Izhevsk Mechanical Works
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Izhevsk Mechanical Works Russian: Ижевский Mашиностроительный Завод (literally translates to: Izhevsk Maschine-building Factory) or IZHMASH (ИЖМАШ) is a weapons manufacturer based in Izhevsk, founded in 1807 at the decree of Tsar Alexander I, and is now one of the largest corporations in its field. The current plant opened in 1942, under the authority of the Soviet government to produce small arms for the war effort. After the end of World War II it continued producing firearms, both military and hunting, and later on expanded to high-tech weapons and civilian machinery.
It makes the famous Kalashnikov series of assault rifles and Makarov and Yarygin pistols, along with a host of other Russian arms, including medium cannons, missiles, and guided shells. After the Soviet Union fell apart, the range of civilian products was greatly expanded, but firearms are still its major production. Izhmash also produces other goods, such as motorcycles and cars.
IZH also exports its civilian products under the Baikal trademark.
In late 2009, the global recession and a proliferation of copycats combined to cause financial difficulties for Izhmash. The company is currently facing bankruptcy proceedings[1] filed by creditor OOO Gremikha over a debt of more than US$13 million[2].
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[edit] Products
Their products are currently in use in a wide variety of countries, ranging from well established countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and France to the developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The biathlon rifles include the 7-2, 7-3/7-3A youth/women's models as well as the 7-4 and 7-4A men's model. They have been used in Europe and the USA.
- Further information: AK-47
- AK-47,AKM,AK-74,AN-94,AK-101,AK-103,AK-107,AKS-74U series assault rifles
- Saiga-12, Saiga-20, Saiga-410 semi-automatic shotguns
- Saiga self-loading carbine
- SKS
- SV-98 bolt action sniper rifle
- SVD/SVDS semi-automatic sniper rifle
- PP-19 Bizon submachine gun
- Mosin-Nagant bolt action rifles and carbines (Majority of these were produced by Izhevsk)
- Tokarev SVT-40 semi-automatic rifle
- Pistolet Makarova/IJ-70 semi-automatic pistol
- MP-446 Viking semi-automatic pistol
- MP-448 Skyph semi-automatic pistol
[edit] Cannons and ammunition
- GSh-30-1 cannon
- "Krasnopol" guided shell
[edit] Other products
- Cutlery
- IT-42 precision lathes
- Gas meters
- Small arms repair stations
- Metallurgical products (tools, die forgings, castings)
[edit] Sources
- ↑ "Kalashnikov faces bankruptcy" The Globe & Mail Sep. 22, 2009
- ↑ "Worlds’ biggest AK 47 manufacturer is bankrupt" 21 September 2009
[edit] External links
- Official Izhmash website (English)
- Izh Auto official site (Russian)
- Russian State Export Corporation homepage (English) (Russian)
- Izh Motorcycle official site (Russian)
- Izh Motorcycle official site (English)
- AutoSoviet: Izh Moto (English)
- AutoSoviet: Izh Avto (English)
