#Military Laser Target Designator

[ghostwarriorrrr]

🇹🇷🔥 Turkish Air Force - F-4E 2020 Terminator

The F-4E 2020 Terminator represents a significant leap forward in the capabilities of the Turkish Air Force. This comprehensive upgrade enhances the venerable F-4E Phantom II with modern Turkish-made weapons systems, showcasing Türkiye’s commitment to self-reliance and advanced military technology.

Background

With a storied history dating back to the 1960s, the F-4E Phantom II has been a pivotal player on the global stage of air combat. Serving multiple nations and seeing numerous conflicts, the Phantom carved out its place in aviation history as a versatile and rugged aircraft. Türkiye’s decision to upgrade this aircraft stems from a strategic imperative to leverage existing assets while infusing them with cutting-edge technology to maintain relevance in modern aerial warfare. The 2020 Terminator program is the Turkish Air Force’s ambitious initiative to retrofit these fighters with state-of-the-art systems.

Strategic Importance

The ability to exert air superiority and conduct precision strikes is paramount in a region marked by dynamic security challenges. The F-4E 2020 Terminator’s enhanced capabilities contribute significantly to deterrence, and the demonstration of Türkiye’s advancing aerospace industry serves both a strategic and diplomatic purpose.

Upgrade Overview

The 2020 Terminator upgrade, realized by Turkish Aerospace Industries in collaboration with ASELSAN, constitutes a multifaceted improvement over the aircraft’s original design. It touches every aspect of the aircraft’s systems, bringing its avionics, armaments, and electronic warfare systems into the 21st century.

Avionics:

The modernized multi-mode pulse Doppler radar extends the aircraft’s detection range, allowing it to lock onto and engage targets from greater distances. Integrating a Hands-On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) system enhances pilot control, minimizing response time during high-stakes manoeuvres. Color Multifunctional Displays (MFDs) replace outdated gauges, providing pilots with real-time data visualization for improved situational awareness.

Armament:

The Terminator’s weapons suite has been revolutionized with a mixture of Western and indigenous munitions. Long-standing armaments like the AIM-9X Sidewinder are joined by Türkiye’s own precision-guided munitions, such as the SOM cruise missile, capable of striking strategic land and sea targets with formidable accuracy. The UAV-230, a domestic innovation, represents the pinnacle of Türkiye’s missile development, offering supersonic ballistic delivery of a range of warhead types over substantial distances. The BOZOK, MAM-C, MAM-L, and Cirit missiles exemplify Türkiye’s expertise in laser guidance and smart munition technology, enabling the Terminator to engage and defeat a broad spectrum of target profiles with unerring precision.

Electronic Warfare:

To contend with the contemporary battlefield’s electronic warfare environment, the F-4E 2020 Terminator incorporates an advanced Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system for rapid threat identification and an Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) suite to confound hostile tracking systems. Moreover, chaff and flare dispensers have been integrated to provide decoys against incoming missile threats, enhancing the aircraft’s survivability in hostile airspace.

Operational Capability:

The F-4E Phantom II, transformed by these integrated systems, emerges as a multirole platform capable of dominating beyond-visual-range air-to-air engagements and precision ground-attack missions. It can operate in complex electronic warfare environments and deliver various ordnances based on mission requirements, making it a flexible asset in the Türkiye Air Force’s inventory.

Significance:

The F-4E 2020 Terminator project is a hallmark of Türkiye’s aerospace ambition and its push toward defence autonomy. By retrofitting and modernizing its Phantoms, Türkiye maximizes the value of its existing fleet while also establishing a foundation for future indigenous aircraft development projects.

Munitions Details:

The advanced, indigenous Turkish weaponry integrated into the F-4E 2020 Terminator underlines a significant shift toward self-reliance in defence technologies. Each munition type brings unique capabilities that enhance the platform’s lethality:

UAV-230: A domestically-developed ballistic missile, this supersonic weapon delivers high-precision strikes at long ranges, challenging enemy defences with its speed and reduced radar cross-section.

BOZOK: The versatility of this laser-guided munition makes it ideal for engaging both stationary and moving targets with high precision, ideal for close air support.

MAM-C/L: These smart micro munitions are designed for tactical flexibility, allowing for precision targeting in complex engagement scenarios, from anti-armour operations to counter-insurgency roles.

Cirit: A highly accurate laser-guided missile system designed for low collateral damage, Cirit is adept at striking soft and lightly armoured targets with pinpoint accuracy.

SAGE Munitions: TUBITAK SAGE, Türkiye’s leading defence research and development institute, has contributed a range of munitions enhancing the Terminator’s operational capabilities across various domains.

Conclusion:

The upgraded F-4E 2020 Terminator is a testament to Türkiye’s determination to retain a competitive edge in aerospace and defence technologies. The integration of modern avionics, armaments, and electronic warfare capabilities ensures the aircraft’s continued relevance in modern air combat, and its presence in the skies serves as a deterrent in a strategically complex region.

[askarsjustsoswedish]

GENERATION KILL - MILITARY TERMINOLOGY AND SLANG USED IN THE MINISERIES (Part 2, N-Z)

N.J.P. (Non-Judicial Punishment):  next to a court martial, the most severe form of punishment to which a Marine can be subjected.  It usually involves a loss of rank and pay grade.

Navy Hospitalman, Doc Bryan:  the medic, though medics in the Marine Corps are technically part of the Navy’s hospital corps and are never referred to as “medics” but as Corpsmen.

Negligent Discharge:  accidental firing of a weapon;  aka N.D.

Nine-lines:  a procedure for directing air strikes on ground targets.

No salute zone:  forward areas where officers are not to be acknowledged with salutes, in order to conceal rank from potential enemy observers.

O Dark Hundred:  until darkness falls.  Note: “O dark 30” typically means half an hour before dawn, or any ridiculously early hour of the morning.

Oakley sunglasses:  surfer sunglasses worn by just about all Marines in Iraq.  Iraqis believe Oakleys give Marines X-ray powers to see through women’s clothing and are a constant source of tension.

One M.E.F. (First Marine Expeditionary Force):  the overall Marine invasion force in the Middle East, which comprises the First Division (ground troops) under command of Gen. Mattis, the Air Wing and a logistics battalion.  The entire One M.E.F. is under the command of General James Conway.

Oscar Mike:  “On the Move” from the phonetic alphabet.

Overwatch:  a position that offers protective fire for a given area.

“Paint me”:  to paint something is to shine one’s gunsight laser designator on a target in preparation for shooting it.

PAS-13 Thermal:  a night vision device, about the size of an old video camera, that can see heat signatures.  Note:  A single device is usually referred to in the plural, e.g. ,“Pass me the thermals” refers to one device.

Pec-fours, Pec-thirteens:  night and infrared vision scopes.

POG (Person Other than Grunt):  a pejorative term for anyone who is in the rear echelon and therefore not in a recon or infantry unit.  This is one of the most insulting terms in the Marine Corps, almost the equivalent of the “N” word.  Note:  POG is pronounced with a long “o.”

Police:  to clean up or correct, as in “Police your tent,” or clean it up.  (1-16)

Psy-Ops:   Psychological-Operations units, which in Iraq relied on leaflets, radio and loudspeaker broadcasts to encourage enemy forces to surrender.

Pyro and Smoke protocol:  codes involving use of smoke grenades and flares.

R.C.T. (Regimental Combat Team):  a super-regiment of about 7,000 Marines; the First Division consisted of three RCTs – RCT 1, RCT 5 and RCT 7 – plus First Recon, which operated on its own.

R.C.T. One (Regimental Combat Team One):  a motorized, armored infantry regiment of about 7,000 Marines.

R.O.E. (The Rules of Engagement):  the all important, ever-changing and always ambiguous rules governing when a Marine may fire his weapon.

