Pistols

CZ 100

This pistol is the modern equivalent of the previous CZ-75 model. It was produced in either .40 Smith and Wesson or 9mm Parabellum. The CZ-100 has a polymer frame and slide, and a nickel-plated steel barrel for extended life and accuracy. A very modern appearance and an excellent piece, the CZ-100 also includes an interesting feature which enables the user to cock the weapon single handed against a wall or such like. In the more traditional 9mm Parabellum, the CZ has a 13 round magazine, in 40 S&W it holds 10 rounds. This pistol is a break away for CZ, from their traditional all steel weapons and may well be the flagship for the future in handguns for this company.

 

Ammunition : 9x19mm or .40 S&W, Rate of Fire : SS

Effective Range : 50 Metres, Capacity : see text

HK Mk23 SOC Offensive Handgun

This system from H&K was the winner for the contract to issue a new pistol to U.S. special forces. First the weapon went to U.S. Navy SEALs then to other services also. The pistol element is a modified USP with a bulkier frame including a specially threaded barrel to accommodate the suppressor. As with the Colt Offensive Handgun a Laser Aiming Module (LAM) can be fitted and there is a screw point for a number of devices including a flash-light in the front of the trigger guard. Again this weapon is constructed of polymer and very environmentally tough.

The USP Heckler und Koch of Germany comes with a 10 round rather than 12 round magazine to cater for local laws, and lack the barrel thread for military issue silencer.  The potency of the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) round over the ill regarded Berretta 9mm in standard service with the US Armed Forces is undisputed.   The size of the weapon is considerable, but this pistol shows what superb German engineering coupled with a classic tried and true calibre can achieve. The USP also comes chambered for the .40 S&W as well as the ubiquitous 9mm Parabellum. 

Ammunition : .45 ACP, Rate of Fire : SS

Effective Range : 60 Metres, Capacity : 12 rounds

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Automatic Pistols

HK VP70

The VP70 is an interesting weapon, and only a few other weapons can be considered in the same class. It is an "automatic pistol" in the real sense of the word. Or though it only fires bursts in that mode, others such as the Glock 18 fire fully automatic. This weapon, as with others similar is intended for a very specific application. This is probably why such firearms have never really taken off. Of use to very specialist personnel who require a very compact and concealiable package while being able to put out the rounds in an emergency, such a weapon is ideal for government agents and covert operatives. Of trivial note, the VP 70 was seen as the standard sidearm in the movie "Aliens".

Ammunition : 9x19mm, Rate of Fire : SS or 3rdB at 2200 RPM

Effective Range : 50 Metres, Capacity : 18 rounds

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Shotguns

Pancor Jackhammer

Where once the term meant automatic loading, or the alternative to break actions or pump (slide) action shotguns today Automatic means exactly that. The US made Pancor Jackhammer is one example of a rare selection of truly fully automatic combat shotguns. It is of Bullpup configuration meaning the action is behind the trigger mechanism, making it quite compact. It uses a 10 shot cylinder rotary magazine which is made of plastic. Almost the entire weapon is made of synthetics making it quite light considering the weapon's nature. The weapon does not eject its spent rounds, they remain in the magazine similar to a Revolver, in this way there is no difficulty in firing the weapon for left handed users. The Jackhammer can also fire single shots as well as fully automatic.

The Pancor "Bear Trap" is a Anti-Personnel device using Jackhammer magazine and ammunition and a detonator base. It can be pressure detonation, pressure release activated or timer set for up to 12 hours delay.

 

Ammunition : 12 Gauge, Rate of Fire : SS, 240 RPM

Effective Range : 50 Metres, Capacity : 10 rounds

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Submachine guns

Uzi

No one could go far in such a writing and forego the mention of the world's most well-known submachinegun. Anyway, it's my Mum's favourite sub-gun. The Uzi is a world first-class weapon and is used with amazing frequency even due to to it's age. This Israeli submachinegun is even used by the Germans used it as the MP2, which is a real testiment to this fine weapon. This, the country that has designed the most popular SMG in the world, the MP5. This is one of the best of complements you could ever ask for. The Uzi is known for it's simplicity and ease of use and maintainance. As such it will operate in the roughest of conditions and not let you down.

