CZK - 50 mm PLK samočinný 2,12/1020

The company Škoda Plzeň was called upon in 1948 to design a new 57 mm anti-aircraft gun in addition to a 50 mm calibre barrel. This was done in 7/1948. The assignment itself anticipated the experimental firing on the wings of the aircraft, which took place on 17/12/1948 in Hlboko, and which was to determine the most suitable calibre needed for the new anti-aircraft gun. One of the reasons for this was probably the fact that the Skoda company had already been working on the design of the new gun on the instructions of the German authorities during World War II. The company continued the development on its own initiative after the end of the war. The gun was first designed in 55 mm calibre, probably due to the fact that the Germans were using the 5.5 cm calibre. The change from 55 mm to 50 mm calibre was probably made by the company after the end of the war.
The Skoda submitted documentation for the gun after 30 November 1948. On the drawings Zb 17170 P and Zb 17071 P dated 8.11.1948 and 17.11.1948, the project bore the name "50 mm PLK self-propelled 2.12/1020" (grenade weight 2.12 kg, initial velocity 1.020 m/s). The ammunition of 1/1949, however, counted on lower performance (1.90 kg and 1.000 m/s). The weapon, mounted on a cross-launcher, was to be carried on a two-axle detachable chassis. It recommended the use of a suitable German type 104 chassis. For the protection of the operator, the use of an armoured shield was planned. The weapon could be used for direct and indirect fire (by means of a central sight or by telephone). The gun was fed from three-shot cartridge belts inserted from the left, the firing of the gun was electric.
However, Skoda considered the 57 mm as the preferred calibre, and the military administration soon changed its mind as well, and interest shifted to this calibre, which was unified with the calibre used by the Soviets.
Only forgings of the 50 mm calibre barrel were produced from the entire project. Subsequently, all development concentrated on the development of the 57 mm PLK čs. (R 10), which was introduced to the army in the second half of the 1950s.

Mgr. Martin Dubánek - Od bodáku po tryskáče - Nedokončené Československé zbrojní projekty 1945-1955, Mladá fronta 2011, ISBN : 978-80-204-2515-7