A video of a new Kalashnikov RPL-20 light machine gun appeared on the web

A video dedicated to the new Kalashnikov RPL-20 light machine gun has appeared on the Web. The video on its YouTube channel was posted by the Kalashnikov concern.

In the video that appears, the machine gun is shown from all sides, the tactical and technical characteristics of the RPL-20 (belt light machine gun) are presented. The explanation for the video says that work on a prototype machine gun is being carried out within the framework of the state defense order of the RF Ministry of Defense.

Earlier, Kalashnikov's experts reported that the RPL-20 was created for the 5,45X39 mm cartridge, the machine gun was powered by a belt, the belt was also developed in the concern. Cartridge box for 100 rounds. There is a possibility of changing the barrel, a double-sided fuse, a folding stock with an adjustable cheek. Weight depending on the length of the barrel: with a short barrel - 5,2 kg, with a long barrel - 5,5 kg. The machine gun is equipped with a Picatinny rail for attaching sights and other devices. All types of optical and collimator sights are installed on the machine gun.

Separately, the minimum recoil of the machine gun was noted, which is important when conducting intense fire.

At present, a prototype of a machine gun has been created; it was officially presented at the Army-2020 international military-technical forum.

Comments

[times]

To his troops, to run in.

[Stasi]

Another video about him, with shooting.

[Stasi]

Quote: Stasi

Another video about him, with shooting.

By the way, it can be clearly seen in the view that the previously expressed fears that it would not be used with a "loose" belt not typical for our machine guns did not come true.

[uav80]

The recoil is visually greater than that of MINIMI, well, that's understandable, the difference in weight in kilograms.

[vkl.47]

It is a pity that the power supply is only tape. You cannot connect horns and drums.

[uav80]

What for it is necessary, even on FN Minimi this pribluda has already been abandoned. This complicates the design and increases the mass of the machine gun.

[Proton]

A bit puzzled by the zipper on the store. Will it be a problem when operating in snow and mud?
I hope this moment has been thought out.

[Stasi]

Quote: Proton

A bit puzzled by the zipper on the store. Will it be a problem when operating in snow and mud?
I hope this moment has been thought out.

The zipper is large and should work fine when using good quality.

[Reserve buildbat]

The zipper is large, but it looks like plastic. Will be erased in a fell swoop.

[Gado]

In the roike it was said that the performance characteristics, as well as the equipment of the machine gun itself, will undergo changes in the course of further development. Maybe the "lightning" will be removed or somehow altered.

[Operator]

Not a box, but a nylon bag.

Each sample of tape-fed small arms must have a quick-change barrel - otherwise, no shield

[Kurare]

Quote: Operator

Each sample of tape-fed small arms must have a quick-change barrel - otherwise, no shield

Pecheneg has an irreplaceable barrel, which is designed to shoot all the wearable ammunition, 200 rounds, almost without stopping. And nothing, everything works.

[Stasi]

Quote: Kurare

Pecheneg has an irreplaceable barrel, which is designed to shoot all the wearable ammunition, 200 rounds, almost without stopping. And nothing, everything works.

What kind of data is this about "wearable ammunition"? Only one box on a machine gun (PK, PKM, "Pecheneg") - 100 rounds.
Plus (at least) on the unloading vest there are 2 pouches for boxes, and this is + 200 rounds.

Vest base (6SH112) - 1pc.
Pouch for a belt for a PKM machine gun or a box for 100 rounds - 2 pcs.
Pouches for grenades - 4 pcs.
Universal pouch - 2 pcs.
Small infantry shovel pouch - 1pc.
Knapsack combat volume 7L - 1pc.
Patrol knapsack volume 25L - 1pc.
Coloring Digit RF.
The belt is adjustable in size, up to 145cm.

[Kurare]

Quote: Stasi

What kind of data is this about "wearable ammunition"?

I meant the ammunition in the belts. The fact that there is still zinc is understandable. But, first you need to fill them in the tape.

