IPI Vulcan (Vulcan-M / Malyuk)

Bullpup Assault Rifle [ 2015 ]

The IPI Vulcan assault rifle is a reworking of the classic Kalashnikov solution, rearranged in bullpup form by Ukraine.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 04/11/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image from official IPI marketing materials.

GO TO SPECIFICATIONS [+]

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The classic Soviet-era Kalashnikov assault rifle has been reimagined by Ukrainian arms engineers at InterProInvest (IPI) into the "Vulcan" (also "Vulcan-M" and "Malyuk"). This all-modern assault weapon retains the inner workings of the Soviet-Russian design but rearranges it into a handier "bullpup" configuration which seats the internal action, feed, and ejection port all aft of the pistol grip / trigger unit. This results in an assault weapon retaining a full-length barrel (and therefore similar penetration-at-range values) but set within a more compact, portable frame benefitting Close Quarters Battle (CQB) units, in particular, special forces operatives of Ukraine.

The rifle is manufactured by Krasyliv Assembly Manufacturing Plant of Ukraine.

Due to its bullpup configuration, the rifle has an oversized stock that is fixed / rigid, bringing the action much closer to the operator's face but makes for an overall handier solution in confined spaces which SPECOPS troops naturally find themselves in.

Internally, the gun relies on a gas-operated, rotating bolt system of operation and can achieve a listed rate-of-fire of 660 rounds-per-minute through a single- or full-automatic firing action. The Malyuk is available in chamberings of 5.45x39mm, 5.56x45mm NATO, and 7.62x39mm - all widely available calibers in both the East and West. A 10-, 30-, or 45-round, curved detachable box magazine is inserted into the underside of the shoulder stock, the well positioned just aft of the pistol grip. Controls are ambidextrous to support both left- and right-handed shooters (though the ejection port is fixed to the right side of the body), the magazine release button located near the firing hand's thumb for easy access and the fire selector at the shoulder stock sides.

The rifle can be taken down into three major components (upper receiver, lower receiver, pistol grip) with six total parts. Since the Malyuk is based in the Kalashnikov design, it benefits from all parts sourced locally (as opposed to something like the Israeli-based Tavor rifles in Ukrainian service).

While optional forward and rear iron sights are supported, this weapon sports a long-running section of Picatinny rail over the top of the frame allowing installation of various aimers, scopes, and magnifiers or a combination of these for more precise shooting (as required for something like the Designated Marksman Rifle - DMR - role). Shorter sections are found under the forend at the 3-, 6-, and 9-o-clock positions just ahead of the pistol grip guard and can mount similar systems including tactical flashlights, a foregrip, and an Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) component. The gun's barrel has a traditional slotted brake for recoil and can be equipped to support a suppressor assembly for more clandestine functionality as required.

Overall length of the rifle is 712mm with a barrel assembly measuring 415mm. Gross weight is 3.8 kilograms. Effective range of the system is out to 500 meters.

The Malyuk is listed alongside other standardized assault weapons currently accessible by Ukrainian troops - this includes the M4-WAC-47 (7.62x39mm to 5.56x45mm NATO conversion model), Zbroyar Z-15 (domestic AR-15), and the Fort Israeli-Ukraine series.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

2015

Origin

Ukraine

Classification

Bullpup Assault Rifle

InterProInvest (IPI) - Ukraine

(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)

Ukraine

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Automatic Function
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.

✓ Assault Rifle
Modern class of long gun featuring select-fire properties, automatic internal function, and magazine feeding.

✓ Accuracy / Precision
Long-range accuracy / precision capable; suitable for sniping, particularly when equipped with sighting aids.

✓ Special Forces
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.

✓ Silenced
This weapon is either inherently silent/suppressed or can be made so through special assembly added at the muzzle, specialized subsonic ammunition or a combination of both.

COMPACT NATURE

Compact nature allows for relatively easy concealment.

MAN-PORTABLE

Despite its size / weight, the product can be transported by foot infantry.

SILENCED FUNCTION

Supports silenced / suppressed actions - by way of silencer, suppressor, or subsonic ammunition - for clandestine operations.

BULLPUP CONFIGURATION

Design sets the action behind the feed, allowing for a more compact design retaining a full-length, or near-full-length, barrel assembly.

SEMI-AUTO FIRE

Internal action allows release of single round per trigger pull, actuating a semi-automatic loading mechanism for successive shots.

FULL-AUTO FIRE

Internal action allows release of multiple rounds with a trigger pull in quick succession.

REPEAT-FIRE CAPABLE

An automatic, or pseudo-automatic, function is built into the system, allowing for repeat firing to be achieved.

SCOPE-CAPABLE / SIGHTING ASSIST

Supports mounting of optics (scopes) to aid in accuracy for ranged fire.

IRON SIGHTS

Supports 'iron sights' allowing for inherent accuracy in ranged fire.

BIPOD ASSEMBLY

Aiming can be aided by use of a bipod support assembly, either as an integral part of design or option.

ADAPTABLE

Design offers mounting points for external, after-market hardware including laser aimers, flashlights, scopes, and grips.

Overall Length

712 mm
28.03 in

Barrel Length

415 mm
16.34 in

Empty Wgt

8.38 lb
3.80 kg

Sights

Iron Front and Rear; Optional Optics.

Action

Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt; Select-Fire

Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.

(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)

Caliber(s)*

5.45x39mm; 5.56x45mm NATO; 7.62x39mm

Sample Visuals**

Graphical image of a 5.56mm intermediate rifle cartridge

Graphical image of a 7.62x39mm rifle cartridge

Rounds / Feed

10-, 30-, or 45-round detachable box magazine.

*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.

Max Eff.Range

1,640 ft
(500 m | 547 yd)

Rate-of-Fire

660
rds/min

Muzzle Velocity

2,952 ft/sec
(900 m/sec)

Vulcan - Base Series Name.

Vulcan-M - Alternative Name.

"Malyuk" - Alternative Name.