Approved Tech Project Theta | M64 Kinetic Rifle

[Amelia von Sorenn]

M64 KINETIC RIFLE​

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

Intent

The production of a standard-issue main battle rifle to be synonymous with the Confederate Space Marines

	Image Source:		[HERE]
	Canon Link:		Slugthrower
			Berserker Rifle
			E-11/S Blaster Rifle
			Tungsten
			Uranium
			Iridium
			Scatter Gun
			M9 "Boomer" Heavy Pistol
	Permissions:		Not Applicable
	Primary Source:		Bolter
			M58-A Kinetic Rifle
			M58 Kinetic Rifle
			M58/AR Dushkal
			Tungsten Carbide
			Iridium
			Depleted Uranium
			Buckshot
			Space Marine

​

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

Manufacturer

	The Hellforge		Primary Manufacturer
	BlasTech Industries		Slugthrower Components
	Baktoid Armor Workshop		Slugthrower Components

Affiliation:	Confederate Space Marines
	Confederacy of Independent Systems
	Von Soren Industries
Market-Status:	Closed Market
Model:	Phase I Theta Pattern
Modularity:	Limited
	Colorization and Emblems to denote units
Production:	Minor

Materials

Durasteel	Alusteel	Titanium
Bronzium	Plasteel	Slugthrower Components

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Classification:	Slugthrower
Size:	Large
Weight:	Heavy

Additional Specifications

Ammunition Type:	.75 Caliber Solid Slug
	Tungsten Carbide hardened depleted Uranium Slugs
Ammunition Capacity:	Large
	(30) Round Sickle Magazine
Effective Range:	Long Range
Rate of Fire:	Low
Damage Output:	Extreme
Recoil:	Very High

Scatter Gun Specifications

Ammunition Type:	12 Gauge Shell
	Iridium 00 Buckshot
Ammunition Capacity:	Average
	(12) Round Tube
Effective Range:	Average
Rate of Fire:	High
Damage Output:	Very High
Recoil:	Average

SPECIAL FEATURES

Gas-Vent System	Shock-Pad Bracing System	Smart-Gun Armorlink
Advanced Immobilizer Safety System	Safe Target System	Undermounted Scatter Gun

STRENGTHS

Shock-Pad Bracing System - Though not intended to be shoulder-fired, Project Theta is equipped with a Shock-Pad Bracing System - which is utilized as a means to attempt to compensate for the weapon's size and weight, while attempting to mitigate some of the weapon's recoil. Likewise, this permits the operator to brace the weapon against their hip when firing to provide for a more stable and somewhat comfortable firing platform.

Smart-Gun Armorlink - Integrated directly within Project Theta's primary systems are a series of specialized components that directly link the weapon to the operator's Helmet based H.U.D. within the Project Omega Phase III Hellplate Armor - and similar armors produced by The Hellforge. The system itself incorporates a series of miniature holocameras and laser range finders; also providing the operator with a detailed readout of the remaining munition inventory, heat buildup, and material stress of Project Theta. The holocams may be utilized to scout or fire the weapon around blind corners - while the laser range finders assist in the calculation of projectile trajectory for increased accuracy over greater distances.

Advanced Immobilizer Safety System - A specialized component located within the grip of the weapon system prevents Project Theta from being activated or fired without proper authorization as a means to prevent unauthorized individuals or captured Project Theta weapon platforms, from being utilized by an enemy or civilian. The basic system - which is installed in all off-the-line products - merely locks up the weapon and prevents operation unless the proper RFID chip or authorized biometric scan is introduced. A more advanced version - and optional in many cases - causes the weapon to activate a self-destruct device which can result in the potential maiming or death of an unauthorized individual.

Safe Target System - As a means to ensure and prevent future-friendly fire instances is the inclusion of a specialized system that locks the trigger mechanism when the weapon reads the appropriate IFF Circuitry present in Project Omega platforms. This is intended to prevent what is considered an 'at-risk friendly from being shot in the back until the IFF circuitry is cleared from the direct field of Project Theta's firing line.

High Damage Output - The average size of the round that is chambered in this weapon is often more than enough to cause an individual on the receiving end to question their life choices. Its size and impact have the potential of tearing into lightly armored infantry and vehicles while leaving more sizeable dents and divots in heavier armored opposition.

