File:Kassel AK47 Besonderen (Aiseus).png

Kassel-Werke Automatischer-Karabiner Modell 1947 (AK 47)

In 1947, with tensions higher than ever between Aufzen and Morsig, urban combat on the heavily developed border region between the two nations was considered a top priority. The desire for a compact automatic weapon that lacked the range restrictions of contemporary SMGs led to the development of a new weapon by Kassel-Werke weapons designer (and Hymuth emigre) Mikel Savarian Varatiga, first tested in 1945. Using a lengthened version of the existing 9x20 mm Hannover cartridge, the weapon was classified as a "carbine," on account of its intermediate cartridge, and was designed as a bullpup (known as a Hinter-Vorwärds in Aufzenian terminology), intended to give the user more maneuverability in CQB. Accepted into service in 1947, manufacturing delays resulted in the first units not reaching troops until 1950. As initially designed, it had a 410 mm barrel, 600 rpm rate of fire, 20 round straight magazine, and operated using a gas operated rotating bolt.

In 1951 the final standard variant, the AK 47-51, entered production. Compared to the initial production run, the foregrip was replaced by a grenade launcher and bayonet was mounted on the barrel. Though it was popular among troops, it was only equipped by certain special forces units as well as Lowland units, and most units continued to use battle rifles. Its drawbacks, in that it was less potent and didn't have the range of the battle rifles mostly used at the time, and didn't have the capability to be modified to serve different roles like its battle rifle competitors. Approximately 50,000 examples were produced overall before production was stopped in 1961. In its final configuration, it was given a 40 round casket magazine over the initial design.

In 1970 the rifle was phased out of active service and was reequipped to reserve units as well as the Staatspolizei, the civil arm of the military's secret police. Though it's unknown exactly how many units were equipped with the weapon, numerous examples were modified to include an integral suppressor and IR scope to fit the needs of the police. Such units were designated as "Besonderen," or "special."