PKT (machine gun) - characteristics. Tank machine gun PKT

PKT - Kalashnikov tank machine gun - was developed by the legendary Soviet gunsmith Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov. He presented to our country and the world as a whole no less legendary weapons than the famous machine that is used on a global scale and to this day. In the original or in modifications - it does not matter. It is important that the PKT - Kalashnikov tank gun - was, is and is likely to be a weapon that will serve the country for several decades.

Years of delivery and operation

The introduction of the machine gun was held in 1961. The model is still in operation. At the same time, the PKT-Kalashnikov tank machine gun is based on a general, basic design borrowed from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. However, like other specialized modifications.

Application

It should be noted that the PKT tank machine, whose characteristics (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 models of weapons. It was used by servicemen during the conflicts of the late 20th century, as well as the beginning of the eleventh century.

Distinctive features

In general, the PC (in particular, and PKT - the Kalashnikov tank machine gun) has excellent characteristics in terms of breakdown, as well as killer action. The simplicity of the design (and we all know that the design of the Kalashnikov weapon is exactly that) provides high reliability and, of course, reliability.

Development of weapons

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 a "single machine gun" provides for the conversion of weapons into an infantry, anti-tank, easel and antiaircraft version. In this case, the basic structure is not subject to change. This is the essence of the "single machine gun", laid in the base, which was inherited by the Kalashnikov PKT machine gun.

Variations

Infantry (also called manual) option is used when installing bipods (PCs). For use as a machine gun requires the installation of a suitable machine (PCS). To use weapons as a tool on an armored personnel carrier (APC), it is attached to special devices. The same thing happens when using a machine gun in a tank turret (PKT).

By the way, interesting is the fact that not only the easel, but also the infantry version can be used to neutralize the threat from the air.

Replacement of tank machine guns

Until 1962, Goryunov's machine gun was used in tanks . In that year, the gun was replaced by a more technologically advanced and sophisticated PKT tactical and technical characteristics. Accordingly, when replacing the design engineers made some changes, affecting, including sighting devices. They were withdrawn, since an optical sight was used to guide the gun to the target in the PCT.

Dimensional parameters were also changed. The length of the barrel, as well as the weight of the machine gun, was increased. The application was removed from the structure as superfluous. In order to control the fire remotely, gunsmiths added electrification.

Data

In most cases, the Kalashnikov tank machine gun is mated with an anti-tank gun.

The PCB is mounted on armored personnel carriers by attaching it to a special support. It, in turn, is connected with armored vehicles with the help of 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. The capacity of the ammunition can be different. This is a variation of 100 rounds, as well as 200 and 250 rounds.

Modernization

Like almost any weapon, Kalashnikov's machine gun went through a process of modernization. This happened 8 years after the official acceptance into service in the ranks of the Soviet Army. That is, in 1969.

What was modernized? The weight of the weapon was lowered immediately by 1.5 kilograms. From this time, modernized models were able to use night sights, which did not require lighting.

Production at present

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 the question now is precisely the Kalashnikov machine gun and its variations. So, they are produced today (except Russia) in China, as well as Bulgaria and Romania.

Prehistory of creation

Whoever said anything, and the Soviet command extracted experience from the Second World War. Then, as is known, the Wehrmacht successfully introduced the MG 34 / MG 42 machine guns into the armament of the army of the German invaders. Thus, Soviet engineers, by order from above, were intensively engaged in the development of a similar weapon. For quite understandable reasons, Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov succeeded in this.

The tactical and technical requirements that were applied to weapons were approved in 1946. From the engineer-gunsmiths it was required to create a single machine gun, which would replace the Maxim machine gun.

An interesting fact is that the design of a single machine gun was proposed at the beginning of the 20th century, in the 1920s. It was proposed by Vladimir Fedorov, who was a designer of small arms.

The team of Izhevsk gunsmiths, led by Kalashnikov, joined the process of developing a single machine gun in the 1950s. The team at that time consisted of a few more people: Krupin VV, Kryakushin AD, Puschin VN The machine gun is based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle. There were reasons for this, because such a design provided for ease of use and reliability.

In 1960 tests were held, the purpose of which was to reveal the best version of the machine gun. The testing took place PC, as well as a machine gun Nikitin-Solovyov. Won, of course, PC. The following main advantages were identified:

1) As ammunition used cartridges caliber of 7.62 millimeters, which were equipped with a standard tape from the 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 in case of use on armored vehicles.

4) Locking nodes are adjustable.

5) Incomplete disassembly is much easier and easier.

6) Pollution is not so intense. Cleaning is not an easier example.

7) The parts are more resistant, the machine gun works more stable.

8) The weight is less than almost 300 grams.