Utterly Mad

Ammunition

Cartridge: 11x50mm

Intent: Provide a multi-role ammunition suitable for most real-world combat distances.

Basic Description:

The Rastal have always favour pragmatic, if unconventional approaches to issues. The 11x50mm cartridge is an excellent example of this - while many militaries have continually shifted towards smaller, faster ammunition, the Rastal's conflict studies and ballistics programs have indicated that a slower, heavier bullet is actually considerably more practical in many situations. While it would seem this cartridge is geared strictly towards close range encounters, being incredibly heavy and slow relative to most other options, the incredibly high ballistic coefficient makes it far superior to most conventional chamberings in this respect as well - the bullets typically used are simply so heavy that they lose very little speed or energy while traveling.

Though it is chambered in modern military weapons, the 11x50mm is actually a fairly old concept, having been in service for over 40 years.

The largest drawback to this family of cartridges is that they are physically large enough that it can be difficult to carry large amounts. This is seen as something of a non-issue by the Rastal, as they don't feel an individual will need much.

Variants:

General Purpose Ammunition
Bullet: 450 grain monometal
Propellant: Proprietary information. Assumed roughly 50-60 grains of slow powder.
Velocity And Energy: Approx. 1800 FPS for roughly 3200 ft-lbs of muzzle energy

Description:

Designed as a multi-role armour piercing/anti-personnel round, the GPA load is in practice rarely the first choice of troops in the field. While it offers some slight advantages in decreased drop over distance, for the most part, it is seen as inferior to the SSA version.

The bullet used is a solid, monometal slug that relies on physical mass rather than expansion to cause damage. It properly zero'd, it experiences only a few inches of drop at 500 yards, and loses less than 100 FPS at this distance as well. This slug is capable of penetrating 1/3 of an inch of steel out to 100 yards with ease, and renders most practical body armour irrelevant at this (and sometimes further) distances.

Sub-Sonic Ammunition
Bullet: 800 grain monometal
Propellant: Proprietary information. Assumed 55 grains of fast powder.
Velocity and Energy: Approx 1000 FPS for roughly 2500 FT-LBS of muzzle energy

The SSA version of the 11x50mm is designed to be a near silent specialist ammo, capable of fullfilling armour piercing and anti-personnel needs. Much like the GPA load, it is capable of immense penetration using a solid, monometal slug. While the SS ammunition experiences greater drop over distance, it has the advantage of not having to deal with destabilization when falling back beneath the sound barrier, and is capable of impressive accuracy to truly astounding distances, with energy retention being pretty much a non-concern. This simple fact, combined with it's ability to operate in near silence, has made it the cartridge of choice for most operational Rastal units.

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Cartridge: 6.5x59mm

Intent: Provide a flat shooting, high efficiency solution to specific situations in which potent long distance performance is needed, and the sharp arc of the 11x50mm family is not desirable.

Basic Description: A relatively new design in Rastal service, the 6.5x59mm is a small-bore, high velocity round that has found a niche as a sniper's tool. The 6.5mm projectile maintains a good ballistic co-efficient due to it's sleek design, so despite it's relatively light weight, the cartridge is capable of carrying out to impressive distances without losing potency, and while being easy to employ in such a fashion due to it's very flat trajectory.

One fairly unique feature is that the cartridge is produced in both traditionally primed versions, as well as less-conventional electric-ignition versions.

While it is not well suited to anti-material purposes, unlike the marksmen's weapons of many other species, it excels in it's intended anti-personnel role, and Rastal combat doctrine does not require it to do anything else.

Varients:

Hard Antipersonnel Solid

Bullet: 142 grain lubricated monometal VLD with poly-thermal tip
Propellant: Proprietary information. Assumed 100 grains of slow powder.
Velocity and Energy: Approx 3500 FPS for roughly 3800 FT-LBS of muzzle energy

Designed to be employed against targets wearing modern ballistic armour, the HAS load uses special lubricated projectiles to increase penetration against weave style protection such as kevlar. This lubricant ranges from simple compounds such as Teflon and molybdenum to far more advanced materials. Due to this treatment, and the inherent efficiency of the cartridge and projectile designs themselves, effective kills on hard targets have been recorded on multiple occasions at distances as far as 2500 yards. A thermal resistant polymer tip ensures a consistent meplat shape, and prevents the bullet from experiencing damage which could alter it's profile while in use.

This variant excels at it's intended purpose, punching through hard targets, but has occasionally been found wanting in terms of sheer knockdown effect. As the bullet is both of a relatively small diameter and not designed to expand, it needs to hit something fairly vital to insure a kill, or hard tissues such as organs or bones to insure incapacitation.

Though the monometal construction does allow the cartridge to be employed effectively against cover and light vehicle armour, testing has shown that it will typically not cause enough mechanical damage to reliably stop most vehicles without an unpredictable element of chance coming into play.

Soft Antipersonnel Polymer

Bullet: 140 grain polymer scallop side flat base
Propellant: Proprietary information. Assumed 100 grains of slow powder.
Velocity and Energy: Approx 3500 FPS for roughly 3800 FT-LBS of muzzle energy

At the opposite end of the spectrum from the HAS ammunition, the SAP cartridge is designed for maximum casualty potential on targets with little personal protection. While more conventional expanding projectiles were tried, as well as those containing a small explosive charge, it was found that this unique design could give the performance of the latter while offering the inexpensive production of the former.

The projectile is relatively simple to those unfamiliar with it, being roughly the same length as a standard VLD bullet. However, it differs in two very distinct ways - near the ogive of the projectile, as well as near the base there are what appear to be large "scoops" missing from the bullet. These are, in fact, an intentional design choice and the result of painstaking research into unconventional bullet designs that do no compromise stability or flight characteristics. The concept behind them is this: Opon entering the target, the bullet compresses slightly, causing these scoops to engage the target's makeup. The projectile then travels through the target, the spinning scoops causing a massive permanent wound, and the bullet's rotation causing them to throw parts of the target into itself at very rapid speeds, essentially turning a body into a blender which then proceeds to mulch itself. This has been shown to be incredibly effective, as even a glancing hit can cause destruction in hard to find places well away from the initial wound site.

The other difference that becomes obvious to anyone handling the projectile is that it is comprised of polymer, rather than metal. This is also a result of extensive testing - it was found that not only will a metal bullet come apart if encountering too much resistance, be it from air or flesh, but that the inflexibility of the scoops did not maximise the casualty potential of the system. A specially designed polymer was found to be the solution - it would be flexible enough to simply compress or expand under tremendous forces, and could be engineered in such a way to allow the scoops to flex enough to truly wreak havoc.

For all of it's effectiveness, the downside to the SAP cartridge is fairly glaring - due to it's literal flexibility, it's armour penetration ability is somewhat lacking. While the polymer is hard enough to penetrate light cover materials such as wood or furniture, it has been shown to be nearly 100% ineffective against modern armour.

