PC machine gun. Modern small arms
The legendary PKM - a machine gun developed by M. Kalashnikov as one of a kind for arming the army, was used in many wars and conflicts in which our country took part.
History of creation
Due to the experience gained in World War II, in which the Wehrmacht used its MG 42 and MG 34, the GAU approved new technical requirements. They were aimed at creating a single machine gun, which was supposed to replace the easel "Maxim" and SG-43.
And although the leadership of the Soviet army came to such a decision only in 1946, nevertheless, such an idea was proposed by the famous designer V. Fedorov back in 1920. In his opinion, the army should have had a single machine gun suitable for installation on field machines and bipods.
Active design of a new class of weapons began, which was supposed to “work” under 7.62x54 mm R rifle cartridges. Initially, two drawing versions were created - Garanin and Degtyarev machine guns. However, the first was soon rejected, and the second was not finalized because its creator died.
At the end of the fifties of the last century, a group of Izhevsk designers led by Mikhail Kalashnikov got involved in the work. The basis for the future machine gun was taken from the already well-developed design of his machine gun, which was distinguished by its simplicity and reliability.
General information
The Kalashnikov machine gun - PK with the factory designation E-2 - became the latest project on the list. In 1959, it had just passed its evaluation test. Unlike its main competitor, the Tula counterpart of designers Nikitin and Sokolov, who had a working prototype for a long time, the PK (Kalashnikov machine gun) was still being developed. This circumstance forced the creators to switch to emergency work mode in order to make up for lost time.
As a result of the final competitive tests in 1960, significant advantages of Kalashnikov’s brainchild over the analogue from Nikitin and Sokolov were revealed.
At the end of October 1961, by decree of the Soviet government, the PC was adopted into service in the army. Production of this weapon it was decided to launch it at a mechanical plant in Kovrov.
Modernization
In 1969, Kalashnikov's brainchild was modernized. This was done primarily to reduce weight, as well as to increase operational convenience. As a result, a modernized Kalashnikov machine gun appeared, which became one and a half kilograms lighter.
In addition, other changes were made. In particular, the barrel fins have been removed. New designs were created for the flash suppressor and handle, the butt plate at the butt and the trigger guard. The creators managed to increase the rigidity of the cover on the receiver using longitudinal ribs.
The modernized version received the designation “Kalashnikov PKM machine gun.” In addition, this weapon also has a “night” modification - PKMN, which is adapted to install an NSPU sight used in the dark. Since 1969, the PKM machine gun has been in service in the army.
Characteristics
According to the creator's design, this weapon uses gas-operated automatics. The barrel is locked by a rotating bolt. The PKM (modernized Kalashnikov machine gun) fires only in bursts. In the infantry or armored personnel carrier version, it is equipped with a folding bipod and a skeleton butt, and there is also a pistol grip for firing control. In the easel version, the PKM machine gun is mounted on a universal folding tripod.
For shooting at air targets, the machine has a special adapter rod. The sights on the PKM are open and adjustable. Thanks to its high performance characteristics, the PKM is a machine gun that is very popular not only in our country, but also in many armies of the former socialist camp. Its mass without tape is seven and a half kilograms with a length of 1173 millimeters. Muzzle energy is 3267 J at a rate of six hundred and fifty rounds per minute. The PKM is a machine gun that has an effective range of one thousand five hundred meters.
Automation
The trigger mechanism of this weapon, equipped with a recoil spring, can only provide automatic fire.
A three-position regulator is installed on the gas outlet unit. The barrel is cooled by air. The PKM is equipped with a quick-change barrel, for easy replacement of which there is a carrying handle.
Feeding cartridges from a two-stage belt. When the bolt group moves back, they are pulled out of the belt by the extractor grips and lowered one after another onto the feed line. After pressing the hook, the cartridges are sent into the barrel. The combat cocking is located on the bolt frame, to which the firing pin is connected.
Modifications
Together with the modernized Kalashnikov machine gun, its armored personnel carrier version, the PKMB, was also created. The weight of the latter dropped to seventeen and a half kilograms. To equip patrols peacekeeping forces The motorcycle unit with which the PKM was equipped was returned. The machine gun was also equipped with a new 6T5 tripod machine developed by Stepanov. The design of the latter uses the principle of multifunctionality for parts.
