PKT
Overview
PKT
PKT vehicle machine gun showing solenoid trigger wire.
Source: www.free.x3.hu -
© copyright lies with original owner
1998 for PKTM
Russia - ZiD
China - Norinco
India - Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli
Romania - ROMARM
Ukraine - Mayak
Yugoslavia - Zastava
Serbia - Zastava
6P7 (GRAU index for PKT)
6P7K (GRAU index for PKTM)
KT-7.62 (Ukranian production)
M86 (Yugoslav production)
Type 59T (Chinese production)
MMB (Romanian production)
Description
Introduction
The PKT is a vehicle machine gun of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1960's to replace the SGMT as a vehicle mounted coaxial weapon. The PKT was derived from the PK general purpose machine gun.
Design
The PKT is a vehicle machine gun intended for use as a coaxial weapon. For flexible use the PKB was developed. The PKT is solenoid fired and features a much heavier barrel. The PKT is derived from the PK. As such it is a gas operated machine gun firing from the open bolt position. A major design consideration was compatibility with existing optical sights and their range adjustment. By keeping the barrel length similar to the SGMT replacing the older weapons could be carried out in a cost effective manner.
Firepower
The PKT is chambered for 7.62x54mm Russian. Normally 250 round belts are used, but the exact number depends on the mount. The thicker barrel allows for 500 rounds to be fired in rapid succession before it must be replaced. Cyclic rate of fire is 750 rpm. This is higher than the infantry model. Practical effective range is up to 1 km. Area targets can be engaged out to 1.5 km.
Users
The PKT is in widespread use. It can be found on most armored vehicles of Soviet and Russian origin produced in the last five decades.
Variants
Details
Related articles
Kalashnikov PK
The PKT is derived from the PK general purpose machine gun.