Actually, I wonder why they are "minus". Or maybe someone came up with a new Pecheneg with a replaceable barrel.

[Kalmar]

Quote: Kurare

Or maybe someone came up with a new Pecheneg with a replaceable barrel.

In general, they write that its barrel is quick-detachable. Another thing is that the second barrel is not included in the kit (like, the design allows you to thresh from one without stopping). Apparently, the mount was not altered in the interests of unification with the PKM.

[Stasi]

Quote: Kurare

I meant the ammunition in the belts. The fact that there is still zinc is understandable. But, first you need to fill them in the tape.

Actually, I wonder why they are "minus". negative Or maybe someone new Pecheneg came up with a replaceable barrel.

Perhaps a minus for the fact that you do not understand the difference between "zinc" and a machine-gun box with a tape?

"Zinc" is a hermetically sealed (rolled up like a tin can) rectangular steel box with cartridges in packs. By the way, it is opened similarly to canned food with a special opener knife (pictured).

For the caliber 5,45x39, for 880 rounds, the "zinks" themselves are supplied in wooden ammunition boxes, two pieces each.
And the box for the tape is a box with an oxide cover and fastening to the machine gun body on it, made of aluminum. There are clip-on boxes for 100 and 200 rounds. There are boxes for 200 rounds and without attachment to a machine gun.

So, in unloading pouches, the machine gunner does not carry heavy and bulky "zinc", but boxes with ribbons, or some ribbons without boxes.

It is sad that you need to explain such basic things.

In addition, they can also minus for this (highlighted in the text):

The machine gun uses a system of forced air cooling of the barrel due to the energy of the powder gases. The adjustable gas venting mechanism allows Pecheneg to operate in any climatic conditions. The barrel has external ribbing and is enclosed in a metal casing. Powder gases, leaving the barrel, create a vacuum zone in the front of the casing. In the back of the casing, special ventilation windows are made. Thus, while firing, cold air is continuously pumped along the barrel. Constant barrel cooling reduces dispersion during firing and also increases barrel durability.

The barrel resource is 25-30 thousand shots when firing in intensive modes.

Strengthening the barrel made it possible to transfer the bipod from the gas chamber to the muzzle, which increased the support base and reduced dispersion to 70%, however, this position of the bipod is not always convenient, since it limits the sector of fire along the front without moving the shooter and / or weapon. Alignment of the temperature field of the barrel made it possible to increase its resource to the level set for the entire machine gun (or twice as compared to the PKM), and also to reduce the aiming point drift during continuous shooting to a value equal to no more than 0,001 of the range. This made it possible to abandon the second barrel (although the barrel attachment of the Pecheneg remains quick-release) and, despite the installation of an additional screen on the machine gun, reduce the travel weight of the weapon.

[Stasi]

Here, so that there is no doubt, another photo of the PC clip-on box for the tape in the pouch.

[Operator]

Is the box an aluminum one?

[Stasi]

Quote: Operator

Is the box an aluminum one?

So exactly ! True, aluminum is special, apparently aviation. Tough and durable.

But the boxes for the tape for 200 rounds, purely for carrying and working next to the machine gun, those are steel. One to one copied from the box of the "Maxim" machine, with the only difference that a stamped star was added.

[Operator]

And how much does aluminum weigh per 100 and steel per 200?

[Stasi]

Quote: Operator

And how much does aluminum weigh per 100 and steel per 200?

I have no tabular data for these parameters ...

But purely according to the sensations, an empty metal box for 200 rounds is much heavier than an aluminum clip-on box.

[cat Rusich]

Quote: Stasi

What kind of data is this about "wearable ammunition"? Only one box on a machine gun (PK, PKM, "Pecheneg") - 100 rounds.
Plus (at least) on the unloading vest there are 2 pouches for boxes, and this is + 200 rounds. [/ I]

BK PKM - 2 tapes of 100 rounds and 2 tapes of 200 rounds = 600 rounds ... standard.
But in practice, in Chechnya, the BC for a machine gun at the combat output is at least 1000 (thousand) rounds. On short exits, some take 1200-1300 (according to their statements). Today there is a "fashion" for "satchels with cartridges" - the entire ammo rack is in one tape and everything is in one knapsack ...