Very Low Drag - Expanding

Bullet: 140 grain chemically bonded VLD with metallic expansion tip
Propellant: Proprietary information. Assumed 100 grains of slow powder.
Velocity and Energy: Approx 3500 FPS for roughly 3800 FT-LBS of muzzle energy

The VLD-EX load offers a compromise between the HAS and SAP loads, offering a fairly traditional bonded VLD bullet suitable for a variety of functions. The loading originally started as a simple mono-metal VLD, but increased proliferation of the HAS against hard targets caused the Rastal design bureau responsible for the calibre to standardise a variant with an expansion tip on it in stead, seeing the SAP load as being in need of a "close middle ground" more than the HAS. This tip is nothing spectacularly fancy - just a small, mono-metallic section that ensures meplat integrity during storage, use, and transport, and that is built to push into the projectile itself after penetration, insuring expansion and giving the skinny 6.5mm a much better chance of incapacitating a target.

This bullet is by far the most commonly employed, though Rastal combat doctrine does allot users at minimum a magazine's worth of the alternatives as well.

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Cartridge: 8.5x51mm

Intent: Act as an intermediate compromise calibre for small arms that may not be capable or are unsuitable for the 11x50mm, and do not benefit from the efficiency vs. stopping power exchange of the 6.5x59mm

Basic Description:

The 8.5x51mm is something of a holdover measure, designed to fill any gaps left by the other military rounds presently available to the Rastal. Despite being an excellently designed round, it is not seen as an optimized design by the Rastal, and is in use only until technology progresses enough to make redesigning firearms and ammunition worthwhile. Given the functionality of the currently available arsenal, this could be some time away.

Varients:

General Purpose

Bullet: 210 grain full metal jacket
Propellant: 47.3 grains of medium powder
Velocity and Energy: Approx 2600 FPS for roughly 3200 FT-LBS of muzzle energy

An "all around" loading, the GP round provides a middle ground, sharing some of the flat shooting efficiency of the 6.5mm cartridge with the increased hitting power of the 11mm option. This is a fairly powerful offering, and typically the only ammunition issued to the Rastal forces besides tracer rounds.

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Cartridge: 6x25mm Caseless

Intent: Provide a functional, specialised solution to close quarter, individual space based combat

Basic Description:

Compared to the simple, straightforward designs typical of the Rastal combat doctrine, the 6x25mm "cartridge" represents a vast deviation in thinking. Not truly a cartridge, caseless or not, the 6x25mm and it's variants are simply short ferromagnetic spikes designed to be fired from a variety of coil-based weaponry.

Variants:

Special Purpose Ammunition, Space, Mark 2
Bullet: 30 grain ferromagnetic rod
Propellant: None, weapon based.
Velocity And Energy: Approx. 6000 FPS for 2398 ft-lbs of energy in an 8 coil weapon such as the SPW-113

Description:

Designed specifically for zero-G combat, the SPAS Mk. 2 variant of the 6x25mm is designed to have reasonable penetration while generating a minimal amount of recoil force. The rod itself can theoretically be constructed out of any magnetic material, but is typically made out of one of several specific high-density steel alloys. The tip is sharpened, ideally to a mono-molecular point, and along with the last two thirds of the rod itself, is treated to a very high hardness. The first third of the rod, directly behind the tip, is left relatively soft, in order to allow the rod to flex, bend, or otherwise deform when hitting a target, increasing wounding potential and reduce shattering related to the extreme speeds involved. Should the tip fail to penetrate the target despite the incredible velocity, the forward third will shear off, allowing the remainder of the rod a "second chance" at penetration.

While the SPAS Mk. 2 is easily capable of defeating any known weave style body armour, such as kevlar, and is more than capable of eroding the protective capability of any armour under sustained fire, thick enough composite armour of a solid, quality design will typically cause shattering and require multiple, localised hits to overcome. Additionally, while the SPAS Mk. 2 has sufficient energy to kill outright and cause extreme pain, as well as generating enough friction to ignite most flammable objects with repeated hits, it is designed to penetrate and accordingly depressurize EVA suits and void-capable armour rather than cause devastating wounds. As of such, it's potential for direct lethality is generally considered to be inferior to more conventional cartridges.

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Firearms



Intent: Multirole infantry combat system

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: R-50 SCR

Modularity: Not required for intended purpose.

Production: Simple mass production via multiple means

Material: Typically basic alloys.
 
Classification: Multirole assault weapon.
Length: Depending on stock design and specific configuration, roughly 36 inches with simple fixed stock.
Weight: Depending on specific construction materials, roughly 6-6.5 pounds unloaded
Ammunition Type: 11x50mm GPA, 11x50mm SSA
Ammunition Capacity: 25 rounds
Range: Varies depending on ammunition selection. GPA loads are generally considered feasible to roughly 1100 yards, where they will typically become subsonic and destabilize - while they will still retain killing potential, they lose all semblance of accuracy at this point. The much heavier SSA load, while being subsonic and experiencing much greater drop, and thusly being considerably harder to use at distance, does not suffer from this issue, and is so heavy that it loses very little energy. Theoretically, it should be capable of engaging soft targets out to several kilometers, though there are no documented cases of this. Generally, most combat for which these rifles are designed takes place within 200 yards.
 
Market price: 800 GSC

Description:

The R-50 Standard Combat Rifle is a fairly typical example of the Rastal approach to technological innovation. It is robust, reliable, and inexpensive to produce, being designed around the concept of being the most effective tool for the as little investment as possible, as well as being simple for any colony to produce in reasonable quantities. Because of this, and much like other Rastal equipment, the design has innumerable variations across the galaxy.

The version produced by CDI could be seen as the "base" model however, as most patterns will incorporate it's basic features.

The SCR as produced here features a side folding stock, and simple polymer handguard. As with all versions, it is designed to be integrally suppressed using a simple dry baffle design, though the high quality materials used by CDI give their version considerably longer life than most local variants.

The operating system is a hybrid of a simple short stroke piston design and a counter-balance pulley system, which allows for simplicity of maintenance while almost completely eliminating recoil and muzzle rise in fully automatic fire. The gas system also allows for on-the-fly regulation between standard 11x50mm General Purpose Ammunition and 11x50mm Sub-Sonic Ammunition, allowing for the rifle to cycle both when properly configured.

The controls are fairly simple, with a magazine release sitting within finger's reach infront of the trigger guard. It is non-ambidextrous. The safety, however, can be easily changed for left or right hand use, and features four settings - safe (red), semi-automatic (yellow), fully automatic (green), and action lock (white). This last setting prevents the action from cycling when the rifle is fired. While this greatly increases recoil and effectively makes the gun a manually operated straight pull bolt action, it also completely eliminates any noise, and allows the SSA round to be used in nearly total silence.

