Difference between revisions of "DShK (12.7 mm)"

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[[File:DShK.png|550px|thumb|right|The DShK on top the T-44-100 turret]]
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!--''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''-->
 
<!--''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''-->
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[[File:Weapon DShK (12.7 mm).png|350px|thumb|left|The {{PAGENAME}} on the GAZ-AAA (DShK).]]
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{{Break}}
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The '''DShK''' or ''Degtyaryova-Shpagina Krupnokaliberny''(Russian: Дегтярёва-Шпагина Крупнокалиберный; English: Degtyaryov-Shpagin Large Calibre)  is an improved version of the [[DK (12.7 mm)]]. Georgi Shpagin improved the cartridge feeding mechanism on the large calibre machine gun originally designed by Vasily Degtyaryov.
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The DShK machine gun or Дегтярёва-Шпагина Крупнокалиберный (Russian: Degtyaryova-Shpagina Krupnokaliberny; English: Degtyaryov-Shpagin Large-Calibre)  is an improved version of the [[DK (12.7 mm)]]. Georgi Shpagin improved the cartridge feeding mechanism on the large calibre machine gun originally designed by Vasily Degtyaryov.
 
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
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{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}
  
 
{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Ground vehicles'''}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Ground vehicles'''}}
  
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{{Navigation-Line|Light tanks}}{{Specs-Link|cn_type_62}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_type_62}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Medium tanks}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_44_100}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_54_1947}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_54_1949}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_54_1951}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|sw_t_54_1951}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_55a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_55_am}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_55_amd_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_to_55}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_62m1}}
  
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{{Navigation-Line|Medium tanks}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_44_100}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_54_1947}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_54_1949}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_54_1951}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_55_am}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_55a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_62m1}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Heavy tanks}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_2_1944}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_2_1944_revenge}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_2_1944_321}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_is_2_1944}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_4m}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_6}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_t_10a}}
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{{Navigation-Line| }}{{Specs-Link|cn_type_58}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_type_59}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_type_59d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_type_69}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_type_69_2g}}
 
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{{Navigation-Line|Heavy tanks}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_2_1944}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_is_2_1944}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_4m}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_is_6}}
 
  
 
{{Navigation-Line|Tank destroyers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_isu_122}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_isu_122}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_isu_122s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_isu_152}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_isu_152}}
 
{{Navigation-Line|Tank destroyers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_isu_122}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_isu_122}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_isu_122s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_isu_152}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_isu_152}}
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{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Naval vessels'''}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Naval vessels'''}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Motor gun boats}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_g5_rct}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mo_4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_od_200}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_ya_5m}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Motor gun boats}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mo_4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_pr253l}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_od_200}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_g5_rct}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_ya_5m}}
  
 
{{Navigation-Line|Motor torpedo boats}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_d3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_g5_mtb}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_pr_123bis}}
 
{{Navigation-Line|Motor torpedo boats}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_d3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_g5_mtb}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_pr_123bis}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Sub-chasers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_163}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_122bis}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_122a}}
 
{{Navigation-Line|Sub-chasers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_163}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_122bis}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_122a}}
  
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{{Navigation-Line|Destroyers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_frunze}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_leningrad}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_moskva}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_7y}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_7y_stroyny}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_pr30_ognevoy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_pr20_tashkent}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Destroyers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_7_besposhchadny}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_frunze}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_leningrad}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_moskva}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_pr30_ognevoy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_pr45}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_7_ryany}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_7y}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_7y_stroyny}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_destroyer_pr20_tashkent}}
  
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{{Navigation-Line|Light cruisers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_kirov}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_krasnyi_kavkaz}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_krasnyi_krim}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_maxim_gorky}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Light cruisers}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_kirov}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_krasnyi_kavkaz}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_krasnyi_krim}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_maxim_gorky}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_cruiser_voroshilov}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Battleships}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_battleship_marat}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ussr_battleship_parizhskaya_kommuna}}
  
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''
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<!--''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''-->
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The gun itself weighs 34 kg and has a length of 1.625 m; firing 600 12.7x108 mm bullets per minute, each travelling at 850 m/s.
  
