Soviet machine gun, created by Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov as a single machine gun for the USSR Armed Forces. The PC was adopted by the USSR Armed Forces in 1961. It has been used in many wars and armed conflicts the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st.
Story
Influenced by the experience of the Second World War, in which the Wehrmacht successfully operated the single MG 34 and MG 42 machine guns, already in 1946 (when the RP-46 machine gun was adopted) the GAU approved tactical and technical requirements to a single machine gun to replace the Maxim and SG-43 heavy machine guns. Although the idea of a single machine gun, suitable for installation on bipods and field machines, was proposed by the designer small arms Vladimir Fedorov in the early 1920s.
In this regard, active design began for a new class of machine gun chambered for the 7.62x54 mm R rifle cartridge for the Soviet army. The earliest projects were Georgy Garanin's machine gun from 1947 and Vasily Degtyarev's machine gun from the same year. The first option was rejected, and there was no one to finalize the second due to the death of the creator.
At the end of the 1950s, Izhevsk designers led by Mikhail Kalashnikov joined the process. In addition to him, the developers of the future machine gun included V.V. Krupin, V.N. Pushchin, A.D. Kryakushin and others. As a basis, they took the proven design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which was distinguished by its reliability and simplicity.
The Kalashnikov machine gun (factory index E-2) was the latest project among competitors; only in 1959 did it undergo evaluation tests, unlike, for example, its main competitor - the Tula machine gun designed by Nikitin and Sokolov, which already had working prototypes in 1956.
This forced the team of workers and designers to work at an emergency pace, making up for lost time. The final competitive tests of 1960 revealed advantages over the Nikitin-Sokolov machine gun:
Using standard SGM/Maxim tape
Less sensitive to the gap between the piston and the gas tube;
-much less sensitive to soaking, which is critically necessary for use on armored vehicles, which must necessarily cross water barriers;
-there is an adjustment of the locking unit, which facilitates the interchangeability of barrels;
-incomparably easier in incomplete disassembly;
- less carbon pollution and more ease of cleaning the pipe;
- more durable parts;
- for 300 grams less weight bodies.
On October 20, 1961, by resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 953-405, the Kalashnikov machine gun was adopted by the army. PK and PKS (GRAU index: 6P6 and 6P3) were adopted into service by Order of the Ministry of Defense No. 0287 on December 28, 1961, and PKT (GRAU index - 6P7) by Order of the Ministry of Defense No. 269 on December 2, 1962.
The production of machine guns was established at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant.
And in 1969, a modernized PC appeared on a machine designed by Stepanov. The machine gun's weight was reduced from 9 to 7.5 kg, production and ease of use were simplified. Stepanov’s machine gun is 3.2 kg lighter than Samozhenkov’s machine, the ratio of the weight of the machine to the weight of the machine gun itself decreased from 0.86 to 0.6, and the weight of the machine gun on the machine (without belt) was up to 12.0 kg, but the accuracy of fire was not worsened. Accordingly, new versions of the machine gun were designated PKM, PKMS, PKTM and PKMB. In the new competition, the main competitor of the PKM was again a machine gun designed by Nikitin, but with a different design.
Design
The Kalashnikov machine gun uses automatic gas release; the barrel is locked using a rotating bolt. Fire is fired only in bursts, from an open bolt. In the infantry and armored personnel carrier versions, the machine gun is equipped with a folding bipod, a skeleton stock and a pistol grip fire control. In the easel version, the machine gun is mounted on a universal folding tripod machine. To fire at air targets, the machine has a special adapter rod. The sights are open and adjustable. The machine gun can also be equipped with optical or night sights.
Shock- trigger with a recoil spring, provides only automatic fire. The gas outlet unit has a three-position gas regulator. The barrel is air-cooled, the barrel is quick-changeable and has a carrying handle for easy replacement. The cartridges are fed from a non-scattered metal strip; the feed is fed only from the right.
The cartridge feed from the belt is two-stage; when the bolt group moves back, the cartridge is pulled out of the belt by the extractor grips and lowered to the feed line. Then, after pressing the trigger, the bolt group moves forward, the cartridge is sent into the barrel. The combat cock is located on the bolt frame, and the firing pin is connected to it. When, after locking the bolt, the bolt frame continues to move forward, the firing pin, under its action, moves along the channel in the bolt frame and breaks the primer. In the tank version of the machine gun (PKT), instead of a trigger, there is an electromagnetic trigger mechanism (electric trigger), activated by a button located on the gun pointing unit on a tank or infantry fighting vehicle or located on the turret rotation handle on an armored personnel carrier. The electric trigger is connected to the on-board network of the armored vehicle with a cable protected by a flexible tube made of twisted wire 50 centimeters long.