The barrel itself is rifled with a 1-8.5 right hand gain twist. While this generally favours the much heavier bullets of the SSA load, the gain twist combined with carefully chosen weights and speeds allows the gun to fire the GMA loads with more than acceptable accuracy.

The version shown here includes a CDI pattern bayonet, and factory 25 round magazine. Other accessories are available.

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Intent: Close quarter personal defense weapon/second line combat rifle

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: R-50 PDW

Modularity: Not required for intended purpose.

Production: Simple mass production via multiple means

Material: Typically basic alloys.
 
Classification: Personal defense weapon
Length: Depending on stock design and specific configuration, roughly 28 inches with extended stock
Weight: Depending on specific construction materials, roughly 6 pounds unloaded
Ammunition Type: 11x50mm GPA, 11x50mm SSA
Ammunition Capacity: 25 rounds
Range: Varies depending on ammunition selection. GPA loads are generally considered feasible to roughly 1100 yards, where they will typically become subsonic and destabilize - while they will still retain killing potential, they lose all semblance of accuracy at this point. The much heavier SSA load, while being subsonic and experiencing much greater drop, and thusly being considerably harder to use at distance, does not suffer from this issue, and is so heavy that it loses very little energy. Theoretically, it should be capable of engaging soft targets out to several kilometers, though there are no documented cases of this. Generally, most combat for which these rifles are designed takes place within 200 yards.
 
Market price: 800 GSC

Description:

The R-50 PDW is a compact variant of the SCR, designed to be issued to second line troops and for specific close quarter combat. Design-wise, the CDI version pictured is virtually identical to the CDI SCR, but with a 1-7 standard style rifling designed specifically for the SSA load. The barrel is significantly shorter, and the stock has been exchanged from a side-folding model to a top-folding, allowing easier use and firing when the stock is not in use. The other significant difference is that the PDW lacks a rear bayonet stud and is not compatible with such a feature.

The model pictured is equipped with an optional O-12 holographic sight and factory 25 round magazine. Other accessories are available.

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Intent: Close quarter personal defense weapon/crew weapon

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: P-48/66 Pistol

Modularity: Not required for intended purpose.

Production: Simple mass production via multiple means

Material: Typically basic alloys.
 
Classification: Sidearm
Length: Depending on specific configuration, roughly 15 inches
Weight: Depending on specific construction materials, roughly 45 oz. unloaded
Ammunition Type: 11x50mm GPA. SSA loads will fire, but do not cycle the action and lose so much speed out of the short barrel as to be anemic
Ammunition Capacity: 10 rounds
Range: Varies depending on ammunition selection. Generally agreed to extremely difficult to use after 50 yards.
 
Market value: 1200 GSC

Description:

The P-48/66 is a an update of an early experimental modification of the R-50 system. It chambers the same 11x50 cartridge, and is designed to share a great deal of parts commonality with the rifle series. Effectively, the only major differences between the two are not functionally related, being found in the suppressor design, and with the furniture on the P-48/66 being constructed as part of the lower receiver rather than a separate attachment. Beyond this, the pistol exchanges the fire control system of the R-50 for a simpler safe/semi/auto design.

While this design philosophy makes for very easy production, it does have several drawbacks. The most common complaint with the pistol is that it's very large, and not particularly easy to point and or use accurately. A close second is that even with the suppressor, the muzzle report and visual blast that comes from firing the large 11x50mm from such a short barrel is significant. Finally, because the barrel and gas system cannot properly make use of the SSA load, the gun only operates properly with the GP ammunition, decreasing it's versatility and still giving relatively mediocre performance relative to the R-50 PDW.

As of such, the pistol is not generally the weapon of choice for anyone who can instead choose the R-50 PDW, and is accordingly increasingly only used ceremonially or issued to vehicle crews who cannot fit larger weapons into their compartments.

It is also fairly popular amongst bounty hunters, free agents, and other like minded individuals who do see value in it's respectable stopping power (relative to most pistols), and sheer visual intimidation factor.

While the pistol is capable of using magazines designed for the R-50 rifles, they don't do much to solve the issues of weight and imbalance, and the gun instead ships with shorter, lighter 10 round magazines.

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Intent: Long distance interdiction

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: R-70 LDR

Modularity: Trigger group designed for simple and fast swap between two available versions.

Production: Simple mass production via multiple means

Material: Typically basic alloys.
 
Classification: Sniper Rifle
Length: Roughly 48 inches with stock fully extended
Weight: Depending on specific construction materials, roughly 8 lbs. unloaded
Ammunition Type: 6.5x59mm HAS, 6.5x59mm SAP, 6.5x59mm VLD-EX
Ammunition Capacity: 20 rounds
Range: Recorded kills just short of 2500 yards.
 
Market value: 3000 GSC with optic and rangefinder

Description:

For situations where true precision at longer ranges is required, the CDI design bureau settled on the R-70 Long Distance Rifle system as the tool of choice for the Rastal military.

Though somewhat visual reminiscent of the R-50 series, the R-70 operates on a completely different direct impingement system and is built to a much higher level of precision no matter where it is produced. Rather than being designed as a "one size fits all" multi-role weapon, the LDR is geared completely towards long distance accuracy. To this end, much of the design itself is even simpler than that of the R-50 series. Rather than multiple fire modes and an advanced recoil reduction system, the R-70 series uses a simple gas redirect compensator and a semi-automatic only "fire/safe" crossbar safety. It is also designed for easy takedown and storage, coming apart at the receiver in a matter of seconds.

Possibly the most technically advanced aspect of the rifle itself is the optical system, generally packaged as standard with the rifle. It includes a simple laser rangefinder capable of returning measurements off of reflective surfaces roughly 4000 yards away, and the scope itself is built around a specific, "dial the distance" turret system that allows for fast and easy adjustment. The system behind the scope is fairly simple, if slightly time intensive to set up - each LDR equipped with the system is first accuracy test at roughly 1000 yards, passing only if it obtains sub-1/4 MOA accuracy. Should it pass, a long string of shots is then fired at varying distances, and ballistics data specific to the rifle and the ammunition it fires is collected. This information is then used to calculate the ballistic drop compensation turret markings, and the turret is in turn installed on the optic. After this, shooting 2000 yards is typically as simple as turning to the appropriate marking on the turret, holding for wind, and firing. While there are limitations to this system, and even further precision can be obtained via more traditional methods by a properly trained shooter, it functions in most conditions and allows the same shooter a much more rapid engagement system. It can, of course, also function as a more traditional optic, and features a simple radioactive gas illumination system for low light shooting.

