Project Lantan: Poland Designs a Modular AK in 7x41mm
This video explores Poland's ambitious 'Project Lantan' from the early 1970s, an initiative to develop a modular small arms system intended to replace the 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov rifle. The project aimed for a versatile design, similar to the Stoner 63, capable of configurations ranging from carbines to squad automatic weapons. A key element was the development of a new 7x41mm cartridge. Two prototypes were built, with one being examined in detail. The project was ultimately suppressed by the Soviet Union due to their desire for Warsaw Pact caliber commonality and to extract licensing fees for their own AK-74 and 5.45x39mm cartridge, though Poland did manage to reverse-engineer elements into their own Tantal rifle design. The video highlights the rarity and historical significance of these early Lantan prototypes.














