A new 23 mm cannon was needed for the defensive turrets of this bomber, which was supposed to be more compact and faster firing than the NR-23.

The TKB-495 (TKB - Tool'skoye Konstrooktorskoye Byuro – Tula design bureau) achieved a maximum rate of 1,350 rounds per minute during the tests and in May 1954, roughly double that of the NR-23.

As the actuating slide moves back and forth, a lug in the weapon housing is cammed into this recess to guide the chambering levers.

The propellant gas conducted into the buffer is used to soften the impact of the actuating slide when it reaches the back plate.

The compressed gas inside the buffer is then used to impart a considerable forward velocity to the actuating slide to start counter-recoil.

To instantly distinguish AM-23 cartridges from the NS-23 ammunition, the AM-23 projectiles have a 4mm wide white coloured band on the side.