In case of failure of the electric trigger or lack of voltage in the on-board network of the armored vehicle, the tank version of the machine gun (PKT) is equipped with a mechanical firing system. The mechanical trigger is located above the electric trigger block on the butt plate of the receiver and is represented by a horizontal trigger held by a vertical safety bar. Machine guns of the PK / PKM series are distinguished by exceptionally high reliability and enjoy deserved popularity among the troops.
Options and modifications
-PC
Kalashnikov machine gun with bipod.
The PKB and PKS variants differ from the PC only in the factory configuration that determines their purpose:
If the PC is installed on a tripod machine, it is called PKS (machine machine).
-if the PC is installed on an armored personnel carrier (using a rotating bracket), then it is called PKB (armored personnel carrier). The Swivel Bracket is officially called the "Installation". The machine gun was installed only on armored personnel carriers that do not have a turret (PKT is used in armored personnel carriers with a turret).
The tripod machine for the PKS and the installation for the PCB had serial number and were assigned to a specific machine gun in the unit by an entry in a form. All three machine guns (more precisely, one with three names, depending on where it is installed) were put into service in 1961 to replace the RP-46, SGM and SGMB, respectively.
The tripod machine for PKS makes it easier targeted shooting machine gun from a pillbox or trench, firing at air targets and shooting in mountainous areas.
The installation for the PCB consists of a swivel (providing horizontal aiming), a sector (providing vertical aiming), a holder (holding a high-capacity cartridge box for 200/250 rounds), a spring shock absorber softening recoil, a frame (connecting the machine gun with the installation) and a cartridge case catcher (allowing to avoid cluttering the internal space of the armored personnel carrier). The design of the PCB included a non-removable bipod and stock as on a regular PC, which made it possible, if necessary, to use it outside the combat vehicle.
The PKB was used on armored personnel carriers that had an open-top design without a rotating turret (BTR-40, BTR-152, BRDM-1, BTR-50) as well as on the turretless early versions of the BTR-60 - BTR-60P and BTR-60PA. Since these types of armored personnel carriers were almost completely removed from service with the USSR Armed Forces, this modification is rare.
Modernized Kalashnikov machine gun. Adopted into service in 1969 to replace the PC. Differs in less weight.
Options that had a tripod machine or installation included in the factory configuration are called PKMS and PKMB, respectively.
At the same time, a new 6T5 tripod machine designed by Stepanov was adopted for use in the PKMS version. While saving all positive qualities the previous machine is 3 kg lighter, and in addition has:
-special belts for fastening boxes with tapes in the stowed position; thus, in the stowed position, up to 2 boxes with belts of 200 rounds of ammunition are carried along with the machine;
- fastening on the legs of the machine for a box with tape in the firing position; thus, in battle, one soldier can carry a machine gun along with the machine and the cartridge box without removing the belt from the machine gun.
In addition, just like in the Samozhenkov machine, the new machine can be equipped with a machine gun for anti-aircraft shooting.
The Kalashnikov machine gun is a tank type, with a heavier barrel and equipped with an electric trigger. It is mounted in the turrets of tanks and other armored combat vehicles (BMP, BMD, BTR-60PB/70/80/90, MT-LB, BMPT, BRDM-2, BRM-1K). Adopted into service in 1962 to replace the SGMT machine gun.
Modernized Kalashnikov tank machine gun. Adopted into service in 1998.
-AEK-999 “Badger”
PKM with a new machine gun barrel produced by the Kovrov Mechanical Plant. The biggest change in the design of the weapon compared to the single PKM machine gun is the new non-replaceable barrel, which uses aviation materials. It is equipped with a removable low-noise firing device, which allows to significantly reduce the acoustic load on the members of the machine gun crew and reduce visibility by reducing noise and eliminating the muzzle flash. There is evidence that the sound of a shot, depending on the type and terrain, is no longer audible at a distance of 400–600 m. A heat dissipator is placed above the machine gun barrel, which reduces the distorting effect warm air on the aiming line and imparts rigidity to the barrel structure. Barrel life is 33-40 thousand shots.
