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FEAR--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RKM-2003 D (Paratroop/commando) 380mm
RKM-2003 S (Standard) 500mm
While I was reading up on the Beryl assault rifle, I wanted to see what the "modernized version" of the Berly was. The modernised version of the Beryl happeneed to begin production in 2003. But also, a prototype LMG based on the Beryl was also produced in 2003.
You could say that the RKM 2003 is to the Beryl, like what the IMI Negev is to the Galil.
The RKM shares some common features with the Minimi and Negev.
It uses the same feeding system as the Negev (m23 belt), but does not take stanag magazines (or I should say, does not have an adapter for this).
The barrel replacement system is the same as the Minimi. The forward grip is used to remove the hot barrel. The integral bipod folds back when not in use, it could do with integrated grips.
The rate of fire is the same as that of the IMI Negev, but the rate is not selectable, or maybe it is, I don't really know. But the range of the rate of fire is 650-1000 rpm as is that of the Negev.
This is a very good LMG in my eyes, I was hoping for something like this. One thing that irritates me is that it does not come with a soft pouch magazine (or "assault pouch"). I liked that feature in the Negev, seems like a real good idea to me, and to FN apparently.
The good thing about this system is that it is now omonge the two most reliable LMG. I always thought that the Negev was the most reliable MG, along with the Russian PKM or Polish UKM-2000.
The RKM-2003 has an integral picatinni rail on top for accepting optics. It comes in Standard version 'S' and Descent version 'D'(paratroop/commando). The Standard version weighs 7.5 kg and has a barrel length of 500 mm. While the Descent version weighs 7.3 kg and has a barrel length of 380. Both fire full auto only.
I wonder just how simular this weapon is to the the Negev. The simularities are remarkable. Perhaps it is just a licence built Negev. One thing is for sure, they had the Negev in mind when they made this weapon.
Bipod folded, black magazine inserted.
Magazines insert on 45 degree angle to the left.
The new magazines developed for the Beryl are simular to those used in the STEYR AUG.
Images from www.gun-world.net
Page:
http://www.gun-world.net/polish/rkm2003/rkm2003.htm
Polski--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A very interesting find, I did not know about this prototype. Good work finding it.
I thought that they should come up with a Squad Automatic Weapon. They should also make a 7.62x51 mm Nato variant. That seems to be the current move that the US is considering (an updated FN SAW for .308).
Basing their work around the Negev seems to be the most logical action. But they can't seem to get around to approving this weapon. The Prototyp has been in development between 2000 and 2003. The collapse of the Lucznik factory working on this project has delayed the development.
But the project has been adopted and continued by Fabryka Broni (Factory of Arms).
Since 2004, the weapon is being field tested and refined. It is currently awaiting to be approved by the Polish government and defence force.
Speaking of the UKM-2000, they should consider to replace the UKM-2000 with a 7.62x51 version of the RKM-2003.
For those that do not know, the UKM is a modernized PKM that fires nato ammunition. Due to the fact that 7.62mm NATO is not rimmed, the feeding mechanism and the like have been simplified. It feeds from the left rather than the right. But the UKM may be more suited to 7.62 after all.
Here are some better pictures,
