KPVT
Kovrov Machine Gun Plant · Machine Gun · In Service · 1955
Also known as: Vladimirov KPVT, Type 56 (Chinese copy)
Overview
The KPVT (Krupnokaliberny Pulemyot Vladimirova Tankovy) is the tank/armored-vehicle variant of the Vladimirov KPV 14.5mm heavy machine gun. Featuring a shortened receiver, electric solenoid trigger and a 50-round disintegrating-link belt, it is the standard heavy machine gun armament of Soviet and Russian armored personnel carriers and reconnaissance vehicles including the BTR-60/70/80 and BRDM-2. The 14.5x114mm round delivers roughly 32 kJ of muzzle energy, enough to defeat 32mm of steel armor at 500 meters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 52500 g (1851.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1980 mm (77.95") |
| Barrel Length | 1346 mm (52.99") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 50 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1000 m/s (3281 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 32000 J (23602 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 8000 m (8749 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 455 mm (17.91") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 14.5x114mm · primary — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114mm Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Shortened Receiver, Electric Trigger Solenoid, Two Stage Belt Feed, Vehicle Turret Mount
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1955
- Russian Armed Forces
- People's Liberation Army · as Type 56
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 1955-present
Fitted to the majority of Soviet and Russian wheeled armored vehicles; produced under license in China (Type 56) and across the Warsaw Pact
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Semyon Vladimirov
Notes
The KPVT differs from the infantry KPV chiefly in its shortened receiver, electric firing solenoid for remote/coaxial operation, and 50-round belt (vs the KPV's 40). It is most commonly seen in the single-mount turret of BTR APCs and in towed ZPU-1/2/4 anti-aircraft mounts.
Background
Because the KPVT bridges the gap between rifle-caliber machine guns and autocannon, its 14.5mm round can punch through light armored vehicles and low-flying aircraft alike, which is why the same gun arms both BTR turrets and quad ZPU anti-aircraft mounts.