Izhmash RPK (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova)

History of Izhmash RPK (Ruchnoy Pulemyot Kalashnikova)

The RPK ("Ruchnoi Pulemyot Kalashnikova") came into service in 1961 as a powerful firearm developed from the PK weapon family. Externally, the gun essentially resembles an AK-47 assault rifle. This similarity is due to the fact that both systems were developed by the prolific and very successful designer Kalashnikov (hero of the Soviet Union). The success of the AK-47 led the Soviet military to request a similar design to replace the light machine gun in service at the time, the Degtyarev RPD. Therefore, the Kalashnikov lengthened the AK with a heavier barrel and fitted a bipod to support sustained automatic fire.

The Kalashnikov also stole the troops' popular RPD stock design and changed the sight to allow for lateral adjustment. The 30-round AK magazines are interchangeable, but a larger 40-round magazine and 75-round drum are required for full automatic.

The gun was finally ordered for the Red Army in 1961, but did not enter service until 1964. Each infantry squad received an RPK and 75 rounds of drums. Airborne troops received RPKS with a folding stock.

RPK is easy to use and almost trouble free. A big benefit is the parts commonality with the AK service rifle range. The RPK uses a simple gas powered system that fires from a closed bolt.

Pull the trigger and start shooting - a shot is fired and gas is produced as the powder burns and enters the small gas port that pushes the small piston. The bolt is pushed back and the gas pressure is released, causing the bolt to be pushed forward by the spring.

The NSP-2 infrared sight can be used for night operations.

Like all weapons, the RPK has its downsides. A closed bolt breech and barrel was not a quick change on the scene. If the operator has good shooting discipline, problems rarely arise, but in a combat situation the discipline may disappear.

The optimum sustained rate of fire is about 80 rounds per minute - if subjected to excessive pressure, the chambered cartridge may "boil" and damage the barrel. The size and weight of the magazine limited the amount of ammunition the gunner could carrynot the same as the amount of ammunition that U.S. soldiers wore around their necks for the M60 general-purpose machine gun in Vietnam.

The RPK is still in service and first fought in the Vietnam War, and today it is used by terrorists in Afghanistan and around the world, and thousands have been produced.

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