-Pecheneg
PKM with a barrel of forced cooling due to the energy of powder gases. Created at TsNIITochmash.
Chinese PCM. The machine gun entered service with the PLA in the 1980s. It was initially assumed that the Type 80 would replace the Type 67 previously created in the PRC, which had proven itself well at the military district training ground in Chengdu. However, then the development was curtailed, and only the Type 67 remained in service. Several Type 80 samples were tested in the Chinese Navy, then they were modernized, and the ground forces received a modification of the Type 86, which was put into service with the PLA.
Serbian PKM. One of the differences is the stock is made of solid wood.
PKT tank machine gun
The tank version has a heavier and longer barrel, as well as a modified gas outlet unit to reduce gas contamination fighting compartment. A heavy barrel with thicker walls allows for more intense fire without replacing it. The tank version has no mechanical sights, stock, pistol grip and bipod. To open fire, an electric trigger is used, connected to the on-board network.
If there is no voltage in the on-board network, in the back of the PKT receiver, above the electric trigger block, there is a mechanical trigger, made in the form of a vertical trigger, held by a spring-loaded fuse located in the horizontal plane. The fuse fits into the slots of the trigger with its protrusions, thereby securing it. In this case, to fire, you need to press the safety down and press the trigger in the direction of the shot. At the end of the shooting, the trigger and fuse return to their position under the influence of springs. initial position when the fuse locks the trigger.
The only standard specialized device for PCT is the so-called Tube Cold Shooting(ТХП), which serves for alignment of a tank machine gun and a sight, attached individually to each machine gun.
PKT in infantry version
During numerous local conflicts in the early 90s, in the territory former USSR, representatives of illegal armed groups have a huge demand for light machine guns as one of the main means of fire support for infantry. At the same time, the warring parties acquired a large number of PKT machine guns, stolen in military units, taken from armored vehicles damaged in battles or disabled. A natural step to overcome such a shortage should be considered small-scale production of converting PKT tank machine guns into an infantry version in civilian mechanical workshops.
The conversion scheme that became most widespread was as follows:
- The electric trigger unit was removed from the machine gun.
- To the vacant space on the butt plate of the receiver, a butt with a pistol grip made of a single piece of plastic or repeatedly glued layers of plywood was attached with a riveted connection using steel plates on the sides of the receiver.
- The safety bar was removed, and the partially cut trigger was connected to a homemade hook, under which a slot was cut in the bottom of the receiver.
- Attached to the barrel gas outlet assembly bolted connection a tin clamp with a bipod made of a thick steel rod with pointed ends.
- A protrusion with a front sight was attached to the barrel in the front part by welding.
- A steel corner with a radial cutout, which played the role of a sighting bar, was attached to the receiver cover with a riveted connection.
Due to the maximum simplification of the conversion process, the resulting machine guns did not have such elements of the PKM infantry machine gun as: a fire safety device, a bracket for attaching a box of cartridges, a safety guard on the trigger, a holder on the bipod for a prefabricated ramrod, sockets in the butt for an oil can and for a pencil case with cleaning supplies. Due to such simplifications, the converted PKT machine gun was inferior to the PKM in terms of size and weight, ease of carrying in combat conditions, safety and accuracy of aimed fire. The only advantage of the converted PKT over the PKM was the ability to conduct more intense and prolonged fire thanks to the weighted barrel.
Machine guns of this design were widely used during the Karabakh war, during the First and Second Chechen wars, V Civil War in Tajikistan, in the South Ossetian war (1991-1992), in the Georgian-Abkhaz war (1992-1993).
During the hostilities in Donbass, converted PKTs were used by militias from Gorlovka and Ukrainian troops.
Production
Azerbaijan: two versions of the PKM are produced (chambered 7.62x54 mm R): the general-purpose UP-7.62 (weight 7.5 kg) and the special HP-7.62 (weight 7 kg).
-Bangladesh: Produced by Bangladesh Ordnance Factories under the symbol BD-14.
-Bulgaria: in 1971-1973, serial production of the PK machine gun was mastered and started, and in 1976-1978 - of the PKT tank machine gun, now PKM is produced by Arsenal; later, modified versions of the PKM machine gun (with plastic fittings) were created: MG-1 and MG-1M - for 7.62x54 mm R and 7.62x51 mm NATO ammunition;
-Iran: produced by Defense Industries Organization;
-PRC: PKT is produced under the name Type 59T. The PKM is produced under the name Type 80. The export version chambered for 7.62 NATO cartridge is produced under the designation CF06 or CS/LM4;
-Poland: PK (PKM), PKT (PKT) machine guns and their modifications have been produced since 1968; after the transition to NATO standards in 1997-2000, the Tarnow Mechanical Plant created the UKM-2000 variant chambered for 7.62x51 mm.
