Mikhail Kalashnikov, creator of AK-47, dies at 94

Mikhail Kalashnikov, who invented the AK47 weapon died at the age of 94 due to ill-health on 23 December 2013 in Izhevsk, Udmurtia province of Russian Republic.

Kalashnikov worked as weapon designer for the Soviet Union’s Red Army during World War II. He designed the AK47 (Avtomat Kalashnikov), which was officially accepted by the Soviet in 1947.

Kalashnikov was decorated with numerous honors including the Hero of Socialist Labour and Order of Lenin and Stalin Prize.

About AK47:
The AK first used in East Berlin riots in 1953 and the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

AK47 is the world’s most popular firearm favored by guerrillas, terrorists and the soldiers of many armies. The weapon was simple, easy to use and maintain. It was reliable in any extreme conditions (hot, cold, wet or sandy).

Russia stopped producing AK-47 models in the late 1960s but production of variants such as AK-74M and AK-200 continued which is more efficient than AK47.

The weapon, recognizable by its banana-shaped ammunition magazine, became known for its simple effectiveness. It was easy to use and maintain, and it was reliable in extreme conditions, be they hot, cold, wet or sandy.