The Uzi family comes in several forms including the standard most common model, the Mini Uzi which is smaller and the Micro Uzi which is even smaller. The latter, being a compact machine-pistol and firing in the automatic mode at some 1250 rounds per minute. This will empty a magazine extremely fast in the hands of an inexperienced operator.

There is also an Uzi Pistol, manufactured for the American civilian market it fires single shots and is chambered for .45 ACP ammunition and uses 16 round magazines.  The newest rendition of this famous weapon is the Para Micro Uzi in use by Israeli Special Forces.  It uses a Glock magazine (the Glock pistol also being on issue), and has a built in suppressor and can take a variety of sights due to a universal scope mounting system.  This has meant the cocking knob, so familiar to these weapons' has been moved from the top to the side.  The Israelis' tend to go for the 9mm SMG over the general global trend of moving to AR intermediate powered (5.56mm) style weapons due to their ease of use and training and advantages when operating in predominantly civilian populated areas.

Ammunition : 9x19mm, Rate of Fire : SS, 600 RPM

Effective Range : 200 Metres, Capacity : 17 (Para), 20, 32 or 40 rounds

Bizon

Intended for anti-terrorist duties and law enforcement as well as military operations, the Russian Bizon is a compact package providing compatibility with 60% of AK 100 parts. It features a high capacity 64 round helical magazine which is mounted under the weapon making a useful forestock. The weight of the weapon makes it easy to control on fully automatic and the rate of fire is held at an easily manageable and conservative 650 rounds per minute. The magazine has four marks on the right side denoting 4, 24, 44 and 64 to show the number of rounds remaining in the magazine. A suppresser is available. The Home Ministry of Russia has been a primary user of the Bizon in recent years.

Ammunition : 9x18mm, Rate of Fire : SS, 600 RPM

Effective Range : 200 Metres, Capacity : 64 rounds

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Personal Defence Weapons

Word on the PDW Concept - opinion on terms

This evolution in weapons design is not so complex but has for some reason the term Personal Defence Weapon has been far too liberally applied. The term is intended to descript a new generation of weapons which bridges the gap between the pistol / submachine gun, and the assault rifle.

Any weapon in this new class does not use the classic 9mm ammunition of pistols or sub-guns but something inbetween that and the issue rifle. A modification of 9mm weapon such as the HK USA conversion of the MP5K does not count even though it is marketed as the HK MP5 PDW. The only Heckler und Koch PDW is the MP7.

If the weapon fires pistol ammunition and has a automatic fire mode then it is either a automatic pistol, machine pistol or a submachine gun. The reverse of this, such as the FN Five seveN pistol in 5.7x28mm remains a pistol in class due to its designed intention as a weapon.

The PDW provides a compact package for support crews, crew served weapons personnel, drivers and other logistics troops who don't need a issue assault rifle but rather are more concerned with personal defence, thus the term. The ballistics of these new rounds allow for the penetration of modern body armour, in a high velocity projectile, while not over-doing it on recoil or unnecessary down range performance. Essentially one gets range beyond that of a submachine gun yet the punch of an assault rifle.

HK MP7

This largely untested weapon has brought HK into the Personal Defence Weapon market in the true sense of the word.  Unlike the HK MP5 PDW which is a modified traditional submachinegun, this new member of the Heckler und Koch family fires a new round more comparable to the FN P90. 

Intended for logistical support troops and those in crew service weapon roles such as mortar and anti-tank crewmen, the PDW provides a very compact weapon, that, out to ranges of two hundred odd metres is still able to pack enough punch to penetrate body armour. 

Like the Uzi, the PDW uses a pistol grip magazine housing, leading itself to good balance for a small framed firearm.  A fold-away foregrip is handy for control and intuitive close quarters firing. 

Ammunition : 4.6x30mm, Rate of Fire : SS, 950 RPM

Effective Range : 200 Metres, Capacity : 20 or 40 rounds

FN P90

This weapon has revolutionised the small arms concept and is deemed to be an extremely popular alternative to the typical 9mm submachinegun. The P90 uses a new unique 5.7mm round which not only packs a punch equal to an assualt rifle without the recoil but also has great armour-pericing qualities. Producing greater accuracy and being more compact due to the top loading horozontially mounted high-capacity magazine the P90 is intended for those who need a powerful yet compact weapon such as support crews, drivers and those on crew serviced heavy weapons. With the more and more regular issue of body armour the 9mm just doesn't cut it.

