Commodore Helix
Disintegrations done dirt cheap.
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: to create a versatile multiple rocket launcher for Helix Solutions
- Image Source: Tor Frick
- Canon Link: Missile Launcher
- Permissions: N/A
- Primary Source: Wookiepedia, Missile Launcher
- Manufacturer: Helix Solutions
- Affiliation: Helix Solutions
- Market Status: Closed-Market
- Model: HH4 Harbinger
- Modularity: Yes
- Production: Limited
- Material: Durasteel, targeting computer parts, rocket launcher parts
- Classification: Rocket Launcher
- Size: Large
- Weight: Heavy
- Ammunition Type: Rockets
- Ammunition Capacity: Very Small (4 Rockets)
- Effective Range: Long
- Rate of Fire: Extremely High
- Damage Output: Very High
- Recoil: High
- Targeting computer allows use in anti-infantry, anti-armor, or anti-air roles
- Accepts a variety of different munitions
- Able to be attached to vehicles
- Multi-Shot: The HH4 can fire a total of four rockets before reloading an entire magazine, and all four can be fired off simultaneously at different previously-locked targets if required.
- Versatile: The Harbinger can be loaded with different munitions depending on the desired target, including "Blue Phosphorus" munitions.
- Targeting Computer: The HH4 has a complex auto-lock system, capable of locking onto infantry or air/ground vehicles and launching guided munitions at targets in excess of 4km away.
- Cumbersome: This weapon is both very long and very heavy, and considerable strength is needed to swing it to bear quickly.
- Slow Reload: While it can dump all four rockets in fairly quick succession, the reload process requires the user to load each tube individually, a process taking a considerable amount of time, and leaving the user highly vulnerable.
The HH4 was Helix's response to high-altitude fighter craft, mobile infantry, dug-in bunkers, or any number of other battlefield targets requiring somewhat unusual responses.
The result was a bulky, man-portable missile pod equipped with powerful rangefinding and targeting software. The exact method of firing and operation could be selected by the user, and often differed based on the target.
The launcher could lock onto vehicles, aircraft, or even individual soldiers, at which time the next fired rocket would track the locked target relentlessly. The user could select whether to fire in a "flat" auto-tracking trajectory, or cause the projectile to fly up into the air, coming down and striking the target from above. This latter method was often quite effective against vehicles, which tended to have weaker armor from above.
Capable of firing conventional fragmentation warheads for infantry or shaped-charge, two-stage projectiles for vehicles, the launcher also was designed to accept "Blue Phosphorus" munitions, and any other missiles Helix might subsequently develop.
The weapon had a fairly lengthy reload process, with the user having to reload each of the four tubes individually. While this allowed the user to pick and choose which munitions would be more suitable, or simply load a little of everything, Helix combat doctrine dictated that Harbinger operators be well-covered while reloading.
