RPD
V.A. Degtyarev Plant · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1944
Also known as: Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova, Type 56 LMG, Type 62, lMG D, Degtyaryov Hand-held Machine Gun
Overview
The RPD (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Degtyaryova, or Degtyaryov Hand-held Machine Gun) is a Soviet 7.62x39mm light machine gun designed by Vasily Degtyaryov. Designated as the model of 1944, it was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1948, with large-scale deliveries beginning in 1953. The RPD was designed alongside the AK-47 to fire the new 7.62x39mm M43 intermediate cartridge, serving as the squad automatic weapon component of the Soviet infantry weapon family. The weapon operates via a gas-operated, long-stroke piston system with a flapper locking mechanism, firing from an open bolt in full-auto only mode. It feeds from a 100-round non-disintegrating metallic link belt housed in a distinctive drum-shaped container that clips beneath the receiver. With a cyclic rate of 650 rounds per minute and a muzzle velocity of 735 m/s, the RPD provided effective suppressive fire out to 800 meters. The weapon features a fixed, non-quick-change chrome-lined barrel and a three-position adjustable gas regulator. Weighing 7.4 kg empty, the RPD was significantly lighter than contemporary belt-fed machine guns, making it a practical squad-level weapon. The RPD served extensively during the Vietnam War, numerous Cold War conflicts, and African bush wars, and was produced under license in China (Type 56), North Korea (Type 62), Egypt, and East Germany.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7400 g (261.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 10400 g (366.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1037 mm (40.83") |
| Barrel Length | 521 mm (20.51") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Sight Radius | 597 mm (23.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Automatic Only |
| Magazine Capacity | 100 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 735 m/s (2411 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2133 J (1573 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62 Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43, M43
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed Non Disintegrating
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Folding Bipod, Belt Fed, Open Bolt, Non Disintegrating Belt, Drum Belt Container, Flapper Locking, Stamped Receiver, Adjustable Iron Sights, Gas Regulator
Variants
- RPDM — Improved
- Type 56 (RPD) — Chinese Copy
- Type 56-1 (RPD) — Chinese Improved
- Type 62 — North Korean Copy
- lMG D — East German
- Maadi RPD — Egyptian Copy
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Armed Forces · adopted 1948
- People's Liberation Army · as Type 56
- Korean People's Army · as Type 62
- People's Army of Vietnam · as RPD / Type 56
- Egyptian Armed Forces · as Maadi RPD
- East German National People's Army · as lMG D
- Polish Armed Forces · adopted 1956 · as RPDM
- Finnish Defence Forces · as 7.62 KK 54 RPD
- Afghan Armed Forces
- Hungarian Armed Forces
- Indonesian Armed Forces
- Iraqi Armed Forces
- Libyan Armed Forces
- Romanian Armed Forces
- Syrian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Six-Day War (1967-1967)
- Yom Kippur War (1973-1973)
- Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979)
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
Production
Production years: 1944-present
Produced in large quantities by the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, Egypt, and East Germany; exact total unknown
Origin
Country of origin: Soviet Union
Designer: Vasily Degtyaryov
Notes
The RPD's fixed barrel was its most notable limitation, as it could not be quickly changed in the field during sustained fire, requiring disciplined fire management to prevent overheating. The Soviet Union produced five progressively improved versions: the first with a female gas piston fitting and reciprocating cocking handle, the second with a male gas piston and relocated windage knob, a third adding a dust cover and folding cocking handle (which became the model for the Chinese Type 56), a fourth variant (RPDM) with a longer gas cylinder and buffer in the butt, and a fifth model with a folding feed cover belt carrier and multipiece cleaning rod (copied by China as the Type 56-1). The weapon was eventually replaced in Soviet service by the RPK light machine gun, which offered greater parts commonality with the AK-47. The RPD's non-disintegrating belt is fed from the left side and the 100-round belt drum clips to the underside of the receiver. DS Arms in the United States produces both semi-automatic civilian and full-auto export variants, including a modernized RPD Carbine version. The weapon remains in active service across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Background
The RPD was designed alongside the AK-47 to fire the same new 7.62x39mm M43 intermediate cartridge, forming a matched squad weapon system. Its most notable limitation was the fixed, non-quick-change barrel, which meant gunners had to exercise fire discipline to prevent overheating. The weapon was eventually replaced by the RPK, which shared 75% parts commonality with the AK-47.