The PKT - a 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 weapons than the famous machine gun, which is used on a global scale to this day. In the original or in modifications - it does not matter. It is important that the PKT - the Kalashnikov tank machine gun - was, is and will most likely be a weapon that will serve the country for several decades.
Years of delivery and operation
The adoption of the machine gun took place in 1961. The operation of the model is ongoing. In this case, the PKT - a Kalashnikov tank machine gun - is based on a common, basic design, borrowed from a Kalashnikov assault rifle. 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 a large number of local conflicts. And not only the tank modification, but also other weapon models. It was used by military personnel during the conflicts of the late XX century, as well as the beginning of the XI century.
Distinctive sides
In general, a PC (in particular, and PKT - a Kalashnikov tank machine gun) is distinguished by excellent characteristics in terms of penetrative as well as lethal action. The simplicity of the design (and we all know perfectly well that the design of Kalashnikov’s weapons is just that) provides 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 conversion of weapons into infantry, anti-tank, easel, anti-aircraft version. However, the main structure is not subject to change. This is the essence of the “single machine gun”, laid down in the base that the Kalashnikov PKT machine gun inherited.
Variations
The infantry (also called manual) version is used when installing bipods (PCs). For use as a machine gun, the installation of the corresponding machine tool (PKS) is required. To use a weapon as a weapon on an armored personnel carrier (BTR), it is mounted on special devices. The same thing happens when using a machine gun in a tank turret (FCT).
By the way, the fact is interesting 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, the Goryunov machine gun was used in tanks . In the specified year, the gun was replaced by a more technologically advanced and improved tactical and technical characteristics of the FCT. Accordingly, when replacing the design, the engineers made some changes that affected, including sights. They were removed because an optical sight was used in the FCT to aim the gun at the target.
Dimensional indicators also underwent a change. The barrel length, as well as the weight of the machine gun, was increased. The stock as unnecessary was removed from the structure. In order to control the fire remotely, gunsmiths added an electric trigger.
Data
In most cases, a Kalashnikov tank machine gun is paired with an anti-tank gun.
The PKB is installed on armored personnel carriers by mounting on a special support. She, in turn, is connected to the armored vehicle using brackets. Thus, the barrel will be deployed in the direction where it will be necessary to shoot.
Food
To power the weapon, metal bands are used. The tape itself is stacked in a special box on the side of the machine gun. Ammunition capacity may be different. These are variations on 100 rounds, as well as on 200 and 250.
Modernization
Like almost any weapon, the Kalashnikov machine gun went through the modernization process. This happened 8 years after official adoption in the ranks of the Soviet army. That is, in 1969.
What has been modernized? The weight of the weapon was immediately reduced by 1.5 kilograms. Since that time, modernized models were able to use night sights, which did not require lighting.
Production currently
Today, weapons developed by Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov are widely used in many countries of Asia, the Middle East, and the countries of the 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 they say, the Soviet command has 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 German occupiers. Thus, Soviet engineers, on orders from above, were intensively engaged in the development of similar weapons. For obvious reasons, Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov succeeded in this.
The performance requirements that were presented to the weapon were approved in 1946. Weapon engineers were required to create a single machine gun that would replace Maxim's machine gun.
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.
The 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: Krupin V.V., Kryakushin A.D., Pushchin V.N. The basis of the machine gun is easy to build a Kalashnikov assault rifle. There were reasons for this, because such a design provided ease of use and reliability.
In 1960, tests were carried out, the purpose of which was to identify the best version of the machine gun. Testing was a PC, as well as a machine gun Nikitin-Soloviev. Won, of course, PC. The following key benefits were identified:
1) As ammunition, cartridges of a caliber of 7.62 mm were used, which equipped a standard belt from a Maxim machine gun, for example.
2) The PC was less sensitive to the gap 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 is much simpler and easier.
6) Pollution is not so intense. Cleaning is not an example easier.
7) Parts are more resistant, the machine gun is more stable.
8) Weight is almost 300 grams less.