Universal or single machine gun for a long time was a pipe dream of army generals.
Machine guns were carefully divided into hand-held, mobile, light-weight models and mounted, heavy machine guns with an impressive rate of fire, large mass and used from a wheeled carriage or tripod.
But the MG34, which appeared in service with the Wehrmacht, changed everything; it had a relatively light weight, was mobile, and did not require a large crew for maintenance.
Having created the concept of using a machine gun as a support weapon for an infantry unit, the Wehrmacht did not stop there - the MG42 was even more technologically advanced and easy to use.
The concept of a single machine gun included not only the different role of the weapon in supporting infantry: from a bipod, from a wheeled carriage or a universal machine. But also its use for arming armored vehicles.
History of creation
After the Second World War, using the experience of using the MG34 and MG42 as a basis, the GAU in 1946 developed technical specifications for the design of a domestic single machine gun.
More than 20 samples from various developers were nominated for the competition. The leaders were G.I. Nikitin and V.A. Degtyarev.
But the untimely death of V. Degtyarev allowed G. Nikitin to send a small batch of his PNs for military trials. PN did not pass the exam. The machine gun parts wore out unacceptably quickly, and the automation failed when water got into it.
Later than everyone else, M. T. Kalashnikov began to develop new weapons with his designers V. V. Krupin, V. N. Pushchin, A. D. Kryakushin and others at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant.
Working in emergency mode, they were able, having passed evaluation tests in 1959, to win competitive tests in 1960.
It is worth noting that weapon designers were faced with a huge number of practically unsolvable problems. Starting from the use of the already outdated 7.62x54R welt cartridge at that time, and the requirements of the technical specifications in terms of the reliability of weapon automation.
Kalashnikov was helped to achieve such results both by the use of technical solutions that had proven themselves in the creation of AKs, and the following factors:
- Increased gaps between moving parts of weapon automation;
- Application of non-loose metal tape;
- Use of an adjustable gas outlet unit;
- Maximum unification with weapons in service;
- The maximum possible use of cold stamping under these conditions and the reduction of milling and planing operations.
As a result, it was the machine gun sample presented to the commission by M.T. Kalashnikov passed military tests and entered the army.
The PK (6P6) and PKS (6P3) machine guns were put into service on October 20 and December 28, 1961, respectively, at that time it was heavy machine gun on a tripod machine designed by Samozhenkov, with the ability to work with a bipod.
The tripod had the ability to conduct anti-aircraft fire.
To transport the PKS, a team of two people was enough. The first number carried the body of the machine gun and additional boxes of cartridges, the second number carried the assembled machine and two 200 cartridge boxes.
The production of weapons was entrusted to the machine-building plant in Kovrov.
Modernization of the PC in 1969 led to a reduction in weight by 1.5 kg and lower production costs; some operations were replaced by stamping and casting, abandoning precision machining.
The Stepanov system machine that replaced the earlier one was also several kilograms lighter.
The repeated competition left no chance for G. Nikitin’s completely revised PN. The Kalashnikov machine gun came into service again. But with the addition of the letter M (modernized)
TTX PKM
PKM (modernized Kalashnikov machine gun) has the following tactical specifications:
| Caliber | 7.62 mm |
| Rate of fire | 600 to 700 shots/min |
| Initial bullet speed | 825 m/sec |
| Tape capacity | 100 or 200 or 250 rounds |
| Height of the line of fire on the bipod | 300 mm |
| Cartridge | 7.62×54R |
| Dimensions | 1160×215×372 mm |
| Weight | 7.5 kg |
| Withstands two spare barrels | 25000 shots |
| Sighting range | 1500 meters |
| Replacing a heated barrel | 400 – 500 shots |
The PKM has a rod attached to the machine for firing at airplanes and helicopters. Sights open type and are easy to adjust.
Shooting can only be done in bursts.
Cartridges for PKM have various purposes. Ordinary bullets with steel core(LPS) are used to fire at enemy personnel.
Target designation and adjustment of fire are achieved using tracer ammunition (T-46), while armor-piercing incendiary ammunition (B-32) is used to hit targets behind cover, ignite fuel and lubricants, and fire at weakly armored targets.