 
=== Available ammunition ===
 
=== Available ammunition ===
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''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).''
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<!-- ''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).'' -->
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; Ground vehicles
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Tanks with the DShK as a secondary weapon only have access to one belt:
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* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}}
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The [[GAZ-AAA (DShK)]] uses the DShK as its primary armament, and gains access to a set of different belt compositions:
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* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}} - The belt consists of 3 different type of ammunition. AP-I ammunition is useful to put enemy planes on fire. T helps lead your shots while the IAI can be useful against less armoured aircraft. The lack of AP-I(c) found on other belts limits its effectiveness against ground targets, reducing it to mostly vehicles with exposed crew.
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* '''API:''' {{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Unlike the default belt, the API belt consists of 2 types of bullets. AP-I(c) can penetrate most opponents frontally due to how unarmoured vehicles are at such Battle Rating. API-T on the other hand, sacrifices penetration in favour of having an incendiary and a tracer component. This can prove to be very useful when engaging enemy aircraft as it can easily set them on fire. The belt's composition of 50% AP-I(c) and 50% API-T allows the vehicle to engage air vehicles as effectively as ground ones.
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* '''AP:''' {{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - While the AP belt shares the same bullet types as the API and API-T belts, the bullet ratio of 2/3 AP-I(c) and 1/3 API-T is better suited to engage ground vehicles. That said the belt's API-T gives it enough flexibility to engage air targets.
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* '''API-T:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I(c)|Armour-piercing incendiary (cermet core)}} - The API-T belt on the other hand, while sharing the same bullet types as the API and AP belts, has an inverted bullet than that of AP: 2/3 API-T and 1/3 AP-I(c) - While such belt composition is better suited to engage air vehicles, the inclusion of AP-I(c) allows the player to easily defend themselves against enemy tanks.
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{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|AP-I, T, IAI, API-T, AP-I(c)}}
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; Naval vessels
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* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}
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* '''12.7 mm HE belts:''' {{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
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* '''12.7 mm APIT belts:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IAI|Immediate-action incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}
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{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|AP-I naval, API-T naval, IAI naval}}
  
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
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''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''
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<!--''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''-->
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[[M2HB (12.7 mm)|M2HB]]- American rival with a slightly shorter cartridge, having similar rate of fire while M2HB has slightly higher penetration and generally larger pools of ammunition at its disposal.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''
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<!--''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''-->
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The main purpose of the DShK was anti-aircraft in the first place, so it was seen in many forms ranging from a wheeled trolley up to mounting it onto tanks. Thanks to its large calibre at 12.7 mm, it can tear down light vehicles or strafing aircraft with relative ease and the rate of fire also helps this; it can also rip through enemies' tracks if necessary.
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However, do keep in mind that it has a rather small ammo pool at only 50 rounds per belt/magazine, trigger-happy firing will make DShK run out of ammo very quickly.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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== History ==
 