R.T.O. (Radio Transceiver Operator):  radioman, the most important guy on the team and usually the calmest and smartest next to the team leader.  (1-23)

Rack:  nautical for sleeping area.

Ranger Graves:  sleeping holes dug by marines to protect from shrapnel and gunshots.

Raptor:  radio call-sign for First Recon’s Charlie company.

Recon Mission:  a reconnaissance mission performed specifically by Recon Marines who are the Marine Corps special forces; there are only a few hundred Recon Marines in the entire Corps.

Red-Con One:  a loaded weapon with a round in its chamber, but with the safety on.

Revetment:  crude fortifications made from earth or concrete or sandbags.

Ripped Fuel:  brand name of a popular over-the-counter stimulant, banned by the military but widely used.

RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade):   anti-tank rocket first developed by the Germans as the “panzerfaust,” then adopted by Soviets and as common to Iraqi forces and insurgents as Skittles candies are to Marines.  Not very accurate, but devastating when fired in mass by five- or ten-man RPG teams.  RPGs were famously used to bring down U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters in Somalia.

S.O.P. (Standard Operating Procedure):  S.O.P. is sometimes informally used as a synonym for common sense.

Saffwon Hill:  a low hill on the Iraq side of the border with Kuwait, believed to be the locale of a dug-in Iraqi division.

Sapi plates:  12-inch square ceramic plates worn in front and back of one’s flak vest, rated to stop the enemy’s preferred 7.62 round.

Schwack:  to kill; origin believed to be a popular video game.

Screwby:  either “That sucks,” or “That’s really cool,” from Cpl. Stafford’s personal hip-hop lexicon.

Senior NCOs:  anyone from staff-sergeant to Sergeant Major.  Corporals and Sergeants are also NCOs, but they are never referred to junior NCOs, simply as NCOs.  (1-18)

Sergeant Major:  the highest possible rank a non-commissioned officer can earn in the Marine Corps; invariably a ball-buster who speaks in a semi-illiterate southern sounding accent no matter where he is from.  This battalion has just one Sergeant Major.

Shamal:  hellacious wind and dust storms endemic to Iraq.

Sit-Rep:  situation report:; often used as a more confusing way to say “situation.”

Skittles:  chewy fruit-flavored children’s candy, which is a dietary staple in U.S. military.

Slackman:  team machine gunner, armed with a SAW.

Snatch:  a specific Marine term for abducting an enemy combatant in order to gather intelligence.

Soft Cover:  same as a boonie cap.  Note:  the word “hat” does not exist in the Marine Corps; anything you place on your head is a cover.

Sparrow:  a small reaction force held in reserve while another unit attacks; an “eagle” is a large reaction force.

Spread load his excitement:  to calm down;  from the tradition of foot patrols spreading a heavy load equally among all troops.

T-55:  Soviet-era tank ubiquitous in Iraq; older and much less feared than the newer, but less-common T-72 Soviet tanks also in Iraq.

TAD-two, TAD-three:  Tactical Air Direct radio bands for communicating directly with pilots in attack aircraft.

Task Force Tarawa:  a four thousand-strong Marine unit outside of the First Division Command Structure.  This American unit was initially put under the command of the British at Basra, then moved north to Nasariyah.

Team Leader:  the sergeant in command of each combat team.  Fick’s platoon is divided into three teams, but spread across four Humvees (not counting Fick’s command vehicle, the fifth Humvee).  Since Fick’s platoon is a special forces unit trained in coastal raids, they have no experience with Humvees.  Technically each team has a specialty, with team one being the dive (or SCUBA) team, team two being the boat team and team three the para-jump team.  But here, ironically, they are all in a desert.

The Three:  the battalion’s intelligence unit.

T-rats:  T-rations; pre-manufactured military food heated and served in mess halls of forward units.

Triple-A:  Anti-Aircraft Artillery; towed or self-propelled guns designed to shoot down aircraft but often used by Iraqis against American forces on the ground.

Two o’clock:  direction of enemy forces.  Orientation of the lead vehicle puts 12 o’clock at the center of the hood and six o’clock at the rear.

Two-Oh-Three:  an M-203 grenade launcher, which is a single shot self-propelled weapon mounted beneath the barrel of a standard Marine rifle.  The M-203 fires the same 40mm round as the M-19.

Unfucking:  a verb peculiar to the Marine Corps meaning to get out of a fucked-up situation.

U-two:  a reference to venerable U2 spy planes.

Victors:  vehicles.  The military uses the phonetic alphabet as a shorthand code:  the phonetic alphabet replaces letters with words, i.e., Alpha, Bravo Charlie, Delta, Echo.  These phonetic word for each letter of the alphabet can be used to replace any word starting with the corresponding letter.  Hence, vehicle becomes “victor,” terrorist becomes “tango” and white trash becomes “whiskey tango,” as in, “He grew up in a whiskey tango trailer park in the Ozarks.”

Whiskey Tango:  white trash, from the phonetic alphabet version.

Zil truck:  Russian-made truck popular in Iraq.

[boinkingbattlemechs]

Wolfhound

A light, rugged, and dependable design, the Wolfhound made its first appearance in 3028. Following the success of the Hatchetman designed in partnership with the Federated Suns, Archon Katrina Steiner ordered TharHes Industries to produce a BattleMech to address a persistent problem of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces: hunting down and destroying the Panther and Jenner, swift light-weight 'Mechs of the Draconis Combine which had embarrassed the LCAF one too many times. The final design was a light 'Mech with an all-energy weapons payload effective at a variety of combat ranges, the maximum amount of armor for a 'Mech of its weight class, and the use of mostly standard components to keep costs down.

Due to their fierce loyalty to House Steiner, the Kell Hounds were the first unit chosen to field-test the Wolfhound in combat, followed shortly thereafter by Wolf's Dragoons. The design received its baptism of fire during the Fourth Succession War where it exceeded all expectations and performed brilliantly. This was especially true when the Wolfhound faced its intended targets, hitting the Jenner beyond its ability to return fire while closing the distance on the Panther to get within the minimum range of its primary weapon. With the successful end of the war the Federated Commonwealth ordered larger numbers of Wolfhounds to outfit its military and the design was used again during the War of 3039. Wolfhounds suffered far fewer casualties than other 'Mechs during that conflict and as such, a mere handful fell into the hands of the Combine. While impressed with the 'Mech, the Kuritans were too prideful to copy it themselves, instead using captured examples to help develop the Wolf Trap specifically to counter the 'Mech.

Eventually Arc-Royal MechWorks was brought in to produce Wolfhounds under license from TharHes, and the recovery of lostech thanks to the Helm Memory Core allowed for a more advanced variant to be produced to combat the Clan Invasion. Unfortunately the necessary retooling of TharHes' factories to produce the WLF-2 model, introduced in 3052, took too long before ComStar brought an end to the invasion with the Battle of Tukayyid. These newer Wolfhounds continued to be produced for both FedCom member states, although following the formal creation of the Lyran Alliance the TharHes factories began producing the newer WLF-3S model. This new variant was shipped only to units loyal to the Lyran state, and thus fought on the side of Katherine Steiner-Davion during the FedCom Civil War. During the Jihad the Word of Blake launched a devastating assault on Tharkad, effectively shutting down TharHes' Wolfhound factory line; in response Arc-Royal increased production and introduced the WLF-4 model to replace the losses suffered by allied forces fighting the Blakists.

As a "laser boat", the Wolfhound's very basic weapons array frees it from supply lines and allows for superior endurance during extended campaigns. The primary long-range weapon is a Cyclops XII ER large laser mounted in the right arm, which allows the Wolfhound to strike at ranges of nearly 600 meters. As secondary weapons for close combat, the Wolfhound is armed with four Defiance B3M medium lasers, three of which are split between the right, center, and left torso, while the fourth is mounted in the center-rear in case any 'Mech tries to exploit this traditional blind spot.

