Legion Indirect Fire Support Weapon Mk I

[Noah Corek]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: To create a customized variant of Hekler'Kok's IM-01 for the GFL
• Image Source: Here
• Canon Link: N/A
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source: IM-01

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Hekler'Kok Defense Industries
• Affiliation: Galactic Foreign Legion
• Market Status: Closed Market
• Model: Legion Indirect Fire Support Weapon Mk I (LIFSW Mk I)
• Modularity: Various Ammo Types
• Production: Minor
• Material: Titanium-Alusteel Alloy (Tube, Bipod and Baseplate), Dallorian Alloy (Barrel Lining), and CeramiCoat (Plating)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Mortar
• Size: Very Large
• Weight: Extremely Heavy
• Ammunition Type: 135mm Mortar Shells
• Ammunition Capacity: Extremely Small, 1 Shell
• Effective Range: Extreme
• Rate of Fire: Average
• Damage Output: Extreme
• Recoil: None

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Upgraded Targeting Computer
• Electromagnet Accelerator
• Computer-Linked Elevation Adjuster
• Computer-Linked Windage Adjuster
• Bipod System
• 3-Piece Breakdown System

STRENGTHS

• Indirect Fire: The main advantage of any mortar type weapon is its ability to lob explosives projectiles without even having to physically see the targets it is firing at
• Varied Ammunition: The LIFSW Mk I has access to a well varied amount of ammo types through Hekler'Kok's Mortar Ammunition Line

WEAKNESSES

• Crew Served: While it is feasible for the LIFSW Mk I to be operate by a single person it is most effective when operate by a crew of three personnel: a commander, gunner and loader
• Slow Rate of Fire: The LIFSW Mk I is only capable of firing a single mortar shell at a time and as such has a very low rate of fire, though this was also taken into account in development to prevent overheating

DESCRIPTION
With the weapons of the Legion's weapons squad upgraded and replaced it was was time for the last squad in the Legion, the Indirect Fire Squad. Thankfully the armorers only had to redesign one weapon, the IM-01, as it was the only weapon unique to the squad. As always they began by interviewing said squad members to get their opinion on the weapon.

One of the big complaints they had was the speed of the targeting computer or rather its lackluster speed. Another was that the elevation and windage adjusters had to be adjusted manually which reduced the slow fire rate even more. Another complaint was that the barrel often heated up and this could also cause issues. Lastly they mentioned that the 120mm shell used in the IM-01 wasn't thought of very highly.

With all this input in mind they began work on design a new mortar for the Legion. The first thing they did was increase the bore size of the mortar from 120mm to 135mm to deal with the caliber issue mentioned by the Legionnaires. From there they began redesign the mortar around the rest of the complaints mentioned.

Next they began working on what materials they would use in the mortars construction. Many of the materials were kept the same, Hekler'Kok's trademark Titanium-Alusteel alloy made up the mortars tube, bipod and baseplate due to its light weight and durability. The Chromium barrel plating was replaced with Dallorian Alloy to help with the overheating problems. Lastly the entire weapon was coated in CeramiCoat to reduce external damage.

Next came choosing the features they would integrate into the weapon. The first one was obvious and they replaced the original targeting computer with a more advanced model. The retained the electromagnet accelerator, though it is larger to accommodate the larger round used. Computer-linked elevation and windage adjuster take their info directly from the targeting computer and adjust accordingly. A bipod system is required to be able to fire the weapon with any accuracy and a three piece breakdown system, consisting of the tube, bipod and baseplate, makes transport easier.

As always the armorers first produced a test batch and field trialed it with a small amount of Legionnaires. The Legionnaires loved the mortar, particularly the Dallorian Alloy barrel plating that reduced overheating and allow more rounds to be fired continuously. With their stamp of approval the armorers began producing a full production line and re-equipping the Legion's Indirect Fire squads.