The new ammunition can deal with current issue body armour without a problem.  This next step in close quarters armament has been refered to as the Personal Defence Weapon concept, in order to differenate it from the pistol round firing submachineguns we are more traditionally familiar with. 

The FN Five seveN handgun uses the same round and packs a 20 round magazine. Stargate SG-1 fans are now quite familiar with this particular weapon. The Royal Marines Commando have brought the P90 for Royal Navy base security duties.

Ammunition : 5.7x28mm, Rate of Fire : SS, 900 RPM

Effective Range : 200 Metres, Capacity : 50 rounds

Gepard

The Russia's Gepard (Cheetah) PDW permits the user to fire a wide range of 9mm rounds up to the 9x30 Russian Grom (Thunder). All this can be done without modification to the weapon and using the standard magazine. The largest of these rounds, the Grom has powerful armour piercing qualities which are required on the modern battlefield. Being able to chamber the 9x19 Parabellum and the .380 ACP (9x17mm) makes it ideal for operatives operating where western ammunition is prolific and eastern ammunition is not. This also gives forth to a certain amount of deniability as well. Both 9x21 and 9x21 Russian can be chambered as well as the common 9x18 Makarov making the Gepard compatible with Russian submachineguns and pistols.

The weapon uses the AKR Assault Carbine as a basis, also helping in logistics making many parts between the two arms compatible. All in all the Gepard finds its strength in ammunition flexibility even if it is not a revolutionary arm. Having the potency to take on armoured targets puts it solidly in the PDW category and it will be interesting to see just how far it goes in adoption.

Ammunition : see text, Rate of Fire : SS, 700 RPM

Effective Range : 200 Metres, Capacity : 20, 30 or 45 rounds

SSW

The Squad Support Weapon is a development weapons system from Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics). Designed for urban operations it combines a PDW in either 5.7mm (FN P90) or 4.6mm (HK MP7) calibre and a over-barrel 40mm Air Bursting Munition (ABM) grenade launcher charged with a 4 round magazine. This area affect weapon is coupled with a Fire Control System (FCS) and is particular effective against entrenched positions. At present the PDW element is fed by a 20 round magazine and can be in either calibre depending on customer requirements.

The greatest concern for use, especially in close contact may well be bulk, as opposed to weight. This could be countered by a effective but reduced calibre ABM, say in 25mm as with the XM25. This would also allow for a greater magazine capacity "on gun". No doubt a larger magazine capacity for the KE component is also in the works. The modern medium velocity grenades have an effective range of 500m, well beyond their conventional counterparts. The KE follows with its solo parents of influence and has an effective range of 200m.

Many different combinations are being considered at present and the weapon is expected to be ready for demonstration in the near future.

As combat and peace-keeping missions become further urbanised and lethal we need to be thinking about what is the best option for both the soldier on the ground given the mission, and effective lethality. Singapore is certainly looking ahead and they are willing to invest in effective defence. A major player in their part of the world, this country is leaving nothing to chance.

Ammunition : 4.6mm or 5.7mm, Rate of Fire : SS, 900 RPM

Effective Range : 200 Metres, Capacity : 20 rounds

Ammunition : 40mm ABM, Rate of Fire : SS

Effective Range : 500 Metres, Capacity : 4 rounds

 

 

Tuma MTE VA

The Joint Service Small Arms Project (JSSAP) for the US Armed Forces intended to find an answer for personal weapons to take the various branches into the 21st century. This included the Special Forces and the Coast Guard. In one area of focus was the Objective Personal Weapon (OPW) which needed to be managable like a pistol, demensions and handling wise, while producing the capacity to penetrate body armour effectively, a characteristic well beyond standard 9mm ammunition. For the needs to be met a new ammunition would have to be developed.

One result of this project has been the Tuma VA-PDW of Martin Tuma Engineering, Switzerland. It is a selective fire version of their pistol able to be outfitted with all expected accessories, including surpressors, and an extended magzine. The VOB round has been inspired by the .224 BOZ which utalises the short lived 10mm Auto round necked down to take a 5.56mm projectile. This round was developed by Civil Defense Supply in the United Kingdom. The round was required to be able to penetrate CRISAT armor which consists of 1.5mm titanium plate reinforced with 20 layers of Kevlar. High velocity, flat trajectory and low recoil provide the desired characteristics of a PDW round.