== History ==
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''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''
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<!--''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''-->
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[[File:RIAN_archive_594303.jpg|x220px|left|thumb|An anti-aircraft crew fire their DShK at enemy planes in Leningrad.]]
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The Soviet Union's search for a suitable heavy machine gun for anti-armour and anti-aircraft purposes led to V.A. Degtyaryov developing the [[DK (12.7 mm)|DK]], or ''Degtyaryov Krupnokalibernyj'' (''Degtyarov Large Calibre''), in 1930 chambered in the new Soviet 12.7x108 mm cartridge. However, the initial design was hampered by its 30-round magazine capacity, restricting its capability to act as a machine gun. As such, the DK was discontinued by 1935. In 1937, another designer named Georgiy Shpagin developed a belt feed mechanism for the DK, which was fed from the left side only by a fixed, non-disintegrating metal belt for up to 50 rounds. By 1938, the weapon was submitted for firing trials and passed, with the weapon adopted in 1939 as the '''DShK''' ''mod. 1938.'' ('''DShK''': '''''D'''egtyarov – '''Sh'''pagin '''K'''rupnokalibernyj'', or ''"Degtyarov & Shpagin Large Calibre"'')<ref name="Koll_DShK">Koll 2009, pg 53-55</ref><ref name="Popenker_DShK">Popenker "DShK DShKM 12.7"</ref>
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The DShK served primarily as an emplaced heavy machine gun weapon, with special sights produced for anti-aircraft roles. The DShK was mounted on the Koleshnikov universal mount, which had a carriage allowing a wheeled configuration for transportation and firing at ground targets, or a tripod configuration using the carriage trails. In 1943, the DShK saw its first tank mount as the DShKT on top of the [[IS-2 (1944)|IS-2]]. The other prominent user of the DShK was the Soviet Navy, which used the DShK in a single (DShK, MTU-2), twin (DShKM-2, MSTU, DShKM-2B, 2-UK, 2M-1), or quadruple mount (DShKM-4) on torpedo boats, patrol boats, and destroyers.<ref name="Koll_DShK" /><ref name="NavWeaps_DShK">DiGiulian and Yakubov 2017</ref>
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[[File:IS-2_in_China_Anniversary_Parade.jpg|x250px|right|thumb|IS-2s in a Chinese anniversary parade with mounted DShKMT.]]
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Production figures for the DShK was low prior to the Soviet's involvement of World War II. Pre-war figures have the DShK only begin delivering in 1940, making up a small part of the total 2,000 large calibre machine guns in the Soviet Union's overall inventory (with 830 single-barrel DShK mountings in the Soviet Navy). In the beginning of 1942, the Red Army's inventory had only 720 DShKs. However, as the weapon's value and production ramps up, the Red Army had 5,218 DShKs in 1943, and then 8,442 DShK machine guns in 1944. The Soviet Navy received 5,164 DShKs throughout the war.<ref name="Koll_DShK" />
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After World War II, the DShK saw another improvement by designers K.I. Sokolov and Aleksandr Norov. The improvement took elements from the [[RP-46 (7.62 mm)|RP-46]], with a new feed mechanism that allowed the loading of belts from the left or right side of the machine gun. The weapon was also simplified with the implementation of stamped sheet steel parts, design of a new belt that disintegrated in 10-round increment, and other improvements that improved reliability and reduced failure rate of the weapon. This modernized design accepted in 1946 as the ''DShKM 1938/46''.<ref name="Koll_DShK" /> The DShKM is distinctive from the DShK with its flatter belt-feed unit on the receiver.
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The DShK and its variants have seen widespread use beyond the Soviet Union, either as aid to allies or sold through the arms market.<ref name="Popenker_DShK" /> Multiple license-produced variants and copies are produced of the weapon, such as the Chinese Type 54 and the Iranian MGD 12.7.<ref name="SAS_DShK">Small Arms Survey "DShK (& close derivatives)"</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Images
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<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
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File:Weapon DShK (12.7 mm).png|<small>The DShK on the GAZ-AAA (DShK)</small>
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</gallery>
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|tgXWJEZzFHE|'''Shooting a DShK Heavy Machine Gun''' - ''Forgotten Weapons''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
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* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''-->
  
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* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
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* [[DK (12.7 mm)]] - Preceding variant of the machine gun
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* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the weapon;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* [[Wikipedia:DShK|[Wikipedia] DShK]]
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=== References ===
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;Citations
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<references />
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;Bibliography:
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 +
* DiGiulian, Tony and Vladimir Yakubov. "12.7 mm (0.5") Degtjarev DShK M38 Heavy Machine Gun." ''NavWeaps'', 06 Feb. 2017, [http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNRussian_12.7mm-79_DShK.php Website]. Accessed on 05 Aug. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210805161136/http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNRussian_12.7mm-79_DShK.php Archive]).
 +
* Koll, Christian. ''Soviet Cannon: A Comprehensive Study of Soviet Guns and Ammunition in Calibres 12.7mm to 57mm''. Self-published, PDF, 2009.
 +
* Popenker, Maxim. "DShK DShKM 12.7." ''Modern Firearms'', [https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/dshk-i-dshkm-12-7-eng/ Website]. Accessed 05 Aug. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210805154342/https://modernfirearms.net/en/machineguns/russia-machineguns/dshk-i-dshkm-12-7-eng/ Archive]).
 +
* Small Arms Survey. "Weapons Identification Sheet - DShK (& close derivatives)." ''Small Arms Survey'', [http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/Weapons_and_Markets/Tools/Weapons_ID_DB/SAS_weapons-heavy-machine-guns-DShK.pdf PDF]. Accessed 05 Aug. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210805171510/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/Weapons_and_Markets/Tools/Weapons_ID_DB/SAS_weapons-heavy-machine-guns-DShK.pdf Archive]).
  