10 double heat sinks allow for superior heat management, while seven and a half tons of armor provide excellent protection. While the majority of the components used in the Wolfhound are Lyran in origin, the use of a Full-Head Ejection System required the help of the Federated Suns. Countless MechWarrior lives have been saved thanks to this system's ability to operate in traditionally hostile environments.

[carionto]

Humans and Boredom III

Interceptors and fighter craft.

Almost nothing in the Galaxy can go toe to toe with a Human built Dreadnought. Practically nobody had built anything even close to that size before Humanity emerged and shocked everyone with such an arsenal, and now a few are looking to catch up. Most had figured that at least the smaller Human ships would be somewhat equivalent to their own existing ones. They were wrong.

While the neural interface drone swarms were actually comparable to our own in both design philosophy and usage for civil and military needs, what they call "Fighters" were terrifying.

Armed with countless weapons facing forward and incinerating thrusters out back, there's nothing one of these small dual or single pilot vehicles wouldn't try to pick a fight with. And probably win. Save for a direct hit to a core section, the typical Human redundancies and manual overrides for literally every system make taking one of these nimble horrors out a challenge. A full squadron? Pray.

So, despite their already ludicrous advantages, the Humans never stop upgrading and innovating. There is no such thing as a ceiling for any aspect of their weapons. In with the new, out with the old, as they say. When we asked what happens to the things that become outdated or obsolete, they said that if it can't be retrofitted anymore, it gets sent to a recycling station. They naturally have a specific one for military hardware to maintain secrecy.

___________________

At said station two operators were having a slower week and Patricia decided to try something different with all these old drone piloting kits and scrapped fighters and transports.

After convincing Matthias, they mounted gravity hooks on a bunch of vehicles and set the drones on a bunch of junked boosters, and programmed them to move in a partially randomized pattern towards the main atomizer bay. While they would gently float around to their demise, after a coin toss, Patricia would try to block a different set of much faster, thruster-enabled scraps, controlled by Matthias and which had deconstruction lasers instead.

The goal for Matthias was to turn as much mass of the slow moving horde into slag before they reach the end. Patricia would use whatever other junk is around to strategically shield the horde from taking direct hits to get as much of it into the bay. You get disqualified if you target the gravity hooks/lasers. Whoever "recycles" the most spaceship mass wins and gets first dibs on any one thing they want from the next shipment. Well, anything that isn't explicitly marked "Classified" in the manual.

Matthias dominated the first match and they both agreed to significantly reduced the laser potency and control only two at once. The second match was far more fair and Patricia, still in control of the horde, managed to eke out a win. They thought about doing a best of three, but realized they had in their excitement completed the entire week's worth of scrapping in an afternoon.

So they decided to play some board games with the few leftover scraps, both to just pass the time, and to appear busy to any supervisor who might make a surprise visit.

[ross-hollander]

The Gatecrasher GTR-AD1, nicknamed the Gatorade, is a 'mech made to do one thing but do that one thing incredibly well. The Gatecrasher is also a perfect example of why that design philosophy is generally out of favor these days, save for a few fringe cases of role-dedicated 'mechs.

The Gatecrasher is, to most beyond-visual-range scans, actually invisible. It is so jam-packed with heat sink tech that on cold worlds, the pilot stands a risk of frostbite, because the engine heat is totally negated. (The engine is a custom, and ludicrously puny; a Gatecrasher can be easily paced by some cadets out on a jog. Or possibly a march. Or, come to think of it, on guard duty.) If it weren't for the lasers' flash, you would never even see a Gatecrasher while it cut your entire lance to ribbons.

Unfortunately, this led to a kind of babirusa situation. The Gatecrasher cannot be spotted by heat; fair enough, an even exchange for its ludicrously weak engine. It also cannot be triangulated on by comms, because it barely has any. It cannot be caught on target-lock alert systems because it has no targeting systems to trigger an alert by locking on.

You might still find a Gatorade still floating around in a fourth-rate garrison almost forgotten by their own commanders. There are also some specimens in circulation on the Periphery, where any 'mech goes, and several in military museums across the Inner Sphere.

(Created by @zeemczed in a poll on Battletech Miscellaneous.)

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Updated: January 22, 2025

Special Weapons of the Iron Eclipse AU

The AR-10 Autorifle, standard-issue for both the Regular Army and Amadeus Syndicate, chambers 7.62mm ammunition. It features an integrated grenade launcher mounted beneath the barrel, granting versatility through its dual capability for precision gunfire and explosive ordnance. Its design draws inspiration from the Japanese Type 64 Rifle, incorporating an M203-style grenade launcher and borrowing elements from the U.S. military's M16 rifle.

The Morden M60 is a 7.62mm machine gun reserved for high-ranking officials within the Rebel Army, capable of firing multiple shoots in controlled bursts. Only two variants are known to exist: the M240 Bravo Machine Gun, distinguished by its swift and silent operation; and the RA240 Machine Gun, a modified version employed by the Regular Army. The RA240 Machine Gun features a Lewis MG-style buttstock, trading some speed and stealth for increased reliability.

The Hexagon Arms M-3685 is a 9mm submachine gun modelled after the Heckler & Koch MP5, featuring a distinctive design element: a built-in tool within its grip that allows for easy adjustment of the front sight. The firearm was crafted by Tarma Roving as a gift to Fio Germi following the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash, with the primary intention of enhancing her battlefield protection. However, upon taking notice of its potential, the Regular Army secured Tarma's permission to mass-produce the design for their troops.

The HV-01 Heavy Machine Gun, commonly referred to as the Heavy Machine Gun, is a common special weapon firing 7.62mm FMJ rounds compatible with most automatic firearms on the battlefield. Despite sharing comparable firepower with handguns wielded by elite units like the Peregrine Falcons Squad, S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S., and Ikari Warriors, its exceptional fire rate makes it one of the deadliest weapons available. It has a magazine capacity of 200-300 rounds, and it resembles the Heavy Machine Gun that Marco uses in Neo-Geo Battle Coliseum.

The RK-02 Light Anti-Armour Rocket Launcher, commonly referred to as the Rocket Launcher, fires small, slow-moving rockets. These rockets lack the penetration power to defeat heavy armour but are highly explosive and effective against infantry formations. The rockets have a proximity fuzing capability, homing in on nearby targets before exploding on contact. It resembles the Rocket Launcher depicted in Metal Slug 3D.

The FS-03, commonly referred to as the Flame Shot, is a powerful incendiary weapon that unleashes a large blast of flame travelling in a shallow parabolic trajectory when fired horizontally, with significantly increased range when fired upward and reduced range when fired downward. It excels at taking out large groups of infantry with a single shot, but its effectiveness is hindered by limited range and a slow fire rate. At close range, it can severely damage vehicles and instantly incinerate personnel, though its potency decreases with distance. It has a 30-round ammo capacity and features a toggle switch allowing users to alternate between two firing modes: large blasts for high damage and fireballs that cover a wider range but deal relatively low damage. Its design bears a striking resemblance to the Flame Shot featured in Metal Slug 3D.

The SG-04, commonly referred to as the Shotgun, fires 12-gauge rounds loaded with metallic BB pellets, delivering devastating effectiveness at point-blank range. However, the BBs rapidly lose velocity over short distances, rendering them harmless beyond 6 ft (182.88 cm). Despite its limited 30-round magazine capacity, the SG-04 packs immense power, capable of annihilating clusters of infantry with a single blast and effortlessly disabling vehicles with just a few well-placed shots. It resembles the Shotgun depicted in Metal Slug 3D.

The LS-05, commonly referred to as the Laser Gun, emits a concentrated stream of energy in the form of a multicoloured beam. This intense energy focal point can slice through tank armour and annihilate enemy infantry with ease. While incredibly powerful, the weapon's high energy consumption leads to rapid ammo depletion. It has a moderate ammo capacity of 200-400 rounds. Its design bears a striking resemblance to the Laser Gun featured in Metal Slug 3D.