-Russia: PKM, PKTM, PKMS, PKMB are produced by the Degtyarev Plant;
-Romania: the PKM machine gun is produced by ROMARM under the name Mitraliera md. 66 and PKT under the name MMB;
-Serbia: the PK machine gun is produced by the Zastava Arms company under the name Zastava M84, PKT - under the name Zastava M86;
-Sudan: manufactured by Military Industry Corporation under the name Mokhtar;
-Ukraine: the Mayak plant produces PKM (under the name KM-7.62) and PKT (under the name KT-7.62)
Operating countries
Russia
-Albania
-Afghanistan
-Azerbaijan
-Armenia
-Bangladesh: in the combined arms formations of the Bangladesh Army and the Presidential Guard
-Belarus
-Bulgaria
-Bosnia-Herzegovina
-GDR
-Georgia
-Israel
-Iraq
-Iran
-Yugoslavia
-Cambodia
-Kazakhstan
-PRC
-Kyrgyzstan
-Democratic Republic of Congo
-Republic of Congo
-Croatia
-Cuba
-THE USSR
-Poland
-Romania
-Sao Tome and Principe
-Serbia
-Syria
-Slovakia
-Slovenia
-Sri Lanka: in the Sri Lanka Army. About 200 Type 80 machine guns were supplied by Norinco.
-Cape Verde
-Laos
-Latvia
-Lithuania
-Macedonia
-Mali
-Mozambique
-Moldova
-Mongolia
-Finland (was known as 7.62 KK PKM).
-Tajikistan
-Turkey
-Czech
-Switzerland
-Ukraine
-Turkmenistan
-Hungary
-Sweden (known as Kulspruta 95)
-Uzbekistan
-Vietnam
-Eritrea
-Estonia
-Guinea
-Guinea-Bissau
-Zambia
-Uganda
-Chad
TTX
Weight, kg: 9.0 pcs on bipod; 16.5 PKS with Samozhenkov’s machine; 7.5 RMB on bipod; 10.5 PKTM; 12.0 PKMS with Stepanov’s machine; 3.9 box with loaded belt for 100 rounds; 3.4 lightweight box with loaded belt for 100 rounds; 8.0 box with loaded belt for 200 rounds; 6.2 lightweight box with loaded belt for 200 rounds
-Length, mm: 1173 with conical flame arrester; 1192 with long slotted flame arrester; 1160 with short slotted flame arrester
-Barrel length, mm: 605 without flash suppressor; 658 with conical flame arrester; 677 with long slotted flash suppressor; 645 with short slotted flash suppressor
-Cartridge: 7.62x54 mm R
-Principles of operation: removal of powder gases, rotary bolt
-Rate of fire, rounds/min: 650 (PC, PKM); 750 (FCT)
-Initial bullet speed, m/s: 825 (PC, PKM); 855 (PKT) - all data for the LPS bullet with steel core
-Sighting range, m: 1500
-Maximum range, m: 3800 (LPS bullet with steel core)
-Type of ammunition: belts of 100/200/250 rounds
-Sight: mechanical (front sight and rear sight)
PKM machine gun on a bipod
PKM machine gun
| Tactico specifications
Caliber........................................................ ...................7.62 mm |
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The Kalashnikov machine gun was modernized, first of all, with the aim of reducing weight, simplifying production and increasing ease of use. The modernized machine gun was put into service in 1969 and received the designation PKM (index 6P6M). The tactical and technical characteristics of PKM are generally identical to PCs. The weight of the machine gun was reduced by 1.5 kg. The rigidity of the receiver cover is increased by longitudinal ribs. The butt received a folding shoulder pad. Subsequently, the PKM received a plastic butt of the same configuration.
