The Russian Pecheneg machine gun, the performance characteristics of which are discussed in the article, is a rapid-fire weapon with a caliber of 7.62 mm. It is designed to destroy vehicles, firing points, enemy soldiers, air targets. The model was made on the basis of PCM by employees of the Central Research Institute "Tochmash". The weapon has a high level of unification with the design of its predecessor, including the identical functioning of automation.
As the performance characteristics of the Pecheneg machine gun confirm, it has a high reliability indicator, is assembled and disassembled identically to the PKM. Innovative technological solutions were introduced into the design, which made it possible to increase stem cooling and do without a spare analogue in the kit.
Development of the Pecheneg machine gun
The performance characteristics of domestic PKM weapons in the 80s of the last century are morally obsolete. The priority was its modernization, during whichplanned:
- increase the probability of eliminating the target from the first salvo;
- increase the effectiveness of firing without a radical reform of weapons and ammunition;
- increase the accuracy rate;
- improve operational parameters;
- eliminate factors that affect shooting accuracy, including a thermal curtain from heated air near the barrel and a decrease in ballistics due to heating of the barrel.
Gunsmiths have created a new machine gun. Technological tests of the tool took place at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant, showed excellent results.
Device
The performance characteristics of the Pecheneg machine gun largely depend on the features of its design. The fire support weapon combines solid firepower and a decent maneuverability parameter. The automation unit functions by removing exhaust gases from the barrel to the piston. That, in turn, is connected to the bolt carrier. Before a volley, the barrel is locked by turning the bolt. The trigger device makes it possible to fire only in automatic mode. The trigger part works under the influence of the frame. In active mode, the sear is blocked along with the trigger.
The locking unit, automation, trigger mechanism, cartridge feeder are identical to the basic predecessor. The differences are expressed in the design of the trunk. There was a gap between the outer part and the casing. In addition, an ejector appeared at the muzzle, the ribs became transverse. These features provide smoothforced gun cooling and increased heat output compared to its predecessor.
Design features
TTX machine gun "Pecheneg" 7, 62 mm and an updated design made it possible to shift the bipod lock almost to the muzzle, guaranteeing stability when firing. This is especially noticeable when firing in long bursts. The accuracy index when operating from a machine stand or bipod has almost doubled compared to RMB.
Increasing the survivability of the updated model to 27-28 thousand volleys made it possible to abandon the use of an interchangeable barrel. It remained a quick-detachable configuration with a possible disassembly, if necessary. The weapon was highly appreciated by leading employees of law enforcement agencies and soldiers who tested it in practice. The prospect is due to high survivability, reliable automation, excellent accuracy.
TTX machine gun Kalashnikov "Pecheneg"
The following are the parameters of the gun in question:
- caliber (mm) - 7, 62;
- weight (g) - 8200g;
- rate of fire - up to 800 volleys per minute;
- starting charge speed (km) - 1, 5;
- ammunition type - cartridge 7, 62/R54;
- dimensions (mm) - 1200/115, 213;
- combat belt capacity - 100/200 ammo.
Varieties
Several versions were made based on the weapon in question:
- machine gun made on a machine developed by Stepanov (6P41N);
- easel night model (6P41SN);
- infantry variant with night sighting device (6P41N).
A shortened modification of the machine gun "Pecheneg" (X) was also developed, the performance characteristics of which were developed according to the "bull-up" scheme. This weapon is designed for special units.
The short assault analogue differs from the usual model in that it does not have a stock. Instead, a short semi-butt is provided with a handle moved forward and a butt pad with a soft coating. Thanks to such innovations, the weapon has become 500 grams lighter and 27 centimeters smaller. The barrel length remained unchanged (650 mm).
Pros and cons of the short version
Structurally, the considered modification is very curious. The shortened machine gun will find its place in the arsenal of special squads. Such a weapon is best suited for suppressing battle points or providing cover fire at short distances.
Upgrade Benefits:
- mobility and compactness;
- low weight;
- updated muzzle compensatory brake;
- mounting additional tactical accessories;
- pair escapement mechanism.
However, the shortened model received characteristic shortcomings regarding accuracy, accuracy, and barrel heating. Despite this, it is planned to include this model in the promising ammunition of the "Warrior" type.
Used ammunition
According to the performance characteristics of the PKM machine gun "Pecheneg", in the standard version it is possible to use several types of charges. Among them:
- cartridges-tracers(T-46);
- long-range charges (L);
- sniper armor-piercing versions (SNB);
- conventional armor-piercing (AP);
- high penetration bullets (PP);
- armor-piercing incendiary modifications (BZT/B-32);
- sighting and sighting-incendiary options (P/RZ);
- LPS - light bullet with a steel core;
- LS - for silent shooting.
At a distance of 200 meters, any of these projectiles confidently bites into brickwork up to 10 centimeters or breaks through it. For unitary bullets, a stack of dry timber is not an obstacle at a distance of 1200 meters. Ammunition enters earthen obstacles to a depth of 30 centimeters from a distance of one kilometer. Armor-piercing incendiary cartridges are suitable for penetrating seven-millimeter armor. A steel core from 200 meters penetrates a category 4 bulletproof vest or a steel helmet from 1700 meters.
Result
The Pecheneg light machine gun, which replaced the outdated PKM, was developed by Tula gunsmiths. He successfully passed the tests, adopted by the Russian army. In practice, the weapon showed itself well in Chechnya and other hot spots, fell in love with both the soldiers and the leadership.