The EC-06, commonly known as the Enemy Chaser, is a specialised Rocket Launcher that prioritises advanced guidance over agility and raw firepower. Its enhanced homing system and increased ammo capacity of 40 rounds make it an invaluable asset for land troops in anti-aircraft operations. Although not foolproof, the homing capability significantly improves targeting accuracy. Once launched, the missiles automatically enter homing mode, locking onto the nearest enemies. A notable feature is the independent homing mechanism for each missile, enabling rapid-fire barrages. The weapon was initially conceived by Tarma Roving, who improvised its design after his Rocket Launcher malfunctioned during a critical mission against a Southern European terrorist group. Its effectiveness led to its subsequent adoption by the Regular Army. Its design bears a striking resemblance to the Enemy Chaser featured in Metal Slug 3D.

The SPG-07, affectionately known as the Super Grenade, is a Rocket Launcher variant that unleashes powerful RPGs with increased range. While its explosive payload can swiftly obliterate targets, its smoothbore design prohibits piercing thick armour. The RPGs travel swiftly, generating a massive blast radius capable of annihilating multiple targets. To balance its destructive potential, it has limited ammo reserves, allowing only two RPGs to be fired at a time. Its overall capacity is 10-20 rounds. Notably, its design bears resemblance to the Super Grenade from Metal Slug 3D.

The DS-09, commonly referred to as the Drop Shot, is a modified Rocket Launcher that fires bouncing landmines. These landmines bounce until they hit a target or lose momentum and stop moving. It’s effective against infantry, particularly those hiding in cover, but it lacks the power to easily damage armoured vehicles. The bouncing landmines have a limited range and are affected by the terrain's geography. As a result, soldiers must pay close attention to their environment to use the weapon effectively. Many soldiers dislike it due to its slow firing speed and horizontal movement, making it more suitable as a situational weapon. Its potential for being cumbersome and dangerous in various situations, along with its limited effectiveness in certain terrains, also contribute to its rare usage in the Regular Army. However, a small number of individuals have successfully leveraged its potential, often by modifying the bouncing landmines or combining them with existing weapons.

The SR-001 Iron Lizard, commonly referred to as the Iron Lizard, deploys remote-controlled, unmanned vehicles designed to engage targets with high lethality. These vehicles excel in anti-personnel roles, utilising special warheads filled with combustible chemicals. However, they are ineffective against armoured targets and aircraft. Once deployed, the vehicle-like missiles traverse the terrain until they detect a target, then detonate in a cloud of blue smoke, potentially taking out multiple enemies beyond the initial point of contact. Many people underestimate this weapon, thinking it's a joke due to its unusual ammunition, which oddly combines elements of RC toy cars with explosive missiles. It resembles the Iron Lizard depicted in Neo-Geo Battle Coliseum.

The TSG-002, commonly referred to as the Thunder Shot, is a modified Laser Gun that emits a powerful electrical pulse, automatically targeting enemies with near-instantaneous hits. This pulse can pierce armour and strike multiple targets simultaneously with a single shot. Boasting a 20-round ammo capacity, its capabilities make it an invaluable asset. However, its homing capabilities are inconsistent, often struggling to engage multiple enemies across varying elevations. Initially designed by Tarma Roving and Hyakutaro Ichimonji to rapidly disable technological devices from a distance, its effectiveness led to swift adoption by the Regular Army.

The Double-Barrel Heavy Machine Guns, commonly referred to as the Two Machine Guns, are a unique submachine gun variant inspired by the Heavy Machine Gun. Modelled after the MAC-10, these twin guns offer an impressive 300-round ammo capacity. They strike a balance between range, firepower, and mobility, surpassing pistols and heavy machine guns in versatility. While ideal for long-range combat, they lack the arcing trajectory of traditional Heavy Machine Guns. However, their dual-barrel design significantly increases their rate of fire, but it can rapidly deplete ammo reserves.

The Zantetsu Sword is a blade infused with iron-cutting energy that releases potent waves upon each swing. These energy waves are capable of annihilating clusters of infantry, deflecting incoming bullets, and even disabling armoured vehicles. However, its effectiveness is tempered by its limited range and restrictive aiming capabilities, preventing vertical targeting. During Ralf Jones' expedition to the Oro Sol Ruins, he caught the attention of Sol Dae Rokker, who was moved by his reverence for the ancient site. As a token of respect for Ralf's restraint in not ravaging the ruins, Sol Dae Rokker imbued a deceased archaeologist’s Hori Hori knife with bluish-white energy and presented it to him.

The Hori Hori knife’s extraordinary properties eventually caught the attention of the Regular Army, which successfully replicated its unique attributes and began mass-producing the design. Those used by the Regular Army resemble standard military-issued combat knives, which bear a resemblance to the Combat Knife in Metal Slug 3D.

The AA Machine Gun Turret is a stationary .50-calibre anti-aircraft machine gun primarily used by the Regular Army, and occasionally utilised by the Rebel Army. It fires a continuous stream of light armour-piercing rounds at a high rate of fire. Those with a prominent blue sheen are designed for marine purposes, while ones with a green-tinted silver finish are intended for land-based applications.

The Thunder Cloud is a highly classified, cutting-edge weapon system that utilises an oblong canister loaded with nanobots. These nanobots generate an artificial thundercloud imbued with negatively charged electromagnetic energy. Once deployed, it autonomously targets the nearest adversary, hovering above and unleashing lightning bolts with pinpoint accuracy. The cloud's energy reserve supports 30 to 50 high-energy strikes before dissipating.

The Mobile Satellite, or MOBS for short, is a highly classified, miniature hovering drone resembling a satellite. Equipped with an advanced radar system and an ion cannon, it autonomously tracks and engages targets, firing continuous ion bolts until destruction or depletion. Its energy reserve supports up to 200 ion bolts, after which the device's power source is exhausted, causing it to plummet and self-destruct.

The Grenade Gun is a modified Rocket Launcher, capable of propelling grenades over extended distances of 10 to 15 feet (304.8 cm to 457.2 cm).

The Missile Pod launches five small, high-velocity homing missiles that automatically acquire and track nearby targets. Its wide area coverage and high damage output make it effective against land troops, smaller aircraft, and combat vehicles.

The Fire Gun is a modified Flame Shot that emits a continuous, adjustable stream of flames that can be directed and arced by adjusting the gun's orientation.

The Bazooka fires a single, high-explosive shell that detonates upon impact, unleashing a devastating, fiery blast that damages and incapacitates nearby targets. It closely resembles the American FIM-92 Stinger man-portable surface-to-air missile launcher.

The Gatling Shot is a large, rapid-firing, multiple-barrel firearm that fires 7.62mm FMJ rounds, identical to those used by heavy machine guns. Its heavy weight and high ammunition capacity (holding up to 500 rounds) are balanced by its rapid rate of fire, which depletes ammunition quickly. As a result, it’s typically reserved for specific situations, such as crowd control. It resembles the Gatling Shot depicted in Metal Slug Attack and Metal Slug: Commander.

[tomorrowusa]

Britain has been developing a laser air defense system called DragonFire. Originally it hadn't been scheduled for deployment until 2027 but the war in Ukraine may offer the UK an opportunity to test its capabilities by seeing how well DragonFire takes out Russian drones fired at Ukraine.

