What defines the cyclic rate of fire for the RPD?

The cyclic rate of fire for the RPD is defined by the capability of maintaining continuous bursts of fire, while also incorporating the practical aspect of barrel change to prevent overheating. In this context, a continuous burst with barrel change every minute indicates that the weapon can sustain its firing rate for a period of time before necessary maintenance is required.

This approach to cyclic firing allows operators to keep the weapon functional and effective in combat scenarios, where sustained fire may be required without compromising the firearm's integrity. The mention of changing the barrel every minute emphasizes the importance of managing heat and ensuring reliability during prolonged engagements, reflecting the operational characteristics of the RPD in various combat situations.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the RPD's design and intended use in terms of sustained fire capabilities or operational efficiency, contributing to the clarity of why continuous burst with barrel change is the correct definition of the cyclic rate of fire for this weapon.