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Description
Link for Information and Image: www.military-today.com/firearm…

Website: modernfirearms.net/en/

Recently Russian MoD was looking for a new weapon to replace the venerable RPK-74 light machine gun. A requirement was issued for a new light machine gun, capable of delivering high volume of fire. To meet this requirement Kalashnikov Concern developed the new RPL-20. Its designation stands for "Ruchnoy Pulemyot Lentochnij", or Belt-Fed Machine Gun. It is a new design, rather than another variation of Kalashnikov machine guns. Actually it is the first Russia's light machine gun, that is belt-fed, since the 1960s when the RPD was retired. A functioning prototype of the RPL-20 was first publicly revealed in 2020. At the time this weapon was still being developed. Its development was planned to be completed not earlier than in 2022 or 2023.

In terms of design concept this light machine gun somewhat resembles general purpose machine guns such as the PKM or Pecheneg. However it is chambered for less powerful 5.45x39 mm intermediate ammunition. Despite its bulky appearance the RPL-20 has a similar weight as the RPK-74. This machine gun has a design with quick-detachable barrels. The barrel can be quickly removed and replaced. A couple of barrel lengths are available. Version with a short barrel is well suited for special forces use and urban warfare. The fire mode selector is ambidextrous. It has settings for "safe" and "full-auto". This weapon is belt-fed. It uses 100-round belts. Unlike some other modern light machine guns the RPL-20 has got no secondary capability to use assault rifle magazines. There is a full-length Picatinny-type scope rail. The RPL-20 can mount various optics. Also there are flip-up iron sights. This weapon comes with a folding bipod, which can be adjusted for height. There is a carrying handle, which is installed on the scope rail. There is also a vertical grip. This machine gun has an adjustable buttstock. It can be adjusted for length. It has a built-in adjustable cheek piece. The buttstock can be folded.

Country of origin Russia
Entered service ?
Caliber 5.45 x 39 mm
Weight (unloaded) 5.2 kg (with short barrel) / 5.5 kg (with long barrel)
Weight (loaded with optics and accessories) 4.8 - 6 kg
Length (stock extended) 1 085 - 1 145 mm
Length (stock folded) ?
Barrel length 590 mm
Muzzle velocity ?
Cyclic rate of fire ~ 600 rpm
Practical rate of fire 100 rpm
Magazine capacity Belf-fed, 100 rounds
Sighting range ~ 800 m
Range of effective fire ~ 600 m

Description
Link for Information and Image: www.military-today.com/firearm…

Website: modernfirearms.net/en/

Recently Russian MoD was looking for a new weapon to replace the venerable RPK-74 light machine gun. A requirement was issued for a new light machine gun, capable of delivering high volume of fire. To meet this requirement Kalashnikov Concern developed the new RPL-20. Its designation stands for "Ruchnoy Pulemyot Lentochnij", or Belt-Fed Machine Gun. It is a new design, rather than another variation of Kalashnikov machine guns. Actually it is the first Russia's light machine gun, that is belt-fed, since the 1960s when the RPD was retired. A functioning prototype of the RPL-20 was first publicly revealed in 2020. At the time this weapon was still being developed. Its development was planned to be completed not earlier than in 2022 or 2023.

In terms of design concept this light machine gun somewhat resembles general purpose machine guns such as the PKM or Pecheneg. However it is chambered for less powerful 5.45x39 mm intermediate ammunition. Despite its bulky appearance the RPL-20 has a similar weight as the RPK-74. This machine gun has a design with quick-detachable barrels. The barrel can be quickly removed and replaced. A couple of barrel lengths are available. Version with a short barrel is well suited for special forces use and urban warfare. The fire mode selector is ambidextrous. It has settings for "safe" and "full-auto". This weapon is belt-fed. It uses 100-round belts. Unlike some other modern light machine guns the RPL-20 has got no secondary capability to use assault rifle magazines. There is a full-length Picatinny-type scope rail. The RPL-20 can mount various optics. Also there are flip-up iron sights. This weapon comes with a folding bipod, which can be adjusted for height. There is a carrying handle, which is installed on the scope rail. There is also a vertical grip. This machine gun has an adjustable buttstock. It can be adjusted for length. It has a built-in adjustable cheek piece. The buttstock can be folded.

Country of origin Russia
Entered service ?
Caliber 5.45 x 39 mm
Weight (unloaded) 5.2 kg (with short barrel) / 5.5 kg (with long barrel)
Weight (loaded with optics and accessories) 4.8 - 6 kg
Length (stock extended) 1 085 - 1 145 mm
Length (stock folded) ?
Barrel length 590 mm
Muzzle velocity ?
Cyclic rate of fire ~ 600 rpm
Practical rate of fire 100 rpm
Magazine capacity Belf-fed, 100 rounds
Sighting range ~ 800 m
Range of effective fire ~ 600 m