ASM-DT amphibious rifle

The ASM-DT is a Russian amphibious rifle designed for use by special forces and naval infantry. It is a unique firearm capable of operating both underwater and on land, making it highly versatile for amphibious operations.

Design and Development

The ASM-DT was developed in the 1990s as an improvement over the earlier APS underwater rifle. The need for a dual-environment weapon arose from the limitations of the APS, which was effective underwater but less so on land. The ASM-DT addresses this by allowing the user to switch between underwater and above-water ammunition.

Diagram of the ASM-DT's operation

The rifle uses a bullpup configuration, which allows for a more compact design without sacrificing barrel length. This is particularly advantageous in underwater environments where maneuverability is crucial.

Ammunition

The ASM-DT is capable of firing two types of ammunition:

• 5.45_39mm: Standard cartridge used for above-water operations.
• 5.66_39mm MPS: Specially designed for underwater use, featuring a longer, needle-like projectile to maintain stability and range underwater.

The ability to switch between these ammunition types is facilitated by a dual-feed magazine system, allowing the operator to quickly adapt to changing environments.

Operational Use

The ASM-DT is primarily used by Russian naval special forces and combat divers. Its dual-environment capability makes it ideal for missions involving transitions between land and water, such as beachhead assaults and underwater sabotage.

Related Pages

• APS underwater rifle
• Bullpup
• Special forces
• Naval infantry