It remains to be seen if the British Bushman IDW chambered for .224 BOZ will have an impact on the UK Defence market. Currently chambered for 9mm, .41 Action Express or 10mm these compact submachineguns have a electronic rate of fire control system which can change rate of fire anywhere from 100-1400 rounds per minute. With Royal Marines acquiring the FN P90 weapons for the purposes of port security duties perhaps the decision on model has already been decided.

Ammunition : .224 VOB, Rate of Fire : SS, 970 RPM

Effective Range : 200 Metres, Capacity : 12 rounds

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Assault Rifles

AK47 / AKM

The classic AK is sure to be found in great numbers in The Zone and is both cheap and reliable. Oddly enough it does not feature in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Nor does it have all the flash of more modern designs but it is effective despite being not the most accurate weapon of its kind. No other rifle can claim to have been manufactured on such a scale, even after so many years and numerous replacement options becoming available in the meantime.

From a practial point of view the round performs well against even lightly armoured targets and ammunition is more plentiful than any other in this part of the world. The AK also has a full range of accessories available including the BG15 grenade launcher, suppressors and scopes. The AKM is a AK "Modified" whereby the design was upgraded for improved mass production, but for all intents and purposes is the same weapon. A groove in the forestock and a sloped flash eliminator are the easiest ways of identifying the slightly newer weapon over the original.

Versions of the AK have popped up right through Eastern Europe and Asia. Examples include the Chinese Type 56 with its non-detactable "pig sticker" bayonet, to the Romanian version with a pistol grip on the forestock and very new CZ2000 series which is chambered for 5.56mm NATO ammunition from the Czech Republic. The classic Kalishnikov is the ever faithful of The Zone and is as ubiquitous as ever.

The more recent AK74 is chambered for 5.45x39mmB ammo but has gone out of favour with the older 7.62mm round from the AK/AKM series, and the newer 9x39mm. Like the original there are folding stock models intended for paratroops and chopped carbine models like the AKR intended for special forces.

Calibre : 7.62x39mm Bloc, Rate of Fire : SS, 650 RPM

Effective Range : 400 Metres, Capacity : 30 rounds

FA MAS (G2)

This rifle is current issue to French forces. It has been around now for a number of years during which time it has undergone some changes. The original version used a non-standard 25 round magazine, of which a rifle which fires at such a high rate as the FA MAS empties rather quickly. The advantage though is that short bursts are extremely accurate.

The later G2 version uses a standard 30 round magazine and also features a grip like the Steyr which enables good handling while wearing artic or NBC gloves. The FA MAS does come standard with a bipod which is good value for those precise single shots. This is a feature that sadly lacking in the assault rifles of today. Though warfare has become more and more a thing of firepower rather than real marksmanship and the weapons short length, even for a bullpup weapon, is no real handicap.

Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Rate of Fire : SS, 1000 RPM

Effective Range : 400 Metres, Capacity : 25 rounds

FN FNC

The FNC (Fabrique Nationale Carabine) is the Assault Rifle of the FN Family. Complete with folding stock for ease of storage and portablity in confined spaces the FNC is following well in the steps of its big brother the FAL Battle Rifle. A shortened barreled commando version is avialable for paratroops and special forces troops. A short stroke operation allows for any butt arrangement to be utalised and operating on a closed bolt maintains accuracy. Unlike the mechanism on the M16A2, any interruption in the burst cycle will still result in another three-shot burst. The mechanism resets itself each time the trigger is released. This is the same as HK weapons.

The Swedish version, the Bofors AK5 features a more appropriate green furniture and variants for the Grenadier with a under barrel 40mm Grenade Launcher, while there is also a Light Sniper version with an scope mounted. The C2 is intended for Police and Paramilitary applications and features a shorter barrel. The LSW has a heavy barrel and can accept a drum magazine for more sustained fire.

Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Rate of Fire : SS, 750 RPM

Effective Range : 500 Metres, Capacity : 30 rounds

 

FN SCAR

Based on the Belgium arms company's FNC rifle, the SCAR (Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle) is witness to a further desire of military professionals to have at their disposal a personal weapon with more potent stopping power, a series of standard options and various chamberings. Seeing that this weapon has come out of specific requests for US Special Forces, those at the sharp end of current and future real world operations it must be taken seriously.

