RPL-20
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Machine Gun · In Production · 2024
Also known as: Ruchnoy Pulemet RPL-20, RPL-20 LMG
Overview
The RPL-20 is a Russian belt-fed light machine gun chambered in 5.45x39mm, developed by Kalashnikov Concern as a squad automatic weapon comparable in role to the American M249 SAW. It is a gas-operated, open-bolt weapon with a long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt, feeding from a non-disintegrating belt held in soft-box magazines of 100 or 200 cartridges. The design emphasizes light weight, a quick-change barrel for sustained fire, and modern ergonomics including a folding/adjustable stock, folding bipod, carrying handle, and Picatinny rail sections for optics.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5500 g (194.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Non Disintegrating Belt, Soft Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Folding Bipod, Adjustable Stock, Folding Stock, Picatinny Rail, Carrying Handle, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Rotating Bolt
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2024-present
Unveiled in 2020 and shown in updated form; entered the catalog and active evaluation/use in the mid-2020s
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Kalashnikov Concern
Notes
Two barrel-length configurations exist: a 590 mm barrel giving an overall length of about 1,100 mm, and a shorter 415 mm barrel giving roughly 950 mm overall. Empty weight is reported at roughly 5.2-5.5 kg depending on configuration. First unveiled in 2020 and shown in updated form thereafter, with reported rates of fire between 600 and 800 rounds per minute across sources.
Background
The RPL-20 marked a notable departure for Kalashnikov Concern by adopting belt feed in an intermediate 5.45x39mm cartridge, breaking from the magazine-fed RPK tradition to field a true squad automatic weapon in the SAW class.