The DragonFire weapon, which is expected to be in service by 2027 at the latest, can hit a target the size of a £1 coin from a kilometre away. Reforms aimed at speeding up procurement mean that DragonFire will now be operational five years earlier than planned. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps travelled down to the Porton Down military research base in Salisbury in an attempt to speed development up even further "in order for Ukrainians perhaps to get their hands on it". "I've come down to speed up the production of the DragonFire laser system because I think given that there's two big conflicts on, one sea-based, one in Europe, this could have huge ramifications to have a weapon capable particularly of taking down drones," Mr Shapps told journalists. "And so what I want to do is speed up what would usually be a very lengthy development procurement process, possibly up to ten years, based on my conversations this morning, to a much shorter timeframe to get it deployed, potentially on ships, incoming drones, and potentially on land. "Again, incoming drones, but it doesn't take much imagination see how that could be helpful in Ukraine for example." Laser-directed energy weapons can strike at the speed of light, using an intense light beam to cut through their target. They are a lower-cost alternative to using missiles to strike down drones, costing only about £10 per shot.

You can't argue with cheap, fast, and accurate. Ukrainians are quick learners, highly motivated, and amazing innovators. DragonFire and Ukraine would be a great match.

The new procurement model, which comes into effect this week, is aimed at speeding up the process of getting cutting-edge developments in military capability like DragonFire out on to the field. "It's designed to not wait until we have this at 99.9% perfection before it goes into the field, but get it to sort of 70% and then get it out there and then... develop it from there," Mr Shapps said. Asked whether the system might be ready earlier than 2027, he said: "Because I'm here, I've taken the opportunity to arrange additional conversations with colleagues about whether we could speed it up even faster, very much using the integrated procurement model of saying there's a war on - let's say that it didn't have to be 100% perfect in order for Ukrainians perhaps to get their hands on it, can we do any better - but 2027 is still the date as of this moment. "But of course I'll look to see what we can do to speed up."

Ukraine may be the equivalent of a beta tester for DragonFire. Experience in Ukraine would be used for improvements to the weapons system.

So far, laser defense systems are being developed particularly in connection with naval uses. Here's a vid from late 2021 which outlines the potential uses for and challenges to use of such systems.

It makes me grin to recall that the High Valyrian word for DragonFire is Dracarys.

[gyerome]

Is there any lore to the Biển Biến characters that we don’t know of?

Here are some information from my worldbuilding doc!

Plot Teo, a human recently turned mutant goo orca, is attempting to escape the planet. The setting is Vietnamese/SEAsian in nature

The Planet Biển-Biến takes place on a planet that's mostly covered with water. It is owned by a company (Greater Goods) that manufactures chemicals for military and pharmaceutical needs. It utilizes a tech singularity that supplies the planet with free, uninhibited labor. Any foreign object that enters orbit is shot down, trapping it on the surface.

"Humans" The planet's primary inhabitants are featureless, white humanoids that go about daily routines, simply called "Beings." Created by Greater Goods' tech singularity, they are effectively immortal as their bodies are impervious to most harm. Despite forming societies, they have no free will and act completely in accordance to the planet's will. They still require sustenance to perform tasks so they become unconscious when they lack energy

Mutants Sometimes a chemical exposure may cause a human to transform into a monster. Initially, the monster will lash out upon gaining free will, destroying and consuming nearby mass to gain size and power. If they manage to survive the planet's defenses, they may go into hiding, often joining forces with Teo for food and safety. Monsters that can't find food eventually fall apart. Mutants look like actual humans but are treated like normal civilians while their monster form is suppressed.

Defenses The planet will steadily increase its military response depending on the size and action of a monster. If the monster continues to survive the onslaught of increasingly powerful units, the orbital lasers will kick in and start raining death upon the local area. These lasers never miss their mark and can pierce the toughest materials. Any attempts to escape the planet will also activate the lasers. They stop firing as soon as it deems the target no longer strong enough to break through the orbital wall

Mechas The planet's penultimate defense, they are as strong as kaijus and are equipped with numerous tools that help cut them down. They are piloted by AI so attempting to recruit them is futile

Commanders Teo has created 12 commanders by personally modifying and saving their bodies from decay using a serum that promotes growth and regeneration. Their loyalty is unquestionable because of Teo's genius (She plans missions that help them get the resources they need). They are designated by a holographic halo and a sigil denoting their method of converting the planet's humans. Despite their loyalty to Teo, they often have trouble working together with other commanders, preventing Teo from completely taking over the planet by force.

Percentage Commanders maintain a human form while 0-30%, anthro at 40-60%, and monster at 70-90%. At 100%+, commander's bodies become unstable, leaking excess serum and growing extra limbs as it attempts to reach a stable threshold. Personality may also change. Their bodies are made of slime and always have a layer of clothing on even at 0%, since they grow into their other forms using it.

Drones Drones created by commanders have free will, but almost all of them will follow their commander until they fall in battle. Drones are able to group up to become bigger units (but never as big as a max-sized commander) Commanders may consume them to grow in size as well, storing their consciousness until they are reformed. Drones that aren't combat participants are given roles in Teo's lab. They can communicate directly with their commander through a hologram above their head. Drones will shift their allegiance to another commander if transformed by them. Since they aren't as stable as commanders, they don't have a true human form

Deputies Humans that are stabilized using existing commander serums are able to grow larger than drones but do not possess the holographic halo or sigil. They are deployed to tackle secondary objectives

Teo's Lab The laboratory is located underground, with connections to major cities through tunnels and water systems. Food and shelter are provided to recruits. There is a section of the facility dedicated to experiments that improve commanders

Portals The planet jams any attempt to leave through teleportation. Foreign entities going through portals are exempt, but they cannot take anything back with them. Some attributes of foreign entities may become altered, causing them to lose or gain abilities

Food Almost everything on the planet is edible, at least to a monster. Nobody on the planet generates biowaste as all mass is recycled eventually as inorganic matter

[usafphantom2]

Northrop Grumman releases new photo of B-21 Raider, after receiving prestigious award from Aviation Week magazine

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/21/2024 - 22:28in Military

Northrop Grumman Corporation received the Aviation Week Grand Laureate Award in the defense category for its role as the main contractor in the delivery of the B-21 Raider to the United States Air Force. Aviation Week announced the Grand Laureate winners at its 66ª annual Laureate award in Washington, D.C.

"On behalf of the entire B-21 Raider national team, Northrop Grumman is honored to receive this prestigious award," said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. "The Grand Laureate represents the pioneering spirit, innovative technology and pioneering approach to contract management that gave life to the world's first sixth-generation aircraft."

In the fall of 2023, the U.S. Air Force confirmed that the first B-21 test vehicle had entered a flight test, followed by a low-rate initial production premium. The aircraft is currently undergoing a robust flight test campaign run by the B-21 Combined Test Force at Edwards Air Base in California. The program continues to meet all technical, schedule and accessibility requirements of the Department of Defense on its way to operational capacity.

Developed with the next generation of stealth technology, advanced network capabilities and open systems architecture, the B-21 Raider will serve as the backbone of the U.S. bomber fleet. Capable of carrying conventional and nuclear loads, the B-21 will be one of the most effective aircraft in the sky, with the ability to use a wide combination of isolated and direct attack ammunition.

“This bomber will be able to defend our country with new weapons that have not yet been invented,” said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin when the B-21 was launched in the spring of 2023. "Even the most sophisticated anti-aircraft systems will have difficulty detecting the B-21." The Raider is also "multifunctional," says Austin. "He can do anything."

Details about the progress of the program were only made available in pieces from the beginning, because the myth of secrecy surrounds the project. Only a few scattered observers recorded the start of the first flight on November 10, 2023, which took the Raider prototype from its place of origin in Palmdale to Edwards Air Base for posterity. Since that day, things have been calm in relation to the B-21. The manufacturer and the U.S. Air Force remained silent about the status of the flight tests. All that is confirmed is that they are happening and that they are obviously on schedule.

