RT-20 (rifle)
A Croatian bullpup anti-materiel rifle chambered in 20x110mm Hispano.
The RT-20 is a Croatian bullpup anti-materiel rifle, first built in the mid-1990s by Metallic in Rijeka and sold through RH-Alan. Its name comes from the Croatian phrase *Ručni Top 20*, meaning "Hand Cannon 20mm." It is a bolt-action weapon that holds a single 20mm round, requiring a manual reload after every shot. Because of its large caliber, it ranks among the most powerful anti-materiel rifles in military service today, comparable to South Africa's Denel NTW-20 and India's Vidhwansak.
A distinctive feature is the counter-recoil reactive tube mounted above the barrel. This venturi tube directs propellant gases rearward, past the shooter's shoulder, much like a recoilless rifle. This recoil-reduction method is rarely used in small arms because it creates a dangerous, highly visible backblast area, and the RT-20 is no different. Another unusual design choice places the bolt behind the shooter's head. This means the operator either needs a teammate to help reload or must take the rifle off their shoulder to do so.
The RT-20 fires the 20x110mm Hispano cartridge, launching a 130-gram (2,006-grain) projectile at 850 m/s, generating a muzzle energy of 46,962.5 J. This cartridge was likely chosen for logistical reasons, as it is also used by the Zastava M55 anti-aircraft autocannon. To handle such energy, the bolt head uses nine lugs in an interrupted thread pattern, unlocking with a 60-degree clockwise turn. The large cartridge supports a wide range of ammunition types, including AP, API, APIT, HE, HEI, HEIT, SAPHEI, APDS, and HE-M, and leaves room for future rounds like airburst or guided munitions.
The RT-20 is in limited use.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Croatia
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Service
- 1993–present
- Weight
- 19.8 kg (with scope and bipod)
- Length
- 1330 mm
- Part Length
- 1020 mm (with muzzle brake)
- Cartridge
- 20×110mm
- Action
- Bolt Action
- Velocity
- 850 m/s
- Range
- 1,800 m
- Sights
- Kahles K 312 II 3-12×50
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The RT-20 was developed by Metallic in Rijeka in the mid-1990s and marketed by RH-Alan. Its name derives from the Croatian Ručni Top 20, meaning 'Hand Cannon 20mm'. The rifle is a bolt-action, single-shot weapon that must be reloaded after each shot. A unique feature is the counter-recoil reactive tube above the barrel, a venturi tube that funnels propellant gasses rearwards and over the shooter's shoulder, similar to a recoilless rifle. This method of recoil reduction is rarely used in small arms due to the dangerous and highly visible backblast area it generates, and the RT-20 is no exception.
Another distinguishing feature is the placement of the bolt behind the shooter's head. This design requires either a teammate to assist with reloading, or the user must take the rifle off their shoulder to reload. The rifle is chambered for the 20x110mm Hispano cartridge, likely chosen for logistical reasons as it is also fired by the Zastava M55 anti-aircraft autocannon. The large cartridge size allows for a wide variety of ammunition types, including AP, API, APIT, HE, HEI, HEIT, SAPHEI, APDS, HE-M, and the potential for future loadings such as airburst or guided munitions.
Reader's Guide
The RT-20 occupies a niche as one of the most powerful anti-materiel rifles in current use, comparable to the South African Denel NTW-20 and the Indian Vidhwansak. Its use of a venturi tube for recoil reduction, borrowed from recoilless rifle design, is unusual in small arms and creates a significant backblast hazard. The bolt placement behind the shooter's head further complicates operation, typically requiring a second person for efficient reloading. The choice of the 20x110mm Hispano cartridge, shared with the Zastava M55 autocannon, suggests logistical considerations in its design. The rifle's ability to fire a wide range of ammunition types, from armor-piercing to high-explosive and potentially future guided munitions, underscores its intended role against materiel and light armor. Despite these capabilities, the RT-20 remains in limited use.
Did You Know?
- The RT-20 name is an acronym of the Croatian Ručni Top 20, meaning 'Hand Cannon 20mm'.
- It uses a counter-recoil reactive tube above the barrel that funnels gasses rearwards, similar to a recoilless rifle.
- The bolt is placed behind the shooter's head, requiring the rifle to be taken off the shoulder or a teammate to reload.
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