This tripod allows you to carry a machine gun during battle with one crew, and change position without unloading. In addition, a PKM machine gun equipped with a similar machine received increased stability while reducing weight.
The need to improve shooting efficiency required finding ways to eliminate factors that impair accuracy. These include the natural vibrations of the barrel when fired, disruption of its straightness due to uneven heating of the internal surfaces along the length and cooling of the external ones, the formation of a flow of heated air above it, etc.
Employees of the Central Research Institute Tochmash of the city of Klimovsk carried out work to study the possibility of increasing accuracy with bursts of various durations, as well as reducing aiming errors, without changing the design, dimensions and automation device. As a result, a single “Pecheneg” (index 6P41) was created, based on a PKM machine gun.
Since this weapon is not sold in stores, it would be superfluous to talk about its cost.
However, you can purchase an airsoft PKM, the price of which starts at twenty-seven thousand rubles.
Ammo
Shooting from PKM is carried out with 7.62×39 cartridges various types bullets To hit a living enemy target, use the usual option with steel core. Tracer bullets are used for target designation at a distance of up to eight hundred meters and for target correction.
The armor-piercing incendiary version is used to ignite flammable materials and liquids, as well as to destroy a living target located both openly and behind obstacles that the PKM cartridge can penetrate.
Combat use
The modernized Kalashnikov machine gun, as well as its modifications, have been actively used over the past few decades in almost any military conflict.
A certain number of these weapons are in service with the Israeli army as a limited standard. The PKM machine gun, which can be disassembled either completely or partially, has proven itself to be the most effective in its class, reliable and powerful. Apparently this is why it was used quite often by the troops of Western states.
PKM serves a crew consisting of two people. As a result, disassembly and assembly of this weapon is much faster. The machine gun comes with a device for stuffing belts, as well as a spare barrel and six hundred rounds of ammunition. The total weight of the entire set of the modernized Kalashnikov machine gun is approximately thirty kilograms. The crew can also be issued a night sight with a Samozhenkov machine, weighing nine kg. During the Arab-Israeli conflicts, Egyptian army infantrymen often mounted tank sights on PCs. This allowed them to carry out targeted fire at a distance of over one thousand eight hundred meters instead of the calculated one thousand five hundred.
7.62 mm Kalashnikov machine gun (PK) - Soviet machine gun, developed by Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov as a single machine gun for Armed Forces USSR. 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.
Kalashnikov PKM machine gun - video
Influenced by the experience of the Second World War, in which the Wehrmacht successfully used single machine guns MG 34 and MG 42, already in 1946 (when the RP-46 machine gun was adopted) the GAU approved the tactical and technical requirements for a single machine gun to replace the Maxim and heavy machine guns. SG-43. In the USSR, the idea of a single machine gun suitable for installation on bipods and field machines was proposed by small arms designer Vladimir Fedorov in the early 1920s.
In this regard, active design of a new class of machine gun chambered for the 7.62x54 mm R rifle cartridge for the Soviet army began. 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 became involved in 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. They took as a basis the proven design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which was distinguished by its reliability and simplicity.
Kalashnikov PK machine guns
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 in emergency mode, making up for lost time. The final competitive tests of 1960 revealed advantages over the Nikitin-Sokolov machine gun:
Using standard tape SGM/Maxima/RP-46;
- less sensitive to the gap between the piston and the gas tube;
- much less sensitive to soaking, which is critical 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 easier cleaning of 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 carried out 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.
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(easel).
- 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 (armored personnel carriers with a turret use the PKT).
The tripod machine for the PKS and the installation for the PKB had a serial number and were assigned in the unit to a specific machine gun by an entry in the form. All three machine guns (more precisely, one in three titles, depending on where 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 bunker or trench, shooting 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 butt 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.
RMB- 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 accordingly PKMS And PKMB.
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;
- mounting 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.
PCT- a Kalashnikov tank machine gun, with a heavier barrel and equipped with an electric trigger. It is installed 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.
