KS-19

The KS-19 is a towed anti-aircraft gun that was specifically designed to excel in ground combat, particularly against armored targets and as artillery. Due to its towed nature, it requires an external means of mobility, typically an AT-S Medium or AT-T Heavy tracked artillery tractor. The loading tray allows for quick and efficient ammunition loading, enabling a well-trained crew to fire a maximum of 15 rounds per minute. The fire control system comprises the PUAZO-6/19 directional system, along with a SON 9 (NATO Reporting name 'Fire Can') or SON-9A fire control radar. While the onboard sights are adequate for engaging air targets, greater accuracy is achieved when used in conjunction with the fire control radar. The ammunition is of a fixed type and is largely interchangeable with other 100mm rifled tank and field guns. Anti-aircraft ammunition includes high explosive, high explosive fragmentation, and fragmentation types. The two types of armor-piercing rounds are the AP-T (Armor Piercing-Tracer) and the APC-T (Armor Piercing Capped-Tracer). The AP-T round is reputed to penetrate 185 mm of armor at a range of 1000 m. == History ==

The KS-19 gun was developed to replace the 85mm anti-aircraft guns that were used during World War II. However, the city was captured by Russian forces on March 3 and it is believed that the Russians may have used some of the guns as decoys. As of April 1, 2023, it has been reported that Ukraine is using some of the KS-19 guns that were stored in Balakliia for indirect fire against ground targets, and possibly for direct fire as well. One advantage of using these guns as artillery is that they fire older ammunition that is not commonly used by other Ukrainian artillery. == Variants ==

Soviet Union • KS-19 − Original production model introduced in 1948 on KZU-16 carriage. • KS-19M − Updated model introduced in 1951. The grooves in the barrel were broadened to reduce the projectile's friction and reduce barrel wear. • KS-19M2 − Final production model introduced in 1955. Features the heavier and more stable KZU-28 carriage, which is easier to set up as well. Produced until 1957 == Surviving Examples ==

• Jianchuan Museum - Type 59 variant == Operators ==

Current • • – 8 • – Unknown • – 4 • • – 12 • • - Unknown • – Unknown • : The Ukrainian army started to use KS-19 100mm anti-aircraft guns in 2023. • − 56 • – 150 in 2018. • − 8 • – Produced as Type 59. Retired. • • – 300 in 2018. • – 24 in 1989. • − 10 • − Supplied by Syria • − Used as a howitzer ==References==