Reliability - A feature that has been carried over from its predecessor designs - Project Theta is known to be a highly reliable weapon platform that has been seen and exhibited after the weapon has been exposed for long durations in a number of environmental and hazards that an individual is likely to encounter during deployments. Project Theta's simple components and ease of deconstruction for cleaning ensure that things like mud, sand, and dirt - which would otherwise gunk up the inner workings of more 'advanced' or similar weapon systems - pose little to no hazard of damaging the internal workings of the weapon.

Undermounted Scatter Gun - A secondary weapon system - and an inclusion carried over from the older Dushkal Rifle - which is located beneath the primary barrel of the Project Theta platform provides an additional option for an operator depending on the situation at hand. Not often utilized in combat unless the operator is in close quarters or in a situation in which the main weapon would otherwise be too unwieldy to properly handle - such as within a confined space.

Slam Fire - A quirk of the secondary weapon system - when utilized - the operator need only keep the trigger pressed down after firing the first shell followed by rapidly slamming the pump mechanism to reload the weapon in rapid succession, producing a rapid-fire release of the loaded scattergun shells. Not only does this provide a devastating means to clearing a tightly confined space - such as a trench or bunker - it can also potentially serve as a devastating psychological effect against an enemy.

WEAKNESSES

Safe Target System - While installed within the weapon with good intentions, what the system itself deems as 'at-risk' can often cause Project Theta to lock the trigger at inopportune times such as when a friendly is located on the other side of an enemy combatant. This can, at times, require that a larger feature be located between an individual and the Safe Target System, such as a building, or vehicle before the trigger is released and the weapon is operational.

Cumbersome - Produced with the full intention of being utilized by the Project Omega Platform - or similar armor platforms produced by The Hellforge - Project Theta is unwieldy at the best of times and godawful at the worst of times to operate or attempt to operate when outside of such an armor platform. Additionally, these weapons are notoriously difficult to be picked up, let alone operated without the assistance of the systems within the above-mentioned armor platforms; with even some of the largest and strongest species in the galaxy - such as Wookiees or Herglics - having difficulty and experiencing discomfort and trouble when attempting to operate Project Theta.

Low Rate of Fire - Considerably a setback when compared to the predecessor M58-A - Project Theta has a lower rate of fire with a focus on a mentality following the belief of 'one-shot, one-kill'. The platform itself lacks any kind of semi-automatic or fully automatic capabilities preventing it from providing a higher rate of fire when compared to similar battle rifles or assault rifles that may be fielded in a conflict.

Heat Buildup - Purely a by-product of the friction from the size of the munitions utilized by the weapon - Project Theta, much like its predecessors, can experience a rapid buildup of heat within the weapon. If such a buildup is not closely monitored or otherwise ignored, it has the potential to cause irreparable damage to the internal components and systems present within the firearm. In more dire circumstances, it has the potential of causing the rounds within the magazine to either misfire or warp the weapon in such a manner as to render it inoperable.

Gas-Vent System - A recoil compensation system present in Project Theta with the intention of combating muzzle climb via venting muzzle gases at a specific vector when fired. The location of this vent places it in direct danger of damage or potentially being clogged by some environmental hazard. In this instance - this could lead to an additional buildup of heat within the operating component of Project Theta or prevent the gases of a fired round from properly escaping. In such an event, there is the potential for the barrel to be damaged or warped - or in the direst of circumstances - lead to a catastrophic event which could result in injury or death of the operator or those around the individual.

Low Munition Count - In a bid to compensate for the size of the munitions fired and mitigate the buildup of heat within the weapon - Project Theta maintains a considerably low count of rounds in their clips. While greater than its predecessor, the standard M58 Kinetic Rifle, its round count is considerably lower than the M58-A or M58 Dushkal weapon systems.

Slug Reliance - While the most common weapon technology present in the galaxy is blaster based - Project Theta being considered a more archaic weapon design by its function as a slugthrower requires it to rely heavily upon the availability of magazines and slug rounds. This can lead to potential logistical problems when operating in areas of the Galaxy in which slugthrower technologies and munitions are not as prevalent as Blaster-based weaponry and technologies.

Eyeballing - The Project Theta weapon platform lacks optical aides - such as holographic sights or scopes - that would otherwise assist the operator in firing the weapon. Likewise, the weapon platform even lacks rudimentary iron sights - which further reduces its capabilities.