Kalashnikov PKM machine guns
PKTM- 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 weapon's design compared to the single PKM machine gun is the new non-replaceable barrel, which uses aircraft-grade 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 located above the machine gun barrel, which reduces the distorting effect of warm air on the aiming line and makes the barrel structure rigid. Barrel life is 33-40 thousand shots.
Pecheneg - PKM with a barrel of forced cooling due to the energy of powder gases. Developed at TsNIITochmash.
Type 80- Chinese PCM. The machine gun entered service with the PLA in the 1980s in 1983. At first it was assumed that the Type 80 would replace the Type 67, previously developed 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 ground forces received a modification of the Type 86, which was put into service with the PLA.
Zastava M84- Serbian PKM. One of the differences is the stock is made of solid wood.
Design
The Kalashnikov machine gun uses gas-operated automatics; 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.
PKM of the Hungarian army
The trigger mechanism with a return 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.
Incomplete disassembly of the PKM machine gun
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, an electromagnetic trigger mechanism (electric trigger) is installed, 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 mechanical system opening fire. 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.
PKT tank machine gun
The tank version has a heavier and longer barrel, as well as a modified gas exhaust unit to reduce gas contamination in the fighting compartment. A heavy barrel with thicker walls allows for more intense fire without replacing the barrel. The tank version lacks mechanical sights, a stock, a pistol grip and a 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 firing, the trigger and safety lever return to their original position under the influence of springs when the safety locks the trigger.
The only standard specialized device for PCT is the so-called Tube Cold Shooting(ТХП), used for alignment of a tank machine gun and sight, attached individually to each machine gun.
Conversion of the PKT machine gun into an infantry version
During numerous local conflicts in the early 90s, in the territory former USSR, from representatives of illegal armed forces There was an acute demand for light machine guns as the main means of supporting 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, which received greatest distribution, 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 gap 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 infantry machine gun PCM, such as: a fire safety device, a bracket for fastening a box with cartridges, a safety guard on the trigger, a holder on the bipod for a prefabricated cleaning rod, sockets in the butt for an oil can and for a pencil case with cleaning accessories. Due to such simplifications, the converted PKT machine gun was inferior to the PKM in terms of overall dimensions and weight indicators, in terms of ease of carrying in combat conditions, in terms of 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 a similar design were widely used during the Karabakh war, during the First and Second Chechen wars, in the Civil War in Tajikistan, in the South Ossetian War (1991-1992), in the Georgian-Abkhaz War (1992-1993).
During the military operations 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 the PKM is produced by Arsenal; subsequently, modified versions of the PKM machine gun chambered for 7.62x51 mm NATO cartridge were developed;
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;
DPRK: produced under the name Type 73 in a version with combined power supply: 30-round magazine or cartridge strip.
Poland: PKM, PKT machine guns and their modifications have been produced since 1968; after the transition to NATO standards in 1997-2000, the Tarnow Mechanical Plant developed 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 the Romarm company (a division of the Kujira Arms Factory) 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
Tactical and technical characteristics of the PK machine gun
Entered service: 1961
- Total issued: more than 1,000,000
- Options: PC, PKS, PKB, PKT, PKM, PKMS, PKMB, PKTM
PC machine gun weight
9.0 kg PC on bipod
- 16.5 kg PKS with Samozhenkov machine
- 7.5 kg PCM on bipod
- 10.5 kg PKTM
- 12.0 kg PKMS with Stepanov machine
- 3.9 kg box with loaded belt for 100 rounds
- 3.4 kg lightweight box with loaded belt for 100 rounds
- 8.0 kg box with loaded belt for 200 rounds
- 6.2 kg lightweight box with loaded belt for 200 rounds
PC machine gun dimensions
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
The Kalashnikov machine gun was modernized primarily to reduce weight, as well as to improve ease of use. The weight was reduced by 1500. Some changes were made: the fins of the barrel were eliminated, a different design was used for the flash suppressor, the back of the butt, the reloading handle, and the trigger guard. To increase the rigidity of the receiver cover, longitudinal ribs were introduced. The stock received a new folding shoulder pad. A modernized version of the Kalashnikov machine gun was put into service in 1969 under the designation PKM (index 6P6M). Over time, wooden parts were replaced with plastic ones. In addition, a “night” modification of the PKMN was created, on which night sights can be installed - for example, the universal unilluminated sight of the second generation NSPU-3 (1PN-51), which has a magnification factor of 3.46x and a field of view of 9.5, which ensures reliable detection of a person at a distance of 300-600 meters, depending on the lighting. The NSPU-3 sight has a mass of 2.1 kg and an illuminated reticle. In addition to it, the NSPU-5 (1PN83) sight is also often used, which has a magnification factor of 3.5x, a weight of 1.45 kg, and a human detection range in the dark of 300 meters. Also, PKMNs are often equipped with four-fold optical sights 1P29 or 1P43.
