The Russian machine gun "Pecheneg", the technical characteristics of which are considered in the article, is a quick-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 PKM by the 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 confirmed by the performance characteristics of the Pecheneg machine gun, it has a high reliability indicator, is assembled and disassembled identically to the RMB. Innovative technological solutions were introduced into the design, which made it possible to increase barrel cooling and do without a spare analogue in the kit.
Development of the machine gun "Pecheneg"
The performance characteristics of domestic PKM weapons in the 80s of the last century are morally obsolete. The priority was its modernization, during which it was planned:
- increase the probability of eliminating the target from the first salvo;
- increase the effectiveness of firing without a radical reformation of weapons and ammunition;
- increase the accuracy rate;
- improve operational parameters;
- to level the factors affecting the accuracy of shooting, including the thermal curtain of heated air near the barrel and a decrease in ballistics due to heating of the barrel.
The gunsmiths created a new machine gun. Technological testing of the gun took place at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant, showed excellent results.
Device
TTX machine gun "Pecheneg" in many respects depends on the features of its design. The weapon of fire support combines solid firepower and a decent parameter of maneuverability. The automation unit operates by exhaust gas from the stem to the piston. That, in turn, is connected to the slide frame. Before the salvo, the barrel is locked by turning the shutter. 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, descent mechanism, cartridge feeding device are identical to the base predecessor. 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 cut of the barrel, the rib became transverse. Such features provide smooth forced cooling of the guns and increased thermal efficiency, compared with its predecessor.
Design features
The technical characteristics of the 7.62 mm Pecheneg machine gun and the updated design made it possible to shift the bipod clamp almost to the muzzle face, guaranteeing stability when firing. This is especially noticeable when firing in long bursts. The accuracy rate during operation from a machine stand or bipod has almost doubled compared to PCM.
Increasing the survivability of the updated model to 27-28 thousand volleys allowed to abandon the use of a removable barrel. It remained a quick-detachable configuration with possible disassembly, if necessary. The weapon was praised by leading law enforcement officers and soldiers who tested it in practice. The prospects are due to the 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) - 8200 g;
- rate of fire - up to 800 volleys per minute;
- starting charge speed (km) - 1.5;
- type of ammunition - cartridge 7.62 / R54;
- dimensions (mm) - 1200 / 115, 213;
- the capacity of the combat tape is 100/200 ammunition.
Varieties
Based on the weapon in question, several versions are made:
- a machine gun made on a machine developed by Stepanov (6P41N);
- easel night model (6P41SN);
- infantry version with night sighting device (6P41N).
Also, a shortened modification of the Pecheneg machine gun (X) was developed, the technical characteristics of which were developed according to the bull-up scheme. This weapon is intended for special units.
A short assault counterpart is different from the usual model in that it has no stock. Instead, there is a short half-butt with a handle extended forward and a butt pad with a soft coating. Thanks to such innovations, the weapon became lighter by 500 grams and less by 27 centimeters. The barrel length has remained unchanged (650 mm).
Pros and cons of a shortened version
Structurally, the modification in question is very curious. The shortened machine gun will find its place in the arsenal of special forces. Such a weapon is optimally suited for oppressing combat points or firing at cover at short range.
Benefits of the update:
- mobility and compactness;
- reduced weight;
- updated compensatory brake in the muzzle;
- installation of additional tactical accessories;
- paired descent mechanism.
However, the shortened model received characteristic flaws regarding accuracy, accuracy and barrel heating. Despite this, it is planned to include this model in a promising “Warrior” type of ammunition.
Ammunition Used
According to the performance characteristics of the PKM Pecheneg machine gun, in the standard version it is possible to use several types of charges. Among them:
- cartridges tracers (T-46);
- long-range charges (D);
- sniper armor-piercing versions (SNB);
- conventional armor-piercing (BP);
- bullets enhanced penetration (PP);
- modifications of armor-piercing incendiary action (BZT / B-32);
- sighting and sighting-incendiary (P / RZ) options;
- LPS - a light bullet with a steel core;
- LS - for silent shooting.
At a distance of 200 meters, any of these shells confidently bites into the brickwork up to 10 centimeters or punches 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 shot distance of one kilometer. For piercing seven-millimeter armor, armor-piercing incendiary cartridges are suitable. A steel core from 200 meters penetrates the category 4 body armor or a steel helmet from 1700 m.
