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Elf-2 submachine gun (Ukraine)

Caliber: 9x18 PM
Weight: 2.5 kg less magazine
Length (stock closed/open): 416 / 580 mm
Barrel length: 240 mm
Rate of fire: 450 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 25 or 32 rounds
Effective range: 100-150 meters

The Elf-2 submachine gun has been developed by one of the most controversial arms design facilities, the infamous KB-ST (Design Bureau for Special Techniques) of Ukraine. This bureau actively worked during mid- to late 1990s in attempts to produce new and perspective small arms of inexpensive price but theoretically outstanding combat characteristics. Despite much hype and praise in local Ukrainian press no Russian or Western expert were ever allowed to test these "wunderwaffe" seriously, and no production versions ever appeared. Taking into account the fact that KB-ST organization finally folded in about 2002, we may assume that these weapons were actually something else, representing a handful of roughly made prototypes of questionable usefulness.

Elf-2 submachine gun was intended to compete with designs like IMI Uzi or Steyr MPi-69. It had similar layout with magazine inserted into pistol grip and telescoped bolt. However, the bolt was made from two linked parts to provide slower (and more controllable) rate of fire of about 450 rounds per minute. Another very unusual feature was the forced air cooling system of the barrel - front part of the moving bolt acted like air pump, pushing the air through the barrel jacket. In theory, this was necessary to provide sustained fire capability, but the real usefulness of such feature in submachine gun is really questionable. Actual design of the two-part retarded blowback breechblock system was not disclosed, but this system was claimed to provide minimal recoil and vibrations. Elf-2 fired from open bolt with advanced primer ignition. Other features included folding front grip (which also served as a spare magazine holder) and retractable buttstock made from wire and stamped steel. 

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