Single PKM machine gun on bipod
The PKM received a new tripod machine 6T5, developed by L.V. Stepanov. The design uses the principle of multifunctional parts. The frame of the vertical guidance mechanism is used as a stand during anti-aircraft firing. The axis of attachment of the hind legs is the bushing-base. The mechanism for fastening the machine gun and the latch for fastening the frame of the vertical guidance mechanism during anti-aircraft firing are combined, and the mechanism for vertical fine aiming and the fastening axis of the vertical aiming mechanism are also combined. On the back right leg The machine has a stand to which a box with tape is attached. This configuration made it possible to carry a machine gun during a battle with one crew number, change position without unloading the machine gun, and also increased the stability of the machine while reducing weight. The folded machine is carried behind the back by the second number of the crew; in addition, two cartridge boxes can be attached to it like a pack, which made it possible to free the soldier’s hands on the march. Stepanov's machine weighed 3.2 kilograms less than Samozhenkov's machine; its design had 29 fewer parts (about 40%). The ratio of the masses of the machine and the “body” of the machine gun decreased to 0.6 (from 0.86), and the total mass of the machine gun (without belt) decreased to 12.0 kg, while the accuracy of fire remained at the same level. As a result, PKM/PKMS became one of the the best machine guns by a combination of reliability, high combat effectiveness, combat readiness on a machine or bipod and maneuverability.
Kalashnikov PKMS machine gun on a 6T5 machine designed by Stepanov
Together with the PKM, the armored personnel carrier PKMB was created. The weight of this machine gun, mounted on the same swivel mount, was reduced to 17.5 kilograms. To equip the “peacekeeping forces” patrol, it was proposed to return the motorcycle machine gun mount.
The PKM has been adopted into service in many countries around the world. It has earned a reputation as an easy-to-use and reliable machine gun with good fighting qualities. These assessments have been confirmed more than once during comparative tests and combat use in armed conflicts, local wars and in various parts of the world: Afghanistan, Chechnya, Vietnam, the Middle East and many others. Local military conflicts became the reason for the popularity of PKM. IN populated areas and mountains, units tried to equip PCs and PKMs in the “manual” version with excess staff, since thanks to the greater sighting range and cartridge power they were more effective in support compared to light machine guns chambered for a machine gun. At the same time, however, within the platoon (squad) the principle of “patron unity” is violated, but this unity has long been broken sniper rifles. It should be noted that the interaction of snipers and PKM crews in battle gives a good effect. Russian machine gunners, when using a modernized Kalashnikov machine gun on a bipod, in some cases place a box with a capacity of 200 rounds of ammunition in a backpack, the belt from the backpack is fed into the machine gun - in this case, twisting the belt has a negligible effect. During recent military conflicts, there were many modifications of PK and PKM machine guns. For example, Chechen fighters converted PKTs removed from tanks into “manual” ones using makeshift metal stocks and bipods.
PKM machine gun with NSPU unilluminated night sight
A copy of the PKM in China is produced under the designation Type 80. Compared to the original machine gun, it is lighter by approximately 500. The Yugoslav Zastava plant produced the M84 machine gun in infantry and tank versions. The manual version is distinguished by a solid, more massive butt made of hardwood. This machine gun, together with the PKM, proved itself to be excellent during the Yugoslav war. civil war in battles with Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian gangs. Copies of PKM were also produced in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania.
