The VSS, also called the Vintorez, is a sniper rifle featuring a built-in suppresor (similar to that of the AS-Val) the weapon is loaded with heavy subsonic 9×39mm SP5 cartridges and armor-piercing SP6 cartridges. It was manufactured (created) by the Soviet company TsNIITochMash during the late 1980s. It is issued primarily to Spetsnaz units for secretive operations, a role made evident by its ability to be broken down for transport in a specially fitted case. 