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ZU-23 23MM Antiaircraft Gun

Introduced in 1964, the ZU-23 was the Soviets' newest lightweight, automatic, towed antiaircraft gun. It was used extensively by airborne units and possibly by some motorized rifle regiments that have not yet converted to the ZSU-23-4/SA-9 air defense battery. ZU-23s also are used to provide close-in air defense for a SA-4 brigade. The ZU-23 is a highly mobile air dropable system, firing the same ammunition as the ZSU-23-4. The reload time will depend on the proficiency of the crew to manually reload, and it can fire from the traveling position in emergencies. The ZU-23 can also be used in a ground support role. One drawback of the ZU-23 is its inability to fire anything but automatic fire.

The ZU-23 mounts twin 23-mm cannons on a towed two-wheel carriage. The cannons are positioned side-by-side between large ring-type trunnions. In appearance, the ZU-23 can be confused with the 14.5-mm ZPU-2; however, the shape and placement of the ZU-23 ammunition boxes (at right angles to the gun carriage) and prominent muzzle flash suppressors are distinguishing features.

A battalion of 18 ZU-23s was organic to the Soviet airborne division and is the division's principal AAA weapon. It has an effective AA range of 2,500 meters. It also can be used effectively against lightly armored ground vehicles. In firing position, the ZU-23 is leveled by jacks and stabilized on a three-point base. An optical-mechanical computing sight is used for anti-aircraft fire and a straight-tube telescope for ground targets.

Ammunition is fed from box magazines mounted on the outside of each trunnion. Reloading is fast and uncomplicated. The magazines are easily accessible and the beginning link of the new belt attaches to the link of the last old cartridge which automatically interrupts the firing cycle when it reaches the feedway and signals the bolt to remain open.

The Iranian 23mm double barrel AA gun appears to be a locally built version of the ZU-23, manufactured by the SANAM Industry Group. It is described as being a suitable weapon against targets at a distance of 2500m and high of 1500m. It is designed for anti-aircraft defense and can also be used against light armored vehicles, 2000m away. Furthermore in clear weather with sufficient light, it can be used against concentration of live forces. CIT and APIT shells are used for firing at airborne and ground targets.

Specifications

ZU-23 23MM Antiaircraft Gun

 

Characteristics:

 

Crew

5

Length

4.57 m

Height

2.87m

Width

1.83

Combat Weight

950 kg

   

Armament:

 
   

Antiaircraft gun

Twin 23mm air -cooled ZAP 23 cannons, traverses 360 degrees

Maximum effective range (vertical)

2,500 meters

Rate of fire

Maximum: 800-1000 rds/min/barrel Sustained: 200rds/min/barrel

Type of ammunition

API-T, HEI-T

Basic Load

INA

Fire Control

Optical-mechanical sight

   

Vehicle: (prime mover)

UAZ-69 jeep

   

Maximum road speed

90km/hr (56 mph)

Water Crossing ability

Fords 1.1m (3.5 feet)

Cruising range (on roads)

530 km (330 miles)

Night vision aids

Infrared system can be fitted

Maximum armor thickness

No armor

NBC Protection

None

Vulnerabilities:

Fixed location

 

Exposed personnel

 

Optics vulnerable to obscuration

 

Exposed ammunition

   

Recognition:

 
 

Two-wheeled carriage

 

Horizontally mounted rectangular ammo boxes

 

Prominent muzzle flash supressors

 

Wheels raised in firing position

Iranian 23mm AAA



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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/zu-23.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Thursday, April 27, 2000 2:34:36 PM