Tags: Military AviationB-21 RaiderNorthrop GrummanUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[wealmostaneckbeard]

Lancer: Hostile Forces

Here are 3 unrelated factions (each consisting of 3 units) for the mecha/pliot table-top role playing game Lancer:

1. Voidborn Oppressors

They used to be humble spaceship salvagers during the war between worlds. Once the war was over, they found themselves to have more military assets than the surviving planet-bound nations. And so they've leveraged their power to regulate all trade and politics across the entire solar system. Anyone who shows defiance to their authority will be crushed with disproportionate force.

Demolisher + Pirate = Wreck Mistress

During the war, arguments over salvage rights were typically resolved in favor of whoever had a Wreck Mistress. It is an intimidating machine traditionally piloted by a cold woman. It incorporates the most terrifying weapons-tech from the war: Slaver Signal, Demolition Hammer, Coreworm Rockets, Seismic Destroyer. These mechs are passed down from mother to favored daughter. Wreck Mistresses were used during the subjugation of planetary nations to butcher both mechs and their pilots in grisly spectacle.

Scourer + Commander = Las-Boss

Using a mecha-scaled laser cutter to disassemble military cruisers requires a steady hand and a keen mind. One miscalculation or twitch of the controls could result in a small nuke going off. During the war there was always demand for a "lascut specialist" for the previously stated reasons. Those who survived long enough in the profession would earn legions of followers and the best berths in any station. These wartime scrap-stars are now looking for opportunities to prove they are still just as hot as their instruments, prior to cooling. They may be accompanied by a Squad or a couple of Assault Grunts serving as groupie-bodyguards. A Las-boss must have the Melt optional system and the Military Discipline trait.

Assassin + Spacer = Boarder

The Boarder MK.I was a standardized powered exoskeleton designed for high mobility and dirty close quarters combat. It's pilots would typically use Thumper Grenades to disable targets, Leap to close the gap, and a Heated Blade to finish them off. The Mk. II was designed for combat on planet surfaces and operating alongside Wreck Mistresses. This new version of the Boarder was equipped with a Gravity Rifle (much needed ranged firepower) and Kai Bioplating (maintaining it's mobility within a gravity well). The MK. III addresses the fact that Boarders were being destroyed by being out-ranged or out-gunned, and so it features a two-fold solution. The Assassin's Mark would give the Boarder some protection from a single attacker. And a Cloud Projector would give it the ability to dodge fire from multiple attackers. During protests against the Voidborn, effigies of Boarders are set on fire and paraded around.

2. Radiovore Colony

These organisms are like a cross between bombardier beetles and nudibranchs, scaled to megafauna sizes. Radiovores naturally produce hyper-reactive chemical substances that they use for a variety of purposes. They are able to do this because they feed on rare metals and radioactive materials which gives them the necessary mutations. Their diet puts them at odds with human mining colonies pursuing the same resources. Both the Nester and the Suitor have the Regenerator and Living Chassis traits from the Exotic template.

Monstrosity = Progeny

Casually classified as being old enough to leave their nest but not mutated yet. They have claws, a corrosive bite, and acid spittle attacks. Progeny use hit and run tactics on prey, while threats are safely melted from a distance. There doesn't seem to be a limit to how old a Progeny can get, ancient ones gain the Regenerator trait.

Pyro + Exotic = Nester

When a Progeny finds high quantities of mutation-inducing materials in a defensible nest, it will become a bloated Nester. It's acid spitting gland becomes a shorter range flamethrower. They use an ability similar to the FIREBREAK Shield to protect their eggs and Progeny. After mating with a Suitor, the nester will start to lay eggs. Radiovore nests filled with eggs generate so much heat they are practically kilns. Nesters have to have burn immunity and the ability to disperse heat in order to survive. As they get near the end of their lives, an old Nester will form a hardened shell (siege armor) over their body.

Seeder + Exotic = Suitor

Progeny that have left their nests, have found low quantities of radioactive material but little shelter, turn into Suitors. These Radiovores spend their time building biomechanical bombs with different kinds of yields and payloads for multiple purposes. At first their explosives are used for the creation of nests and exploratory mining operations. Once a Progeny has taken over a nest and become a Nester, the Suitor's bombs are then used in a courting ritual. The Nester will only mate with a Suitor who presents bombs that are highest-yield/least-stable. To minimize damage, Nesters will instinctively drive suitors far away from the nest. The Suitor has to make and transport their explosives from these remote locations. They may test out delivery routes to a nest with Stun, Sealant, or Shock Mines first before upgrading to the Explosive type. Wait long enough and an exterminator can follow a Suitor back to their nest, but actually tracking it (even in low flying aircraft) can be incredibly risky.

3. First Strike Team

Long range nuclear missiles, "Super-Hacker" NHPs, TBK bioweapon suites. All these human-made horrors need time to arm, aim, and launch. First Strike Teams can neutralize these threats to national security within that prep phase, if deployed accurately and correctly. Because of that big if, FSTs are maintained and commanded by covert intelligence bureaus, to ensure an uninterrupted flow of reliable target data. These teams are subject to less scrutiny than the superweapons they hunt and are only beholden to a bureau's director. Because of this, FSTs are viewed with suspicion by everyone who knows about them. When deployed to a target location, an FST is a frantic collective because they know they've only got minutes to save their world.

Mirage + Ship = Blink-Boat

The purpose of this ship is to get a Ground Team as close as possible to their targets. Blink-boats can teleport from their launch pad to anywhere within a half-lightyear but after that they can only make shorter jumps. That's when their secondary stealth functions are used, to protect itself and passengers from any immediate attacks by defensive. Given how delicate and experimental they are, Blink-boats do not carry any conventional weapons that can backfire on itself. There has been some speculation about what might happen if a blink-boat's launch-pad jump was sabotaged.

Squad = Ground Team

GTs will not leave their blink-boat until they are exactly where they should be. Once deployed, they will overwhelm hostile security with superior numbers and firepower. They are given all kinds of equipment and training depending on which target they are supposed to disable. The gear can range from breaching charges and system hacking tools to 3D maneuvering gear and heavy body armor.

Ace + RPV = Escorters

Durability, mobility, and firepower, these are the three virtues of the Escorter remote piloted vehicle. They deploy and spread out from the underbelly of the Blink-Boat after it has arrived in a target location. These robots will take the hits (which they will occasionally dodge thanks to Barrel Roll) that the rest of the FST cannot. This miraculous semi-autonomous weapon design comes at a horrible cost: Escorters are absurdly vulnerable to electronic warfare. However if one of them was hacked so thoroughly that it fired on the rest of the FST, the blink-boat's e-warfare suite would be able to keep the rest of the team safe.

[jc2002-studios]

General Vinnie's Character Redesign

I reimagined that Vinnie, the main villain of Aces of Asher (AA), that he is a “fantasy-oriented” soldier general rather than just a principal because I came up with the idea of the fact that the boarding school he owns is in a military-style and there are thoughts of him as more of a powerful figure.

Therefore, I redesigned Vinnie as a cyborg general to make him more powerful and menacing, associated with the fact he is the one that transforms Asher, one of the title’s main protagonists, into a cyborg (This can be assumed that he did this to Asher as some punishments for "disobeying" the rules).

General Vinnie is now 40 years old since 27 is kinda too young for him, and he has a tiny mustache so that he looks more like an adult general of that particular military school, and the fact that he is Lucas’ evil uncle in this character redesign.

The majority of his body is made of mechanical parts. He has a tank implanted on his chest filled with a special chemical substance that transfers to his entire body and gives him power. He can also use this substance to refill his gun so that it can shoot lasers at targets.

Seeing the look of the evil general, Asher is absolutely terrified

These are the concept art sketches and lineart of the redesign of General Vinnie.

It is shown that even though hidden in the high collars of his dark collar, he does wear earrings, which are similar to the one Asher is wearing, making it seem like Asher is his property, except that Vinnie's earrings are more detailed in design.

