ZB-60

Last updated
ZB-60
ZB vz. 60.jpg
Type Heavy machine gun
Place of origin Czechoslovakia
Service history
In service1938–1944
Used bySee § Users
Wars World War II
Production history
Designer Zbrojovka Brno
Designed1933–1937 [1]
Manufacturer Zbrojovka Vsetín  [ de ] [1]
Produced1938–1944 [1]
Specifications
Mass
203 kg (447.54 lb)
(Gun & Wheeled Tripod)
  • Gun only:
    55 kg (121.25 lb)
  • Gun Barrel:
    23 kg (50.71 lb)
Length2,050 mm (80.71 in)
Barrel  length1,460 mm (57.48 in)

Shell 15×104mm Brno  [ ru ]
Caliber 15 mm (0.59 in)
Action Gas operated, open bolt
CarriageTwo-wheel tripod
Rate of fire 420 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity Min: 860 m/s (2,800 ft/s)
Max: 930 m/s (3,100 ft/s)
Effective firing range1,800 m (1,970 yd)
Feed system40-round belt
SightsBladed post front, adjustable sight rear

The ZB-60 was a heavy machine gun designed by Zbrojovka Brno in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. [1] [2]

Contents

History

Design efforts started in the early 1930's for a 20mm automatic gun for anti-tank service. In 1933, the design parameters were altered to the 15×104mm Škoda round as a large caliber heavy machine gun. As early as 1934 the ZB-60 was tested by the Czechoslovak military, which did not adopt it due to accuracy concerns and excessive recoil even with its weight. For several years it was planned as a fortification gun where the recoil could be easily managed by stronger mounts, until the heavy machine gun was dropped from the fortification concepts.

Nazi Germany acquired a number of guns after the occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 were taken into Wehrmacht service as the 15 mm Fla. MG 39(t). Under German occupation, new guns were produced for the Wehrmacht and Kriegsmarine. After the Invasion of Yugoslavia, former Yugoslav guns were designated as the 15 mm Fla. MG 490(j). The Germans used them as anti-aircraft guns during World War II.

The British acquired a license, and later developed their 15 mm Besa machine gun from the ZB-60 for service on armored fighting vehicles. [1]

Users

See also

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "ZB-60 (15mm Besa)". weaponsystems.net. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Kliment 1997

Sources