IP-2

PU-21 / ПУ-21 (Пулемёт с унифицированной подачей)
Type Light machine gun
Place of origin Soviet Union
Production history
Designer Yu.K. Aleksandrov
M.E. Dragunov
V.M. Kalashnikov
Manufacturer TsNIITochMash
Specifications
Weight 5.7 kg
Length 1060 mm (41.73 in)
Barrel length 590 mm (23.2 in)

Cartridge 5.45×39mm
Caliber 5.45 mm
Action Gas-operated
Rate of fire 750 rpm
Muzzle velocity 960 m/s (3150 ft/s)
Effective firing range 1000 m (1094 yds)
Feed system 20- or 45-round box magazine
200-round belt
Sights Iron

The PU-21 (Russian: ПУ-21 Пулемёт с унифицированной подачей) is a 5.45x39mm machine gun designed by V. M. Kalashnikov and M. E. Dragunov between 1972 and 1977. The PU-21 can be fed from either a 45-round magazine or a 200-round belt. The PU-21's sights are graduated to distance of 1000 m.[1][2]

The PU-21 prototypes were thoroughly tested by the Soviet Army in Leningrad, but military experts did not see convincing arguments for replacing the RPK and RPK-74 with the PU-21 design. According to the Soviet military, the design was too complex compared to other weapons then in service, and failed to enhance combat effectiveness.

See also

References

  1. Пулемет ПУ (in Russian).
  2. Отечественные пулеметы с унифицированной подачей (in Russian). Retrieved 13 Jun 2012.


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