ZU-23-2
Overview
ZU-23
A Greek army ZU-23 twin barrel 23mm anti-aircraft gun without ammunition boxes.
Source: Greek Army -
© copyright lies with original owner
Russia
Bulgaria - Arsenal
Poland - ZMT (licensed production since 1972)
Egypt - Abu Zaabal (licensed production)
China - (direct copy)
Russian for "anti-aircraft mount"
2A13 (GRAU index)
Sergei (informal Russian nickname)
23 ItK 95 (Finnish military service)
SH-23M (Alternative name for Egyptian ZU-23M)
Type 85 (Chinese production)
Description
Introduction
The ZU-23 is a towed 23mm twin barrel light anti-aircraft gun. It is one of the most widely employed type of anti-aircraft guns in the world. The design took place in the Soviet Union in the mid 1950's and it was accepted for service in the early 1960's. It is also referred to as the ZU-23-2. The ZU-23 is a small and simple weapon that provides a high volume of fire. For that reason it remains popular even though its usefulness against ground targets has reduced over time.
Layout
The design of the ZU-23 is based on the earlier ZPU-2 anti-aircraft gun, from which it can be distinct by the positioning of the ammunition boxes and different armament. Instead of the two 14.5mm KPV autocannon on the ZPU-2 two 23mm 2A14 autocannon. In the firing position the two wheels are raised and the firing platform rests on three outriggers. An optical-mechanical sight aids in aiming. The ZU-23 is manually operated by two men that are seated on the weapon.
Firepower
The ZU-23 is fitted with two 2A14 autocannon firing the 23x152mm round. Each 2A14 is fed by a 50 round belt. The cyclic rate of fire is 2.000 rpm, but short burst must be fired to allow the barrels to cool down. The maximum effective range against air targets is 2.5 km. Ground targets, including lightly armored vehicles, can be engaged up to 2 km.
Mobility
Normally the ZU-23 is towed by a GAZ-69 or GAZ-66 4x4 light truck. For increased mobility the ZU-23 is often mounted on vehicles and trucks, such as the Ural 6x6 truck. When mounted on a vehicle it is also easier to employ it against ground targets.
Users
The ZU-23 replaced the ZPU series in Soviet service and were widely exported to nations allied to the USSR. The ZU-23 remains in active service throughout Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Details
ZU-23
A Greek army ZU-23 in the firing position.
Source: Greek Army -
© copyright lies with original owner
ZU-23
The ZU-23 is a towed twin barrel 23mm anti-aircraft gun. The design is somewhat similar to the ZPU-2. In the firing position the ZU-23 rests on three legs and the wheels are folded sideways. The 23mm guns are air cooled and fitted with a quick change mechanism.
Media
ZU-23
A large muzzle flash created by a Finnish ZU-23 during firing training.
Source: www.tietokannat.mil.fi
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZU-23
A ZU-23 in the firing position with armament at maximum elevation.
Source: www.enemyforces.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
ZU-23
A ZU-23 mounted on a MAX 6x6 truck for increased mobility.
Source: Shinecommerce @ www.kr.blog.yahoo.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
23mm 2A14
The ZU-23-2 is fitted with two 2A14 air-cooled autocannon chambered for the 23x152mm cartridge.
PG87
The Chinese Type 87 has been derived from the ZU-23 design. While a direct copy of ZU-23 is produced as Type 85, the PG87 for domestic use features different autocannon chambered for 25mm projectiles.
ZUR-23-2S Jod
The ZUR-23-2S Jod is an improvement over the ZU-23 by adding a new gun sight and having to SA-7 missiles ready to launch. The ZUR-23-2KG Jodek is a further development of the Polish ZUR-23-2S Jod. The main improvements are a new gun sight and the ability to launch more capable missiles.
BTR-ZD "Skrezhet"
The ZU-23-2 is used in unmodified form on the BTR-ZD self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.