If you like my artwork, feel free to Favorite it and Watch me on DeviantArt:

The Artwork on DeviantArt

My DeviantArt Profile

[karriethemechtech]

Awesome AWS-9Q (DeLacey)

Mass: 80 tons Chassis: Technicron Type G Power Plant: Pitban 240 Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph Maximum Speed: 54 kph Jump Jets: None      Jump Capacity: 0 meters Armor: Durallex Heavy Special Armament:      3 ER PPC (C)      1 HAG/20 Manufacturer: Lüneburg Vehicle Corporation,Irian BattleMechs Unlimited,Technicron Manufacturing      Primary Factory: Braunschweig,Irian,Savannah Communication System: Garrett T19-G Targeting & Tracking System: Dynatec 2780 Introduction Year: 3150 Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-E Cost: 8,083,800 C-bills

Overview The Awesome was designed in 2665 for the Star League by the Technicron Conglomorate and was based on the aging STR-2C Striker. While not as fast as its forefather, the Awesome is a strong assault 'Mech.

Capabilities The Awesome's abilities are nearly entirely dependent on its particle projection cannons. The AWS can withstand a severe and consistent onslaught from its weaponry thanks to several heat sinks. With one and a half tons more armor than the Striker, the AWS is more protected than even the BattleMaster. The Amazing, like any other BattleMech, has weaknesses. While it is lethal at range, it is less effective in close-quarters combat since its PPCs have a tougher time connecting with the victim. In that case, it just possesses a light weapon and a left fist to fall back on. Because of its limited mobility, it is vulnerable to flanking attacks from speedier opponents seeking to get past the PPCs. While they face arguably of the heaviest rear armor found on any BattleMech, the Awesome's lack of rear facing armaments or a weapon mount on its left arm has offered numerous MechWarriors a fighting chance. Formations of Awesomes (or even just a few) are incredibly effective and tough to stop or defeat when correctly placed by commanders who are knowledgeable of the AWS's limitations.

Deployment A basic upgrade to the original 8Q introduced in 3057, the heat sinks are upgraded to double heat sinks and are reduced to nineteen. The saved weight is used to add a fourth PPC to the 'Mech as well as a Guardian ECM Suite. Although there was some criticism for using basic PPCs and not upgrading to ER models, the 9Q proved itself during Operation Guerrero to be quite devastating. This clan salvage refit by Kerrie DeLacey swaps the left arm-mounted PPC for a Type 0 HAG/20 and two tons of ammunition, the other PPCs for Type DDS "Kingston" cERPPCs, and removes the small laser and ECM. To make room for the increased payload size, the heat sinks have been exchanged for their Clan equivalents.

History Awesomes can be found in every military House. Because the Free Worlds League has the last remaining manufacturing factories capable of generating the Awesome, it also has the most Awesomes of any of the Great Houses. Opinions on the 'Mech vary greatly within the League. Many people laud its powers, while others believe that its limited mobility is too high a price to pay for what it can do. Similar sentiments exist in the other Houses, but none of them can debate the issue beyond academics. Few commanders would turn down the opportunity to acquire an Awesome for their army. The Awesome is typically used to assault a fixed position or to breach the enemy's line of defense. They are also in demand for defensive operations. MechWarriors piloting the Awesome can expect to be involved in heavy battle and to be charged with obtaining or guarding the most crucial objectives from the adversary.

Notable MechWarriors Karrie DeLacey: A former MechTech of the Magistracy Armed Forces, Karrie fell into the mercenary life once she found that the skills she learned on the battlefield weren't as applicable in the civilian sector. After a disastrous first and only deployment with the now-extinct Dark Wolves Mercenary Company, she founded a mercenary company of her own: DeLacey's Last Resort. Extremely proud and boastful, Karrie drew up the plans for her custom Awesome as part of an argument on the proper battlefield role such a mech should have. The design trades pure firepower and heat management for greater single-point impact and a greater ability to brawl, "like something that big ought to be able to." While unconventional, it has served her well on the battlefields of the Last Resort's ugliest deployments. Still a proud Canopian citizen, Karrie pays each year to receive dossiers on elections back home, sending her ballot via the HPG network. While exceptions for the mandatory elections are made for citizens traveling abroad, she claims it "just wouldn't sit right not to."

Type: Awesome Technology Base: Mixed (Standard) Tonnage: 80 Battle Value: 2,517 Equipment Mass Internal Structure 8 Engine 240 Fusion 11.5      Walking MP: 3      Running MP: 5      Jumping MP: 0 Double Heat Sink: 19 [38] 9 Gyro: 3 Cockpit: 3 Weapons and Ammo Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle/20 Ammo (12) CT 2 2 ER PPC RT 2 6 3 Double Heat Sink RT 6 3 HAG/20 LA 6 10 Double Heat Sink LA 2 1 ER PPC LT 2 6 4 Double Heat Sink LT 8 4 ER PPC RA 2 6 2 Double Heat Sink RA 4 2

Features the following design quirks: Battle Fists (LA)

[homebrew-rifts]

Coalition IAR-2 Abolisher Robot

Originally released on p. 35 of Rifts Sourcebook 1

The Abolisher, Infantry Assault Robot (IAR-2), is another giant vehicle that is part of the Coalition States' military forces. Unlike the UAR-1 Enforcer, which is designed specifically to combat ground troops in an urban/city environment, the Abolisher is a frontline infantry unit with long-range capabilities and heavy firepower for obliterating enemy troops. The focus of its armaments is anti-robot and anti-tank, hence the six heavy cannons bristling around what appears to be the head. The rim of cannons has given the 30 foot (9 m) robot the nickname 'Thorn Head."

The heavily armored bot is a massive, humanoid shaped, all terrain assault vehicle designed to withstand heavy bombardment. However, in keeping with the frightening Death's Head motif, the Abolisher is designed to look like a massive skull with arms and legs. The two eyes are infra-red and conventional light searchlights for night assaults. The upper skull body can rotate 360 degrees and is operated by a five-man crew. Two soldiers are gunners operating three cannons each, the pilot and the copilot/communications engineer (either the pilot or copilot can fire the small, forward facing, dual laser turret) and the top hatch gunner, usually a SAMAS.

The big guns are devastating weapons that can blast an enemy from all sides simultaneously. The robot's arms and hands are powerful and lethal in hand to hand confrontations (can rotate 180 degrees at the shoulders). On top of the behemoth is a Gunner's Hatch which allows a SAMAS or soldier to perch himself on the head and fire at the enemy from the top of the robot. An inner hatch locks automatically, preventing the enemy from easy access should the top gunner be killed; the inner hatch can only be opened by one of the pilots.

The only real disadvantage to the 30 foot (9 m) giant is that its incredible weight and large size reduce its speed and maneuvering capabilities. Although great in the field as an outer perimeter defense or as an infantry assault unit (tank with arms and legs), its speed and size make it an easy target (hence the heavy armor). Unless one wishes to destroy a city, the bot is not well suited for city conflicts. Its weapons are too powerful for use in the city, able to demolish an S.D.C. skyscraper in mere moments, and its size and bulk makes maneuvering through narrow streets difficult. Still, it is excellent for city defense, being able to be placed wherever needed, and ideal for infantry combat.

IAR-2 Abolisher: Size 9 (Huge), Crew 5+2, Strength d12+10, Toughness 60 (36), Pace 14+d10 (70 MPH)

Notes: MDC Armor, Shoulder STS-Cluster -4 to hit and 24 Hardness.

Weapons:

6 x C-144 Auto-Cannons (Spaced 360 degrees around the crown of the bot; Range 100/200/400, 5d12+5 Mega Damage, AP 12, RoF 1)

Anti-Personnel Lasers (belly gun)

Black Market Cost: 80 Million credits, Rarity -4

[techtuv]

Radio Frequency (RF) Jamming: Disrupts the communication between the drone and its operator by interfering with the control signals, causing the drone to either land automatically or return to its starting point.