PKMB machine gun
The procedure for unloading a single PKM machine gun:
1. Press the latch of the receiver cover, located in its rear part, inward and allow the cover to rise.
2. If tape is installed, remove it from the feeder fingers.
3. Make sure that there is no cartridge in the claws of the extractor.
4. Pull the cocking handle back, inspect and make sure there is no cartridge in the chamber.
5. Close the receiver cover and pull the trigger.
Technical characteristics of the single PKM/PKMS machine gun:
Cartridge – 7.62x53;
Weight of the “body” of the PKM machine gun:
without tape – 7.5 kg;
with a loaded belt for 100 rounds - 11.4 kg;
with a loaded belt for 200 rounds - 15.5 kg;
Weight of the “body” of the PC machine gun:
without tape – 9 kg;
with a loaded belt for 200 rounds - 17 kg;
The length of the machine gun on the machine is 1270 mm;
Machine gun length – 1173 mm;
Barrel length – 658 mm;
Rifling stroke length - 240 mm;
Rifling – 4 right-hand;
Muzzle energy – 3267 J;
Maximum range lethal action– 3800 m;
Direct shot range:
in terms of height (height 1500 mm) – 640 m;
along the chest figure (height 500 mm) – 420 m;
Belt capacity – 100, 200 or 250 rounds;
Weight of cartridge box:
with a belt for 100 rounds - 3.9 kg;
with a belt for 200 cartridges - 8 kg;
with a belt for 250 rounds - 9.4 kg;
Calculation - 2 people;
Median deviations of hits per 1 thousand m:
lateral – 63 cm;
vertical – 49 cm;
range - 19 m.
Modifications of the PKM machine gun
The need to increase the firing efficiency of a single machine gun from a bipod and from a machine required the search for ways to partially compensate for or eliminate factors that impair shooting accuracy. These factors include: own and forced oscillations barrel during a shot; violation of the straightness of the barrel as a result of uneven heating of the inner surface along the length and cooling of the outer surface during shooting (“barrel leash”); the formation of a stream of heated air above the surface of the barrel, which forms the effect of a “floating target” or “mirage” on the line of sight, interfering with aiming. There was also a requirement to ensure high firing intensity without replacing the barrel and making the machine gun heavier - to save the weight of the layout and calculation time (the exception is the spare barrel). At the Central Research Institute of Tochmash (Central Scientific Research Institute of Precision Engineering, Moscow Region, Klimovsk) they carried out work to study the possibility of increasing the survivability of the barrel and the accuracy of fire in bursts of different durations, reducing aiming errors - without changing the design, dimensions and geometric shape of the barrel bore, device automation and cycle of the basic machine gun. A group of Central Research Institute employees (Deryagin, Denisov, Suslov, Chugunov, Neugodov and some others) implemented a set of design solutions proposed for this in a single machine gun “Pecheneg” (index 6P41), created on the basis of PKM. At the same time, the changes made were multifunctional, that is, they contributed to solving several problems at once.
Changing the external geometry, as well as the introduction of additional casings, which are structural elements of the barrel that help increase its rigidity, protect it from atmospheric influences, and also improve cooling conditions, helped to increase the rigidity of the barrel and change the frequency of its own vibrations. In addition, the line of sight is protected from hot air flows, and, consequently, the occurrence of a “mirage”. An ejector is installed at the muzzle, which provides forced symmetrical cooling of part of the barrel length. The ejector operates as follows - external air is “sucked” into the gap between the outer surface of the barrel and the casing and “stretched” along the barrel due to the vacuum formed at the muzzle by the powder gases. This principle of forced cooling was used on the Lewis machine gun of the 1915 model, but in the Pecheneg it required a less bulky and simpler design. The barrel was equipped with transverse ribs; the pairing of heat-intensive parts and the barrel contributed to the redistribution of heat flows coming from it. The new extended carrying handle increases the longitudinal rigidity of the barrel assembly and maintains its thermal conductivity during intense shooting. It also provides additional protection against the “mirage” of the aiming line.
