Belarusian army trains supernumerary teams on operating ZU-23-2 MZAK 2K20 air defense guns.

Supernumerary teams of the Belarusian army have been trained on how to operate ZU-23-2 (MZAK 2K20) air defense guns took place in the 174th Air Force and Air Defense training area, Belta news agency reports.
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Belarusian soldiers training on ZU-23-2, or MZAK 2K20, air defense guns (Picture source: courtesy of the Belarusian Defense Ministry's news agency Vayar)

Belarusian Chief of the Ground Forces Air Defense, Chief of the Ground Forces Air Defense Group of the Air Force and Air Defense Command, Colonel Sergei Butkevich supervised the muster during which the personnel studied the design, the purpose, and the procedure for operating ZU-23-2 (MZAK 2K20) air defense guns, including with shooting live ammunition.

The ZU-23-2, also recognized as ZU-23, is a twin-barreled autocannon designed by the Soviet Union, firing 23×152 mm ammunition. Its acronym "ZU" stands for Zenitnaya Ustanovka, which translates to "anti-aircraft mount" in Russian. It is identified by the GRAU index 2A13.

The development of the ZU-23-2 took place in the late 1950s with the objective of engaging low-flying targets within a 2.5 km range, as well as armored vehicles up to two kilometers away. It was primarily intended for the direct defense of troops and strategic locations against air assaults, typically carried out by helicopters and low-flying airplanes. In 1955, KBP presented two versions: the single-barrel ZU-1 and the twin-barrel ZU-14. The ZU-14 was selected for production after some modifications and eventually became the ZU-23-2.

The Soviet Union produced approximately 140,000 units of the ZU-23, and it was also manufactured under license by Bulgaria,[8] Poland, Egypt, and the People's Republic of China. The development of this weapon served as the foundation for the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun known as the ZSU-23-4 Shilka.

The ZU-23-2 (2A13) is mounted on a small trailer and features two 23 mm 2A14 Afanasyev-Yakushev autocannons. It can be converted into a stationary firing position by moving the wheels aside. The weapon can be prepared for firing from a marching position in just 30 seconds and can also be fired from the traveling position in emergencies. It is manually aimed and fired, with assistance from the ZAP-23 optical-mechanical sight, which allows for limited automatic aiming through manually input target data. Additionally, it is equipped with a straight-tube telescope T-3 for engaging ground targets like infantry, unarmored, or lightly armored vehicles. Ammunition is fed from two ammunition boxes, each containing 50 rounds. To mitigate the fumes generated during firing, the weapon has side openings in the barrels.

With a muzzle velocity of 970 meters per second (3,182 feet per second) and projectiles weighing 186 grams (6.27 ounces), the ZU-23-2 is designed to engage its targets effectively and decisively. In terms of its rate of fire, it exhibits both cyclic and practical rates. In the cyclic mode, it can unleash a staggering 2,000 rounds per minute, showcasing its rapid firepower capabilities. In practical terms, the rate of fire is reduced to 400 rounds per minute, ensuring sustained and controlled fire.

When it comes to its operational range, the ZU-23-2 can engage targets within a distance of 2 to 2.5 kilometers (1.24 to 1.55 miles). Moreover, its effective altitude for engaging aerial threats extends from 1,500 to 2,000 meters (4,921 to 6,562 feet), making it a versatile anti-aircraft weapon system. Typically, after firing 100 rounds, each barrel becomes too hot and must be replaced with a spare barrel. Two replacement barrels are provided as part of the standard equipment. Tulamashzavod Joint Stock Company has offered an upgrade to the 2A14M standard, extending barrel life from 8,000 to 10,000 rounds.

The cannon carriage is based on the earlier ZPU-2 anti-aircraft twin heavy machine gun, which featured two KPV 14.5×114mm heavy machine guns. The ZU-23-2 can be distinguished by its distinct placement of ammunition boxes (at right angles to the gun carriage) and muzzle flash suppressors. Similar to the ZPU series, single-barrel and four-barrel versions of the ZU-23 were developed but never entered service.

To operate this weapon, a crew of six personnel is required. The ZU-23-2 boasts a weight of 0.95 tonnes (2,094 lbs).

Defense News November 2023