SCAR-L is a 5.56mm variant, utalising the current NATO issue ammunition, which has seen itself somewhat a under performer in recent conflict. This has pressed the development of the 6.8mm SPC round to give troops more on target lethality. This aside this rifle has the options and capabilities needed for a wide range of the operational spectrum.

SCAR-H is chambered for 7.62mm NATO - full power cartridge. Other options for calibre include the Russian 7.62x39mm used in AK / AKM rifles so prolific today. This allows for soldiers to use this (more than likely) operationally present round.

Various barrel lengths allow for everything from close quarter battle (CQB) in urban situations, a more and more common situation a soldier will find themselves in, through to heavy sniper barrels. No doubt a light machine gun barrel with bipod support will be present as well. Upper and lower receivers allow for rapid exchange of barrels and magazine housings to promote the greatest possible flexibility in tactical application.

A family of rifles with multiple calibres is not an overwhelming logistical nightmare or cost, due to the fact at least three calibres will always be present for different roles. 9mm for pistols and submachine guns, 5.56mm for rifles, 7.62mm for rifles and GPMGs. Then there is also .50 calibre for HMG and heavy sniper systems such as Barrett.

The benefits of such a SCAR type rifle are multiple. Recruits can train on the low felt recoil of 5.56mm, then move on to a more potent 7.62mm when realistically capable. Soldiers used full power rounds for years. With modern technology the effects of this on accuracy and recoil can now be minimised. The lighter chamberings may be desired for certain deployments or jobs, so it makes sense to keep with such a calibre, unless something like the 6.8mm can be adopted. This is probably not logistically viable at this time.

Statistics below are for the FN SCAR-Heavy model using NATO ammunition and a carbine barrel.

Ammunition : 7.62x51mm NATO, Rate of Fire : SS, 600 RPM

Effective Range : 500 Metres, Capacity : 20 rounds

IMI Tavor

This most recent addition to the IMI family of small arms is the prospective replacement for both the Galil and M16 Assault Rifles in Israeli service.  Indeed it is their weapons system of the future complete with a Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) variant which allows for integration into the 21st Century Land Warrior concept.  Several versions including a Light Sniper version (STAR), a predicable Carbine (CTAR)and also an even more compact Micro (MTAR)version for Close Quarter Battle and SF use are produced. 

Being of bullpup configuration and of polymer construction the Tavor family is particularly useful for the largely mechanised IDF, and very light.  A full range of accessories is available Common to all versions is the ARM sight bracket which universally accepts all sights available. A red dot sight for close combat and laser pointer is also fitted.

The Light Sniper STARversion usually fits a x3 magnification scope. The TAR and CTAR can facilitate the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher which is on issue to IDF.

Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Rate of Fire : SS, 3rdB, 800 RPM

Effective Range : 500 Metres, Capacity : 20,30 or 40 rounds

 

SAR21

The SAR21 (Singapore Assault Rifle) is a compact, light and tough modern rifle from CIS in Singapore. It features a built in x1.5 optics for target clarity and a Laser Aiming Device (LAD) for rapid target acquisition as standard. But like the Steyr, the SAR21 is a bullpup rifle and therefore an operator has difficulty making full use of cover when firing around an off-hand corner.  For those moving around in vehicles a bullpup rifle is undoubtedly more favourable. 

This rifle can mount an under-barrel 40mm grenade launcher, an essential requirement not only for the Infantryman in an offensive capacity but also for a operator who requires 'less than lethal' means, enabling the use of baton and teargas rounds.

This rifle is a local version of the Israeli TAR21 with some innovations including a floating point recticle for improved operator accuracy and increased target acquirement.  The SAR21 features a transparent magazine enabling the operator to rapidly inspect their ammunition status, while a Modular Mounting System (MMS) allows for universal use of optical devices for different mission requirements.

Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Rate of Fire : SS, 600 RPM

Effective Range : 500 Metres, Capacity : 30 rounds

 

 

 

Battle Rifles

HK G3

The G3 series of Battle Rifles was the most successful post-war rifle other than the FN FAL of Belgium. In fact in the western world it invariabily took up those sales where the FAL did not. It is still a very popular rifle in it's many and varied forms including the PSG-1 sniper rifle. The one featured here is the G3KA4 which has a colliapisable stock, useful for mechanised infantry and paratroopers. 

