YakB-12.7 machine gun

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	Weapon: YakB-12.7 machine gun Type: Aircraft Machine Gun Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1973 Overall Length (mm): 1345.0 Overall Length (in): 52.95 Weight (kg): 45.00 Weight (pounds): 99.21

The YakB-12.7 is a four-barrel, rotary machine gun developed in the Soviet Union during the late 1960s for use on helicopters, most notably the Mil Mi-24 "Hind" attack helicopter. Chambered in the 12.7x108mm cartridge, it utilizes a gas-operated mechanism rather than electric or hydraulic power to rotate the barrels, distinguishing it from many Western rotary guns. This design allows for a high rate of fire-up to 4,000 rounds per minute-while maintaining relative simplicity and reliability in the field.

The YakB-12.7 was developed by the Yakushev-Borzov design bureau and entered service in the early 1970s. It was typically mounted in the VSPU-24 nose turret of the Mi-24A and Mi-24D models. Although exact production figures are not publicly known, thousands of units were manufactured to equip the large fleet of Soviet and Warsaw Pact Mi-24 helicopters. The gun was paired with a large ammunition drum holding up to 1,470 rounds, enabling sustained fire for ground-attack missions and suppression roles.

The YakB-12.7 saw extensive combat use in conflicts such as the Soviet-Afghan War, where its high volume of fire proved useful for close air support and anti-infantry operations. However, the weapon was criticized for its limited effectiveness against armored targets, leading to its eventual replacement in later Mi-24 variants by heavier cannon armament like the GSh-30K. Despite this, the YakB-12.7 remains a symbol of Soviet helicopter firepower and a notable example of rotary-barrel gun design optimized for aerial platforms.

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