In the machine gun complex, in addition to the cartridge, the machine gun itself and a set of sights important role machine gun installations are playing. In 1969, the PKM adopted a new tripod machine 6T5 designed by L.V. Stepanov. The design of the machine widely uses the principle of multifunctionality of parts: the frame of the vertical guidance mechanism is used as a stand for anti-aircraft firing, the bushing-base serves as the axis of fastening of the rear legs of the machine, the machine gun fastening mechanism is combined with the fastening latch of the frame of the vertical guidance mechanism for anti-aircraft firing, the fine vertical aiming mechanism - with an axis of fastening of the vertical guidance mechanism. The mounting post for the box with tape on the right rear leg of the machine made it possible to change the position without unloading the machine gun. As a result, the lightest machine gun for a single machine gun was created without deteriorating the accuracy of fire: the ratio of the weight of the machine to the weight of the machine gun itself decreased to 0.6. In addition, Stepanov’s machine has 20 fewer parts and is 40% less labor-intensive than Samozhenkov’s machine.
The PKM/PKMS machine gun is considered one of the the best machine guns in the world for a combination of high combat effectiveness, reliability, maneuverability and combat readiness both on a bipod and on a machine.
The PKM has repeatedly confirmed its reputation as a reliable and easy-to-handle weapon with good fighting qualities, both through comparative tests and experience. combat use V local wars and armed conflicts in different regions peace.
The PKM machine gun is in service in many countries around the world; in a number of countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, China, Romania) its copies and variants are produced.
Based on the experience of the Second World War, Soviet military experts appreciated the German idea of a universal (or single) machine gun, and set the task of creating such a machine gun for the Soviet army. The first experimental designs, begun in the late 1940s, used pre-existing designs such as the RP-46 or SGM as a base, but they were considered unsuccessful.
Only by 1957 did a fundamentally appear new sample, more or less satisfying the army's requirements - single machine gun Nikitina. This was an original development that used automatic gas release with automatic adjustment and a specially designed belt with an open link, which ensured simple straight-line feeding of the cartridge into the barrel. In 1958, it was decided to produce a large batch of Nikitin machine guns for military tests, however, almost at the same time, the GRAU General Staff of the USSR decided on the need to “accelerate” the process of fine-tuning the PN, for which it ordered a similar machine gun from the design group of M.T. Kalashnikov.
It should be noted that just at this time Kalashnikov was busy fine-tuning the AKM / RPK complex, but he still accepted the challenge. According to the test results, the hastily created Kalashnikov machine gun was recognized as superior to the Nikitin machine gun (the decision to adopt and produce it had already been practically made), and in 1961 it was the Kalashnikov machine gun that was adopted for service.
This machine gun was created in four versions at once, which had the same basic mechanisms and design - a manual PK (on a bipod), an easel PKS (on a machine designed by Samozhenkov), an armored personnel carrier PKB and a tank PKT (with an elongated heavy barrel and a remote electric trigger). Based on operational experience among the troops, the basic design of the machine gun was modernized by slightly lightening and strengthening the parts, as well as by switching to a lighter universal infantry machine designed by Stepanov.
In 1969, a new family of PKM / PKMS / PKMB / PKMT machine guns entered service with the Soviet army, and to this day these machine guns are the main ones in the Armed Forces of Russia and many countries - former republics THE USSR. The production of copies of PKM (with or without a license) has been established in Bulgaria, China, Iran, and the former Yugoslavia.
Machine guns of the PK / PKM series are highly reliable and enjoy deserved popularity among the troops, despite the somewhat overcomplicated two-stage system for feeding cartridges from the belt to the barrel.
The Kalashnikov machine gun uses gas-operated automatics with a gas piston located under the barrel with a long working stroke. The barrel is quick-change and has a carrying handle, also used for hot barrel replacement. The gas outlet unit is equipped with a manual gas regulator. The barrel is locked by turning the bolt.
The cartridges are fed from a solid metal strip with a closed link. The tapes are assembled from pieces of 50 links using a cartridge. The standard capacity of the belts is 100 (in the manual version) or 200 (in the easel version) cartridges. The direction of feed of the tape is from right to left, the windows for feeding and exiting the tape are equipped with dust-proof covers, as is the window for ejecting spent cartridges. The supply of cartridges from the belt is two-stage - first, when the bolt rolls back, a special gripper pulls the cartridge out of the belt back, after which the cartridge is lowered onto the chambering line and, when the bolt rolls back, is sent into the barrel. Shooting is carried out from an open bolt, with automatic fire only.
Standard infantry controls include a pistol grip, trigger, manual safety, and frame stock. In the armored personnel carrier version, it is possible to install a special butt plate with paired handles and a trigger button instead of a butt, in the tank version, an electric remote trigger mechanism is used.