The other fairly unique feature of the R-70 series in general is it's ignition system. While the gun comes standard with a traditional firing pin type system, it can be quickly and easily converted to use an electronic system, which works by sending a charge through the base of specially built ammunition. The advantage of this is increased reliability, obscenely fast lock times, and generally a slight increase in accuracy potential. These systems, however, are not as easy to produce as basic mechanical triggers, and are generally only issued in small numbers at a company level, rather than to all units.

Much like the R-50, the R-70 uses a gain twist rifling, with a twist rate of 1-8.3.

Besides this, the CDI version of the R-70 LDR features a fully adjustable stock, allowing the user to tailor the rifle to fit him directly. It can also fully collapse, further allowing the user easy storage. As shown, it also ships from factory with a detachable bipod. Several other accessories are available.

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Intent: Intermediate precision engagement

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: R-70 DMR

Modularity: Trigger group designed for simple and fast swap between two available versions.

Production: Simple mass production via multiple means

Material: Typically basic alloys.
 
Classification: Designated Marksman's Rifle
Length: Roughly 48 inches
Weight: Depending on specific construction materials, roughly 8 lbs. unloaded
Ammunition Type: 6.5x59mm HAS, 6.5x59mm SAP, 6.5x59mm VLD-EX
Ammunition Capacity: 20 rounds
Range: Recorded kills just short of 2500 yards.
 
Market value: 1800 GSC

Description:

As the accuracy requirements for the R-70 LDR's optical system are incredibly stringent, a fairly large portion of guns are expected to fail. While very occasionally a rifle will simply not shoot well due to a defect, the vast majority of the guns that are rejected are still exceptional accurate weapons, usually shooting sub-MOA groups. These are take out of the LDR program, and undergo light modifications, becoming Designated Marksman Rifles, before being reissued.

The CDI version of the R-70 DMR is essentially an LDR with a slightly simplified stock, a different compensator, and folding ironsights. It is generally packaged with either an O-12 holographic optic (pictured), or an O-17 4x scope, and is intended for engagements out to approximately 500 yards. Beyond this, it shares 100% parts interchangeability with the LDR rifle.

While DMR variants of the R-70 are also capable of accepting the electronic ignition system, it is never issued alongside them, as they simply do not benefit from the in-demand upgrade as much as their LDR siblings. It is reported that units issued the DMR will also occasionally modify the mechanical trigger group to allow for fully automatic fire, turning the DMR into something of a light support weapon, but these sorts of activities are frowned on and contrary to Rastal combat doctrine.

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Intent: General Purpose Machine Gun/Squad Level Support

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: MG-14

Modularity: The MG-14 can rapidly convert from a GPMG to a SAW.

Production: Simple mass production via multiple means

Material: Typically basic alloys.
 
Classification: General Purpose Machine Gun
Length: Depends on configuration. Roughly 40 inches as SAW, roughly 48 inches as GPMG
Weight: Depending on specific construction materials and configuration. Typically 12-15 lbs unloaded
Ammunition Type: 8.5x51mm
Ammunition Capacity: 150 round hopper
Range: Can act as a support weapon to 2000 yards. Accurate range is roughly half of this.
 
Market value: 1100 GSC

Description:

Designed as a general use machinegun, an MG-14 is generally issued on the unit level to all branches of the Rastal armed forces. It is a fairly simple piston driven weapon, firing from an open bolt. The defining feature is it's easy conversion from a fullsized GPMG to a SAW in a few minutes and with no tools.

There is little difference between the two configurations, functionally speaking. The GPMG is marginally heavier, but allows for attachment to a variety of mounts, such as a tripod, as well as a slightly faster barrel change mechanism, where-as the SAW is simply a more portable system.

Both models feature semi-automatic and fully-automatic firemodes, though this is designed to be easily adjusted to a 3-round burst/fully auto system should the user prefer.

The barrel in either configuration is designed with conventional rifling, and a 1-10 twist rate.

Of all the designs the CDI bureau is responsible for, the MG-14 is easily the most straightforward.

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Intent: Zero-G / Vacuum Combat Weapon

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: SPW-113

Modularity: Not required for intended purpose

Production: Weapon production relatively simple for any developed society, power supply requires specialised facility

Material: Basic alloys, high tech polymers, classified conductive materials
 
Classification: Multirole assault weapon.
Length: 32 Inches.
Weight: 14 pounds unloaded
Ammunition Type: 6x25mm Caseless
Ammunition Capacity: 60 rounds per magazine, with three combination battery/capacitors providing enough charge to fire a total of 180 rounds.
Range: In it's intended environment, theoretically unlimited. In atmosphere/gravitic environments, maximum accurate range is typically 100 yards
 
Market price: 7500 GSC

Description:

The Special Purpose Weapon 113 was designed solely to remedy a perceived lack of effective weapons geared towards space combat. While conventional firearms such as the R-50 and R-70 are certainly functional in zero-g, no atmosphere conditions, simple physics dictates that they are relatively hard to use accurately and effectively, generating enough force to move the user at fairly significant speeds during automatic fire. In addition, the relatively fine controls and lack of refined edges found on many of these weapons presented both a safety risk and ergonomic difficulties to individuals wearing a standard Rastal Extra Vehicular Combat Suit.

While the CDI design bureau developed several directed energy weapon prototypes in an attempt to address these issues, the costs associated with mass production of laser or particle based weapons, as well as their lack of advantage over projectile based solutions for this purpose, caused them to take a different approach to the issue.

After extensive testing, the SPW-113 was decided to be the simplest, most effective way to overcome the problems presented by space combat. Built around a relatively simple coilgun system, it is fairly simple for any industrial-level world to mass produce, and can capably deal with most expected opposition.

Simply put, the weapon consists of a fairly conventional bullpup style body, containing eight high powered coils. Simple iron sights provide a reasonably effective method of directing fire. Controls are oversized and designed to be easily manipulated - the safety is a simple electronic switch located above the trigger, and is mono-directional, with a single push forward both activating and deactivating the weapon. The magazine release, as well as releases for the capacitor units, are large push buttons located on the right side of the gun, designed to be easily actuated with the user's offhand. An integral flashlight/laser sight is built into the front of the weapon, and is activated and deactivated via a large push button. The available charge of the batteries/capacitors is shown in a simple three-color display on the side of the capacitors themselves, and the charge and remaining ammunition is similarly indicated on the side of the magazine.

Unlike most Rastal weapons, the SPW-113 is not ambidextrous.

The weapon itself is deceptively simple in design, and is capable of being constructed from a wide variety of materials. However, the batteries/capacitors make use of several highly classified compounds, for which the production techniques are an incredibly closely guarded secret. While they are fairly easy to recharge via a variety of energy sources, and typically do not lose charge or burn out unless severely mistreated, they are produced only in the Creed system at this time and are difficult for individuals or non-Rastal militaries to obtain. As is fitting for a space oriented weapon, they are capable of operating in a huge range of temperatures.

