Approved Tech M58-A Kinetic Rifle

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Out of Character Information​

	Intent:		Updating the M58 Kinetic Rifle
	Image Source:		Not Applicable
	Canon Link:		Not Applicable
	Permissions:		Not Applicable
	Primary Source:		M58 Kinetic Rifle
			M58 Heavy Kinetic Rifle

Production Information​

	Manufacturer:		The Hellforge
	Affiliation:		Confederacy of Independent Systems; The Hellknight Corps
	Model:		M58-A/Kr
	Modularity:		No
	Production:		Limited

Materials​

Durasteel

Alusteel

Titanium

Bronzium

Slugthrower Components

Technical Information​

	Classification:		Slugthrower
	Size:		Large
	Weight:		Heavy
	Ammunition Type:		.75 Caliber Slug
	Ammunition Capacity:		(50) Round Sickle Magazine
	Effective Range:		Average
	Rate of Fire:		Average
	Stopping Power:		High
	Recoil:		Very High

Special Features​

Gas-Vent System	Shock-Pad / Hip-Pad Bracing System	Smart-Gun Armorlink
Double-Magazine	Advanced Immobilizer Safety System	Safe Target System

Strengths​

Shock-Pad / Hip-Pad Bracing System - As a means to attempt to compensate for the weapon's sheer size, this system permits the operator to move some of the weight of the weapon to their hip. This distributes the weight over a wider area and allows the operator to brace it better, assisting in compensation with the weapon's High Recoil.

Smark-Gun Armorlink - Contained within the weapon is a specialized system that links the firearm with the Heads-Up Display within the helmets of the Phase II Canons Battle Armor and Phase II Hellplate. This system incorporates a small holocam and laser range finder, while also providing the operator with detailed ammunition count, heat buildup, and material stress of the weapon from continued firing. The holocam is capable of being utilized to allow the individual to fire from behind cover or around corners without exposing themselves; while the system is also capable of aiding in the calculations of trajectories of fire for increased accuracy over long-distances.

Advanced Immobilizer Safety System - A special feature of the weapon is an internal system that locks up the firing mechanism of the weapon when an unauthorized user attempts to fire the Rifle. This basic system locks up the weapon, requiring that the matching RFID chip or matching Biometric Scan be introduced to unlock the system. A more advanced version of this system causes the weapon to self-destructed when an unauthorized user attempts to fire the weapon - resulting in the maiming or possible death of the said individual.

Safe Target System - In a bid to avoid those situations in which one is being yelled at by their fellow Hellknights for accidentally shooting another in the 'Hoop'. This system utilizes the IFF Circuitry present in the Phase II Canoness Battle Armor and Phase II Hellplate to lock the trigger and prevent the weapon from firing momentarily when it is pointed at a friendly target deemed at-risk, only allowing the weapon to be fired when said friendly target is no longer at risk.

High Stopping Power - The size of the rounds fired by this weapon is often more than enough to make the individual on the receiving end question their life choices, knock down some of the most heavily armored individuals, or leave a rather sizeable dent in a vehicle's armor.

Reliability - Known for its reliability - and a carry-over of its predecessor - it is known for its continued operation even after having been exposed to elements and hazards such as mud, dirt, sand, and other substances that would normally gunk up or damage the internal workings of other weapons. Coupled with simple moving parts, the weapon is capable of being easily broken down to clean to avoid any potential complications that these might cause to the weapon in the long run.

Weaknesses​

Safe Target System - What this system deems 'at-risk' can often cause the weapon to lock the trigger at inopportune times; such as when a friendly individual is standing on the otherwise of an enemy combatant. Sometimes it requires that a larger feature - such as a vehicle, building, or even geographical feature like a mountain - be between the operator and friendly before the trigger is unfrozen, allowing the weapon to be fired.

Cumbersome - Meant to be coupled with the Phase II Canoness Battle Armor or Phase II Hellplate; The M58-A is unwieldy at the best of times and godawful at the worst of times. These weapons are notoriously difficult to be picked up and fired without the assistance of the power-assisted servos in the above-mentioned armors, or by any but the largest of species - such as Wookiees or Herglics - though even they experience some discomfort and trouble in lifting and firing the weapon.

Low Rate of Fire - While maintaining a higher rate of fire than its predecessor; the M58-A is still considered to have a low rate of fire, as it still lacks any kind of Semi-Automatic or Fully-Automated firing settings. In most cases, the operator often fires one round per shot; though it can simulate a semi-automatic firing by quickly pulling the trigger - however, this trick is adding to the below weakness.

Heat Buildup - The size of the munitions fired by this weapon has the potential of causing a rapid build-up of heat when the rifle is fired. Additionally; should the operator be utilizing the trick of rapidly pulling the trigger to simulate a semi-automatic firing, the heat buildup of the weapon greatly increases. This can lead to stress fractures within the weapon, damaging internal components such as the Smart-Gun Armorlink, or otherwise causing the weapon to misfire or explode in the operator's hand.

Gas-Vent System - A recoil-compensation system that is designed to vent muzzle gas at a specific vector to combat muzzle climb when the weapon is fired; this system has the potential of being easily damaged due to its location. If it were to be damaged, or in some other means, clogged, it could potentially add in the heat buildup of the weapon, or otherwise prevent the gases from escaping properly - causing damage to the barrel or potentially setting the weapon up for a catastrophic event.

Double-Magazine Jamming - In a bid to increase the number of rounds carried, the weapon's magazines are often attached to one another - however, improper handling and reloading of these double-magazines have the potential of causing a round to become jammed within the weapon - rendering it inoperable.

Description​

The M58-A Kinetic Rifle; also informally known as a 'Bolter', is a heavy weapon designed to be utilized with the Hellknight Corps - specifically used in concert with the Phase II Canoness Battle Armor or Phase II Hellplate Armor. Chambering a .75 caliber Slug - which accounts for a larger portion of the weapon's weight and being as cumbersome as it is - the weapon suffers from a high recoil, and often requires the assistance of other means to properly lift and wield for all but the largest of species in the galaxy. Outfitted with an internal Smart-Gun Armorlink system which utilizes a holocam and laser range finder to assist in the calculations of trajectories and increase accuracy over longer distances - it also assists the operator by providing a displayed readout of munitions, heat buildup, and material stress within the weapon. Likewise, the system can be used to permit the operator to fire around corners or behind cover without exposing themselves from incoming fire. As a means to attempt to deal with its high recoil, the weapon is fitted with a Shock-Pad / Hip-Pad Bracing System, which assists in spreading the weight of the weapon out across a wider area so they may brace the weapon more easily. A gas-vent system also assists in preventing the muzzle climb associated with the weapon; however, this system has the potential of being damaged or clogged, which would prevent the muzzle gases from venting properly, either damaging the barrel or leading to a more catastrophic result. Furthermore, the weapon has a history of building up heat, which can often damage internal systems, cause stress fractures, or potentially cause a misfire which can lead to an even worst result in the hands of the operator. This is further compounded by the weapon's capability to simulate a semi-auto fire capacity in which the operator rapidly squeezes the trigger - which results in a higher buildup of heat. Even with many of these downsides, the M58-A still retains its reliable status among its operators and its weapon line - being able to fire even after being introduced to the elements such as mud, sand, and water. With the weapon capable of being retrieved and firing without missing a beat even after being dropped or subjected to abuse on the battlefield. Likewise, its easily movable parts and simple production allow it to be broken down rapidly, cleaned, and reassembled without much hassle. And the weapon's high stopping power is often enough to cause a charging enemy to stop and question their choices in life.

 

[Vora Kaar]

Amelia von Sorenn

Approved