In the infantry version, the machine gun is equipped with a folding bipod; in the easel version, a universal tripod machine with an adapter for anti-aircraft shooting is additionally used. The standard sights are open; infantry versions with a side bracket for installing night sights were also produced.
7.62 mm Kalashnikov RPK machine gun - soviet machine gun, which was developed by Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov as a single machine gun of the USSR Armed Forces. The Kalashnikov light machine gun was adopted by the USSR in 1961. The Kalashnikov RPK machine gun was used in many armed conflicts and wars of the second half of the 20th century, as well as at the beginning of the 21st century.
The basis for the development of the RPK (caliber 7.62 mm) was the AKM assault rifle (Kalashnikov version of the AK 47). When designing this system, it was possible to solve one of the most important problems - the standardization of small arms. The Kalashnikov light machine gun received a device made on the same principle as the AKM, with interchangeable components and standardized ammunition. As a result, the Soviet army was the first in the world to receive a Kalashnikov infantry machine gun and an assault rifle with a universal design. This was a huge advantage:
- in production;
- in teaching;
- in maintenance;
- in the supply of spare parts.
The history of the creation of the Kalashnikov machine gun
By the beginning of the 1960s, the Soviet Army did not have modern models of single machine guns. The Goryunov heavy machine gun, which was in service with the army at that time, had such characteristics as reliability and power, but its weight was large, and it was a low-mobility weapon that did not meet the requirements of either the Airborne Forces or ground forces. To create a new weapon, a competition was organized in which many famous designers took part. As a result, a machine gun was adopted, which was developed by a team led by Timofey Kalashnikov. It had a caliber of 7.62 mm. The new weapon was both reliable and lightweight, and its characteristics in all respects were significantly superior to the American counterpart M60.
In 1961, the Kalashnikov light machine gun entered service. The AKM and RPK assault rifles had broad unification. The manufacturer of the RPK was the Vyatsko-Polyansky plant "Molot".
Advantages of creating the PKK
Thanks to the fact that the AKM assault rifle became the basis for the machine gun, it was possible to achieve:
- simplifying the production of the PKK, as well as making it easier to study among the troops;
- reliable operation and excellent performance characteristics.
- easy maintenance, repair and disassembly.
The design of the RPK and AKM was similar, most of their parts and assemblies are interchangeable. The machine gun and the machine gun had identical parts, which ensured the wide maintainability of the weapon in arsenals and in military workshops of military districts. Simple disassembly and identity with the AKM ensured its easy study by the troops.
Differences from AKM
The AKM assault rifle became the basis for the RPK, so the machine gun had the following design changes:
- to increase the initial bullet speed to 745 m/s, the barrel was lengthened;
- the receiver liner was strengthened;
- the weight of the barrel has been increased to ensure intense fire conditions compared to the AKM;
- to ensure stability when firing, the machine gun was equipped with a lightweight folding bipod;
- to increase the combat rate of fire, the capacity of the machine gun magazine has been increased: up to 40 rounds - sector, up to 75 rounds - disc;
- the butt was made in the shape of the butt of a Degtyarev machine gun to ensure ease of shooting;
- The sight was equipped with a moving whole so that the influence of external conditions on shooting accuracy could be taken into account.
Combat use
The Kalashnikov machine gun, as well as its modifications, as well as the AKM assault rifle, have been actively used over the past 30 years in almost all military conflicts. The modernized Kalashnikov machine gun has proven itself to be effective, reliable and powerful weapon, troops also used it quite often Western countries. A certain number of PKMs are in service with the Israeli army in the form of weapons of a limited standard.
The PKM is serviced by a crew consisting of two people. As a result, disassembly and assembly of PCM is faster. The machine gun is supplied with a device for stuffing belts, a spare barrel, 600 rounds of ammunition - 2 belts of 100 rounds each, as well as 2 of 200 rounds. Total weight the entire set of PCM is approximately 30 kilograms. The crew can also receive a night sight and a Samozhenkov machine (weight 9 kg). During the Arab-Israeli wars, Egyptian infantrymen often installed tank sights on PCs, which made it possible to carry out targeted fire over 1800 meters.
Characteristics of the modernized Kalashnikov machine gun "PKM"
- Caliber - 7.62 mm.
- Rate of fire, 600..800 rounds/min.
- Sighting range - up to 1500 m.