Similarly, the magazines are complex relative to most magazine designs, with the weapon's feed mechanism being integrated into them, rather than the weapon itself. This is a simple mechanical device that runs off an internal battery contained in the magazine proper, and which will reliably strip rounds from the magazine at a high speed and properly insert them in the chamber.

Actually firing the weapon is something of a unique experience - though obviously soundless in space, the feed mechanism produces a very distinct "clack" when chambering the projectiles. The rest of the firing process is completely silent, though the projectiles do emit a loud boom as they cross the sound barrier inside of an atmosphere. The gun itself features a single firing mode - fully automatic. As the projectile does not contact the barrel at any point in it's travel, and is not stabilised via conventional or unconventional methods, accuracy inside of an atmosphere is regarded as abysmal, though the projectile will maintain lethal energy and velocity to long ranges. Though the accuracy is less of an issue in zero-g or non-atmospheric areas of operation, the difficulty of effectively aiming a weapon while wearing an EVA suit caused the CDI bureau to specify an extremely high fire rate, compensating for these issues with sheer volume of fire.

As of such, the SPW-113 is capable of firing a blistering thousand rounds per minute. This has the added effective of assisting the projectile in overcoming armour - while it will easily puncture pressurised suits and penetrate most conventional materials, a well armoured individual or light spacecraft will typically be able to resist a single or small number of hits. As the SPW-113 is capable of completely emptying it's magazine in under a second with a controllable, but noticeable spread , projectiles will often either ruin the armour through sustained hits, or score enough hits to find a weak point to penetrate.

All in all, this makes the weapon system incredibly deadly for it's intended purpose, and reasonably functional in other uses. This effectiveness does come with several drawbacks however. To a user not in a zero-g environment, the weapon is rather unwieldy and heavy, and is very difficult to use effectively, accuracy issues aside. In addition, improper maintenance can cause overloads and other malfunctions, occasionally with disastrous results - most notably when a projectile fails to chamber properly and is accelerated in the wrong direction. While the acceleration provided by a single coil is generally not sufficient to kill on it's own, it can certainly damage the weapon, as well as potentially cause the user's suit to depressurize via accidental penetration. Finally, though the high fire rate makes the weapon excellent for engaging small numbers of targets, lack of proper trigger control depletes the weapon's ammunition and power supply very quickly, and generates more heat than can realistically be vented in a handheld device. As of such, unskilled users run the risk of both running out of ammunition and causing a dangerous overheat if maintaining a constant stream of fire.

Currently, there are few variants of the SPW-113, being much more specialized than other CDI designs. The weapons pictured are representative of the CDI standard, with the bottom example featuring an optional magazine retention system capable of holding two more 60 round magazines.

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((I don't know where my PMG picture ended up, but the thing looks pretty similar to a PHASR rifle. So this works for now.))

Intent: To provide reliable Anti-Electronic/Non-Lethal Anti-Personnel capabilities

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: EL-3 Anti-Mech Device

Modularity: Not required for intended purpose

Production: Weapon production relatively simple for any developed society, power supply requires specialized facility

Material: Basic alloys, high tech polymers, classified materials
 
Classification: Directed Energy Weapon.
Length: 48 Inches.
Weight: 27 pounds
Ammunition Type: N/A
Ammunition Capacity: Capable of firing five full power volleys at maximum charge. Capable of firing roughly 500 volleys capable of incapacitating roughly human-sized organic life at maximum charge.
Range: Depending on atmospheric conditions, typically 300 yards
 
Market price: 25,000 GSC

Description:

The EL-3, much like other Rastal weapons, was designed as a specific response to issues encountered during sporadic conflicts with the Talen, and during the initial stages of the war with the Norenfal. While the AT-44 anti-armour weapon was found to be effective against most enemy armour, changing factors such as the unexpected mobility of Talen mechs, and some of the active defense systems of the Norenfal often caused an unacceptably high failure rate during several encounters in which the projectile was either intercepted, or the weapon was found to be difficult to accurately aim at a target moving at high speed.

While the ME-13 device was and is still capable of disabling unshielded electronics and personnel without proper thermal protection, it's effectiveness versus the highly-shielded military devices was, at best, poor.

Thusly, the CDI design bureau decided to take a different approach, eschewing microwave EMP systems in favor of a much more direct and visually impressive electro-laser device. While energy weapons are generally seen as impractical in Rastal military theory and design, an electro-laser offers enough distinct advantages in certain applications that it was seen as a worthwhile development. As of such, the EL-3 AMD was created.

The basic principal of operation is simple - a very rapidly pulsed, 800nm stream of photons ionizes the air in front of it, creating a charged "beam" of plasma that is more conductive than the air surrounding it. An instant later, a massive charge of electricity is passed down the beam, and into the target. While the actual level of power contained in this charge can vary depending on conditions and distance, for anti-electronic use, it typically reaches several million volts passed at several thousand amps. Anti-personnel charges attempting to disable rather than kill will lower the amperage to a single amp or less, depending on settings.

The major advantage of this system over more tradition EMP weapons is that it is VERY difficult to effectively shield against - enough electricity is passed into the target that a hit is guaranteed to cause some damage to delicate systems, and often a failure of any surge protection devices on board, allowing a followup hit an excellent chance at disabling the target outright.

Beyond the actual effectiveness as a weapon system, the EL-3 has been seen to have a remarkably adverse effect on the moral of enemy combatants. Though technically not more deadly than most conventional weapon systems against soft targets, the visual effect of firing has been described by troops in the field as "completely fucking terrifying", as has the accompanying auditory effect. This is seen as a positive factor in roles such as crowd control and anti-riot usage.

The disadvantages are somewhat obvious, and while the EL-3 has been shown to be very effective in it's specific role, they have prevented it from seeing wide-spread issue in favour of maintaining more conventional stockpiles of anti-armour systems.

Most significantly, the EL-3 relies on a fairly specific set of atmospheric conditions to operate effectively, and is unable to reach peak performance outside of air-like settings. In a vacuum, it simply fails to function in a meaningful sense - while the charge is significant enough to still pass through the vacuum, the directional laser requires at least some form of matter interaction to direct it, and though a vacuum does present a lack of resistance for the electrical component, it also presents nothing in the way of conductive elements. Testing has shown that the EL-3 is still a very viable device in these conditions at what has been termed "knife-fight" ranges, but relies heavily on the charge pathing to the target of it's "own" volition. Because of this, and due to the ease in which heavy weapons systems can typically be used by an individual under such conditions, the EL-3 is not issued for combat in these environments.

Beyond this, the actual performance varies somewhat depending on conditions. While enough energy is used to make it effective in it's intended roles, the amount of power reaching a target can be difficult to effectively estimate, meaning shots intended to incapacitate can often kill, and effective single-hit kills on machines with well-designed redundancy systems can be hard to reliably predict. A three second delay in the firing sequence experienced at full power settings during which the draws energy, while often inconsequential, can make followup shots difficult.

