Aeroscraft to produce M4 carbines in Ukraine named WAC-47 in 7,62×39
The American company Aeroscraft, founded by an immigrant from Ukraine, and the State owned company Ukroboronservis will co-operate to produce M4 carbines to NATO standard.
The production will take place in Ukraine, and is a start to NATO-ify the Ukranian Army.
The M4 rifle is named WAC-47 and will be made with a 14.5″ barrel in 5,56 NATO.
But it’s also mentioned that because of the rifle’s “modularity” it can be used with 5,45×39 and 7,62×39.
I don’t know if this is a play with words, “WAC-74” vs. “AK-47”, in a way to phase out the current stock of both 5,45×39 and 7,62×39 mm and gradually phase in 5,56 NATO?
Exactly how the transition between these types of ammunition is to be done isn’t described, and it’s not an easy task without changing the majority of the rifle. If you have an idea, please comment below.
From Ukrainian Defense Industry’s press release:
WAC-47 can “work” with the caliber 7,62×39, 5,45×39 Ukrainian army is armed with. And if necessary, modular design allows to re-equip assault rifle under 5.56×45 NATO ammunition, which – according to STANAG 4172 standard – is used in all NATO assault rifles.
Depending on the mission and the requirements they may also look at different barrel lengths like 10.5 “, 11.5”, 14.5 “, 18” or even 24 “.
Note the 7,62 x 39 mm above!
Ukrainian soldiers are to gradually receive new NATO assault rifle. According to the plan, the first batch of WAC-47 modification will go into trial operation in the combat units of Ukrainian army, during this time all information on using the riffle in the field will be collected. Gathering feedback from Ukrainian soldiers will enhance necessary changes before mass production starts.
Soviet Union is being phased out, NATO is being phased in.
The Press Release contains a lot of more details, read it here: http://ukroboronprom.com.ua/en/media/m16-wac-47-dlya-ukrayinskoyi-armiyi-vid-dk-ukroboronprom.html
Pictures: The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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wow adopting a shitty rifle for a caliber never designed for it, all for political "we lub NATO please gib us monies" thought, good luck replacing bcg after a thousand rounds of 7.62x39mm shatters the bolt face, what a fail, there is nothing wrong with the millions of akm+74's they have in reserve
wow adopting a s hitty rifle for a caliber never designed for it, all for political "we lub NATO please gib us monies" thought, good luck replacing bcg after a thousand rounds of 7.62x39mm shatters the bolt face, what a fail, there is nothing wrong with the millions of akm+74's they have in reserve.