DShK HMG on Truck (SU162) The DShK was the first Soviet heavy-calibre machine-gun and was designed as a dedicated anti-aircraft weapon. The new weapon was designed by V.A. Degtyarev (who was already responsible for the DP-27 LMG) in 1929. First prototype of the new 12.7mm weapon was designated DK (Degtyarev, Krupnocalibernyj = Degtyarev, Large calibre) and went into trials in 1930.

It proved successful and was officially adopted. The DK was produced in small numbers from 1933 to 1935. It was a gas operated weapon, firing powerful 12.7mm cartridge, but was magazine fed. The drum magazine held only 30 rounds, was bulky, heavy, and had a low practical rate of fire.  In the late 1930s another famous Soviet arms designer, Georgiy Shpagin, designed an additional belt feed module, easily installable on the DK, replacing the drum magazine.

The Modified variant appeared in 1938, and in 1939 it was officially adopted by Red Army as the "12.7mm Krupnocalibernyj Pulemet Degtyareva-Shpagina, DShK" (Degtyarev-Shpagin, large calibre). The DShK was born! It was used through WW2 as an anti-aircraft weapon, and on occasions as a heavy infantry support weapon. It was mounted on Soviet heavy tanks later in the war to provide improvised anti-aircraft capabilities, much like the US .50cal.

DShK is the belt-fed, air-cooled, gas operated weapon that fires only in full-automatic. To de-link the cartridges prior to chambering, Shpagin’s design used a rotary drum that feed the belt and pulled the cartridges out of their belt pockets simultaneously. Belt was inserted at the top of the feed module, and cartridges were caught by the bolt and chambered at the bottom of the feed. Belt was fed from the left side of the gun. DShK was used on wheeled universal mount, which was fitted with removable steel shield. This mount allowed for Anti-aircraft use and ground use. For the anti-aircraft role the wheels were removed and a mount "tail" was separated to form tripod.

In Flames Of War In Mid War the DShK is available to your Tankovy, Motostrelkovy, Rota Razvedki, Kazachya Sotnya and Stelkovy battalions as an additional anti-aircraft platoon attached to your Battalion HQ, and also as anti-aircraft support for your Guards Rocket Mortar Battery.     A handy weapon it is small and portable (Man-packed, Small gun and Light gun special rules) and has a good range (24”/60cm), ROF4, AT 4 and FP 6. So is more than useful out side the AA role.

You can mount your model in the back of the truck or on a base like I have here. Designed by Evan Allen Painted by Wayne Turner