-electric submarine of project 636.3 in the Mediterranean Sea stirred up NATO countries
• Russia promised to respond with "completely new weapons" to potentially possible strikes by Tomahawk missiles
• "Mishkolet" updated: the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 of Yamal Airlines received a new logo