RPK
Encyclopedia : R : RP : RPK : RPK
- For other uses, see RPK (disambiguation)}}}.
 RPK | |
| RPK | |
|---|---|
| Type | Light machine gun |
| Nation(s) of origin | Soviet Union |
| Era | Modern |
| History | |
| Date of design | 1961 |
| Production period | 1961–1978 |
| Service duration | 1961–present |
| Operators | USSR/Russia, Poland, China, Romania, Yugoslavia, East Germany |
| War service | Vietnam, Afghanistan, various Middle East conflicts |
| Variants | RPK, RPKS, RPKSN |
| Number built | |
| Specifications | |
| Type | Selective fire automatic rifle |
| Caliber | 7.62 mm |
| Ammunition | 7.62 x 39 mm M43 |
| Feed system | 30 or 40-round detachable box; 75 or 100-round drum |
| Firearm action>Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Length | 1,040 mm |
| Gun barrel>Barrel length | 591 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Rate of fire | 600 round/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 745 m/s |
| Effective range | |
The RPK (Ruchnoy pulemyot Kalashnikova, Russian: Ручной пулемёт Калашникова) is the light machine gun that replaced the RPD in the role as squad automatic weapon for Soviet infantry.
Design differences from the AK-47
The receiver is identical to that of the AK-47 except for bulges on the sides of the forend to accommodate matching bulges in the front trunnion which add strength to the design. The weapon's stock is different to allow for more comfortable and effective use during prone firing. The barrel is also longer and heavier, to provide more reliable and accurate performance during heavy usage and automatic fire. The weapon's rear sights are also different, allowing for windage adjustment.Additional Information
It can use any magazine that an AK-47 can. A paratrooper variant called the RPK-S had a side-folding stock. This weapon has officially been replaced by the RPK-74 in the Russian army, but is still used by many second-line and non-infantry soldiers, in addition to other organizations around the world. It usually loads a 75-round drum magazine or a 40-round extended magazine. The RPK has a maximum range of 2,500 meters, and effective range of about 800 meters.
A Romanian soldier aids a U.S. Marine in clearing a RPK during the weapons familiarization phase of Exercise Rescue Eagle 2000 at Babadag Range, Romania, on July 15, 2000
External links
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