Kbk wz.88 (Tantal)

Automatic Rifle / Assault Carbine

Poland | 1991

"The wz. 1988 Tantal is little more than a Polish copy of the Russian-produced AK-74S model series with some Polish modifications."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/04/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image from the United States Department of Defense imagery database.

The Soviet reach over Eastern Europe during the Cold War was such that localized small arms design in these countries became largely influenced by the classic Kalashnikov AK-47 series. For the nation of Poland, "liberated" by the Soviet Union from Nazi German control by the end of World War 2 (1939-1945), the AK-47 lineage would prove critical in its attempt to develop an indigenous assault rifle system for standard issue. The result became the Kbk wz. 88 "Tantal".

In 1957, a modernized version of the AK-47 was revealed retaining the original's 7.62x39mm chambering and this became known as the AKM. In 1974, an all-new offering emerged as the AK-74 and this was designed along the lines of firing the 5.45x39mm rifle cartridge. This led to a version with a side-folding skeletal stock being issued as the AKS-74 which greatly improved the weapon's portability, particularly in the hands of paratroopers or special forces units. Its shortened assault carbine form then became the AKS-74U - both chambered in 5.45mm.

From the AKS-74 came the basis for a localized Polish variant to which design work spanned from 1981 to 1988 producing the wz. 1981 prototype model. While largely faithful to the Soviet design, the Polish model incorporated slight changes to improve manufacture and to suit Polish Army requirements. Black synthetic material substituted the original woodwork seen in many early Kalashnikovs externally. Internally, a three-round burst mechanism was added for selective-fire. The muzzle was fitted with a compensator to both support the mounting of a field bayonet and the launching of rifle grenades to broaden the infantryman's tactical reach. In its final form, the weapon was adopted by the Polish Army as the wz. 1988 "Tantal" in 1991 with serial manufacturing originating from the Lucznik Arms Factory of Radom. Some 25,000 units were produced from the period of 1989 to 1994.

The weapon retained a gas-operated action utilizing a rotating bolt. Rate-of-fire reached 700 rounds per minute with an effective firing range out to 500 meters. The feed system involved a 30-round curved detachable box magazine. Sighting was through a standard iron arrangement. Overall weight was 8.14 lb with an overall length (stock extended) of 37 inches. This was brought down to 29.4 inches with the stock folded over.

While Poland became the primary operator of the Tantal for its service life, the rifle eventually found its way to the Middle East fighting as it appeared in number with forces from Kurdistan and Syrian rebels. The Iraqi Army was sold some 10,000 of the guns from the Polish government following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Poland was an active contributor during the rebuilding years there.

For the Polish Army, the Tantal was removed from frontline service in 2005, replaced by the more modern wz. 1996 "Beryl" series in 5.56mm chambering. This weapon was brought along to fulfill a new requirement of the Polish Army for a 5.56x45mm NATO-standard assault rifle following Poland's acceptance into NATO in 1999. The Beryl assault rifle is detailed elsewhere on this site.

The retired Polish stock of Tantal guns has either been sold off or remains in storage. The Skbk wz. 1989 "Onyx" is an assault carbine version of the full-length Tantal series - still a gas-operated weapon chambered in 5.45mm though showcasing a folded length of just 20.4 inches.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Kbk wz.88 (Tantal). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

943 mm
37.13 in
O/A Length

423 mm
16.65 in
Barrel Length

7.50 lb
3.40 kg
Weight

Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt; Selective-Fire
Action

5.45x39.5mm Soviet
Caliber(s)

30-round detachable box
Feed

Rear Sight Notch on Sliding Tangent; Front Post
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Kbk wz.88 (Tantal). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

3,280 ft
999.7 m | 1,093.3 yds
Max.Eff.Range

600
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

2,887 ft/sec
880 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Kbk wz.88 (Tantal) Automatic Rifle / Assault Carbine family line.

wz. 1988 "Tantal" - Main Production Series Designation based highly on the Russian-produced AK-74S model.

wz. 1990 "Tantal" - Based on the wz/88 model but chambered to fire the 5.56x45mm NATO standard round.

wz. 1974 - Rifle/Grenade Launcher Combination

wz. 1988 - Night Variant

wz. 1989 "Onyks" - Carbine Form; based on the Russian AKS-74U short assault rifle.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Kbk wz.88 (Tantal). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Lucznik Arms Factory (Radom) - Poland

[ Iraq; Poland; Syria ]

1 / 1

Image from the United States Department of Defense imagery database.

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

AUTOMATIC FUNCTION

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
The Kbk wz.88 (Tantal) Automatic Rifle / Assault Carbine appears in the following collections:

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