CZK - 14,5 mm vložná zbraň vz. 85

VZ 14.5 mm vz. 85

Insert weapon designed for training in shooting from a tank cannon tanks T-72.


One of the problems that needs to be solved in the training of modern tanks is the cost associated with training in shooting. These are not only the costs associated with full caliber ammunition, but also the costs associated with wear, mainly caused by shooting. Although it is currently possible to carry out a large part of the training of shooters on modern computer-controlled simulators, in the past, shooting from small-caliber inserts, whose ballistic characteristics were similar to those of full-caliber projectiles, proved to be particularly effective. For tanks T-55 introduction of T-72 tanks with a cannon caliber 125 mm was found that the ballistic characteristics of 20 mm rounds differ from 125 mm rounds used in the T-72. For this reason, for T-72 tanks were imported insertable barrels of 14.5 mm caliber type 2Ch15 and later their improved version 2Ch30. When increasing the number of T-72 tanks in the ČSĽA armament, it was decided to replace the imported insert weapons with its own production. The result of the development was an insert weapon caliber 14.5 mm vz. 85.


Insert weapon vz. 85 is a self-loading weapon capable of automatic firing and allows the use of penetrating, illuminating and incendiary rounds of caliber 14,5x114 mm . It has an electric trigger connected to the electric firing of a tank cannon. Due to the reality of shooting, it is equipped with an electronic cadence limiter, which ensures the same shooting speed as with real 125mm ammunition.


The weapon itself is installed by inserting it into the chamber of the tank cannon, its front part is supported by a sprung support and its rear part with the shape and dimensions of the 125mm cannon cartridge is mounted on the rear face of the tank barrel. Assembly is provided by a trained tank crew. Before firing, it is necessary to rectify the weapon using a rectifying telescope and shoot it at a target (4-6 rounds) at a distance of 100 m.
The area endangered by fire is the same as with the machine gun KPVT.

Source: Jan Červinka: Čs. 14.5 mm insert weapon vz. 85 (www.csla.cz)