The Kalashnikov Concern has produced the first batch of RPL-20 machine guns for delivery to the troops. The new weapon is characterized by relative lightness and compactness and is designed for fire support of assault units, effective firing from unstable positions, for example in a confined space, in mountainous and wooded areas. The participants of his tests in the troops noted the high accuracy and intensity of the fire. The machine gun will be a great help to the troops and will be in demand during assault operations, experts say.
The Kalashnikov Concern has produced the first batch of RPL-20 machine guns for delivery to the troops. The new weapon is characterized by relative lightness and compactness and is designed for fire support of assault units, effective firing from unstable positions, for example in a confined space, in mountainous and wooded areas. The participants of his tests in the troops noted the high accuracy and intensity of the fire. The machine gun will be a great help to the troops and will be in demand during assault operations, experts say.
What is the RPL-20?
The RPL-20 machine gun is being developed as a fire support weapon for assault units and should complement such weapons as the Kalashnikov machine gun, said Sergey Urzhumtsev, chief designer of Kalashnikov Concern JSC, at the presentation of the product.
He added that this is a light compact weapon for fire support of assault units. The machine gun has a belt feed. It is equipped with interchangeable barrels with a length of 590 and 415 mm. It has the ability to install various optoelectronic equipment to increase the effectiveness of shooting.
Now a batch has been produced, which is ready for transfer to the customer for military operation.
— The main advantage is the ability to conduct effective shooting from unstable positions, — said Sergey Urzhumtsev. — This is primarily the work of assault groups in a confined space, in mountainous and wooded areas. And since the weapon uses a 5.45 caliber, it has a low recoil pulse, a high rate of fire, and a high level of wearable ammunition.
Answering a question from Izvestia, the chief designer said that the machine gun was tested in the troops, including in the zone of a special military operation, and collected positive feedback.
— The reviews noted high accuracy, good equipment, — Urzhumtsev said. — In particular, it has a low-noise shooting device in its standard configuration. He has a high intensity of fire. It fully justifies the positions for which it was developed.
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Andrey Erstrem
The abbreviation RPL-20 means "a hand-held machine gun with a belt feed." In terms of weight and size characteristics, it is close to the RPK-74, but at the same time it can conduct more intense automatic fire with a large number of shots before cooling. The weight of the machine gun is 5.2–5.5 kg, depending on the number of cartridges in the box, the length, depending on the installed barrel, is 1085-1145 mm. The rate of fire is about 700 rounds per minute.
The machine gun has an upper picatinny rail, adjustable controls, a folding stock with length adjustment. It is available in two versions — with a long barrel and with a short one.
The weapon is equipped with two boxes for 100 or 200 rounds. It has a front holding handle that is adjustable to the left and right. And in addition — height-adjustable bipods. They can be installed both on the forearm and on the muzzle.
The question that the troops need a light machine gun with a belt feed has been standing for a long time, military expert Yuri Lyamin told Izvestia.
— Now, in the conditions of hostilities, the need for such weapons has become even more pronounced. Assault operations are often conducted at very close distances. Accordingly, a light machine gun is needed, which can give a high rate of fire for a long time. In urban conditions, in forests, this is very necessary, because support from heavier weapons is not always available. It is necessary that each compartment has such a light machine gun.
New small arms in the Russian army
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the development of a compact PKZ machine gun. It is made on the basis of the well-known PCM, but much shorter and lighter than its prototype. The PKZ is well balanced, which allows the fighter to throw it up with one hand and immediately open fire, and the small dimensions ensure concealed carrying. The machine gun is currently undergoing field tests and after their completion will be sent to the area of its own. According to the developers, it is needed when storming buildings, structures, field strongpoints, as well as when guarding automobile columns — where fighters have to fight in cramped conditions. The length of the novelty is only 850 mm, the weight is about 7 kg without a box with cartridges. It is 1.5 kg lighter than the PKM machine gun.
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Andrey Erstrem
The special military operation in Ukraine has given impetus to the creation of new and refinement of existing rifle systems. In particular, based on the experience of fighting in the first year, the AK-12 assault rifle was upgraded. The design changes mainly affect ergonomics and are designed to increase reliability and combat effectiveness. In the updated version, the firing mode was removed on the machine in a burst with a cutoff of two shots and a two-way safety translator flag was installed. An adjustable cheek was attached to the butt. The weapon received a new forearm, more durable and ergonomic. The changes also affected the flame suppressor-compensator.
At the end of 2023, the Russian army units received the first serial samples of the Chukavin sniper rifle (microwave). The new weapon has improved characteristics and higher accuracy, it was created to replace the famous Dragunov rifle, the main military sniper weapon since the 1960s. Microwave began to be developed in 2016 and was first shown a year later at the Army military Technical Forum. Starting in 2021, a number of rifles were transferred to the army for trial operation. They were adopted in May 2023.