PKM modifications
- PKM, company machine gun;
- PKMN – model equipped with a dovetail strap for mounting night sights or optics;
- PKMS - supplied to the troops with the Stepanov universal machine;
- PKTM is a tank modification of the machine gun, characterized by a reinforced barrel and the presence of an electric trigger;
- PKMB - an analogue of the easel version, but with a swivel for mounting on board an armored personnel carrier of the BTR-60 type of various modifications;
- AEK-999 “Badger” - an improved version of the PC for use in units special purpose;
- , a machine gun created on the basis of a PC intended to replace it in the army, is distinguished by its lightweight design and barrel design with an active radiator;
- Type 80;
- Zastava M84.
AEK-999 "Badger" is manufactured in Kovrov with a non-replaceable barrel from steels used in aviation. The kit includes a low-noise shooting device.
It allows you to make machine gun fire inaudible at a distance of 400-600 meters. The barrel can withstand up to 40,000 shots.
For the Pecheneg, TsNIITochmash created a barrel with forced cooling. Otherwise identical to PKM.
Type 80 is the Chinese version of the PKM. Was in service Chinese army only three years and then replaced by the Type 86.
Zastava M84 is a Serbian licensed version of the PKM. The only difference is the butt, which is made without cutouts.
The machine gun crew consists of two people. The PCM kit includes:
- Device for stuffing tapes;
- Spare barrel;
- 2 boxes with tape for 100 rounds;
- 2 boxes with tape for 200 rounds;
- Additional equipment with a night sight is possible.
In 2013, the Kalashnikov concern decided to begin developing a new man-portable six-barreled Kalashnikov machine gun. D. Rogozin suggested the name “Autogen” for it, because the density of fire from it would allow cutting metal sheets.
The work stalled already at the stage of making the model.
Tests planned for 2016 prototype did not take place. Apparently, further developments had to be abandoned for several reasons:
- Multi-barreled machine guns have insufficient shooting accuracy;
- Strong recoil;
- Too much heavy weight products;
- High energy intensity;
- Weak penetration of 7.62 caliber cartridges;
- Difficulty in developing a mechanism for reloading and feeding cartridges;
- The Vladimirov machine gun (KPV) turned out to be better in all respects.
Combat use of PCs
Vietnam became the first country where PCs were used in real combat. Since then, this reliable and powerful weapon has been used by opposing sides in all wars and conflicts.
This and Civil War in Cambodia, and Iran-Iraq, and both Afghan, and both Chechen, and Yugoslav wars. It was actively used in military clashes in the post-Soviet space and was even converted from a tank to an infantry version.
PCs in various modifications began to be produced in twelve countries around the world, and used in more than sixty. It was noticed that the military Western countries They also often used this trouble-free machine gun, and in Israel it is even in limited service.
Prospects for further modernization of PCM
Most information about the development of a new machine gun based on PKM and Pecheneg is classified. However, it became known that the designers of the Degtyarev arms factory focused on reducing the weight and dimensions of the machine gun and improving its ergonomics.
Based on the technical specifications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, over 4 years the product was brought to serial production.
For the first time, titanium was used to make machine gun parts.
The barrel was made with ribs and forced cooling, but without a casing. To be able to use optical sight 1P89-3 installed a Picatinny rail.
The buttstock became folding and telescopic. Added tactical grip.
For the needs of special forces, the barrel was shortened and equipped with an attachment for silent and flameless shooting. Received the name "Badger" the highest rating from the fighters of these units.
The bipod of the new product can be easily removed and can be mounted on the end of the barrel or on the gas chamber.
Testing of new samples was carried out in special chambers simulating different climatic conditions. Reliability is guaranteed in the temperature range from -50° to +50°. Tests with increased charge and high blood pressure.
Accuracy parameters are checked only with single shots.
When delivering large quantities, one randomly selected product from the batch is subjected to comprehensive testing.
As journalists found out, the plant’s design bureau is now organizing the production of machine guns for local conflicts, and at the same time, they are constructing robotic combat systems, such as, for example, “Nerekhta”.
