ShKAS machine gun

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	Weapon: ShKAS machine gun Type: Aircraft Machine Gun Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1933 Caliber: 7.62x54R Action: Gas Operated Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 955.0 Overall Length (in): 37.6 Weight (kg): 10.60 Weight (pounds): 23.37 Effective Range (m): 800 m Effective Range (yards): 874.89

The ShKAS (Shpitalny-Komaritsky Aviatsionny Skorostrelny), introduced in the early 1930s, was a Soviet aircraft-mounted machine gun chambered in 7.62x54mmR. Designed by Boris Shpitalny and Irinarkh Komaritsky, the ShKAS was notable for its extremely high rate of fire-up to 1,800 rounds per minute in later models-making it one of the fastest-firing rifle-caliber machine guns of World War II. The weapon utilized a unique rotary-feed mechanism and specially manufactured, high-quality ammunition to ensure reliable function at such a rapid firing rate.

Mass production of the ShKAS began in 1934, and it quickly became the standard armament for many Soviet aircraft, including the Polikarpov I-16, I-153, and early versions of the Yakovlev Yak-1 and Lavochkin LaGG-3. Over 150,000 units were produced before the weapon was eventually phased out in favor of heavier-caliber armament, such as the 12.7 mm Berezin UB and the 20 mm ShVAK cannon. Despite its complex mechanism and maintenance demands, the ShKAS remained in service throughout much of the war due to its formidable firepower against unarmored and lightly armored targets.

The ShKAS earned a reputation for its exceptional fire rate and innovation in aircraft armament, contributing significantly to the offensive capability of Soviet fighters and bombers in the early years of the conflict. However, its reliance on high-quality ammunition and the stresses caused by its mechanical speed made it prone to wear and jamming if not properly maintained. Nevertheless, the ShKAS was a milestone in the evolution of aerial weaponry, and its design helped pave the way for the development of future high-speed aircraft guns.