HMG PK-16
A Pakistani heavy machine gun unveiled at IDEAS 2016.
The HMG PK-16 is a heavy machine gun produced by Pakistan Ordnance Factories. It uses a belt-fed, air-cooled, gas-operated system. The weapon was first shown to the public on 23 November 2016 at the IDEAS defence exhibition, and its designation likely points to a 2016 introduction. The gun shares design features with the Soviet DShK, as well as the Chinese W85 and Type 54. Assembly requires two people and takes 5 minutes and 20 seconds; disassembly takes 4 minutes and 30 seconds. When mounted, assembly time drops to under one minute. The weapon uses spade grips with a thumb-operated trigger between them. Its tripod can be used flat on the ground or elevated, and the gun can also be mounted on vehicles. It is relatively light and suited for low-intensity operations. The PK-16 fires 12.7×108mm ammunition, has an overall length of 1,500 mm, and a barrel length of 1,003 mm. Its effective range is 1,500 to 1,600 meters. The tripod allows elevation from -26° to +73° and a full 360° traverse. The rate of fire is 540 to 600 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of 810 m/s. The barrel must be replaced after 3,500 rounds.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Pakistan
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Service
- November 2016-present
- Designer
- POF
- Mass
- 30±2 kg
- Length
- 1,500 mm
- Part Length
- 1,003 mm
- Crew
- 2
- Caliber
- 12.7×108mm
- Action
- Gas operated
- Rate
- 540-600 rounds/min
- Velocity
- 810 m/s
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The HMG PK-16 shows some similarities to the Soviet DShK, as well as the Chinese W85 and Type 54 machine gun. It is assembled by two people with an assembling time of 5 minutes and 20 seconds and a disassembling time of 4 minutes and 30 seconds; however, its assembling time with the gun mounted is less than one minute. It has spade grips with the trigger in between the spade grips to be thumb pressed by the user. It uses a tripod stand that can be operated either flat on ground or elevated, and it can also be operated on vehicles. The tripod allows for an elevation of -26° to +73° and a traverse movement of 360°. It is comparatively lightweight and suitable for low intensity operations.
Reader's Guide
The HMG PK-16 represents a modern addition to Pakistan's heavy machine gun inventory, designed and produced domestically by the Pakistan Ordnance Factories. Its unveiling at the IDEAS defence exhibition in 2016 marked its entry into the market. The weapon's design incorporates features seen in earlier heavy machine guns such as the Soviet DShK and Chinese W85 and Type 54, indicating a lineage of proven concepts. Its relatively light weight and suitability for low intensity operations suggest a role in infantry support and vehicle mounting. The quick assembly time, especially when mounted, and the ability to operate the tripod in both flat and elevated positions enhance its tactical flexibility. The barrel must be changed after firing 3,500 rounds, a practical limitation for sustained fire. The HMG PK-16's effective range of 1,500–1,600 meters and rate of fire of 540–600 rounds per minute place it within the standard parameters for heavy machine guns of its caliber. Its presence in the reference compendium alongside other heavy machine guns and Pakistan Ordnance Factories products underscores its place in the broader landscape of modern military small arms.
Did You Know?
- The HMG PK-16 was first unveiled on 23 November 2016 at the IDEAS defence exhibition.
- It can be assembled by two people in 5 minutes and 20 seconds, but in less than one minute when mounted.
- Its tripod allows an elevation range of -26° to +73° and a full 360° traverse.
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