Video
PKM machine gun on a bipod
PKM machine gun
| Tactical technical characteristics Caliber........................................................ ...................7.62 mm |
||
The Kalashnikov machine gun was modernized, first of all, with the aim of reducing weight, simplifying production and increasing ease of use. Upgraded machine gun was put into service in 1969 and received the designation PKM (index 6P6M). Performance characteristics PCMs 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 best machine guns in the world for its combination of high combat effectiveness, reliability, maneuverability and combat readiness both on a bipod and on a machine gun.
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.
The 7.62 mm Kalashnikov RPK machine gun is a Soviet machine gun that 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, it was also used quite often by troops of 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.
| PC/PCS | PKM / PKMS | PCMT | |
| Caliber | 7.62x54R | ||
| Weight | 9 kg (machine gun) + 7.7 kg (Baryshev machine gun) | 7.5 kg (machine gun) + 4.5 kg (Samozhenkov machine gun) | 10.5 kg |
| Length | 1173 mm | 1160 mm | 1098 mm |
| Barrel length | 658 mm | 645 mm | 722 mm |
| Nutrition | belt 100, 200 or 250 cartridges | ||
| Rate of fire | 650 rounds per minute | 650 rounds per minute | 800 rounds per minute |
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 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 new model appear, which more or less satisfied the army’s requirements - a single Nikitin machine gun. 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 control is used trigger. 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. Regular sights open, infantry versions were also produced with a side bracket for installing night sights.
For any army, unification is the goal that gunsmiths strive for. If the parts are interchangeable, and the design of different samples has similar features, then several problems are solved at once. Firstly, the search for spare parts in case of failure is simplified. Secondly, soldiers are trained faster and more efficiently. Thirdly, production costs are reduced. There are other reasons to strive for standardization, they include psychological character, but also important. But if the weapon is unified, then this is not enough to consider it successful. Fighting qualities are also important. Modern weapon located in the arsenals of countries - probable opponents, has always set high demands on our samples. They should be no worse, and if possible better, in terms of fire characteristics, easy to operate and, of course, reliable. All these requirements are generally satisfied by the Kalashnikov light machine gun, which is in service with the Soviet and Russian army since 1961. It is also known in many other countries where it was exported.
Single sample
The idea of a unified machine gun is not new. Almost all armies during World War I used Maxims, Hotchkiss and Colts. In the thirties, infantry and mountain units felt the need for lighter models, which began to be called hand-held, as opposed to easel. Only specialists from the German company Rheinmetall were able to achieve complete unification at that time, creating their own “lawn mower” MG-34 (according to the year of completion of development, 1934). The project was led by engineer Louis Stange. This machine gun turned out to be very successful, and the soldiers of the Red Army wanted to own a similar weapon. Only after the war did they begin to receive something similar. The task was to positive features two main types of machine guns (mounted and light) were combined in one sample. It had to be distinguished by a high rate of fire, a “long” rifle cartridge could be used as ammunition (this machine gun, for example, differs from a submachine gun), and the aimed fire range was greater than that of conventional small arms. It was precisely this model that was supposed to be adopted as uniform for the entire
DP-27 Shilina
In 1946, the creative “trio” of designers A. I. Shilin, A. A. Dubinin and P. P. Polyakov, having carried out a thorough modernization of the proven and reliable DP-27, presented practically new model, called RP-46. Soviet designers small arms used a belt cartridge feeding system, into which a feeding mechanism was integrated, inserted into the magazine location. DP-27 was not bad, but even then, in the first years of operation in the army, it was considered a temporary replacement for the outdated RPD Degtyarev. Almost all specialized weapons enterprises of the USSR began developing their own systems in the hope that it would become a single model.
Among the leaders were several design bureaus, including the creator of the AK-47 Kalashnikov, Mikhail Timofeevich, who soon presented the first version of the PK machine gun. This happened in 1959.
Competition and competitors
After a series of intermediate tests, two samples reached the finals of the competition announced by the Ministry of Defense. One was the PK (Kalashnikov machine gun), the second was the work of OKB-14 (the same Tula Arms Plant, this is worth paying attention to, since there was also internal competition at the enterprise, which contributed to high quality projects). This sample was very interesting; it reflected many advanced ideas of special mechanical engineering. The idea of feeding tape from unified boxes of two types (for 200 or 100 rounds) turned out to be very successful. The bolt locking unit is also recognized as one of the best in terms of simplicity and elegance of an engineering solution. The issue of cutting off powder gases was solved in an unusual and original way. The supply of cartridges was carried out by special “fingers”. In general, very good machine gun. The PC, however, won the competition, and for good reason.
