RPKS
Izhmash (Kalashnikov Concern) · Machine Gun · In Production · 1964
Also known as: Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova Skladnoy, RPK-S
Overview
The RPKS is the airborne variant of the Kalashnikov RPK light machine gun, chambered in 7.62×39mm and produced by Izhmash (Kalashnikov Concern). Developed for paratroopers and rapid-deployment forces, it differs from the standard RPK chiefly in its side-folding wooden buttstock, which hinges on a riveted trunnion to fold flat against the left side of the receiver for compact carriage during airborne operations. The stock locks both in the extended firing position and when folded. In all other respects the RPKS retains the RPK's long-stroke gas-operated action, 590mm fixed heavy barrel, integral folding bipod, and feed from 40-round box magazines or 75-round drums, delivering squad-level automatic fire with roughly 75 percent parts commonality with the AKM rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4800 g (169.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1040 mm (40.94") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 745 m/s (2444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2190 J (1615 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62×39mm · primary — also known as 7.62×39mm M43, 7.62 Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Selector Lever, Dust Cover
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Integral Folding Bipod, Chrome Lined Barrel, Hooded Front Sight, Tangent Rear Sight, Fixed Barrel, Closed Bolt Firing
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Soviet Airborne Forces · adopted 1964
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1991
- Bulgarian Armed Forces
- Polish Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1964-present
Produced alongside the standard RPK by the Soviet Union and licensed manufacturers; exact totals unknown
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The 'S' in RPKS denotes 'skladnoy' (folding), referring to the side-folding stock that distinguishes this airborne model from the fixed-stock RPK. Like the base RPK, the fixed barrel cannot be swapped in the field, limiting sustained fire to roughly 80 rounds per minute to avoid overheating. An RPKSN sub-variant added a side rail for night-vision optics.
Background
The RPKS was created so that Soviet airborne troops could carry a full squad automatic weapon while parachuting; its side-folding stock let the gun ride compactly against a jumper's kit and snap into action immediately on landing, mirroring the folding-stock AKMS issued to the same paratroopers.