KK 62

The KK 62 (from Finnish konekivääri 62, 'machine gun 62'), officially 7.62 KK 62 (previously also 7.62 KVKK 62) and colloquially KVKK or KVKK 62, is a Finnish 7.62×39mm light machine gun designed in late 1950s with the first prototype ready for testing in 1960. It was officially adopted as the standard infantry support weapon of the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) in 1962 as the 7.62 konekivääri 62; the first weapons were delivered in 1966. It remains in service, although a replacement has already entered use, namely the PKM general-purpose machine gun.

KK 62
Valmet KK 62 light machine gun.
TypeLight machine gun
Place of originFinland
Service history
In service1962–present
Used byFinnish Defence Forces
Production history
DesignerValmet
Designed1950s
ManufacturerValmet
No. built6,500[1]
Specifications
Mass8.5 kg (18.74 lb)
Length1,085 mm (42.7 in)
Barrel length470 mm (18.5 in)
Cartridge7.62×39mm
ActionGas-operated, tilting breechblock
Rate of fire1,000–1,100 rounds/min
Feed system100-round belt in detachable cloth container
SightsIron sights

Design details

The KK 62 is a gas-operated, belt-fed automatic weapon. It uses a tilting bolt that locks by protrusions in recesses of side walls the receiver, and fires from an open bolt. The overall system of operation is modeled on that found in the Czech LK Vz. 52/57 machine gun. The KK 62's receiver is machined from steel, and a tubular metal buttstock houses the recoil spring. To facilitate shooting with heavy mittens, there is no trigger guard. A substantial vertical bar in front of the trigger is used for pulling the trigger/handgrip assembly and bolt back when loading. The KK 62 is fed from the right-hand side, from 100-round belts that are carried in pouches that clamp onto the receiver wall. The KK 62 has no quick-change barrel, which is a serious drawback when sustained firepower is required; the original usage doctrine was based on agile hit-and-run tactics rather than suppressive fire from a strong position. The cleaning rod is attached to the right side of the butt and receiver. A side-folding carrying handle is provided in front of the feeding mechanism. The KK 62 is also equipped with a folding bipod.

Due to its flaws and clunkiness, the Finns in the Puolustusvoimat (Defense Forces) often nicknamed it "ripulilinko" or "diarrhea sling" in English and are often reluctant to use it.

The KK 62 uses the intermediate Soviet 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge, which can be interchanged with any FDF standard assault rifles (from RK 62 to RK 95 TP). The major drawbacks are the lack of a quick-changeable barrel and sensitivity to dirt and humidity—the KK 62 requires much more care in a combat environment than most FDF assault rifles.

Variants
KVKK 60 IP VS (m/60 D) prototype.
  • kvkk m/58 - initial custom prototypes based on the Czechoslovakian vz. 52-57 machine gun.[2]
    • kvkk m/58 A - first Valmet-made prototype based on the exact action of the Czechoslovakian vz. 52-57 machine gun and FDF requirements, but without the magazine feed option due to manufacturing limitations.[2]
    • kvkk m/58 B - Valmet modification more suitable for mass production, with a fixed barrel and both belt and magazine feed for AK-47 type magazines.[2]
  • KVKK 60 - prototype batch of 50 machine guns for field trials.[2]
    • KVKK 60 KP VS LS (Valmet production name m/60 A) - variant with a fixed barrel, belt and magazine feed.[2]
    • KVKK 60 IP VS LS (Valmet production name m/60 B) - variant with a quick change barrel, belt and magazine feed.[2]
    • KVKK 60 KP VS (Valmet production name m/60 C) - variant with a fixed barrel and only belt feed.[2]
    • KVKK 60 IP VS (Valmet production name m/60 D) - variant with a quick change barrel and only belt feed.[2]
  • KVKK 62 pre-production batch - based on the KVKK 60 KP VS (m/60 C). Its receiver suffered from durability issues; out of the 30 pre-production machine guns, 2 had an improved, reinforced receiver installed.[2]
  • KK 62 (also KVKK 62)- production variant of the KK 62, based on the KVKK 62 pre-production series with the improved receiver.[2]
    • KK 62 late production variant with modernised night sights.[2]

Users

References
  2. Palokangas, Markku (1991). Sotilaskäsiaseet Suomessa 1918-1988: Suomen maanpuolustuksen ja sotien kevyt kiväärikaliiperinen aseistus itsenäisyyden 70 vuoden aikana. 2. osa, Suomalaiset aseet (in Finnish). Suomen asehistoriallinen seura. ISBN 951-25-0518-5.
  3. Hyytinen, Timo (2001). Asesuunnittelua Suomessa (in Finnish). Arma Fennica Oy. p. 77. ISBN 978-951-97543-3-8.
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