In past videos we’ve looked at all manner of improvised weapons being used in Ukraine, ranging from vehicle PKT machine guns converted to ground use, Molotov Cocktails and even RPG-7 warheads made from fire extinguishers.
This week videos were shared online featuring an intriguing weapon developed to engage small drones. Consisting of a number of AK-74s arranged radially and mounted on an anti-aircraft (AA) tripod when it was shared across social media the weapon was unsurprisingly likened to a Minigun or a classic Gatling Gun.
However, unlike a Gatling, Minigun or some of the mechanical manual machine guns made in the US from semi-automatic rifles (which look very similar to this weapon) the Ukrainian anti-aircraft weapon does not revolve. Instead the rifles are arranged upturned around a central axis. There is an arm to help aim the weapon and central cocking and firing controls.
The first video, shared on 2 July, shows perhaps five or six rifles mounted in a hexagon shaped rig and held together by metal bands. In a closeup the trigger arms which pull the rifles’ triggers can be seen. Some of the rifles are still fitted with their slings indicating they’re probably soldiers’ personal weapons being used to test the mount.
A second video, shared on the same day, shows the rig being fabricated in a workshop. It shows the welding of the controls. The spring-loaded arms which control the cocking of the rifles and the pulling of the triggers can be clearly seen. The cocking piece has a T-shaped handle while the triggers have a U-shaped lever which can be pulled. The articulation of the mount is also demonstrated.
In a third video, shared on 4 July, the mount is shown outside with six rifles mounted. The engineer seen in the previous video demonstrates the loading process – moving around the weapon changing out each magazine. the position of the metal bands holding the rifles in place has changed and it appears each of the rifles are secured in the mount at the wrist of their stocks by a crosspiece and a pair of large bolts. The engineer again demonstrated the mount’s articulation.
On 7 July, we got out first footage of the weapon being fired. One video showed the weapon being fired in the direct-fire role, simulating engaging ground targets. Additionally, two videos show the weapon in action at a range, firing at a towed target representing a drone. The mount has been fitted with a front and rear sight, the front sight appears to be a classic AA-style sight but it lacks outer rings to aid with leading a target. The recoil of the weapon is considerable and the operator can be seen firing several bursts. In a longer video the weapon is seen firing at the towed target several times and can be seen using tracer ammunition which gives us an indication of the rounds dispersion.
Given the presence of a venerable DP-27 light machine gun, also being used in the anti-aircraft role, this might suggest the unit is part of Ukraine’s Territorial Defence Force. The mount appears to be a localised, craft developed and fabricated design and while other improvised AA mounts have been made its unclear how many of this type have been manufactured. It is probable that this is a prototype.
Drones are proving a major threat in Ukraine. For more on how drone warfare is evolving check out our discussion with drone-focused author David Hambling. Countering drones is an issue all armies are facing and a range of measures are being used from electronic warfare to AA guns. For small drones weight of fire is often the only available answer, as such the development of this mount makes sense.
Update – 12/5/24:
Examples from both Ukraine and Russia have also been seen where a number of rifles have been mounted horizontally for anti-drone purposes. A Russian example was shared on VK on 11 May.
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The Armourers Bench 