Single machine gun "Pecheneg" on a bipod
An increase in the structural rigidity of the barrel made it possible to move the bipod and gas coupling to the muzzle, thus increasing the support base, and therefore the stability of the machine gun during firing. The complex of design solutions of the Pecheneg machine gun made it possible to increase the accuracy of fire during continuous fire from the bipod and from the machine compared to the standard PKM by 1.9-1.7 times, respectively. Doubling the survivability of the barrel made it possible to dispense with a replaceable second barrel and reduce the drift of the average aiming point during the shooting of large ammunition loads to a value that does not exceed a thousandth of the range. However, the barrel mount in the receiver was left as a quick release while retaining the ability to adjust the gap between the shutter mirror and the bottom of the sleeve.
At the same time, about 80% of the blanks and parts of the PKM machine gun are used in the design of the Pecheneg machine gun. This made it possible to launch its serial production at KMZ (Kovrov Mechanical Plant) at minimal cost in 1999, practically eliminating the process of retraining personnel. Machine gun 6P41 "Pecheneg" combat tests took place in Chechnya, earning praise.
Technical characteristics of the single machine gun "Pecheneg" (6P41):
Cartridge – 7.62x53
Machine gun body weight – 8.7 kg;
Length – 1164 mm;
Barrel length – 658 mm;
Rifling – 4;
Rifling stroke length – 240 mm;
Initial bullet speed – 825 m/s;
Muzzle energy – 3267 J;
Rate of fire – 650 rounds per minute;
Rate of fire – 250 rounds per minute;
Sighting range – 1500 m;
Accuracy of fire, better than PKM from the following positions:
from a bipod, lying down - 1.4-1.9
from the machine, lying down - at 1.3-1.7
Belt capacity – 100/200 rounds.
KMZ designers in parallel with those. After finishing the Pecheneg 6P41 machine gun, they decided to develop their own modernization of the PKM. The result of this work was the experimental AEK999 machine gun. To increase the survivability of the barrel, it was made from grades of steel used in aircraft guns, used new method chrome plating of its channel. The survivability of one barrel has increased to 30-32 thousand shots. A metal tire was reinforced on top of the barrel, increasing rigidity and protecting the aiming line from the occurrence of a “mirage”. Accuracy is improved thanks to a new flame arrester-compensator-muzzle brake. The bipod is attached to the barrel further from the muzzle, and the attachment point has been changed to reduce the impact of this loaded point on the accuracy of fire.
Firing from the AEK-999 "Badger" machine gun
To improve convenience, the regular carrying handle has been returned. A plastic corrugated forend was installed - taking into account the fact that single machine guns are mainly used in the “manual” version.
It should be noted that they introduced a rather interesting new product - a removable low-noise firing device (LLD), with the help of which two problems were solved - reducing the acoustic load on the machine gunner, reducing the visibility of the firing machine gun to the enemy by eliminating the muzzle flash and reducing the audibility range. This is important in the context of modern military conflicts with dispersed firing points. At a distance of 2 thousand m, the sound of a shot is not heard. In addition, the absence of a muzzle flash reduces the illumination of the night sight. Refinement of AEK999 continues.
The Kalashnikov PK machine gun was developed between 1958 and 1961 to participate in the competition for a new single machine gun for the Soviet army, designed to replace the Goryunov SGM heavy machine gun and light machine guns Degtyarev DPM and RP-46. in 1961 it was put into service, in 1969 it was modernized into the PKM version by lightening and improving a number of parts, as well as replacing the original machine designed by Samozhenkov with a lighter universal machine designed by Stepanov. The production of single Kalashnikov machine guns in infantry (PKM / PKMS), tank (PKMT) and armored personnel carrier (PKMB) is currently carried out in Russia at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant. In addition to the USSR and Russia, PK series machine guns were or are being produced in Bulgaria, China, Poland, Romania and Yugoslavia.
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The Kalashnikov machine gun uses automatic gas release; the barrel is locked using a rotating bolt. 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, when the bolt group moves forward, the cartridge is sent into the barrel. Fire is fired only in bursts, from an open bolt.
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Modifications Kalashnikov machine gun
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 PK (in particular, the PKT - the Kalashnikov tank machine gun) has excellent characteristics in terms of penetrating and 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.
Facts
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 undergone 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 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) Partial disassembly is 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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