The weapon itself is relatively straightforward in layout, featuring a simple safety, as well as several pre-programmed settings designed to optimal performance against a variety of targets. Adjustments (such as to pulse duration, wavelength, and beam width) can be made in the field to compensate for differing atmospheres, but are generally beyond the abilities of most Rastal Guard general infantry members to perform. As of such, most configuration is done prior to issuance or by technicians based in the combat environment. Power is supplied by replaceable battery/capacitor packs, similar to the SPW-113, though these are intentionally more difficult to remove and replace due to the sheer amount of power involved and are also usually done only by trained technicians.

Cartridge: 84mm rocket

Intent: Provide a variety of solutions to a wide range of combat situations

Basic Description:

The 84mm rocket is designed to be fired from the AT-44 rocket launcher. Most rockets designed for it weigh ten pounds, and are designed to travel up to 2000 yards. Collapsible fins assist in stabilising the rocket and allow an acceptable degree of accuracy.

Variants:

High Explosive Anti Tank Mark 35
Velocity: 800 FPS
Penetration: 700mm of RHA equivalent at 90 degrees
Unit Cost: 2,000 GSC

Description

The latest version of the 84mm HEAT rocket updates the basic design to use advanced alloys in the construction of the charge liner, greatly increasing penetrative capabilities. A triple stage warhead allows it to defeat most reactive armour systems. Besides this, it remains a fairly simple weapon which relies on the tried and true Monroe effect to destroy or incapacitate enemy armoured targets.

High Explosive General Purpose Mark 6
Velocity: 730 FPS
Penetration: 150mm RHA equivalent
Unit Cost: 1,800 GSC

Description:

The HEGP round exchanges it's HEAT warhead for nearly ten pounds of explosive filler, generating a detonation capable of penetrating light armour, and causing significant damage to light fortifications. A semi-frangible case further increases effectiveness against soft targets such as infantry. Minimum arming distance is 40 yards.

High Explosive General Purpose Mark 8

Velocity: 730F FPS
Penetration: 150mm RHA equivalent
Unit Cost: 2,200 GSC

Description:

The HEGP Mark 8 includes a programmable detonator giving the weapon airburst capabilities, as well as the potential to act as a delay fuse. The Mark 8 is relatively new, and though current production outstripes the Mark 7 version, it has not seen wide issue amongst all Rastal forces.

High Explosive Shock Mark 4

Velocity: 820F FPS
Penetration: 1200mm RHA equivalent
Unit Cost: 1,600 GSC

Description:

The HES Mk. 4 is designed as an anti-fortification weapon. The standard explosive filler is replaced with an adhesive, plastic-based explosive. On contact with a target, the warhead flattens out and adheres to the surface before detonating, causing massive structural damage to hardened defences, and causing a highly lethal spalling effect as the internal surface of the target separates and ricochets around the inside of the structure.

While the HES has excellent on-paper penetrative capabilities on armoured vehicles, the addition of a simple spall liner completely defeats the damaging effects, and it is not generally used in this capacity. It is worth noting that it has still served well in this capacity against a statistically significant number of races, particularly advanced species which almost universally employ only energy weapons. It is theorised that, as most armour is designed to defeat the best the designer has to offer rather than everything the opposition may present, many of them simply did not face these sorts of weapons previous to encountering the Rastal.

After-action summaries report that the HES is brutally effective against light machines, such as slow, low-flying ground support aircraft such as helicopters.

Thermal Illumination Mark 12

Velocity: 820F FPS
Penetration: N/A
Unit Cost: 1,900 GSC

Description:

The TI Mk. 12 rocket is a simple utility projectile designed to assist in visual range combat during periods of darkness. It uses a simple combustible filler which burns at a high temperature for an extended period of time, providing acceptable light in 800 yard radius. Generally, the weapon will be fired at a high angle, after which a descent slowing parachute will deploy to increase useful burn time. When fired at a low angle, below the required triggering altitude, the parachute does not activate. When needed, the TI also acts as an effective incendiary device, capable of igniting most flammable objects.

Though the TI Mk.12 makes for a visually impressive and reasonably effective direct fire anti-personnel weapon, this is strictly forbidden by Rastal military directives as it represents the peak of inefficiency.

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Cartridge: 84x455mm Caseless

Intent: Provide additional capabilities against close range, lightly armoured targets.

Bullet: Approximately 150 9mm 105 grain alloy balls
Propellant: Low explosive cartridge base
Velocity And Energy: Approx. 1400 FPS for 480 ft-lbs
Unit Cost: 3,300 GSC

Description:

The 84x455mm Caseless cartridge is designed to be used in the AT-44M rocket launcher, particularly in a defensive capacity, effectively turning it into a large shotgun. Though described as a caseless round, the cartridge does leave behind a large baseplate, used to limit the amount of gas escaping the rear of the weapon. This has a significant drawback in that it increases the recoil force of the weapon from negligible to "significant", and is considered very unpleasant to fire. Due to the design of the base plate, and the increased pressure placed on the launcher, firing the 84x455 from older, pre-M versions of the AT-44 has been reported to cause catastrophic failures in the weapon's integrity.

The projectiles fired by the weapon are fairly equivalent to most traditional shotgun cartridges and small calibre pistols, and can usually be defeated by basic body armour at all but absolute point blank ranges. However, the number of projectiles fired greatly increases the chances of hitting a non-protected area, and are devastating against unarmoured targets up to 150 yards. The 84x455mm does not see widespread issue during strictly offensive operations as it is deemed inefficient relative to conventional small arms.

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Intent: To provide reliable anti-armour capability, and an infantry-portable anti-fortification weapon

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: AT-44M

Modularity: Not required for intended purpose

Production: Simple mass production via multiple means

Material: Typically basic alloys
 
Classification: Unguided shoulder fired rocket
Length: 52 Inches.
Weight: 7 pounds (unloaded launcher)
Ammunition Type: 84mm rockets
Ammunition Capacity: Single shot, re-usable
Range: Depending on ammunition type, up to 1500 yards. Against typically sized enemy armour, chance to hit drops below 50% after roughly 500 yards.
 
Market price: 1,000 GSC

Description:

The AT-44M is the latest evolution of the AT series of anti-tank rocket launchers. At 180 years of active service, the AT-44 is the longest issued man-portable weapon currently in Rastal use, though M model launcher, and the current generation of rockets available are far more advanced than those fired by the earliest examples and it's predecessors.

The design is very simple, having been updated only to interact with more modern ammunition. The weapon is mounted on top of the shoulder and aimed using basic iron sights preset for 25 to 800 yards. The sights act as the safety/arming mechanism for the weapon - the weapon is armed by folding and locking the sights into the up position. Once armed, the AT-44 is fired by depressing the trigger stud, which causes an electrical current to activate the rocket's booster.