The Scorpion ammunition system - 475 - 550 cartridges 7,62x54R (various sources). With a hot fight, it is still consumed very quickly ...

[Alex koch]

The PKP has a perfectly replaceable barrel, even if it is PKM-ovsky, only it comes with one

[bistrov.]

Quote: Kurare

total wearable ammunition, 200 rounds,

Wearable ammunition for a single machine gun is 600 rounds, this is the amount that can be fired from the "Pecheneg" in a long burst, without interruption, and without changing the barrel.

[Aaron Zawi]

Pretty well.

[Ded_Mazay]

An interesting sample. And as a promising replacement for the PKK, it is even very interesting.

[Note]

At present, a prototype of a machine gun has been created; it was officially presented at the Army-2020 international military-technical forum.
I hope this is the end

[Jacket in stock]

Judging by the video, the recoil is really not strong. I wonder how?
And even more intimidating to me, when will our army abandon the 7,62 × 54R cartridge, which is outdated in the century before last?

[Kalmar]

Quote: Jacket in stock

And even more intimidating to me, when will our army abandon the 7,62 × 54R cartridge, which is outdated in the century before last?

Apparently, when they come up with something radically better. Replacing such a massive ammunition is an extremely expensive pleasure, so good reasons are needed.

[Reserve buildbat]

Where does the strong recoil come from with a machine gun weighing 5,2-5,5 kg and a cartridge 5,45x39? Have you ever fired an AK-74? So that one is lighter by a couple of kilograms.

[garri-lin]

Why doesn't he suit you? He does his job perfectly. Why remove it? What to replace?

[Stasi]

Quote: Jacket in stock

Judging by the video, the recoil is really not strong. I wonder how?

5,45, itself a low-pulse cartridge. Plus the weight is slightly more than that of the AK-74. Well, the convenience of holding by means of a tactical grip.
And the bipod shooting is generally the element of light machine guns.

By the way, the RPK-74, which is just a little more massive than the progenitor of the AK, also has less recoil than the machine gun.

[Mountain shooter]

Nice car. And really the return is not noticeable. Temp by ear is 600, there is a removable barrel. What else does? In the troops, in Syria, in the Arctic ... Only military exploitation can show all the advantages and disadvantages ... And bring it to a high degree of perfection.

[Region-25.rus]

Quote: Kurare

Quote: Operator

Each sample of tape-fed small arms must have a quick-change barrel - otherwise, no shield

Pecheneg has an irreplaceable barrel, which is designed to shoot all the wearable ammunition, 200 rounds, almost without stopping. And nothing, everything works.

in "Pechenega" forced air cooling by drawing air inside the casing Or ... did Hugo Schmeisser invented the AK?

[dgonni]

Pure ribbon food, in contrast to the same Korda. Although progress is obvious. Shooting from the rear sear and sort of like a quick-change barrel. Plus low weight. Although, as for me, the trunk is very thin and over-lightened, however, like the whole structure. So it will get better in the process of fine-tuning.

[Reserve buildbat]

I especially liked the carrying handle that covers the sights and the zip lock on the ribbon pouch. So I imagined trying to open this "lightning" in liquid mud with sand.

[beeper]

Quote: stock buildbat

I especially liked the carrying handle that covers the sights and the zip lock on the ribbon pouch. So I imagined trying to open this "lightning" in liquid mud with sand.

These armchair theorists do not even imagine liquid mud-sandy loam with needles, a suspension of sticky black soil or liquid clay with pebbles and grass (this happens here in the South-East of Ukraine on rough dirt roads, in fields after sowing and harvesting, and in tank ruts), as well as a real desert samum (it is unlikely that for a short time in a test "dust chamber" with a statically fixed sample of weapons, with sifted sand and stationary fans, it is possible to recreate it more or less realistically, because after the "camera" the tested factory AK always shoots , and after the desert "Afghan", combatant army AK-not always ?! ) ?!
And (judging by the "crushed-improved" concept of the AK-12 (15) design), alas, the battlefield itself and actions (in any conditions, day and night!) Cannot imagine a fighter with their machine gun (machine gun), difference from the Red Army soldiers, Kalashnikov and Zaitsev, who fought on the front end!