Tube Jamming - Unfortunately the secondary weapon system has a tendency to jam - an event that happens frequently when the weapon is either being slam fired or slam fired frequently. This can at times leave an operator without a secondary weapon system to fall back upon - a devastating and problematic occurrence when an operator is lacking a sidearm or additional weaponry.

DESCRIPTION

Project Theta is the natural progression and upgraded variant of its predecessor models as seen in the M58 series of Kinetic Rifles and Dushkal Rifle - with the intention of providing a standard-issue main battle rifle to the aforementioned Confederate Space Marines to be utilized in tandem with the Project Omega armor platform. Chambering a .75 caliber and equipped with a secondary Scatter Gun mounted to the underside of the primary barrel - the Project Theta M64 Kinetic Rifle - at times informally and infrequently known as a Bolter or Boltgun - is considered a heavy weapon when compared to other weapons of similar classification fielded and utilized by other militaries currently in operation throughout the Galaxy. Its overall size and weight make Project Theta unwieldy at the best of times and godawful at the worst of times when attempting to utilize the weapon without the assistance of a Project Omega platform or similar heavy armor produced and manufactured by The Hellforge. The overall design takes multiple aspects from its predecessors - and though it maintains a considerably smaller magazine size when compared to the M58-A Kinetic Rifle - the addition of the secondary Scatter Gun provides its operator with an optional weapon when stuck in closer quarters engagements or within confined spaces such as a bunker or trench. Maintaining a series of sophisticated systems and components - Project Theta is equipped with a specialized Smart-Gun Armorlink, which directly feeds information on the weapon's munition inventory, material stress, heat buildup, and additional factors directly to the operator's H.U.D. in the partnered armor. Additional safety features included with Project Theta are a Safe Target System to prevent friendly-fire incidents and an Advanced Immobilizer Safety System - which is capable of locking the triggering mechanism or setting off a self-destruct device if unauthorized individuals attempt to access or operate the Project Theta platform. It should be noted, that the Safe Target System, while installed with good intentions, can at times be a hindrance in what it deems 'at-risk' and often locks the trigger mechanism at inopportune times - a potential liability in the heat of battle. Likewise, its low rate of fire and its reliance on available slug-based munitions further increase its potential downsides when compared to blaster-based weaponry of a similar size, weight, and capabilities. However, Project Theta shines in a number of other categories - mainly in its high damage output - with the weapon's large-caliber slugs more than capable of potentially shredding through light armor such as those worn by standard infantry units and on vehicles - with the potential of leaving a sizeable dent if not fully penetrating heavier armors on specialized infantry and vehicles such as tanks. Many individuals that have been on the receiving end of these weapon platforms generally have cause to question their life choices and what brought them to their current situation in which they're facing a Project Theta weapon platform. Its overall design - mainly consisting of simple components and its easy of being broken down for cleaning and general repairs - mean that the Project Theta weapon platform is every bit as reliable as its predecessors - capable of operating with little to no issues after its been dropped in mud, buried in sand, or even submerged in water, making it for a more effective tool of combat when other such weapons would break down or components gunked up if treated in a similar fashion and introduced to such hazardous terrain features. Despite its cumbersomeness, its heavy reliance on available munitions, and any other number of weaknesses that it may present - its overall design, reliability, and capabilities more than make up for its downsides with the Project Theta weapon platform deserving its place among its fellow Kinetic Rifles and Heavy Slugthrowers.

 

[MANIAC]

Amelia von Sorenn

Very nice and detailed submission! As I read you planned the weapon in such a way, but I have to ask. Both specifications are quite unbalanced. -5 and -5. You want to keep this, or want to edit?

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

MANIAC

Edited

• Primary Weapon
  • Ammunition Capacity: Average -> Large
  • Effective Range: Average -> Long Range
  • Stopping / Damage: High -> Extreme
• Secondary Weapon
  • Ammunition Capacity: Small -> Average
  • Effective Range: Personal -> Average
  • Rate of Fire: Average -> High
  • Stopping / Damage: Average -> Very High

 

[MANIAC]

Amelia von Sorenn

Thank you for your cooperation! Enjoy your new weapon!

Approved.