The Kalashnikov infantry machine gun is one of the best models of the TsNIITOCHMASH arms factory. PKP "Pecheneg" was developed specifically for the armed forces of the Russian Federation. The weapon was intended to destroy the enemy’s manpower, defeat transport equipment and even air targets.
PKP "Pecheneg" was created on the basis of a modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle. That is why the designers pushed off from the main parameters of the device and retained some technical characteristics, including caliber 7.62.
The main task in the development of the Pecheneg PKP was to increase the power of fire and preserve accuracy. Many modern machine guns have a need to replace the barrel after a certain time of use. Perhaps the lack of such needs for this sample turned out to be one of the positive qualities of TsNIITOCHMASH developers.
PKP "Pecheneg" is equipped with a barrel with a forced air cooling mechanism. During the shot, powder gases provide a stream of air that can cool the hot metal. This allowed the weapon to reach its maximum rate of fire without constantly changing the barrel. The length of continuous firing is about 600 rounds, these are three factory boxes with a capacity of 200 rounds each. With long-term firing, the optimal barrel life is about 30,000 rounds.
The PKP "Pecheneg" machine gun has a fully automatic cartridge feeding system, and its locking details are similar to the standard PKM. The action of automation is carried out due to the energy of powder gases passing through the bore of the barrel. The return-fighting spring actuates the shock mechanism located in the bolt frame.
Since the fire from the machine gun is conducted under the influence of the rear sear, the trigger mechanism is capable of firing only in automatic mode. As security measures for locking the trigger, the Pecheneg has a standard fuse that rotates manually.
In addition to the base sight, on the top of the weapon there are special mounts for installing various types of optical devices that help to fire at any time of the day. Tapes having 50 links with a capacity from 50 to 100 rounds of caliber 7.62 are used as power. The feed mechanism is located on the right side of the weapon and is equipped with a special lever.
Although the machine gun is a unique example of TsNIITOCHMASH, most of the mechanisms and parts are borrowed from the legendary PKM. This allowed developers to create good-quality weapons at minimal cost. After long field tests, all the flaws were identified, respectively, a new and improved model of the Pecheneg 2 PKP was created.
The weapon was widely used in many military operations on the territory of Chechnya and described itself as a powerful and high-quality model of military ammunition capable of serving in completely different conditions, both regional and climatic. To date, the "Pecheneg" is in service in the Russian army.