IDET 2023: Excalibur Army displays MR-2 14.5mm anti-aircraft system on Toyota pickup truck.

MR-2 is based on the Russian ZPU-2 twin-anti-aircraft machine guns in 14.5mm caliber. ZPU (meaning "anti-aircraft machine gun mount") is a family of anti-aircraft guns based on the Soviet 14.5×114mm KPV heavy machine gun. It entered service with the Soviet Union in 1949 and is used by over 50 countries worldwide. Quadruple (ZPU-4), double- (ZPU-2 and ZU-2) and single-barreled (ZPU-1) versions of the weapon exist. These machine guns boast bullets that carry almost double the energy compared to standard 12.7mm machine guns.
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Excalibur Army's MR-2 14.5mm anti-aircraft system mounted on a Toyota pickup truck (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The ZPU-2 is known for its exceptional mobility and versatility. With a 360-degree traverse capability, it can effectively engage targets from any direction, providing a comprehensive defensive solution against airborne threats. The wide elevation range allows the operators to adjust the guns to varying altitudes up to 8,000 meters.

To enhance accuracy and precision, the ZPU-2 is equipped with the ZAPP-2 anti-aircraft sight, which incorporates a day collimator. This sight enables the operators to effectively track and engage fast-moving aerial targets with ease. Additionally, an optical sight tube is provided for firing at ground targets, further expanding the system's capabilities and flexibility.

In modern iterations of the ZPU-2, a thermal camera is integrated into the system. This technological addition significantly enhances the operator's situational awareness, allowing for effective targeting even in low-light or adverse weather conditions. The thermal camera provides an invaluable advantage, enabling the detection of heat signatures and potential threats that might otherwise be concealed.

ZPU-2 turned out to be too heavy for the Russian airborne troops, so a new UZPU-2 (later redesignated as ZU-2) was developed from ZPU-1. Two variants exist: Type 58 (Chinese-built) and PKM-2 (Polish-built).

This kind of redoubtable weapon mounted on Japanese-made pickup trucks has been and remains widely used in African conflicts, known under the « technical » designation.

Excalibur Army's MR-2 14.5mm anti-aircraft system mounted on a Toyota pickup truck (Picture source: Army Recognition)

"Technical" armed with an old Russian ZPU-2 in Libya (Picture source: Wikipedia)

Ammunition

* API (BS.41): Full metal jacket bullet round with a tungsten carbide core. Projectile weight is 64.4 g (2.27 oz) and muzzle velocity is 1000 meters per second (3,281 ft/s). Armor penetration at 500 m (550 yds) is 32 mm (1.3 in) of RHA at 90 degrees.
* API-T (BZT): Full metal jacket round with a steel core. Projectile weight is 59.56 g (2.101 oz) and muzzle velocity is 1,005 m/s (3,297 ft/s). Tracer burns to at least 2,000 m (2,200 yds).
* I-T (ZP): "Instantaneous Incendiary" bullet with internal fuze, incendiary in tip, tracer container in base. The projectile weight is 60.0 g (2.12 oz).

Rounds are also produced by Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Poland, and Romania.

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Defense News May 2023