 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
XXXXX Constructed of titanium alloys and high polymer plastics, the M14A is both lightweight and rugged. All internal components are shielded against weather, radiation, and even the vacuum of space. The M14A will fire under water and in no atmosphere conditions.
XXXXXThe M14A utilizes electronic pules action firing, taking electrical signals from the trigger to fire instead of a mechanical link. This keeps jams and misfires to a minimum. The breech is a rotating design, further reducing the occurrence of failure. If a jam should occur, it can be freed by using the manual-cocking handle. A lithium battery contained in the handle supplies power for the M14A. Good for 10,000 rounds of fire, it can be recharged on a gun rack or a portable charger.
XXXXX The mainstay of the USCM is the M14A Pulse Rifle. A well-balanced rifle is the infantryman’s best friend. It has to perform under extreme conditions, fulfill different rolls, and be simple enough for the average 'grunt' to use.
XXXXX The ammunition used in the M14A is standard 10mm case less, explosive tipped rounds. These rounds are packed in their own propellant, rather then having a separate case and bullet. This saves in weight as well as cost. This round can defeat the best body armor available, making it very useful indeed. Ammo is carried in a 99 round, electronic belt feed magazine. The LED on the side of the rifle tells how many rounds are left in the magazine. For those targets that require a little more bang, the M14A is also equipped with a 30mm grenade launcher located under the barrel, giving the rifle an over-under design. It uses a pump action loading system to rack and cock the launcher. It can then be fired using the trigger located in front of regular 10mm magazine feed. A four round barrel magazine holds the grenades until they are let loose.
XXXXX For a Colonial Marine squad to survive engagement, it needs more than just rifles. Machine guns offer the Marines more firepower for offensive and defensive operations. The USCM picked the M56A2 Smart Gun as their machine gun of choice.
XXXXX The M56A2 is an incredible machine. As the name implies, the gun has ‘smart’ capabilities. Specifically, the M56A2 can aim itself. Using a targets infrared signature, it will ‘steer’ itself to aim at the target. While the marine operating the gun still has control of where to aim, it’s best to let the M56A2 do it’s job. The gun will not fire by itself. It still requires the operator to pull the trigger.
XXXXXThe M56A2 is carried on a free moving ‘steady-cam’ type harness and articulating arm. This gives the gun a wide range of motion and targeting area. The actual weight of the gun is supported by the operator’s shoulders and legs, allowing it to be used for extended periods of time with less fatigue.
XXXXXThe firing system is the same type, case-less, as the M41A Pulse Rifle, although the ammunition used by the M56A2 is a slightly bigger 10mm round than the one used by M41A. The ammo belt is carried in a drum attached to the side of the gun. The M56A2 will load itself with each new roll, but manual cocking of the charging handle will keep jams to a minimum.
XXXXX The M240A1 Flame-thrower is a lightweight flame unit used in close quarters and against fortifications. The fuel for the M240 is pressurized, thickened napthal ignited by a nozzle burner. Once hit, the target is covered with a layer of burning fuel, which will continue to burn for approximately 30 seconds. Fully loaded, the M240 carries enough fuel for a 20-second burst up to 30 meters away. Although one of the USCM's most feared weapons, it is unpopular with many marines because of it's low range and the tendency for the fuel container to be ruptured, causing it to explode.
XXXXX
The M42A Scope Rifle the primary sniper rifle for the USCM. It uses the same 10mm case less, explosive tipped ammunition as the M41A Pulse Rifle, although the M42A has a slightly longer case for higher maximum range. These two formidable weapons share other characteristics. For instance, they both use the same electronic firing system and breach loading system. The ammunition is held in a 15 round clip inserted into the stock just behind pistol grip. The standard round used in the M42A is the M252 HEAP (High Explosive Anti-Personal). This round has a maximum effective range of 2,250 meters over clear terrain. For even longer kill distances, a long-range stabilized ball round has been developed that can travel 3,800 meters. The standard issue scope for the M42A is a combined, multi-spectral twenty power passive sensor scope. Images in the scope are based on input from visual, infrared, and electromagnetic emissions. Also, motion trackers, ground radar, lidar and IR sensors can input into the rifle through either digital comms broadcast or direct optical cable link.
XXXXX
The VP 70 pistol is the standard issue side-arm of the USCM. This pistol is a standard 9mm, recoil operated hand gun. Ammunition is stored in a 15 round magazine in the grip. Like the M41A, it is constructed of titanium alloys and composites, making it very durable. Though not typical of the USCM’s high power weaponry, no sane Marine will go into battle without one. Many a soldier owes his life to this simple pistol, as it is usually the last defense against an over-run attack. Also, the VP 70’s low power makes it very useful in space battles. It won’t kick the soldier of into space and very little fire power is needed to kill a space suit.
XXXXX
The combat knife is an often over looked standard issue weapon of the USCM. In this age of lasers and kinetic energy weapons, many don’t think the knife as being important. The Colonial Marines know differently. Close combat knife fighting is still taught during boot camp and is a regular part of every day training. When silence is key, nothing is quieter than a knife. Though the knife may seem primitive, the M142 and M144 combat knifes used by the USCM are very high-tech. Each one has a composite handle and a precision cut, long lasting diamond coated titanium blade. The diamond coating keeps the blade finely honed with no sharpening. The blade is so sharp that, with enough pressure, it can puncture Class 2 personal body armor.