[garri-lin]

Why are you all clung to this lightning? Do you think they will use it in battle? It is for equipping the "box". And they will equip before the battle.

[Alex2]

A very beautiful car. Will be on sale with a bang. Moreover, under 5,56 × 45 mm (. 223 Remington) NATO will probably also do it. And under 7,62 × 51 mm NATO, repairing this contraption is also not a problem.

[Doliva63]

I didn't see the fly, or did it seem to me?

[beeper]

Quote: Doliva63

I didn't see the fly, or did it seem to me?

Folding front sight (front sight stand), as on MG and NSVT!

[Doliva63]

Quote: pishchak

Quote: Doliva63

I didn't see the fly, or did it seem to me?

Folding front sight (front sight stand), as on MG and NSVT!

I don’t remember the flip-up front sight on MG-3, but I don’t remember how on NSVT - they were fired from "from the tower". Although, it seems, it was. It was long ago, however

[beeper]

Yes, it was a long time ago, even before the collapse of the Soviet Union! Shot by that time for the rest of his life, does not even pull! Since then, I only took "pneumatics" in the shooting range, in the 90s, from weapon to hand, to win a prize for the child (the acquired skills are something for a lifetime)!

[Doliva63]

Quote: pishchak

Yes, it was a long time ago, even before the collapse of the Soviet Union! Shot by that time for the rest of his life, does not even pull! Since then, I only took "pneumatics" in the shooting range, in the 90s, from weapon to hand, to win a prize for the child (the acquired skills are something for a lifetime)!

It was like that for me too - and shot, and shooting ranges in the 90s Once they even tried to expel But the love of weapons remained.

[lvov_aleksey]

"Separately, the minimum recoil of the machine gun was noted, which is important when conducting intense fire."
Is 100 bullets in a tape intense fire?)))
ps in the old version was:
The weight of the box with a loaded belt for 100, 200 or 250 rounds (caliber 7.62 was)

[Saxahorse]

Frankly speaking, I did not understand why such a machine gun was needed at all. Decided to copy Minimi? So that at least has a double power supply, and again too late, the Americans seem to be planning to shoot it. I did not like it, and the reliability of the tape feed is lower than that of the store one.

And what are the actual advantages of a belt feed for such a machine gun? Overheating of the barrel of the machine gun at about 600 rounds. There is no replaceable barrel, what's the point of carrying 400-500 rounds in a tape? The cartridges in the tape, with the same quantity, are heavier than in the store. To stuff the tape, you will have to carry a special machine with you. And it is also not light, what is the point in a light machine gun if there is always a machine for stuffing a tape in a backpack?

What could be done for the PKK is to add a slide delay. To change the store in one move. And so many good shops invented. And increased by 50 rounds and a drum. Why all this fuss with ribbons is needed is unclear.

[Runway]

Yes, a commercial parody of the M242. Tape is evil if we pull the MSO weapon under one caliber. Unification by caliber and type of food - everything was taken into account earlier.

[Sancho_SP]

And why tape feed for an automatic cartridge? Without the ability to use automatic stores (hello, Minimi), there is no special logistical benefit in front of the same Pecheneg.

[Per se.]

Quote: Sancho_SP

there is no special logistical advantage over the same Pecheneg.

There is, already in the fact that "Pecheneg" is heavier and uses a different cartridge. Not everywhere and not always store food will be better, even such "perversions" as in the photo, will not replace ribbon supply when an intense fire is needed.

For the new machine gun, if necessary, you can make a tape for 150 or 200 rounds. The same PKM, as a rule, is used in most cases with a belt for 100 rounds, so the new machine gun will be worse, expanding its capabilities (after all, they do not refuse from the PKK).