 
{{USSR anti-aircraft guns}}
 
{{USSR anti-aircraft guns}}

Latest revision as of 11:14, 21 November 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
The DShK on top the T-44-100 turret

Description

The DShK or Degtyaryova-Shpagina Krupnokaliberny(Russian: Дегтярёва-Шпагина Крупнокалиберный; English: Degtyaryov-Shpagin Large Calibre) is an improved version of the DK (12.7 mm). Georgi Shpagin improved the cartridge feeding mechanism on the large calibre machine gun originally designed by Vasily Degtyaryov.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

Vehicles equipped with this weapon
Ground vehicles 
Medium tanks  T-44-100 · T-54 (1947) · T-54 (1949) · T-54 (1951) · ▄T-54 · T-55A · T-55AM-1 · T-55AMD-1 · TO-55 · T-62M-1
Heavy tanks  IS-2 (1944) · IS-2 "Revenge" · IS-2 No.321 · ␗IS-2 (1944) · IS-3 · IS-4M · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  ISU-122 · ␗ISU-122 · ISU-122S · ISU-152 · ␗ISU-152
SPAA  GAZ-AAA (DShK)
Naval vessels 
Motor gun boats  MO-4 · Pr.253L · OD-200 · TKA-412 · Ya-5M
Motor torpedo boats  D-3 · G-5 · Pr.123-bis
Gunboats  Groza
Armoured gun boats  BMO · MBK-161 early · MBK-161 late · MBK pr.186 · MBK pr.186 (MK 85) · Pr.191 · Pr.1124 early · Pr.1124 late · Pr.1124 MLRS
Sub-chasers  MPK-163 · MPK Pr.122bis · MPK pr.122A
Destroyers  Besposhchadny · Frunze · Leningrad · Moskva · Ognevoy · Opytny · Ryany · Soobrazitelny · Stroyny · Tashkent
Light cruisers  Kirov · Krasny Kavkaz · Krasny Krym · Maxim Gorky · Voroshilov
Battleships  Marat · Parizhskaya Kommuna

General info

The gun itself weighs 34 kg and has a length of 1.625 m; firing 600 12.7x108 mm bullets per minute, each travelling at 850 m/s.

Available ammunition

Ground vehicles

Tanks with the DShK as a secondary weapon only have access to one belt:

  • Default: API-T · IAI · API-T · AP-I(c)

The GAZ-AAA (DShK) uses the DShK as its primary armament, and gains access to a set of different belt compositions:

  • Default: AP-I · T · IAI - The belt consists of 3 different type of ammunition. AP-I ammunition is useful to put enemy planes on fire. T helps lead your shots while the IAI can be useful against less armoured aircraft. The lack of AP-I(c) found on other belts limits its effectiveness against ground targets, reducing it to mostly vehicles with exposed crew.
  • API: AP-I(c) · API-T · AP-I(c) · API-T - Unlike the default belt, the API belt consists of 2 types of bullets. AP-I(c) can penetrate most opponents frontally due to how unarmoured vehicles are at such Battle Rating. API-T on the other hand, sacrifices penetration in favour of having an incendiary and a tracer component. This can prove to be very useful when engaging enemy aircraft as it can easily set them on fire. The belt's composition of 50% AP-I(c) and 50% API-T allows the vehicle to engage air vehicles as effectively as ground ones.
  • AP: AP-I(c) · AP-I(c) · API-T - While the AP belt shares the same bullet types as the API and API-T belts, the bullet ratio of 2/3 AP-I(c) and 1/3 API-T is better suited to engage ground vehicles. That said the belt's API-T gives it enough flexibility to engage air targets.
  • API-T: API-T · API-T · AP-I(c) - The API-T belt on the other hand, while sharing the same bullet types as the API and AP belts, has an inverted bullet than that of AP: 2/3 API-T and 1/3 AP-I(c) - While such belt composition is better suited to engage air vehicles, the inclusion of AP-I(c) allows the player to easily defend themselves against enemy tanks.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP-I 29 27 20 14 9 6
T 10 8 7 6 0 0
IAI 3 3 3 3 2 2
API-T 29 27 20 13 9 6
AP-I(c) 34 32 24 17 12 8
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP-I 820 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
T 865 0.04 - - - 47° 56° 65°
IAI 860 0.04 0 0.25 3.23 47° 56° 65°
API-T 865 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
AP-I(c) 850 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
Naval vessels
  • Universal: AP-I · API-T · IAI
  • 12.7 mm HE belts: IAI · IAI · IAI · API-T
  • 12.7 mm APIT belts: API-T · AP-I · IAI · AP-I

