Izhevsk Mechanical Works (RTS:IGMA) (Russian: Ижевский Mашзавод) 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. It makes the famous Kalashnikov series of assault rifle, along with a host of other Russian arms, including medium cannons, missiles, and guided shells. Izhmash also produces other goods, such as motorcycles and cars.
Recently, the global recession and a proliferation of copycats has caused 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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Products
Motorcycles and automobiles
The first IZh motorcycle was 1928's IZh 1, a 1200cc across-the-frame V-twin with shaft drive, designed by the Soviet engineer Pyotr Vladimirovich Mokharov (1888–1934).
The IZh automobiles were copies of Moskvitch models 412 and later AZLK-2138 and 2140, until the IZh-2126 Oda. The Oda, bore a very close resemblance to the Moskvitch AZLK-2141 Aleko, but had a completely different rear-wheel drive design.
AZLK 412 based IZh models, which were completely IZh own designs were 2715, 27151, 2125 and 21251. 2125 was built until 1982, when it was facelifted along with IZh 412 IE, 2715 and 27121. The newer version of 2125 was named 21251. All of the IZh own models were based on AZLK 412 and the bodyshell(with the exception of the rear part, witch were different on 2715/27151 and 2125/21251) along with mechanical parts were direct copies of AZLK 412.
Currently, IZh produces one Kia model and two Lada models.
Between 1973 and 1979 IZh was one of the makes marketed by SATRA in the United Kingdom under the Cossack Motorcycles brand; the Planeta and Jupiter models.[3]
Izh Motorcycles now produces four models: the Yunker, Planet 5, Jupiter,and Cornet. They all have 350cc two stroke engines except the Cornet which has a 50cc engine. On the Yunker and the Jupiter the motors are Liquid cooled.
There are also Special Purpose motorcycles for police, cargo carry, and a "Swamp Rover" all based on other production models.
A 650cc Rotax-powered Sport the PS-S 650 Rotax, and what appears to be an updated Planet 5 aptly called Planet 7 are apparently entering production soon.
Upwards of 11 million motorcycles have been produced by the IZh.
IzhAvto, the car building branch of the company filed for bankruptcy in August 2009.
Firearms
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.
Weaponry
Small arms
- AK-47, AKM, AK-74, AN-94, AK-101, AK-103, AK-107, 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
Cannons and ammunition
- GSh-30-1 cannon
- "Krasnopol" guided shell
Other products
- Cutlery
- IT-42 precision lathes
- Gas meters
- Small arms repair stations
- Metallurgical products (tools, die forgings, castings)
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)
Sources
- ^ "Kalashnikov faces bankruptcy". The Globe & Mail. Sep. 22, 2009. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/kalashnikov-faces-bankruptcy/article1296238/. Retrieved Sep. 22, 2009.
- ^ "Worlds’ biggest AK 47 manufacturer is bankrupt". BusinessDay.co.za. 2009-09-21. http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=82062. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
- ^ [1]RussianMotorcycles Cossack Motorcycles (Retrieved 30 November 2006)
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Coordinates: 56°50′19.68″N 53°10′57.34″E / 56.8388°N 53.1825944°E
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