The RP-46 is a machine gun of Soviet origin. It was designed to provide more firepower than the DP machinegun. The development was completed during World War 2 and production began in 1946. RP-46 stands for Ruchnoi Pulemet 1946, which is Russian for light machine gun model 1946.

The RP-46 is a further development of the DPM. It features a belt feed system, thicker barrel and sturdier bipod. The belt feed system can be removed to allow DP drum magazines to be used. The barrel can be changed, but it is not a true quick change barrel system. The RP-46 can only be used from its bipod and cannot be mounted on a vehicle or tripod.

The RP-46 fires the 7.62x54mm round from a 250 round continuous pocket belt. By removing the belt feed attachment it is possible to use the 47 round DP drum magazines. The cyclic rate of fire is 600 rpm. The heavy weight of the weapon reduces the felt recoil. The maximum effective range is 800 m.

The RP-46 was widely used by Soviet forces but was rapidly replaced by the lighter and more reliable PK. The RP-46 was also widely exported to Soviet allies and produced under license in China and North Korea. Nowadays it is obsolete but remains in service with third world nations.