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP-I 30 29 25 21 18 15
API-T 29 28 24 20 17 14
IAI 3 2 2 2 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP-I 850 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
API-T 850 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
IAI 850 0.05 0 0.1 1.5 47° 56° 65°

Comparison with analogues

M2HB- American rival with a slightly shorter cartridge, having similar rate of fire while M2HB has slightly higher penetration and generally larger pools of ammunition at its disposal.

Usage in battles

The main purpose of the DShK was anti-aircraft in the first place, so it was seen in many forms ranging from a wheeled trolley up to mounting it onto tanks. Thanks to its large calibre at 12.7 mm, it can tear down light vehicles or strafing aircraft with relative ease and the rate of fire also helps this; it can also rip through enemies' tracks if necessary.

However, do keep in mind that it has a rather small ammo pool at only 50 rounds per belt/magazine, trigger-happy firing will make DShK run out of ammo very quickly.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent rate of fire
  • Quick traverse speed for an top-mounted machine gun
  • Penetration is very similar to the M2 Browning, can take on many lightly armoured vehicles or SPAA

Cons:

  • Low ammo count, will quickly run out if not properly managed

History

An anti-aircraft crew fire their DShK at enemy planes in Leningrad.

The Soviet Union's search for a suitable heavy machine gun for anti-armour and anti-aircraft purposes led to V.A. Degtyaryov developing the DK, or Degtyaryov Krupnokalibernyj (Degtyarov Large Calibre), in 1930 chambered in the new Soviet 12.7x108 mm cartridge. However, the initial design was hampered by its 30-round magazine capacity, restricting its capability to act as a machine gun. As such, the DK was discontinued by 1935. In 1937, another designer named Georgiy Shpagin developed a belt feed mechanism for the DK, which was fed from the left side only by a fixed, non-disintegrating metal belt for up to 50 rounds. By 1938, the weapon was submitted for firing trials and passed, with the weapon adopted in 1939 as the DShK mod. 1938. (DShK: Degtyarov – Shpagin Krupnokalibernyj, or "Degtyarov & Shpagin Large Calibre")[1][2]

The DShK served primarily as an emplaced heavy machine gun weapon, with special sights produced for anti-aircraft roles. The DShK was mounted on the Koleshnikov universal mount, which had a carriage allowing a wheeled configuration for transportation and firing at ground targets, or a tripod configuration using the carriage trails. In 1943, the DShK saw its first tank mount as the DShKT on top of the IS-2. The other prominent user of the DShK was the Soviet Navy, which used the DShK in a single (DShK, MTU-2), twin (DShKM-2, MSTU, DShKM-2B, 2-UK, 2M-1), or quadruple mount (DShKM-4) on torpedo boats, patrol boats, and destroyers.[1][3]

IS-2s in a Chinese anniversary parade with mounted DShKMT.

Production figures for the DShK was low prior to the Soviet's involvement of World War II. Pre-war figures have the DShK only begin delivering in 1940, making up a small part of the total 2,000 large calibre machine guns in the Soviet Union's overall inventory (with 830 single-barrel DShK mountings in the Soviet Navy). In the beginning of 1942, the Red Army's inventory had only 720 DShKs. However, as the weapon's value and production ramps up, the Red Army had 5,218 DShKs in 1943, and then 8,442 DShK machine guns in 1944. The Soviet Navy received 5,164 DShKs throughout the war.[1]

After World War II, the DShK saw another improvement by designers K.I. Sokolov and Aleksandr Norov. The improvement took elements from the RP-46, with a new feed mechanism that allowed the loading of belts from the left or right side of the machine gun. The weapon was also simplified with the implementation of stamped sheet steel parts, design of a new belt that disintegrated in 10-round increment, and other improvements that improved reliability and reduced failure rate of the weapon. This modernized design accepted in 1946 as the DShKM 1938/46.[1] The DShKM is distinctive from the DShK with its flatter belt-feed unit on the receiver.

