What does a ZPU tick look like? - briefly
The ZPU tick appears as a thin white vertical line capped by a short horizontal bar, forming a minimalist check‑mark shape. It flashes briefly at the weapon’s firing point during each simulation step.
What does a ZPU tick look like? - in detail
The ZPU tick presents a rapid, distinct visual cue that marks a single discharge of the 14.5 mm anti‑aircraft gun. The effect unfolds in a tightly timed sequence lasting roughly a tenth of a second.
The flash emerges from the muzzle as an intense, white‑orange burst, visible even in daylight. Immediately after the flash, a short plume of grey‑white smoke trails the projectile’s path, dissipating within a fraction of a second. A thin tracer, if loaded, follows the projectile, leaving a faint, luminous line that persists for a moment before fading.
Recoil is evident as a slight backward jerk of the barrel, accompanied by a subtle vibration of the mounting platform. The movement is limited to a few centimeters but is perceptible in high‑speed recordings. The gun’s breech opens briefly, exposing the chamber before the next round is chambered.
Acoustic characteristics include a sharp, crackling report, followed by a brief echo that diminishes rapidly. The sound profile remains consistent across successive ticks, providing a reliable auditory indicator of each shot.
Key visual elements can be summarized as follows:
- Bright white‑orange muzzle flash
- Immediate grey‑white smoke plume
- Optional tracer streak
- Minimal barrel recoil displacement
- Brief breech opening
These components combine to create the unmistakable signature of a ZPU discharge, recognizable in field observations, video footage, and realistic simulations. The concise, repeatable pattern enables operators and observers to identify each individual shot with precision.