[Sancho_SP]

The fact that the tape and the magazine are not interchangeable, in combat conditions, nullifies the same cartridge.

At the same time, the 7,62 * 54 cartridge is still in the platoon and in the armored personnel carrier's machine gun, you don't need to go far for it.

[Per se.]

Quote: Sancho_SP

in combat conditions nullifies the same cartridge.

Alexander, here's the key phrase "same cartridge"
, and this can no longer reduce everything "to zero".

[Sancho_SP]

And what's the point of a cartridge, if without a tape / magazine it is almost not thrust into the weapon?

Taking out cartridges from a machine gun magazine and equipping a tape is not much faster than running to an armored personnel carrier or a truck for a batch of machine-gun cartridges.

The situation when a detachment without single machine guns was left without supplies is rather unlikely that it would be possible to compose a separate machine gun for it.

[Per se.]

Quote: Sancho_SP

The situation when a detachment without single machine guns was left without supplies is rather unlikely

If you shoot not only at the shooting range, there can be many such situations. In our case, belts and magazines would be equipped with zinc alone, this time. Secondly, in the same mountains of Afghanistan or even Chechnya, if it was pressed, they would "pick out" cartridges from the tape or store, if only they fit. Trucks do not always drive nearby. However, to each his own, I do not impose a personal opinion on anyone.

[Sancho_SP]

Once again, is this machine gun supposed to replace the PC or instead of the RPK-74?

If instead of RPK, then read above about the tape and the store.

If instead of a PC, then there are much more questions about weakening weapons.

In any case, in a platoon you will already have PKM and SVD. How often do you have to act in numbers less than a platoon in an autonomous system?

[Per se.]

No one refuses the PKM or Pechenega, as well as the 7,62x54 cartridge in general, there is no statement that the new RPL-20 will replace the RPK-74. What is the general conversation about, maybe a belt-fed machine gun chambered for an intermediate cartridge? I believe that yes, we need such a machine gun, and not "instead", but together.

Also, in addition to a purely infantry platoon or a motorized rifle company, where there is a place for a new machine gun, there are also special forces, reconnaissance units, and other military groups. There is no question of any "weakening" of armament, quite the opposite. You have to understand that you think differently, this is your right.

[Sancho_SP]

I believe that this machine gun will be given into the hands of some soldier. And before that, the fighter had something in his hands.

If a machine gun was given instead of a machine gun, that's great, but that's a separate conversation.

If the machine gun was given instead of the RPK-74, then this is a DUVIOUS decision, because the RPK with AK is unified in the store, and the RPL with AK is only in the cartridge.

If the machine gun was given instead of PKM, then this is a very specific solution, weakening the squad / platoon.

[Saxahorse]

Quote: Per se.

Not everywhere and not always store food will be better, even such "perversions" as in the photo, will not replace the ribbon supply when an intense fire is required.

This "perversion" is incorrectly executed, the right store should be lower. :) In general, I do not understand what two standard magazines are, 2x45 rounds for RPK-74 are worse than a tape for 100 rounds. They change much faster than the tape. Tapes for 200-250 cartridges need to be carried separately in boxes, and who will do it?

And how intense a fire, without a removable barrel, can you develop? To fire all 250 rounds in one burst? As far as I remember, Kalash, after 10 stores in a continuous line, simply lights up all over (although it still fires). Machine gun Maxim or MG-42 there it is clear how they can fight it, but then why such queues?

In general, I would like to hear in more detail about the advantages of the tape for such weapons. Otherwise, it looks more like a downgrate than an improvement.

[Per se.]

Quote: Saxahorse

In general, I don't understand what two standard magazines are, 2x45 rounds for the RPK-74 are worse than a tape for 100 rounds.