- The initial bullet speed is 825 m/s.
- The height of the firing line is 300 mm on the bipod.
- Belt capacity - 100 and 200 rounds.
- Cartridge - 7.62×54R.
- Guaranteed operating time using a single spare parts and two barrels, at least 25,000 rounds.
- Dimensions - 1160×215×372 mm.
- Weight - 7.5 kg.
- Combat rate of fire - 250 rounds/min.
- The operating temperature range is ±50 °C.
Main variants of the Kalashnikov machine gun
- PC - Kalashnikov machine gun on a bipod.
- PKS - Kalashnikov machine gun.
- PKB - Kalashnikov armored personnel carrier machine gun.
- PKM - Kalashnikov machine gun modernized on a bipod.
- PKMS - modernized Kalashnikov machine gun.
- PKMB is a modernized armored personnel carrier Kalashnikov machine gun.
- PKT - Kalashnikov tank machine gun.
- PKTM - modernized Kalashnikov tank machine gun.
Kalashnikov RPK 74 machine gun
Kalashnikov machine gun RPK 74 (caliber 5.45) - light machine gun, which is designed to replace the RPK machine gun, which has a caliber of 7.62x39 mm with a 5.45x39 mm cartridge, characterized by low impulse. It was adopted into service along with the AK74 assault rifle in 1974. In 1993, after the AK-74M assault rifle was created, observing the principle of unification, the RPK-74 was modified to the RPK-74M. Based on the RPK-74M, a version of the RPK-201 was developed for export, using a 5.56x45 mm cartridge.
Characteristics
- Effective firing range:
- for air targets is 500 m;
- for group ground targets is 1000 m;
- for single ground targets is 600 m.
- Direct shot range:
- according to the running figure it is 640 m;
- the chest figure is 460 m.
Despite the greater degree of unification with the AK-74, the design of the RPK-74 has significant differences, which are due to the specific use of the machine gun as a fire support weapon. The following changes were made: the barrel, the receiver liner, fixed bipods were fixed, and a slotted flash suppressor was installed. As a result, the disassembly and assembly of the RPK-74 has changed somewhat.
PKT is a Kalashnikov tank machine gun, which is used to equip armored vehicles, tanks and other military equipment. Speaking automatic weapons to destroy enemy fire weapons and manpower.
As a result of the unification of weapons in the Soviet Army in 1962, the PKT was adopted as a tank machine gun to replace the SGMT. Due to the specifics of the combat use of the PKT, Kalashnikov made a number of changes to the design of the machine gun. In particular these are:
- the barrel weight increased by 1200 grams to ensure the ability to conduct intense fire;
- PKT barrel length increased to 722 mm;
- sliders were introduced for attachment to the corresponding tank installations;
- a gas regulator is included, which prevents the release of gases into the fighting compartment;
- lack of sighting devices, since aiming is carried out using an optical sight;
- the stock was abolished;
- to provide remote control The fire involves an electric trigger, which is mounted on the buttplate of the receiver.
Characteristics:
- Cartridge - 7.62x54R.
- Caliber - 7.62 mm.
- Rate of fire 600 – 800 rounds/min.
- Barrel length – 722 mm.
- The length of the machine gun is 1098 mm.
- The weight of the machine gun without ammunition is 10.5 kg.
- Barrel weight - 3.23 kg.
Cartridges for RPK
Shooting from the RPK is carried out with 7.62×39 cartridges of the 1943 model with the following types of bullets:
- ordinary with a steel core. Used to destroy manpower.
- tracer. It is used for correction and target designation at a distance of up to 800 m, including for the destruction of manpower.
- armor-piercing incendiary. It is used to ignite flammable liquids, including to destroy manpower that is located openly or behind obstacles pierced by bullets.
The PKT - Kalashnikov tank machine gun - was developed by the legendary Soviet gunsmith Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov. He gave our country and the world as a whole no less legendary weapon than the famous machine gun, which is used globally to this day. In the original or in modifications - it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that the PKT - the Kalashnikov tank machine gun - was, is and, most likely, will be a weapon that will serve the country for several more decades.
Years of delivery and operation
The machine gun was put into service in 1961. The model is still being used today. At the same time, the PKT - the Kalashnikov tank machine gun - is based on a general, basic design borrowed from However, like other specialized modifications.