Like other rifles of this generation the G3 packs a punch which no modern Assault Rifle can compete with and this makes it a ideal weapon for counter sniping operations or as a back up in a sniper team.  Some militaries around the world, slower to adopt newer rifles still issue the likes of the G3, and in specific roles such firearms will soldier on for years to come.

Ammunition : 7.62x51mm NATO, Rate of Fire : SS, 600 RPM

Effective Range : 650 Metres, Capacity : 5 or 20 rounds

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Advanced Combat Rifles

HK G11 ACR

This rifle is perhaps the most technically advanced in our time. It has attracted a great deal of attention and rightly so. Wether the "caseless ammunition concept will replace conventionally designed weapons is still a interesting question, even though Heckler und Koch have developed a pistol and light automatic support weapon using the same technology.

The G11 has been around for a few years now, having been thoroughly tested by the militaries of Germany amongst others. The use of caseless ammunition is a scientifically complex matter and the weapon is also equally complex in design, but this also lends itself well to the fact that the maintenance is also kept to a minimum. A soldier is only required to preform the basics in the field and the rest is left to suitably trained armourers. The caseless ammunition means that there is no empty cartridge to be ejected and all propellents and so forth are vaporised on firing. This means there is a lot less malfunctioning and general wear and tear on the weapon.

The small round enables a larger magazine capacity over standard issue 5.56mm weapons such as the M16A2, and the magazine itself is actually placed horizontally across the top of the receiver, rounds being feed in by a specially designed mechanism. The magazines are sealed until the are put on the weapon which prevents any debris getting in casing unwanted blockages. Three magazines can be attached to the rifle at one time for rapid reloading purposes, the central one feeding the weapon.

The G11 utilises a Swarovski low-light scope which, when the operator is engaging targets out to within 300 metres it gives x1 magnification for best clarity. When targets are beyond this range the scope automatically changes magnification to x3.5.

When fired in Three round burst mode the G11 gets all three rounds go at an amazing 2200 rounds a minute meaning that the operator doesn't get time to react to the burst and effectively it is as if they had only fired a single round at the target. There were also questions as to the lethality of the "micro-bullet" in the early days. It has since been assessed that the 4.92mm round will penetrate a conventional steel helmet at 600 metres distance.

Apart from unconventional design and the use of technically advanced materials the G11 would have appeared to have had a good future, at least in the German military. Unfortunately a reluctantance to adopt new concepts and the departure to systems which have been used in one form or another for almost fifty years has lead to this weapons system's demise. But who knows what the future might hold.

Ammunition : 4.92x34mm Caseless, Rate of Fire : SS, 3rdB, 450 RPM

Effective Range : 450 Metres, Capacity : 45 rounds

 

OICW

The Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) is the next generation of personal weapon to be equipping soldiers of the US Army in the 21st Century.  The weapon body makes extensive use of ceramics and plastics to reduce weight and increase strength.  It is designed to selectively replace present M4 Carbines, M16 Rifles, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) and M203 40mm Grenade Launchers.   The system is being developed in association with Alliant Techsystems of the US.

The 20mm over barrel grenade launcher is deemed the primary weapon. Grenades can engage various targets which are hull down or in slit trenches, which before, was near impossible without getting in very close. This is made possible by an on board ballistic computer, and special fuses in the ammunition.   Airbursts and timed detonates are now possible.  The under barrel 5.56mm rifle component is, in essence a slightly modified HK G36K carbine, so equipped as to be able to take the standard M16 magazine. At this stage the 21CLW program is also using extensively modified M4 carbines with the required sighting components.

Predicable light weight Thermal and Starlight sighting is coupled with digital compass and Laser Range Finder to give the solider all he needs in one single unit, rather than the need, as currently, to carry several different devices for all the various applications. A backpack mounted computer and Heads Up Display (HUD) gives the soldier mission data, video and audio feed and secure communications. The HUD in the operators helmet will feed information from the scope so that a soldier can put his OICW around a corner, particularly in urban areas, and the image is feed to the helmet, thus giving a 'seeing around the corner' capacity. This leads to minimal exposure to fires and reduced chance of casualties.  A boom mic also allows for the soldier to 'hear' possible contacts before encountering them.  Such tools will be invaluable in peace keeping operations.

