Ukrainian forces shoot down Shahed drone with rare machine gun
Illustrative photo: Maxim 1910 machine gun (Getty Images)
Ukrainian soldiers used a rare Maxim 1910 machine gun to shoot down a Russian Shahed drone. This occurred during one of the Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory, according to the 17th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine.
According to the military, during one of the attacks on Ukrainian territory, mobile fire teams from the 17th Poltava Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine successfully destroyed an enemy Shahed 136/131 drone. The guardsmen responded swiftly to the threat, preventing potential strikes on the region.
"Defense operations are ongoing, and the units of the National Guard of Ukraine continue to ensure the safety of civilians," the statement said.
Meanwhile, OSINT analysts believe that the enemy drone was shot down using the rare Maxim 1910 machine gun.
What is known about the Maxim M1910 machine gun
The Maxim M1910 is one of the most well-known models of heavy machine guns used in many wars throughout the 20th century. It was developed by British engineer Hiram Maxim in the 1880s, and its 1910 modification gained particular popularity in the Russian Empire and the USSR.
Key specifications:
- Caliber: 7.62 mm
- Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute
- Barrel length: 721 mm
- Weight: 64 kg (including tripod and cooling system)
- Feeding: Belt-fed, 250 rounds
- Cooling system: Water-cooled, allowing for prolonged firing without barrel overheating.
The Maxim M1910 featured a water jacket for barrel cooling and was mounted on a wheeled carriage, which made it easier to move on the battlefield. Due to its reliability and simplicity, it became the main heavy machine gun of the Russian and Soviet armies during World War I, the Russian Civil War, and World War II. The machine gun was known for its durability and effectiveness in even the most challenging combat conditions.
Although it was eventually replaced by more modern machine gun models, the Maxim M1910 remained in service with some armies until the mid-20th century.
On the night of October 23, Russia launched 82 unmanned aerial vehicles and a Kh-31P guided missile against Ukraine. Air defense managed to destroy 57 drones.