The DShK and its variants have seen widespread use beyond the Soviet Union, either as aid to allies or sold through the arms market.[2] Multiple license-produced variants and copies are produced of the weapon, such as the Chinese Type 54 and the Iranian MGD 12.7.[4]

Media

Images

  • The DShK on the GAZ-AAA (DShK)

Videos
Shooting a DShK Heavy Machine Gun - Forgotten Weapons

See also

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Koll 2009, pg 53-55
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Popenker "DShK DShKM 12.7"
  3. ↑ DiGiulian and Yakubov 2017
  4. ↑ Small Arms Survey "DShK (& close derivatives)"
Bibliography
  • DiGiulian, Tony and Vladimir Yakubov. "12.7 mm (0.5") Degtjarev DShK M38 Heavy Machine Gun." NavWeaps, 06 Feb. 2017, Website. Accessed on 05 Aug. 2021 (Archive).
  • Koll, Christian. Soviet Cannon: A Comprehensive Study of Soviet Guns and Ammunition in Calibres 12.7mm to 57mm. Self-published, PDF, 2009.
  • Popenker, Maxim. "DShK DShKM 12.7." Modern Firearms, Website. Accessed 05 Aug. 2021 (Archive).
  • Small Arms Survey. "Weapons Identification Sheet - DShK (& close derivatives)." Small Arms Survey, PDF. Accessed 05 Aug. 2021 (Archive).


USSR anti-aircraft guns
7.62 mm  Maxim's
12.7 mm  DShK
14.5 mm  KPVT
23 mm  AZP-23 · ZU-23
25 mm  72-K
30 mm  2A38 · ZK453
37 mm  2A11 · 61-K · Sh-37 · Type 65
57 mm  S-68

Tank machine guns
USA 
7.62 mm  M37 · M60D · M73 · M240 · M1919A4 · Mk.52
12.7 mm  FN M3P · M2HB · M80 · M85
Germany 
5.56 mm  MG4
7.62 mm  C6 · MG3A1
7.92 mm  MG13 Dreyse · MG34 · MG37(t) · MG42
12.7 mm  S.MG.50
USSR 
7.62 mm  DT · PKMB · PKT · PKTM · RP-46 · SGMT
12.7 mm  DK · DShK · 6P49 · NSVT
14.5 mm  KPVT
Britain 
7.62 mm  Browning MG4 · L3A1 · L8A1 · L8A2 · L37A1 · L37A2 · L94A1
7.7 mm  Vickers
7.92 mm  BESA
12.7 mm  L21A1
Japan 
6.5 mm  Type 91
7.62 mm  Type 74
7.7 mm  Type 97
12.7 mm  Type 60 (B)
China 
5.8 mm  QJT
7.62 mm  Type 55 · Type 59 · Type 86
12.7 mm  QJC88A · Type 54
14.5 mm  QJG02
Italy 
7.62 mm  Beretta MG42/59 · FN MAG 60-40
8 mm  34/40M · Breda Mod. 38
13.2 mm  Breda Model 31
France 
7.5 mm  AAT-52 · MAC 31
7.62 mm  A-A-F1N
8 mm  Hotchkiss Mle 1914
Sweden 
6.5 mm  ksp m/14-29
7.62 mm  ksp 39 C · ksp 58 · ksp 94
8 mm  ksp m/36 · ksp m/39B
12.7 mm  ksp 88

Naval machine guns
USA 
7.62 mm  M73
12.7 mm  AN-M2
Germany 
7.62 mm  MG-3
7.92 mm  MG08 pattern 1908 · MG15 · MG34
13.2 mm  Hotchkiss
15 mm  MG M38(t)
USSR 
7.62 mm  Maxim
12.7 mm  DShK
14.5 mm  KPV
Britain 
7.62 mm  FN MAG
7.7 mm  Lewis 1916 · Vickers GO No.5
12.7 mm  Vickers Mk.V
Japan 
6.5 mm  Maxim · Type 38 pattern 1907
7.7 mm  Type 89 · Type 92
13.2 mm  Type 93
Italy 
6.5 mm  Breda Mod.30 · Fiat Model 26
12.7 mm  Breda-SAFAT
13.2 mm  Breda Model 31
France 
7.7 mm  Darne M1922
7.92 mm  Hotchkiss pattern 1914
13.2 mm  Browning · Model 1929 Hotchkiss

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