As with most shoulder fired rockets, it is important to ensure a clear area behind the user to avoid unintentional damage or injury from the resulting backblast. The M model has been upgraded with a dissipation device that lowers the required distance from obstructions to two and a half feet, which is seen as a great improvement over the four feet required by the L and earlier models. After firing, the weapon can be reloaded via unlatching the rear section and inserting the rocket of the user's choice. This can be accomplished by a single operator, but Rastal doctrine recommends using the AT-44M in two person teams to speed and simplify the process.

The AT-44 series is incredibly popular amongst Rastal troops for it's simplicity, durability, and versatility. It has been documented as being pressed into service as everything from a crude cooking device, to an improvised explosive trap, to a surprisingly effective makeshift mortar.

Intent: Provide highly effective, durable, and affordable personal protection

Manufacturer: Creed Defense Industries
Model: Personal Armour Assembly Mk. 32 (collectively), Articulated Protection System Mk.2 (carapace), Ballistic Bodyglove Mk. 13 (under suit)

Modularity: Available in multiple sizes, APS Mk. 2 allows for a wide variety of load bearing, armour upgrade, and electronics attachments. Female armour is slightly visually different in order to accommodate body shape, but is functionally identical.

Production: Mass production on most developed worlds is relatively simple
Material: Classified polymers, high tech plastics (carapace), classified liquid polymers, classified polymers (under suit)
Weight: Roughly 22 lbs depending on size. Lower tech versions are generally much heavier.

Cost: 3000 GSC as a full system without extras

Description:

The PAA Mk. 32 is the current pinnacle of Rastal personal armor, and has been green lighted to replace all current forms of armor in use in the Rastal Guard. Due to the sheer size of the RG, a full phase out is not likely to be completed for a few more years, but the armour is simple enough to produce that several facilities outside of the Creed system have begun to convert their manufacturing facilities to boost production numbers. The PAA Mk.32 is, quite easily, the most common CDI product used by not Rastal military forces, offering a superb level of protection and being relatively easy to obtain via somewhat less than moral methods.

The armour system itself consists of two parts:

1. A hard carapace, articulated to allow a full range of movement. The carapace is made from a variety of materials, with much of the protection coming from a plastic-ceramic hybrid polymer. In the thickest areas, such as the chest plate, it has been proven to reliably stop single hits from every hand held weapon in Rastal service at distances over 25 yards, and can often stop multiple strikes. This plating is backed by a thick fiber weave style armour, which has similarly proven effective at dissipating energy from such hits into less-than-lethal amounts.

Besides ballistic protection, the polymers used act as very effective heat conductors, causing most laser weapons, such as those in common human use, to have virtually no effect on the wearer unless held in place for extended periods of time.

The carapace is designed for easy compatibility with any of the LBE equipment commonly found in Rastal use, and can integrate with most electronic systems used by more specialist forces. At present, the only standard issue electronics used across all units are a simple radio insert plates that attach underneath the chest plates, and acts as a more effective antenna that traditional whip style systems.

2. A specialized bodyglove worn under the carapace. At present, this is only issued in limited numbers due to production bottlenecks, and can be interchanged with the much simpler BB Mk. 12, which provides more basic ballistic protection to areas not covered by the carapace.

The BB Mk. 13 currently entering production takes the evolution of soft armours one step further. While the actual polymer weaves making up the suit itself are not heavily changed from those of the older Mk. 12, the Mk. 13 features a second layer of weaves, with a liquid core between the two layers. This core consists of two distinct fluids - the first is a shear thickening fluid containing nano-particles of a plastic similar to what is used in the carapace plating, which remains soft and flexible at normal operating pressures, but will increase dramatically in hardness when exposed to high pressures such as a projectile striking it, and act as a solid. The second fluid is composed of a similar carrier liquid with magnetic particles in it, which respond to the magnetic field generated by certain types of projectiles and compress into a semi-solid mass.

This system provides some of the best protection available from soft armour, though the soldiers to which it is issued still rely primarily on the carapace component to protect from high velocity, large calibre projectiles. Due to the conductive properties of the contained liquid, the BB Mk. 13 is also capable of offering reasonable protection against laser weapons.

The armour pictured is a prototype left in white and marked only with the Rastal Guard symbol. A helmet, designed similarly to the carapace and also capable of electronic integration, is included in production models. Also not pictured is the body glove.

Due to the relative similarities between human and Rastal external physiology, most humans can wear the carapace with no alterations.

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((No pic cause I'm too lazy))

Intent: Provide highly effective personal protection for space based combat

Manufacturer: Creed Defense Industries
Model: Armoured Void Suit

Modularity: Designed to integrate with a wide variety of Rastal space-related tool systems, as well as most common electronics
Production: Limited mass production on high tech worlds
Material: Classified polymers, high tech plastics, ceramics
Weight: Roughly 125 lbs depending on size.

Cost: 45,500 GSC


Description:

The AVS suit is designed to provide combatants in zero-g, no atmosphere conditions with a high level of protection while still acting as a self-contained life support system. While visually somewhat similar to the PAA system in current use, the AVS is far more advanced, featuring an on-board computer capable of internal climate control, integration with some of the larger space-oriented weapons used by the RG, and basic detection capabilities. While the suit features hard armour coverage similar to that of the PAA, the soft portions are significantly thicker, providing space for the electronics suite, temperature regulators, and other internal devices, as well as protection far superior to that offered by the BB. 13 bodyglove. Most functions are accessed via an interface on the left arm of the suit.

Mobility is maintained via a removable gas-redirection pack attached to the back of the suit. This device carries enough fuel for 8 hours of normal operation, after which it is generally recharged or exchanged for a fresh pack. It is also capable of limited fuel replenishment via a gas capture system which can sublimate free floating gasses from the user's surroundings, provided the suit is still powered. The effectiveness of this, as well as the increase in operational time, are highly dependent on the conditions around the user.

The system's included helmet is constructed from a variety of ceramics, polymers, and plastics. The visor is a highly malleable transparent plastic that is designed to flex rather than shatter when struck by a projectile, and which also features a virtual heads up display to help in target identification. In the event of the helmet failing, oxygen is provided to the user via a re-breather, while the rest of the suit compartmentalizes itself from the head in order to maintain temperature control for the rest of the body.

Power for the suit's systems is provided by a series of high-retention batteries distributed throughout the suit. These are capable of providing 48 hours of power to the suit's functions under normal operation, though this can be extended by up to 12 more hours if the user deactivates non-essentials. Oxygen is supplied by a simple chemical system, though provided it is powered and not breached, a pressurized suit is capable of efficient enough recycling to keep the user alive without additional oxygen for up to 48 hours.