Alternative systems are being developed at different levels including the French PAPOP which uses a 35mm grenade launcher in cohesion with the FELIN program, and the Australian Metal Storm, which, not surprisingly the US is taking great interest in. This system, designed from the ground up, has no moving parts, is electronic operated and as potential cylic rates of well beyond anything currently in use. The British Army is working on their own project called FIST, while Canada, Israel and Australia are working on their own respective systems. All in all, many leading countries have a part to play in the next generation of universal modular weapons systems which will be arming our ground warfighters' in the near future.

The first lot of stats are for the Grenade Launcher, the second for the rifle component.

Ammunition : 20mm, Rate of Fire : SS

Effective Range : 1000 Metres, Capacity : 6 rounds

Ammunition : 5.56x45mm, Rate of Fire : SS, 3rdB, 750 RPM

Effective Range : 400 Metres, Capacity : 30 rounds

Recent Developments

In recent times the OICW project has been abandoned for seperate rifle and grenade launcher weapons. The rifle is taken the form of the XM8, currently in 5.56mm and strongly based off the G36K. The XM8 looks to be the replacement for the M4/M16 family of weapons. While the XM25, 25mm semi-automatic Grenade launcher, using 6 round box magazines in bullpup configuration will be the new weapon of choice for the grenadier housing an advanced Fire Control System with multi-spectrum sighting.

There is a push in certain quarters that the new Remington 6.8x43mm SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge), a .243 calibre round based on the .30 cartridge should be adopted to replace the 5.56mm NATO. Barrett Firearms has even gone so far as to manufacture the new M468. Special Operations Forces personnel have been using rechambered M4's and other weapons chambered in the 6.8 and the future could be good if red tape and other such factors don't defy logical thinking processes. The preformance on target is somewhat similar to 7.62mm NATO out to typical combat ranges. The XM8 may yet be chambered for this new round.

 

 

 

Steyr ACR

The Steyr ACR is what is considered in modern military arms manufacture as a "Advanced Combat Rifle" which is intended as a break away from conventional ideas on small arms. Unusually this weapon operates on a revolutionary rising chamber which means that action goes up and down rather than back and forward meaning less disruption to the firer. In any case recoil is extremely low. The scope is 1.5 magnification and can easily be changed to 3.5 Mag for longer ranges by a twist of the eye-piece.

Physically this rifle looks a lot like the AUG including it's generous trigger guard. The ACR has an incredibly flat trajectory out to 600 metres and the muzzle velocity of the flechette ammunition is 1493 metres per second. This leads to impressive accuracy and high hit ratio, while the 3 round burst mode lets loose the three rounds at 1250rpm meaning that, the effect to the firer is such that once the third shot has left the barrel only the effect of the first round's recoil is felt.

Ammunition : 5.56mm SCF, Rate of Fire : SS, 3rdB

Effective Range : 500 Metres, Capacity : 24 rounds

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Grenade Launchers

AGS17

The automatic grenade launcher would probably be too devastating in general usage but with some wise and limited deployment could be a real exciting addition to gameplay in multiplayer. The AGS fires 30mm rounds from a belt feed from bulky ammunition boxes which mount to the side of the weapon. A heavy beast, it needs two or three people to carry the weapon, ammunition and the mount. Otherwise it can be mounted on vehicles. Its not the sort of thing to move around but the effect it has against personnel and light vehicles speaks for itself.

Other examples include the German GMG, a 40mm weapon, similar to the US Mark 19 Mod 0, which is being found in, though low, increasing numbers of late in the Zone. The AGS17 though, is the most likely candidate for this brand of weapon. AGLs can be vehicle mounted, or used on the ground by way of a tripod. Some have even been known to be mounted in helicopters.

Ammunition : 30mm, Rate of Fire : 800 RPM

Effective Range : 800 Metres, Capacity : 30 rounds

 

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Rocket Launchers

RPO-A Shmel

From the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Russia, the RPO-A Shmel is a series of weapons designed to fire incendiary rounds which in effect work like a flame thrower. The thermobaric warhead is charged with fuel air explosive (FAE). They are typically issued in pairs. In relation to the FPS game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. videos suggest that there could be capacity for buildings to catch fire, as much as the structures themselves are evidently destructible. A devastating anti-personnel weapon, the RPO can also be put to some very effective tactical use in the destruction of vehicles and creating fires to get away from opposing forces and clans. I can't think of a more pleasant way to deal with mutants either.

Ammunition : 93mm, Rate of Fire : SS

Effective Range : 600 Metres, Capacity : 1 round

 

 

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