ZB-60 Heavy Machine Gun

Go Back to Heavy Machine Gun

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: ZB-60 Heavy Machine Gun Type: Heavy Machine Gun Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia Year Adopted: 1939 Caliber: 15x104mm Brno Action: Gas Operated Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 1300.0 Weight (kg): 16.00 Effective Range (m): 2000

The ZB-60 heavy machine gun was a Czechoslovak-designed firearm developed by the Brno Arms Factory in the 1930s as a large-caliber weapon for anti-aircraft and heavy support roles. Chambered for the powerful 15x104mm cartridge, the ZB-60 was based on the proven gas-operated and tilting breechblock mechanisms used in earlier Brno designs, such as the ZB-53. It was belt-fed, air-cooled, and designed for a high rate of fire, delivering effective firepower against armored vehicles and aircraft. The weapon was typically mounted on heavy tripods or vehicle turrets to maximize stability and precision.

Production of the ZB-60 began in the late 1930s, though its numbers were limited compared to other machine guns due to its specialized role and the high cost of manufacturing such a powerful weapon. A relatively small number were produced for the Czechoslovak military, and after the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, the ZB-60 was integrated into the German arsenal under the designation MG 38(t). Despite limited production, the ZB-60's high-velocity rounds made it effective in its intended roles, particularly in static anti-aircraft and anti-materiel applications.

The ZB-60 gained notoriety for its performance during World War II, where it was used on various fronts by both Axis and Allied forces. Its 15mm ammunition provided significant stopping power, making it a formidable weapon against lightly armored vehicles and low-flying aircraft. While its weight and bulk limited its versatility, the ZB-60 remains an important example of interwar heavy machine gun development. Its design influenced later heavy machine guns and underscored the growing need for larger-caliber weapons during the early 20th century. Today, it is regarded as a rare and historically significant firearm, often displayed in military museums and collections.