The RP-46 mobile company machine gun was produced in the Soviet Union. He is an intermediate small arms, focused on the support of company units. This unit has become one of the most significant infantry variations, capable of not only maintaining infantry firing positions, but also changing positions as necessary. Consider its features and characteristics below.
History of creation
The RP-46 machine gun was created on the basis of the infantry analogue of the Degtyarev system (7.62 mm). The weapon was modernized in 1944 with the aim of increasing the reliability of its operation, safety and ease of operation. Attempts to modernize continued further, since the disk store, in comparison with the tape analogue, increased the total mass of the machine gun. Tape supply of charges made it possible to achieve greater power when firing in short bursts. This made it possible to fill the niche between the standard manual and easel tools. Given the hostilities, the importance of anti-personnel fire came to the fore.
Development
In general, for the RP-46 machine gun, seven types of tape receivers were designed. Despite this, the introduction of the innovation was postponed, work was also underway in the direction of using rifle cartridges in the clip. As a result, an option was adopted, which was developed by designers Shilin, Dubinin, Polyakov (plant number 2, the city of Kovrov). After the next modernization, the machine gun of the 1946 model, RP-46, entered service.
The name itself indicates the need to fill a specific niche of support weapons. The existing easel counterparts in their parameters did not correspond to the growing maneuverability and mobility of the infantry. They were mainly used on the flanks or the second front line. In this regard, the infantry did not feel any tangible support from them. RP-46 light machine guns made it possible to change the location if necessary, which made it possible to provide the necessary power in a particular section of the front. In fact, a single machine gun was replaced with an improved, mobile version with sufficient lethal force.
Device
The gun barrel was weighted for the possibility of stable firing in continuous bursts. In combination with such a change and the features of the tape feed, there was a need to transform the gas outlet unit. The rest of the design in almost all respects corresponded to the PDM modification (Degtyarev machine gun).
The automation of the RP-46 machine gun, the photo of which is presented below, operates by exhausting gases through a side socket drilled in the stem wall. The developers have provided a gas regulator and a long open-type working chamber with a pipe. The piston rod part with a bolt frame is equipped with a return spring, which is located in the rear of the receiver. The main gas piston is put on the front of the rod.
To install this mechanism, a tubular rod is put on the tail of the striker, and a guide tube is inserted into the butt plate, which protrudes above the neck of the butt. The barrel channel is locked using a pair of combat stops, as well as hinged-type fortifications on the sides of the bolt. They can be divorced in the widened rear of the drummer, a ejector with a coil spring is provided in the bolt socket.
Features
The RP-46 machine gun, the photo of which is presented above, is equipped with a trigger mechanism, which is installed in the trigger frame. Trigger activation is carried out by means of a lever with a sear and a mechanical safety device of a flag type. The flag itself is set on the right side above the trigger guard. In the rear position, the queue mode became active, while the beveled axis of the check prevented the opening of the trigger lever. In principle, the drummer is designed for continuous fire. Further movement of the bolt frame contributes to the expansion of the combat stops included in the design of the receiver.
We continue the description of the RP-46 machine gun and its capabilities in terms of intensity and fatigue. Like most counterparts, the gun in question is focused on firing intensive bursts. At the same time, a significant warming up of the trunk is planned, a volley is carried out from the rear sear with its launch into the chamber with abutment against the trunk stump.
After the bolt part of the frame with the striker advances 8 millimeters, the striker reaches the cartridge capsule, breaks it, after which a shot is fired. When the bullet passes the gas outlet, the powder gases fall into the working chamber, hit the piston, which covers it with its bell, causing the frame to tilt back.
It turns out that the subframe stops release the combat niche, which serves to send the charge back. In this process, the combat stops are weakened, which, using the shutter frame, remove the fired cartridge case, accompanied by the catch and retraction of the shutter.
In this case, the ejector withdraws the spent sleeve, which strikes the chipper and is thrown through the lower socket of the receiver. The bolt frame strikes the trigger, after which the return spring is activated. If the trigger is left pressed, the shutter is put into a combat position, and the sear will return to the rear position. The weapon at the same time remains ready for subsequent operation in combat mode.
Ammunition feed mechanism
The RP-46 machine gun, the characteristics of which we will consider later, is brought into combat movement by means of the bolt of the bolt frame. The reaction is transmitted to the receiver via a rocking lever, aggregating with a special sliding bracket.
The charging tape is a chain of closed links that, with the help of a special tray, feed in the operating mode. The cover latch also serves as an additional sight with ears. The tape is metal with links, equipped with a closed link, the feed direction is on the right, a special tray is used to adjust the tape.
Operating parameters
The RP-46 machine gun, the technical characteristics of which are given below, is equipped with a sector sight with a high block and a bar. The notch is framed with dimensions up to 150 mm every 100 millimeters. The wooden butt is made in a standard pistol style. This part, like the flag fuse, is borrowed from a tank analogue of the DT type. The design is a metal slope on the trigger frame with wooden cheeks. Bipod folding fixed type are fixed in the upper part of the clamp. As a result, the attachment point was higher than the axis of the barrel channel. Also, the weapon received a folding shoulder support and carrying handle.
RP-46 machine gun: specifications
- Type of cartridge - 7.62 * 53 mm.
- Weight - 13 kg with curb tape.
- Total length - 1, 27 m.
- The barrel is a threaded element with four right-handed turns.
- Starting charge speed - 825 meters per second.
- Estimated sighting - 1500 meters.
- Range of a shot in a direct trajectory - 500 m.
- Rate of fire - 600 volleys per minute.
- The stock of clips in the tape is up to 250 rounds.
- The weight of the tape is 9.6 kg.
- Battle crew - 2 people.
Incomplete disassembly
This operation is performed as follows:
- The fuse turns on.
- The latch of the receiver cover is pulled back, after which the cover opens.
- The charging tape is removed.
- The fuse is turned off.
- The bolt of the bolt is retracted, after which the chamber and the guide socket are inspected.
- Press the trigger, return the handle of the bolt to the front position.
- The receiver cover closes and the fuse turns on.
- The tape is removed if it is installed. Turn off the fuse. Retract the reclining handle and inspect the chamber with the guide groove.
- Press the trigger and return the bolt handle to the front position.
Total
The RP-46 machine gun (specifications, photos are presented above) has a rate of fire comparable to that of the easel type. The design features of the combination of stamped elements and standard receivers made it possible to obtain an effective weapon that is distinguished by good combat qualities and can be transported manually. The main problem in the operation of the machine gun in question is the difficulty of using a separate box with a tape, although its weight is 10 kilograms less than that of Degtyarev with the same number of volleys.
The RP-46 machine gun remained in service for 15 years, not only in the arsenal of the USSR, but was also delivered to the countries of Africa and Asia. Until now, it is used by the armies of these countries, despite the fact that it was replaced by a single copy.