The disadvantage of the Nikitin and Sokolov machine gun
With all the advantages that Nikitin and Sokolov’s model shone with, it still had one drawback, which was its lack of reliability. No, he did not refuse at all, but he began to shoot in single mode, after he, heated up by several bursts, was lowered into the water. This phenomenon was caused by thermal distortions occurring in the feed unit. At first glance, the defect is insignificant, but in a real battle it could cost the crew their lives. Each time the shooter was forced to reload, manually cocking the PNS 2-3 times. This delay is very dangerous. during comparative tests it behaved impeccably; it did not refuse even after being lowered into the cold Central Asian ditches.
What is the difference between PC and Stol
Today the AK-47 is so famous all over the world that there is no need to dwell in detail on the features of its design. IN Soviet times Even high school students were taught how to disassemble a machine gun in elementary school military training. In some countries, children know how to handle these weapons even at a younger age, without having yet mastered literacy.
Majority constructive solutions was invented and applied by the great Russian gunsmith, inventing his famous machine gun. The Kalashnikov machine gun differs from the prototype primarily in its barrel; it is longer, made removable, and in the first modifications it had a longitudinally ribbed surface for better heat transfer.
Other Features
For ease of firing, the PK machine gun is equipped with a bipod. Shooting in single mode is not provided, only in bursts. The flag-type fuse works in the same way as in an AK. The capacity of the box magazine, of course, is increased to 100 (and even 200 for the easel version). Feeding is carried out with a loose tape in pieces of 50 cartridges, with the help of the outermost of which it is connected. For ease of carrying, an additional handle is provided. The PK machine gun is equipped with a sight similar in design to a machine gun, but there is an additional bracket for installing a night sight. To facilitate the design, the butt has a through cutout. There are other minor design features, but in general, the degree of unification of this sample is very high, most spare parts are interchangeable, which makes operation and repair very easy. In machine guns of later releases, the removable barrel is made smooth, without cooling fins, and has a large wall thickness.
Tank
Modern small arms are ideally not only unified as much as possible, but also applicable to perform tasks in different conditions. The PK machine gun model - “PKM”, developed in 1969, is intended for use as an additional standard weapon armored vehicles. Remote control is ensured by an electric trigger. In this case, the crew can, if necessary, return it to its original infantry state by attaching the included elements (stock, bipod, handle). This is done very quickly in combat conditions, assembly is simple. The difference with the prototype is the modified gas exhaust unit, designed to reduce the amount of burning gas entering the armored hull. The barrel of the tank version is longer and heavier.
Additional options
The PK machine gun can be fired either from a standard bipod or relying on additional devices for stabilizing the line of fire. Initially, a tripod support machine was designed, designed by E. S. Samozhenkov, very convenient, but a bit heavy. A lightweight version of the frame was proposed by L., which reduced the weight by more than three kilograms. There is also an armored personnel carrier version called the PKB.
Over the course of two decades of military operation, the military made various proposals to improve the characteristics of the weapon, some of them were accepted, which was reflected in the weapon code. Thus, PK and RPK machine guns, which have an additional letter “N” in their names, can be equipped with a night sight (NSPU or PPN-3), the PKS is designed for firing at the enemy.
Worldwide
The objective indicators of the machine gun are as follows:
The caliber is standard, 7.62 mm. Weight without additional devices (the so-called “body”) is 9 kilograms. Machine gun length - 1173 mm. The bullet accelerates in the barrel to a speed of 825 m/s. At a rate of fire of 650 rounds/min, the combat rate of fire (average) is 250 rounds/min. Aimed fire can be fired at a distance of up to 1 km 300 m.
High performance and its amazing reliability were factors that determined its popularity in different corners peace. In addition to the samples produced in the USSR and supplied under export contracts to Vietnam, Egypt, Libya (and many other places), versions are also known that were produced in other countries under license. Sometimes the name changed, for example, to “Type 80” (PRC) or “M-84” (SFRY). In Bulgaria and Romania it was manufactured as a Kalashnikov machine gun.
Loading...
