APS underwater rifle

APS Underwater Rifle

The APS Underwater Rifle is a specialized firearm designed for underwater use. It was developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War and is one of the few firearms that can be effectively used under water.

History

The APS Underwater Rifle was developed in the early 1970s by the Soviet Navy for use by their combat divers. The need for such a weapon arose due to the ineffectiveness of conventional firearms under water. The high drag of water means that conventional bullets quickly lose their velocity and become ineffective at a range of just a few meters.

Design

The APS Underwater Rifle uses a unique design to overcome the problems associated with firing bullets under water. Instead of conventional bullets, it fires steel darts. These darts are much more effective under water due to their low drag and high mass. The rifle uses a gas-operated action, which is sealed to prevent water from entering the mechanism.

The APS Underwater Rifle is a select-fire weapon, meaning it can be fired in either semi-automatic or fully automatic modes. It has a 26-round magazine and can fire up to 600 rounds per minute.

Use

The APS Underwater Rifle is primarily used by combat divers for underwater combat. It can also be used on land, although its performance is significantly reduced compared to conventional firearms. The rifle is currently in service with the Russian Navy and has been exported to several other countries.

See also

• Underwater firearm
• Soviet Navy
• Combat diver