Weapons

Army 2016: Kalashnikov unveils RPK-16 LMG

Russia's Kalashnikov Group (a subsidiary of the Rostec state corporation) unveiled its new RPK-16 light machine gun (LMG) at the Army 2016 defence show held outside Moscow from 6-11 September.

Intended to replace the ageing RPK-74 light support weapon, a company official toldIHS Jane's at the exhibition that the "RPK-16 is chambered for M74 5.45x39mm cartridge, as well as its predecessor. The new LMG can fire 7N6, 7N10, 7T3, and 7T3M munitions. The firearm has a combat weight of 6 kg, a full length of 1,076 mm, a barrel length of 370 mm [short barrel] or 550 mm [long barrel], a maximum firing range of 800 m, and a magazine capacity of 30 or 96 rounds. It features traditional Kalashnikov long-stroke piston gas-operating scheme, interchangeable barrels, a Picatinny rail for optical/red dot scopes on the top of the receiver, an ergonomic pistol grip, and a folding stock. The bipod of RPK-74 is replaced by a Picatinny rail. RPK-16 can be complemented by a supressor".