Kalashnikov RPK-16

History of the Kalashnikov RPK-16

Many different weapon types come into play in infantry-level combat - automatic rifles, carbines, semi-automatic pistols, sharp weapons, grenades, and more. Considerations have been made to expand the firepower inherent in the infantry squad, which eventually led to the development of man-portable machine guns, complemented by various light systems and "squad automatic weapons" - or "SAWs". The SAW is unique in that it has the suppressing capabilities of a real machine gun, but accommodates a smaller assault-style intermediate cartridge (instead of a full-powered rifle cartridge).

While this reduces attack range and long-range penetration values, it provides infantry squads with a high-capacity firearm -- and operators can carry more ammunition into battle.

Modern Russian industry is developing the "RPK-16" as a successor to the ancient Cold War series RPK-74 series of light machine guns (LMG). The RPK-74 is based on the Kalashnikov AK-74 assault rifle, introduced in 1974 and designed around a 5.45x39mm cartridge.

The RPK-16 followed, firing the 5.45x39mm intermediate cartridge. The gun weighs about 6 kg and is fed from a detachable 30-round magazine or a 96-round hard magazine. With an overall length of 1,075mm, there are two barrel lengths to suit the mission - 370mm and 550mm. The weapon has a range of up to 800 meters. Sections of the Picatinny rail - above the receiver, below the forearm and on both sides of the forearm - are enabled by allowing the installation of various optical accessories, fore grips (or bipod assemblies) and other tactical accessories.

The muzzle has a slotted flash suppressor that protrudes from below the gas cylinder above the barrel. The stock has a foldable design (similar to AR-15/M16 style) to reduce the weapon's profile during marching or close combat.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes