UK vz. 59

The Universal Machine Gun Model 1959 (Czech: Univerzální kulomet vzor 59) is a general-purpose machine gun developed in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s. It remains in use by the Czech Army and the Slovak Armed Forces.

Uk vz. 59
TypeGeneral-purpose machine gun
Place of originCzechoslovakia
Service history
In service1959–present
Used byCzech Republic
Slovakia
WarsVietnam War
Nigerian Civil War
Lebanese Civil War
Kivu conflict
Production history
Designed1956-1959
ManufacturerZbrojovka Vsetín
Produced1959—1990s
VariantsVz. 59 L,vz. 59T, vz. 59N, vz. 68, vz. 95, vz. 98
Specifications
Mass9.28 kg (20.5 lb) (vz. 59)
8.67 kg (19.1 lb) (vz. 59 L)
Length1,215 mm (47.8 in) (vz. 59)
1,115 mm (43.9 in) (vz. 59 L)
Barrel length650 mm (25.6 in) (vz. 59)
550 mm (21.7 in) (vz. 59 L)

Cartridge7.62×54mmR / 7.62×51mm NATO
ActionGas-operated, tilting breechblock
Rate of fire700-800 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity830 m/s (2,723 ft/s) (vz. 59)
810 m/s (2,657 ft/s) (vz. 59 L)
Effective firing range100 to 2000 m sight adjustments
Feed systemBelt-fed 50-round, weight 0.19 kg unloaded or 250 round belt
SightsHooded front post, folding leaf rear sight, sight radius 353 mm (13.9 in)

Description

The Uk vz. 59 fires 7.62×54mmR ammunition (although a Vz. 59N variant for 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition also exists), delivered via an ammunition belt. The weapon can serve as a light (light barrel and bipod, vz. 59L model) and medium machine gun (heavy barrel and tripod), and can also be used as a co-axial mounted weapon (Vz. 59T version).

The pistol grip acts as the charging handle for the Uk vz. 59.

Users

See also

References

Media related to UK vz. 59 at Wikimedia Commons

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