RPL-20
The RPL-20 (Russian: Ручной Пулемёт Ленточный, Ruchnoy Pulemot Lentochnyy; English: Belt-fed Machine Gun) is a prototype light machine gun developed by Kalashnikov Concern for the Russian Military. Though designed in response to feedback following the purchase and testing of the company's magazine-fed RPK-16 light machine gun, the RPL-20 is an entirely new design, utilizing an open-bolt, belt-fed action in lieu of the closed-bolt, magazine fed operation typical to Kalashnikov-pattern weapons. It is anticipated to serve as a squad automatic weapon in Russian military use, supplementing the heavier-caliber PK machine guns currently used for suppressive fire while still providing a higher practical rate of fire than is possible with RPK-based weapons. The RPL-20 was unveiled at the Army-2020 event in late August, 2020.
| RPL-20 | |
|---|---|
Prototype on display at Army-2020 International Military-Technical Forum | |
| Type | Light machine gun |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Kalashnikov Concern |
| Produced | August 2020 (prototype unveiled) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.2–5.5 kg (11–12 lb) |
| Length | 1,085–1,145 mm (42.7–45.1 in) |
| Barrel length | 590 mm (23.2 in) |
| Cartridge | 5.45×39mm |
| Action | Gas operated, rotating bolt, open bolt |
| Rate of fire | ~600 rounds/min |
| Feed system | Non-disintegrating belt |