Editing Automatkarbin 5 (section)

===Ak 5C===
[[File:AK5Cesar.JPG|thumb|The final version of the Ak 5C with an [[w:Aimpoint AB|Aimpoint]] red dot sight and forward vertical grip|alt=]]

At the beginning of the 21st century the Swedish military wanted a more modern assault rifle for integration in a future Swedish soldier program. The rifle had to have a [[Rail Integration System]], better ergonomics and improved reliability. Instead of purchasing a new assault rifle, Sweden opted to modify the existing Ak{{nbsp}}5B rifle family already in use reducing program risks and costs.

Before the Ak 5C went into [[mass production]], it was thoroughly evaluated. This was done by having certain units use an experimental model designated '''Ak{{nbsp}}5CF''' where "F" stands for the Swedish word ''försök'' (in this context, ''experiment'' or ''trial''). During the trial over one million rounds were fired and the rifles exhibited a Mean Rounds Between Stoppage value of 3,500. The test users found the test weapon too heavy and long so the barrel length was reduced to 350&nbsp;mm to reduce overall weight and move the center of gravity closer to the user. These tests were completed in June 2005 and four months later, the FMV signed a contract with [[Saab Bofors Dynamics]] covering the modification of nearly 40,000 Ak{{nbsp}}5 assault rifles, which took the company approximately four years to implement. Serial deliveries were scheduled to begin in June 2006 and the Ak{{nbsp}}5C was first issued to priority units serving in Afghanistan ([[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]]), Chad ([[EUFOR Chad/CAR]]), and Kosovo ([[Kosovo Force|KFOR]]).

The '''Ak 5C''' is the modernized version of the original Ak{{nbsp}}5, following the trend of modular weapons. One of the most significant improvements is the [[Picatinny rail|MIL-STD-1913]] rail system to which a variety of different optics, lights and sights can be mounted, such as [[telescopic sight]]s and [[image intensifier]]s. The double gas position, iron sights and bolt catch of the original Ak{{nbsp}}5 rifle family were discarded.

'''New features of the Ak 5C compared to the original Ak 5:'''
* Increased reliability Mean Rounds Between Stoppage > 2,000
* Barrel shortened to {{convert|350|mm|abbr=on|1}}
* Weight reduced to {{convert|3.8|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}
* MIL-STD-1913 [[Picatinny rail]] system at the top and bottom of the hand guard
* Adjustable [[Stock (firearm)|buttstock]]
* Foldable emergency iron sights (for ranges up to 300 m)
* Automatic bolt catch
* Ambidextrous selector levers
* Translucent 30-round plastic [[Magazine (firearm)|box magazines]]
* New slimmer pistol grip at a different angle (similar to the one on [[FN Minimi|Ksp 90]])
* Modified hand guard with cut outs for pressure switches and cables on the right and left side
* Forward vertical grip at 6 o'clock position (detachable)
* New prong-type [[flash suppressor]]
* Tactical sling (nylon)
* Fire selector on both sides of the rifle.

The [[w:Aimpoint AB|Aimpoint]] CS [[red dot sight]] with a 4 [[Minute of arc|MOA]] red dot [[reticle]] was chosen as the standard optical sight for the Ak{{nbsp}}5C. Other day or night aiming optics can also be mounted on the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail system.

There has been some confusion about the [[M203 grenade launcher]]. While the Ak{{nbsp}}5C is prepared to accept the launcher, the correct designation (translated from Swedish) would be "Ak 5[version] with grenade attachment" for the combination. The bayonet-lug adapter for the Ak{{nbsp}}4 bayonet is not used with the Ak{{nbsp}}5C. Instead a new bayonet for ceremonial use only was issued to the troops. This bayonet is attached to the 6 o'clock rail on the hand guard.

The Ak 5C is now the standard-issue rifle of the Swedish armed forces, and production of the A and B versions are currently discontinued and existing stock put in storage.