Beyond the protection offered by the suit's construction, it also features an active defense system. This can be set to two seperate modes - manual and automatic - depending on the needs of the user. In automatic mode, the system is triggers upon the suit detecting a localized increase in the temperature or pressure on it's surface, such as when struck by an energy beam or projectile. Upon detecting such an event, a portion of the suit's liquid armour component is ejected in front of the user, creating instant cover which is generally effective against a wide variety of weapons. Owing to the unique properties of non-Newtonian fluids in space, and their desire to maintain cohesion, the resulting screen is surprisingly long-lasting and durable. In manual mode, this can be triggered at the user's behest instead, and used to provide cover and concealment in an environment where such a thing is typically difficult to find. Regardless of the mode used, doing so does, of course, lower the suit's effectiveness as it is effectively detaching a good portion of it's protective material.

Intent: Provide a relatively low cost armoured support vehicle to bolster infantry effectiveness.

Manufacturer: Creed Defence Industries
Model: AV-47 Armoured Fighting Vehicle

Production: CDI examples require access to high-tech polymers and composites that can be difficult to obtain outside of industrial sectors. The original tank design made use of much simpler materials, and it is not uncommon to find lower-tech systems still producing versions equipped with crude RHA rather than proper alloys.

Material: Basic alloys. Armour composition classified, but likely a polymer/ceramic blend.
 
Classification: Infantry Support Tank
Crew: 5
Overall Length: 30 feet
Overall Height: 8 feet
Overall Width: 11 feet
Weight: 50 tons

Top Speed (Road): 58 MPH
Top Speed (Off-Road): 30 MPH

Armour rating (Turret Front/Side/Back): 405mm RHA equivalent/405mm RHA/405mm RHA
Armour rating (Hull Front/Side/Back): 516mm RHA equivalent/ 400mm RHA/ 376mm RHA

Other Defenses:

The AV-47 has been upgraded repeatedly to increase survivability. Basic screens are typically issued on all relatively recent versions to assist in defeating HEAT, and reactive armour panels have been developed to aid in defeating both HEAT and kinetic penetrators, though the latter is often only equipped in specific environments due to the danger presented to supporting infantry. While electronic protection and active defence systems have been undergone various stages of development, the age of the AV-47 platform has caused current military leadership to abandon these attempts and begin development of a replacement vehicle.

Armament:

1x 90mm TG-83 Main gun, 64 rounds held in wet storage
1x Coaxial 8.5x51mm machine gun, 4,000 rounds
1x Bow 8.5x51mm machine gun, 2350 rounds
1x Roof mounted pintle-mount machine gun. While this is often the 8.5x51mm MG-14 GPMG, it is increasingly being replaced with the EL-3 AMD system in order to increase the AV-47's anti-armour capability.

Main Gun Ammunition Type:

S-91 Mk. 54 HEAT
Penetration: 900mm RHA @ 90 degrees
Brief Description:

The S-91 offers a mix of anti-fortification and anti-armour capabilities. Using the Monroe effect, it has been shown to be able to penetrate up to 900mm of armour grade steel at a flat angle. It is one of the most commonly issued shells for the AV-47

S-48 Mk. 12 HVAP
Penetration: 400mm RHA @ 90 degrees up to 100 yards
Brief Description:

The S-48 High Velocity Armour Piercing was developed to address the shortcomings in HEAT style warheads. It uses a dense, sub-calibre penetrator fired at a high velocity to physically punch through armour. While limited success relative to the S-91 HEAT shell has been documented, particularly against fast moving, irregularly shaped, relatively lightly armoured targets such as mechs, the TG-83 is not well designed for achieving the proper velocities to allow mid to long range frontal penetration of most enemy main battle tanks. While the S-48 is still issued, it is not widely used and is typically abandoned by crews in favour of other ammunition.

S-16 Mark 7 High Explosive Shock
Penetration: 1900mm RHA @ 90 degrees
Brief Description:

The HES shell for the TG-83 is no longer in common anti-armour use, but still enjoys widespread use against fortifications. While the on-paper penetration is spectacular, the mechanic by which the HES warhead causes damage (i.e. via energy transference resulting in spalling) is fairly easy to defeat with simple spaced armour or a spall liner. While some races are not familiar enough with this weapon to defend against it, it is increasingly rare to meaningfully damage an armoured vehicle using this shell. It is still devastatingly effective against fortifications such as bunkers, and lightly armoured vehicles.

S-3 Mark 91 High Explosive Fragmenting
Penetration: 220mm RHA
Brief Description:

This basic HEF shell increases the tank's effectiveness against soft targets, and, in various marks, is the most widely fired tank shell in Rastal history. It is more than capable of demolishing non-hardened targets, and carries enough charge to significantly damage even strong fortifications. A fragmenting casing further increases it's capabilities against exposed targets such as infantry.

Market price: 185,000 GSC

Description:

The AV-47 is easily the oldest armament still issued in Rastal service, and likely one of the longest serving weapons systems in the galaxy. For over 250 years it has acted in everything from a dedicated anti-tank role, to serving as the basis for a variety of utility vehicles, to it's current role as a well-armoured infantry support vehicle.

Originally designed as a main battle tank, it became technically obsolete relatively quickly, but the reliability and robustness of the design, as well as it's inexpensive construction, has caused it to remain in active use all throughout Rastal space. Unlike replacement designs, it can generally be produced in great numbers nearly anywhere. Though frontline armoured units almost exclusively utilise the much more advanced AV-74 MBT, the AV-47 is still very common in mechanised divisions, and is the mainstay of most Rastal planetary defence units.

While there are hundreds of local varients, official and unofficial, the above statistics represent an "average" composite of information available. The AV-47 is capable of defeating light vehicles and some handheld anti-tank systems, but struggles increasingly as the latter advances and is not considered a match against other dedicated anti-armour tanks. Despite an increasingly tenuous combat record, the AV-47 is wildly popular amongst Rastal troops, with a statistically anomalous number of them both retired and in active service crediting the tank with directly increasing the survivability of their infantry platoon. Due to this, and the very low production cost, it has proven very hard to phase out even though superior designs are available.

Despite all it's shortcomings, the AV-47 is still a reasonably effective infantry support weapon, and fills a role roughly equivalent to mechanised combat suits in other militaries.

Multiple upgrades have been made to various systems, and most examples presently feature relatively modern on board firecontrol computers, sensors, and night-fighting abilities. The AV-47 has served far, far beyond it's expected service life, and official policy calls for a full replacement of the platform rather than further upgrades.

A variety of powerplants have been used over the centuries, from solar to crude combustion engines, but the latest versions generally use a very powerful battery system that requires external charging. While this does limit the tank's range to a few hundred kilometers, Rastal doctrine dictates that it typically remains close to support elements. Experimental versions with plasma based powerplants have been designed, but a lack of feasible survivability upgrades have caused them to not see standard issue.