Wound Ballistics of Swedish 5.56-mm Assault Rifle AK 5

Abstract

The recently adopted Swedish standard 5.56-mm assault rifle Ak 5, with ammunition 5.56-mm sk ptr 5 stkprj, closely similar to the Belgian weapon FNC, with corresponding ammunition SS 109, was fired against blocks of soft soap and against the muscular parts of the hind legs of live, anesthetised pigs. The behaviour and retardation of the bullets within the targets were recorded by means of a stereo, multiflash X-ray setup. The extent of the soft-tissue damage was evaluated in sections by means of debridement performed by a highly skilled surgeon. The excised tissue was then accurately weighed. The energy transfer characteristics and the wounding potential of the weapon are discussed.