The Russian JSC Kalashnikov Concern has produced the first batch of RPL-20 light machine guns for operational suitability tests. The announcement was made by the Russian media reporting from the Army 2024 defense technology exhibition. The 5.45-mm RPL-20 machine guns will be handed over to the Russian Ministry of Defense for military operations and are currently undergoing preparations for testing. The machine gun comes in two versions: with a long barrel and a short barrel, according to Serhiy Urzhumtsev, the concern’s chief designer. The RPL-20 has already passed preliminary tests in the Russian Defense Ministry and was used by the Russian forces in their invasion of Ukraine, receiving positive feedback for its high rate and accuracy of fire.

The RPL-20, developed by Kalashnikov, is designed to enhance the firepower of infantry units and complements the Kalashnikov single machine gun. It is chambered in 5.45×39 caliber and uses belt-fed 100- and 200-round boxes, with versions in 7.62×39 and 5.56×45 NATO calibers also in development. The machine gun is equipped with barrels of different lengths to meet customer requirements. The automation is based on gas extraction from the barrel channel, with a gas engine above the barrel. The trigger mechanism allows for automatic fire with a rate of about 400 rounds/min. The RPL-20 is fed with ammunition from a non-flowing steel belt and can be loaded by pushing the tape into the loading port. It is also equipped with a specially designed sound moderator allowing prolonged firing in long bursts without burning out or destroying.

ملخص الأخبار

• The RPL-20 machine gun has barrels of different lengths, meeting various customer requirements.
• The machine gun is chambered in 5.45×39 caliber and is also in development for 7.62×39 and 5.56×45 NATO calibers.
• The RPL-20’s automation is based on gas extraction from the barrel channel, with a gas engine above the barrel.