Комплекс 6С1 «Канарейка»: чем Советская Армия усилила свой спецназ

Exactly 40 years ago, the unique 5.45/30 mm "Canary" rifle-grenade launcher complex (SGK) entered service with Soviet special forces. Developed within the walls of the Central Scientific Research Institute of Precision 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 "Canary" was a special modification of the Kalashnikov AKS-74UB assault rifle. Equipped with a folding shoulder rest and a silent and flashless firing device (PBS-4), it was complemented by a 30-mm silent grenade launcher. The latter used a shaped-charge incendiary grenade and a special propelling cartridge.

The key difference between the PBS-4 device and its predecessor, the PBS-1 from the "Silence" 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 produced 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 "Canary" 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 "Silence" 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 of armor and provided reliable target engagement behind an obstacle.

Despite its advantages, the "Canary" 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 Peter Serdyukov.

Some tactical and technical characteristics (TTC) of the 6S1 "Canary" rifle-grenade launcher complex (SGK):

• 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 cartridges 5.45 x 39 and 8 7.62x53R for the grenade launcher.

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