Kalashnikov Presents The New Belt-Fed RPL-20 Light Machine Gun At ADEX
Kalashnikov Concern JSC presents its new RPL-20 belt-fed light machine gun for the first time outside Russia at the 5th International Defense Industry Exhibition, ADEX 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan from September 24th through the 26th. The rifle was first revealed during the Army 2020 Expo four years ago when it was still in development. Since the RPD was retired in the 1960s, the Soviet, and later Russian, go-to machine guns have been the magazine-fed RPK light machine gun and the belt-fed PKM general purpose machine gun. If adopted the RPL-20 would mark the return of the belt-fed machine gun for the Russian military.
The RPL-20, chambered in 5.45x39mm, is fed via non-disintegrating belts in 100 or 200-round quick detach boxes. The light machine gun can be loaded quickly by pushing a new belt through the feed block and pulling the starter tab until the first round seats. A unique feature of the RPL-20 is that the machine gun cover opens downwards, allowing for reloading and partial or full disassembly of the weapon without any need to re-adjust aiming devices attached to the full-length Picatinny top rail. Additionally, it includes fixed front and rear iron sights with built-in sight protectors.
The RPL-20 meets the demands of contemporary combat by allowing a wide range of attachments at the front of the rifle, with additional Picatinny sections at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The handguard is a monolithic continuation of the upper receiver, connected to the barrel at the 2-position adjustable gas block, adding rigidity to the chassis and maintaining zero for devices such as IR laser designators. The barrel is also fitted with a short Picatinny mount just behind the muzzle break, allowing a more forward tripod mount if the shooter prefers. The threaded muzzle device accommodates an optional suppressor attachment.
Firing from an open bolt, the RPL-20 features ambidextrous selectors that go from safe to full auto only. While the barrel isn’t of the quick detach variety, it is replaceable in the field during the disassembly of the rifle. It is equipped with a pistol grip and folding telescopic stock borrowed from 2nd and 3rd generation models of the AK-12, with an added adjustable cheek rest and pivoting shoulder support, providing additional comfort and stability to the shooter.
The light machine gun is available in two barrel lengths, 590mm (23.2”) and 415mm (16.3”), with overall lengths of 1100mm (43.3”) and 950mm (37.4”). The weapon’s weight configured with the long barrel, no belt, box, suppressor, or front handle, does not exceed 5.5kg (12.1 lbs).
This new Kalashnikov RPL-20 is designed to enhance effectiveness on the battlefield by combining maneuverability, modularity, and firepower. For all my AK and Comblock guys out there, here is a new one to either hate or drool over. I’ll bet that this thing rock n’ rolls with a 200-round belt of 5.45x39mm but unless you have some serious connections, you’ll just have to take my word for it.