It would be better if this news about the machine gun was in the topic "Armament", I hope that you will read it, I will not write it in a personal note. Our dispute is essentially nothing, you and Alexander (
Sancho_SP), as it turns out, against the tape feed under the intermediate cartridge. I, as it turns out, for. Moreover, I emphasized many times that RPL-20 is not an alternative, but an addition, alas, is useless, so desperately communicated only with stubborn brothers from Ukraine ...

Let's start with the "perversion" and overheating of the AK barrel. Tied with "blue tape" and three horns. For what? To speed up reloading, but this initially made the weapon heavier, and did not add convenience. Only in the movies they scribble from a machine gun as if in a store there is an infinite ammunition, in reality, five bursts, and the horn is empty. They wound up two or three stores not because of a good life. Once again, I need a light belt-fed machine gun. To talk about heating the barrel, in the example with the AK, this is speculation and, by and large, even demagogy, excuse me. Even with the RPK-74, it is a well-known fact that the barrel is thicker and longer than that of the AK-74. Our army has long lacked such a machine gun as the RPL-20, before that there was only the Degtyarevsky RPD-44, which is fully tuned in the States, and even as an assault carbine (without automatic fire), the weapon is in demand on the market. I will not argue further, the new machine gun is not a downgrate, and not even a "downgrate", it is progress, not a rollback. Even if not for linear motorized rifle companies, special forces definitely need such weapons.

[Saxahorse]

Quote: Per se.

Once again, I need a light belt-fed machine gun.

You repeated this for the third time, but alas, you didn’t substantiate it again.

Quote: Per se.

To talk about heating the barrel, in the example with the AK, this is speculation and, by and large, even demagogy, excuse me. Even with the RPK-74, it is a well-known fact that the barrel is thicker and longer than that of the AK-74.

The barrel is thicker and longer, this is a fact, but even the MG-42, after a burst of 250 rounds, required an immediate barrel change. Does the new infantry machine gun have this option?

Unfortunately, you still don't give any arguments. There are no advantages from replacing the quick-change magazine with a tape. The absence of dual power supply completely nullifies any advantages from the introduction of a "new" light machine gun ..

RPK-74 rules! (I never thought that I would have to "drown" for old, even ancient weapon systems, but these "improvements" for the sake of money are too striking ..)

[Per se.]

Quote: Saxahorse

Unfortunately, you still don't give any arguments. There are no advantages from replacing the quick-change magazine with a tape.

Arguments? If you have to roll up two or three magazines with duct tape, this is done because the capacity of one magazine in a maneuvering battle is NOT ENOUGH, this is the main argument. It is not for nothing that the old RPD-44s are in demand in the civilian market as "assault carbines" with belt feed, this is the ability to create dense fire without reloading. The machine gun is lighter than the PKM belt and "Pecheneg", and this is an argument.
In most cases, the PKM was taken with one barrel and with boxes of 100 rounds, enough, and if you were specifically going to mow enemies, then the RPK-74 will also overheat.

Finally, if your colleague in the conversation, Alexander, was so worried about preserving the firepower of the platoon-company, then this is not a weakening, but the most that neither is an increase in an additional weapon. What other arguments do you need? I would take a light machine gun with me, and I am thinking here not about drank dough from arms sales, but about the great chances for our soldiers to survive, especially on special operations.

You say, "RPK-74 drives", for me this weapon is not so much a machine gun as it would be more suitable as a transitional one to a sniper, being equipped with optics, which, in principle, has already been practiced. As for RPL-20, it is still in development, who knows, maybe the possibility of using magazines from AK-74 / RPK-74 will be crammed into it. In any case, your arguments against anything special do not prove the uselessness of a light belt-fed machine gun. Let's stay where we are, all the best, thanks for the dialogue.

[Saxahorse]

Quote: Per se.

In most cases, PKM was taken with one barrel and with boxes for 100 rounds, enough,

The fact of the matter is that 100 cartridges were never enough and replacing the tape is several times slower than replacing the magazine.

I will not repeat myself, but in my opinion, since they took up the tape, it was necessary to provide at least double power to the light machine gun. In its current form, it is clearly inferior to foreign analogues. In general, a bad decision.