Application
It should be noted that the PKT tank machine gun, the characteristics of which (some) will be described in this article, was used in large quantities local conflicts. And not only the tank modification, but also other weapon models. It was used by military personnel during conflicts of the late 20th century, as well as the beginning of the 11th century.
Distinctive aspects
In general, the PC (in particular, the PKT - the Kalashnikov tank machine gun) has excellent characteristics in terms of penetration, as well as lethal action. The simplicity of the design (and we all know very well that this is the design of Kalashnikov weapons) ensures high reliability and, of course, reliability.
Weapon development
The basis for the creation of this device was the principle of the so-called “single machine gun”. What is the meaning of this? The fact is that the design of the “single machine gun” provides for the transformation of the weapon into an infantry, anti-tank, easel, or anti-aircraft version. In this case, the main structure does not undergo changes. This is the essence of the “single machine gun”, embedded in the base that the Kalashnikov PKT machine gun inherited.
Variations
The infantry (also called manual) version is used when installing a bipod (PC). For use as heavy machine gun installation of the appropriate machine (PKS) is required. To use a weapon as a weapon, it is attached to special devices. The same thing happens when using a machine gun in a tank turret (PKT).
By the way, an interesting fact is that not only the easel, but also the infantry version can be used to neutralize the threat from the air.
Replacing tank machine guns
Until 1962, it was used in tanks. In that year, the gun was replaced with a more technologically advanced and advanced one. tactical and technical characteristics PCT. Accordingly, when replacing the design, the engineers made some changes, including sighting devices. They were removed because an optical sight was used to aim the gun at the target in the PKT.
Dimensions have also undergone changes. The barrel length, as well as the weight of the machine gun, was increased. The stock was removed from the design as unnecessary. In order to control the fire remotely, the gunsmiths added an electric start.
Data
In most cases, a Kalashnikov tank machine gun is paired with an anti-tank gun.
The PCB is installed on armored personnel carriers by attaching it to a special support. It, in turn, is connected to the armored vehicle using brackets. Thus, the barrel will be turned in the direction where it will be necessary to shoot.
Nutrition
Metal belts are used to power the weapon. The tape itself is placed in a special box on the side of the machine gun. Ammunition capacity may vary. These are variations for 100 rounds, as well as 200 and 250.
Modernization
Like almost any weapon, the Kalashnikov machine gun has gone through a modernization process. This happened 8 years after the official adoption into service in the ranks Soviet army. That is, in 1969.
What has been modernized? The weight of the weapon was immediately reduced by 1.5 kilograms. From this time on, modernized models were able to use night sights that did not require illumination.
Currently in production
Nowadays, weapons developed by Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov are widely used in many countries in Asia, the Middle East, European Union. But now we are talking specifically about the Kalashnikov machine gun and its variations. So, they are produced today (except for Russia) in China, as well as Bulgaria and Romania.
Background of creation
No matter what anyone says, the Soviet command learned from World War II. Then, as you know, the Wehrmacht managed to successfully introduce machine guns of the MG 34/MG 42 models into the armament of the army of the German occupiers. Thus, Soviet engineers, under orders from above, were intensively developing similar weapons. For obvious reasons, Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov succeeded in this.
The tactical and technical requirements for the weapon were approved in 1946. Weapons engineers were required to create a single machine gun that would replace the easel
An interesting fact is that the design of a single machine gun was proposed at the beginning of the twentieth century, in the 20s. It was proposed by Vladimir Fedorov, who was a designer of small arms.
A team of Izhevsk gunsmiths, headed by Kalashnikov, joined the process of developing a single machine gun in the 50s. The team at that time consisted of several more people: Kryakushin A.D., Pushchin V.N. The machine gun is based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle. There were reasons for this, because such a design ensured ease of use and reliability.
In 1960, tests were carried out, the purpose of which was to identify the best option machine gun. The PC was tested, as well as the Nikitin-Soloviev machine gun. The PC won, of course. The following main benefits were identified:
1) The ammunition used was 7.62 mm cartridges, which were loaded with a standard belt from a Maxim machine gun, for example.
2) The PC was less sensitive to the gap that existed between the gas pipe and the piston.
3) There was less sensitivity to silence. This is really important when used on armored vehicles.
4) Locking units are adjustable.
5) Incomplete disassembly much simpler and easier.
6) Pollution does not occur as intensely. Cleaning is much easier.
7) The parts are more durable, the machine gun works more stable.
8) Weight is almost 300 grams less.
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