When the RPK-16 light machine gun put into service with the Russian Army had many shortcomings that could not be overcome, in 2018, Kalashnikov Group developed a new line of machine guns called RPL-20 to meet the requirements. about durability and high rate of fire as required by Russian soldiers.
RPL-20 light machine gun.
Basically, the RPL-20 retains the traditional design of the AK rifle family with an open barrel lock and long ejector. However, the main difference is that the gun uses the principle of wire feeding instead of the traditional magazine box. Although wire feeding reduces the soldier’s mobility, it helps the gun have a faster rate of fire and is less likely to jam.
The next special feature is that the RPL-20 has a quick barrel change mechanism to suit high-intensity and field combat conditions. Meeting modern combat standards, the RPL-20 is also equipped with a Picantiny equipment mounting rail to mount a variety of sights and combat accessories depending on the soldier’s needs.
The weight of the RPL-20 gun varies depending on the length of the gun barrel: With a 580mm long barrel, the gun’s weight is 5.5kg, and with a 415mm short barrel, the gun’s weight is 5.2kg. The gun uses the Russian standard 5.45x39mm bullet size with a 100-round ammunition belt in a sealed box. The gun has an effective fire range of 500m with a fire rate of about 700 rounds/minute. In the future, Russian machine guns will have more 5.56 and 7.62mm bullet sizes according to NATO standards to serve export needs.
According to the latest information, the new RPL-20 has passed the factory-level testing phase to be handed over to the Russian Army to begin state-level testing. It is expected to replace current Russian light machine guns such as the RPK-16 and RPK-74 from the Soviet era in the near future.
TUAN SON