82mm vz. 59

Overview

82mm Vz. 59

Former Czechoslovak military Vz. 59 recoilless rifle towed behind a utility vehicle in 2011. Note the KH 59 spotting rifle.
Source: MART.in - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin

Czechoslovakia

Type

Recoilless rifle

Entered service

1959

Status

Obsolete

Development

1950's

Developer

Czechoslovakia

Production

Late 1950's - 1960's?

Producer

Czechoslovakia

Number produced

Produced in quantity

Designations

M59
Vz 59

Notable users

Czechoslovakia

Description

Introduction

The vz. 59 is an early Cold War era recoilless rifle of Czechoslovak origin. It is a dual role weapon. As a direct fire weapon it is intended to be used against tanks and armored vehicles. As an indirect fire weapon it serves as a light artillery piece.

Design

The vz. 59 is a smoothbore breech loaded recoilless rifle. It is mounted on a large and sturdy two wheel chassis. On the left side of the barrel a 12.7mm ZH 59 spotting rifle is fitted, a unique feature for a Warsaw Pact recoilless rifle. The barrel is quite long, resulting in a rather high muzzle velocity for a 1950's recoilless rifle. There is a 50 m danger zone behind the weapon.

Variants

M59

Original production model.

M59A

Improved production model with cooling fins on the chamber.

Firepower

The long barrel, high muzzle velocity and spotting rifle result in quite a good accuracy. The large two wheel carriage makes the Vz. 59 a heavy weapon, but also provides a stable firing platform. The 82mm caliber results in a mediocre armor penetration of 250 mm RHA. A high explosive shell can be fired in direct fire and indirect fire mode up to 6.6 km.

Mobility

The large two wheel carriage allows the Vz. 59 to be towed at high speed on roads and in the field. The handle bars near the muzzle make it easier to drag the heavy Vz. 59 along in the field. The Vz.59 was also seen mounted on the rear platform of the OT-62 tracked armored personnel carrier.