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Russian general-purpose machine gun From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The PKP Pecheneg (Pulemyot Kalashnikova Pekhotny "Pecheneg", Russian: Печенег)[8][9] is a Russian 7.62×54mmR general-purpose machine gun.[4] It is a further development and modification of the PK machine gun (PKM).[10] It is said to be more accurate than all its predecessors due to a heavier, removable, partially forced-air-cooled barrel with radial cooling ribs and a handle which eliminates the haze effect from hot gases and keeps the barrel cooler, making the weapon more reliable.[11] Furthermore, the weapon is capable of having a telescopic sight or other sights mounted on it, which increases its accuracy and effective range.
| PKP Pecheneg "6P41" machine gun | |
|---|---|
PKP Pecheneg on display with a bipod | |
| Type | Medium machine gun General purpose machine gun |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2001–present[1] |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Second Chechen War Russo-Georgian War Syrian Civil War[2] War in Iraq (2013-17)[2] Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
| Designed | 1995 |
| Manufacturer | TsNIITochMash, Degtyaryov Plant |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8.2 kg (18 lb) without a bipod[3] 8.7 kg (19 lb) with a bipod 12.7 kg (28 lb) with an infantry tripod mount[4] |
| Length | 1,200 mm (47 in) |
| Barrel length | 658 mm (25.9 in)[4] |
| Cartridge | 7.62×54mmR[4] |
| Action | Gas-operated[4] |
| Rate of fire | Cyclic rate of fire: 600–800 rounds/min Practical rate of fire: 166 rounds/min[5] |
| Muzzle velocity | 900 m/s (2,953 ft/s)[6] |
| Effective firing range | 1,500 m (0.93 mi)[7] |
| Maximum firing range | 6,000 m (6,600 yd) |
| Feed system | Belt feed: 100-, 200-, 250-round, non-disintegrating links[6] |
The GRAU index of the PKP Pecheneg is "6P41" or "6P41N" (PKP Pecheneg-N) when fitted with a mounting rail for a night vision sight. It is currently in use by Russian Army Spetsnaz and other troops in significant numbers. Even though it was developed mainly for infantry use, it also has been fitted to several light vehicles.[10]
The PKP Pecheneg is named after the Pecheneg people, a warlike tribe of Turkic origin who lived in what later became the steppes of southern Russia and Ukraine.[citation needed]
According to the manufacturer, the PKP Pecheneg can fire 600 rounds in rapid fire scenarios without damaging the barrel. When conducting a long firefight, it can safely fire up to 1000 rounds of ammunition per hour without degrading the combat characteristics and reducing the life of the barrel. In general, the PKP Pecheneg retained up to 80% parts commonality with the PKM.
A steel jacket encloses the barrel from the front of the trunnion to the muzzle. Middle part of the barrel, from the front of the trunnion, to the gas block has transverse grooves to increase the surface area for better cooling. There are oval holes on the jacket in the ribbed section of the barrel for access of air.
From the gas block to the muzzle there are 4 longitudinal grooves cut in the barrel. They are covered by the jacket. The grooves connect 4 holes in the gas block and 4 holes on the front end of the muzzle device. Low pressure created at the front of the jacket during firing draws cool air through the grooves, cooling the front part of the barrel, similarly to the Lewis machine gun.
Constant forced cooling of the front part of the barrel reduces dispersion when firing, and also increases the durability of the barrel. The service life of the barrel is estimated at 25,000 to 30,000 rounds.
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