GPS Jamming: Interferes with the drone's navigation system by disrupting GPS signals, leading to disorientation or uncontrolled movement.

Anti-Drone Rifles: Portable devices designed to disrupt drone control signals. The operator can target and neutralize the drone.

Net-Based Capture Systems: These systems capture drones by launching nets, allowing for safe retrieval and grounding without damaging the drone.

Visual and Thermal Detection Systems: These systems use optical and thermal cameras to detect drones. Once detected, the drone can be neutralized using one of the aforementioned methods.

Eagles and Trained Animals: In some cases, trained animals like eagles are used to intercept and bring down drones mid-flight.

Laser Weapons: High-energy lasers are used to disable the drone's electronics or structure, a method primarily used in military settings.

These methods vary depending on the type of drone, flight area, and local regulations.

[mariacallous]

Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution Wednesday that would have reaffirmed a nearly 50-year-old ban on placing weapons of mass destruction into orbit, two months after reports Russia has plans to do just that.

Russia's vote against the resolution was no surprise. As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, Russia has veto power over any resolution that comes before the body. China abstained from the vote, and 13 other members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution.

If it passed, the resolution would have affirmed a binding obligation in Article IV of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which says nations are "not to place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction."

Going Nuclear

Russia is one of 115 parties to the Outer Space Treaty. The Security Council vote Wednesday follows reports in February that Russia is developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon.

"The United States assesses that Russia is developing a new satellite carrying a nuclear device," said Jake Sullivan, President Biden's national security advisor. "We have heard President Putin say publicly that Russia has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space. If that were the case, Russia would not have vetoed this resolution."

The United States and Japan proposed the joint resolution, which also called on nations not to develop nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction designed to be placed into orbit around the Earth. In a statement, US and Japanese diplomats highlighted the danger of a nuclear detonation in space. Such an event would have "grave implications for sustainable development, and other aspects of international peace and security," US officials said in a press release.

With its abstention from the vote, "China has shown that it would rather defend Russia as its junior partner, than safeguard the global nonproliferation regime," said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN.

US government officials have not offered details about the exact nature of the anti-satellite weapon they say Russia is developing. A nuclear explosion in orbit would destroy numerous satellites—from many countries—and endanger astronauts. Space debris created from a nuclear detonation could clutter orbital traffic lanes needed for future spacecraft.

The Soviet Union launched more than 30 military satellites powered by nuclear reactors. Russia's military space program languished in the first couple of decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, and US intelligence officials say it still lags behind the capabilities possessed by the US Space Force and the Chinese military.

Russia's military funding has largely gone toward the war in Ukraine for the last two years, but Putin and other top Russian officials have raised threats of nuclear force and attacks on space assets against adversaries. Russia's military launched a cyberattack against a commercial satellite communications network when it invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Russia has long had an appetite for anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. The Soviet Union experimented with "co-orbital" ASATs in the 1960s and 1970s. When deployed, these co-orbital ASATs would have attacked enemy satellites by approaching them and detonating explosives or using a grappling arm to move the target out of orbit.

In 1987, the Soviet Union launched an experimental weapons platform into orbit to test laser technologies that could be used against enemy satellites. Russia shot down one of its own satellites in 2021 in a widely condemned "direct ascent" ASAT test. This Russian direct ascent ASAT test followed demonstrations of similar capability by China, the United States, and India. Russia's military has also demonstrated satellites over the last decade that could grapple onto an adversary's spacecraft in orbit, or fire a projectile to take out an enemy satellite.

These ASAT capabilities could destroy or disable one enemy satellite at a time. The US Space Force is getting around this threat by launching large constellations of small satellites to augment the military's much larger legacy communications, surveillance, and missile warning spacecraft. A nuclear ASAT weapon could threaten an entire constellation or render some of space inaccessible due to space debris.

Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, called this week's UN resolution "an unscrupulous play of the United States" and a "cynical forgery and deception." Russia and China proposed an amendment to the resolution that would have banned all weapons in space. This amendment got the support of about half of the Security Council but did not pass.

Outside the 15-member Security Council, the original resolution proposed by the United States and Japan won the support of more than 60 nations as co-sponsors.

"Regrettably, one permanent member decided to silence the critical message we wanted to send to the present and future people of the world: Outer space must remain a domain of peace, free of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons," said Kazuyuki Yamazaki, Japan's ambassador to the UN.

[yay855]

I need you people to try this game- it's an open-source survival sci-fi traditional roguelike called Cataclysm Bright Nights. It's a fork based off of Cataclysm Dark Days Ahead, but designed to be more focused on fun than punishing realism- though it's still plenty realistic, at least given what kind of game it is.

For those who don't know, Cataclysm is an old game, from 2010, that has been developed over time and has since forked off into two competing versions. You play as the survivor of the Cataclysm, and now have to figure out how to keep surviving in the face of an ever-evolving threat.

Grab the game from the release section of the github; the game's full description (and my gushing) is below the cut.

You may be asking, "that description is kind of vague, what exactly was this apocalypse?", well the answer is all of them. Every single human is infected with a parasitic interdimensional organism known as The Blob, which mutates its host in response to certain things. Every living human, and many animals, that dies will come back as a zombie, and the longer the Cataclysm goes on, the more the zombies and wildlife will mutate further. There are also crazed humans who fight alongside the undead, bandits, alien invaders known as Mi-Go, demons rising from the netherrealms, hostile military robots and cyborgs and turrets dot the landscape, and there's even a fungal hive mind trying to infect all other life out of a twisted benevolence.

The game also has one of the most indepth crafting systems I've ever seen. Instead of simply being able to build with a workbench or your bare hands, most crafting recipes require the proper tools- and if you don't have them, you can make some. Pick some flowers to turn their stems into cordage, grab some rocks, and make a stone hammer and knife; build a basic screwdriver out of scrap metal and wood, and a makeshift crowbar out of a pipe you flattened on one end. Carve a wooden or bone needle and learn to sew a gambeson. Disassemble a lawnmower and tie the blade to a long stick to make a makeshift polearm. Construct a full forging setup and make yourself a sword and metal armor. Add an electric motor and a motorcycle battery to a bicycle to make it run that much faster. Take the turret mount off of a firetruck, weld it to the hood of the car you stole, and install a handmade laser rifle you built from disassembled electronics and camera lenses to run off of the car's battery, allowing you to gun down the undead hordes in relative safety. Disassemble .308 ammo to hand-load the spent 5.56 shells you used gunning down enemies. Delve into ruined laboratories whose experiments have run amok to find high-tech weapons and learn to craft your own targeted mutagens.

You can also learn martial arts, strengthening your abilities with melee weapons. Everyone learns basic brawling once they know how to hit something, but brawling takes higher skill to gain the basic techniques; proper fighting styles have to be carefully found, but are worth it. Use Eskrima and an extendable baton or a dagger to smack and dice your enemies apart, use fencing to effortlessly parry enemy attacks with a rapier, use ninjutsu to silently take down foes, learn drunken boxing to sway and counterattack every single enemy blow, or even learn biojutsu to slice your enemies apart with implanted metal claws or blades.

The game is also unique in that it lets you use mutations and cybernetics hand in hand. You mutating a pair of venomous fangs doesn't stop you from installing smoke and poison resistant cybernetic lungs, you mutating hooves doesn't stop you from installing high-tech alloy plating onto your legs. And you can loot cybernetics from hospitals and augmentation clinics and labs, but you can also dissect zombies for them, using your first aid skill to carefully extract bionics from the undead- you can even build a handheld device to identify bionics in corpses. Generally, mutations are less reliable but cost hunger at most, while cybernetics are more reliable but harder to power and gain.

All in all, it's one of the best roguelikes I've ever played. There's so much to it, there's daily updates, grab the Catapult launcher to try all four forks, just try it out! There's a discord server linked in the github!