RT-20
RH-Alan · Sniper Rifle · Limited Production · 1994
Also known as: Ručni Top 20, Hand Cannon 20mm
Overview
The RT-20 (Ručni Top 20, meaning 'Hand Cannon 20mm') is a Croatian bullpup anti-materiel rifle chambered in the 20x110mm Hispano cartridge, making it one of the most powerful shoulder-fired weapons ever produced. Developed during the mid-1990s by the Croatian defense company RH-Alan, the RT-20 was officially adopted by the Croatian Army. The rifle's most distinctive feature is its counter-recoil system: a venturi tube mounted above the barrel redirects propellant gases rearward over the shooter's shoulder, functioning similarly to a recoilless rifle. This creates a significant backblast danger zone behind the weapon. The rotating bolt features nine locking lugs arranged in three rows of three. Another unique design characteristic is the placement of the bolt behind the shooter's head in the bullpup layout, meaning the operator either needs a teammate to reload or must take the rifle off their shoulder between shots. Firing a 130-gram projectile at 850 m/s, the RT-20 produces nearly 47,000 joules of muzzle energy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 19200 g (677.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1330 mm (52.36") |
| Barrel Length | 920 mm (36.22") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 46963 J (34638 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2500 m (2734 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Composite |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 20x110mm Hispano · primary — also known as 20mm Hispano-Suiza, 20x110mm HS.404
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Venturi Counter Recoil System, Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Single Shot, Optical Sight Mount
Service history
Operators
- Croatian Armed Forces · adopted 1994
Conflicts
- Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995)
Production
Production years: 1994-present
Limited production by RH-Alan in Croatia. Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Croatia
Notes
The RT-20 was developed during the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) to provide Croatian forces with a capability to defeat Serbian armored vehicles and fortified positions. The venturi counter-recoil system is essential because the 20x110mm Hispano cartridge produces recoil forces that would be physically impossible for a human to absorb through conventional means. The backblast area behind the rifle is extremely dangerous, requiring careful positioning and awareness of friendly personnel.
Background
The RT-20 is literally a 'hand cannon' firing 20mm anti-aircraft ammunition from a shoulder-fired platform. Its venturi counter-recoil system vents propellant gases backward like a rocket launcher, creating a dangerous backblast zone. The bolt sits behind the shooter's head, requiring either a teammate or taking the rifle off the shoulder to reload, making it one of the most unconventional and extreme firearms ever adopted by a military.