#twin 40mm automatic cannons

[historyofguns]

The article "M42 Duster — From Fighting Jets to Battling Guerrillas" by Friedrich Seiltgen examines the history and application of the M42 "Duster" anti-aircraft gun within the U.S. military. Initially built between 1952 and 1960 for the U.S. Army and featuring a Continental six-cylinder gas engine, the M42 saw usage from the Korean War to the 1980s, proving effective in the Vietnam War against ground forces. While designed as an air defense system, its 40mm Bofors guns, capable of 240 rounds per minute, found new roles in convoy escort and perimeter defense roles during the Vietnam conflict, earning it the nickname "Fire Dragons" by the Viet Cong. The article notes mechanical issues with the M42, especially in Vietnam's challenging terrain, but highlights its overall combat effectiveness until its phased retirement in 1988.

[thebravohubelite]

Free for All - Files From The Front #1A

-Space Marine Sniper/s-

While ordinary Space Marines have their straight-forward tactics of attacking, defending, and rapidly mobilizing at vital objectives the enemy may hold, these Space Marines are different from their common brethren. They are skilled in fieldcraft, marksmanship, intelligence gathering, and the ability to bring about chaos and confusion among those unlucky enough to encounter them, especially the enemies of Mars. In a structural combat organization, they are placed in SMS platoons, consisting of 8-10 two-man teams of sniper, and intelligence qualified Space Marines, sometimes extended to three.

Contrary to popular belief, Space Marine Snipers who will qualify must complete the necessary UNGAC-SMC Occupational Specialty in a sniper training school back on Earth, or “on the Moon”. Such schools are placed in undisclosed location/s.

The first trial of such snipers, began during the September 2004 Battle of Tarau in the Argyre Quadrangle (MC-26). They were tasked in covering the retreat of the Tarau Blader Regiment, alongside their Martian counterparts, while they were flying on board UH-1 Nite Owl helicopters.

-F/A-1 Fighter-

The newly formed Aerospace Force, and Space Navy of the UNGAC, decided to tackle a “starfighter program”. The objective was to procure a multi-role aircraft that not only would achieve planetary aerospace combat, but to also be capable of flying in the cold vacuum of the space itself. A mid wing aircraft that would be designed as both an attack aircraft, and a fighter. A twin engine aircraft that would exceed expectations, and break the boundaries of limited human spacecraft. An aircraft equipped with the best technology, which would live up to its moniker, the “Spectre”.

The fighter’s basic armament include; two wing mounted DC 20mm automatic cannon fighter armament, two nose mounted E66 20mm rotary cannons, 2-4 air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground and cruise missiles, and several varieties of aircraft bombs ranging from cluster to laser-guided. Also included are the flares and electronic countermeasures pod, targeting pod, and radar.

The fighter saw its first flight in December 2004, when it assisted ground forces on Mars with anti-air, anti-tank, anti-ship, and anti-infantry operations. These fighters were usually deployed within two squadrons in order compensate for the understrength forces at the time. It has been called, from time to time, the “X-Wing” or the “P-51” of the Martian aerospace.

-The “Jace Malcom”-

In June 2006, the UNGAC secured most of their side of the Arcadia Quadrangle. From there, they assisted three divisions from the Federation, and gained numerous footholds in the form of Fire Support Bases, Forward Operating Bases, and the Main Operating Base somewhere near the Lowbury crater.

Forward Operating Base “Jace Malcom” was first set up by TF Johnson, assisted by elements of the 31st Armored Regiment. This base was to be left entirely to the service of the 1st Infantry Division. It was named after a character from the Star Wars Extended Universe, as part of Operation Game. Over time, and from 1,400 troops, the base grew to no more than 2,800. It eventually centred both infantry, armored, aviation, and two company-sized special force units.

-Infantry Weapons and Armor, Part 1-

“Adapt. Survive. Repeat,” has become the creed that keeps the common soldier of the UNGAC focused, and determined in every fight he’s sent in. But no soldier here on Mars is complete without his combat gear, and his tools of war. Since the UNGAC have a large variety of weapons in their arsenal, we will start with their current weapons and equipment.

For the regular rifleman, he would be armed with the M46A2 assault rifle. Loaded with 30 rounds, and firing a 5.56x45mm calibre in fully automatic, semi-automatic, and burst fire. It is capably designed of firing in medium to long ranges. The commanding officer will usually carry an M44/A1 rifle carbine, a rifle intended for close quarters combat, but with similar capabilities as the M46A2. The original M46, when first deployed, had a rather critical reception about it. Favorable for its general compatibility in the field, and unfavorable for a number of technical issues suffered without proper maintenance. The XP-AR6, developed by the Xander Power Armaments, provides a clear competition for the M46, and the rest of the assault rifle lines that are still in development. This also includes the Venutian developed Eta-2 semi-automatic blaster rifle, and its variants. For the rest of the weapons, we find a range of machine guns, and grenade launchers. The automatic rifleman, or the machine gunner will find himself armed with the general-purpose M70 machine gun, or the M72 Squad Automatic Weapon. The grenadiers are armed with an AR03 40mm grenade launcher. And secondary weapons include the venerable M01 .45, and the new M09 9x19mm pistol.

As for the armor, most assign themselves to the current line of the AEGIS M2 Infantry Battle Armor. Designed to keep anyone alive when travelling in planetary ground, or when embarking in deep space. Like most modern spacesuits; it offers protection from radiation, provides oxygen to breathe in, and a gives flexibility to maneuver around when going on missions. Many variants include capabilities for Space Marines, vehicle and ship crews, and special force operators. Any alien personnel may have the option to wear the suit armor, but may choose not to wear, or include the helmet.

-TO BE CONTINUED IN #1B.-

[jwslw]

d20 stats for the GI Joe Dragonfly

Haven’t done this in a while

Dragonfly XH-1

The Dragonfly XH-1 assault copter first entered service in 1983, and the first flown by G.I. Joe Wild Bill. Armed with four Sidewinder air-to-ground missiles, two Sidewinder H.E. missiles, and a dual M-34 grenade launcher/20mm Vulcan nose cannon, it became a trademark for the G.I. Joe Team. The design is based upon the Bell AH-1 Cobra.

If there is one helicopter in the G.I. Joe arsenal that proves a classic will always work, it has to be the Dragonfly. With a body and design based on the United States Marine Corps' AH-1T SeaCobra but with customizations special to the Joe Team, the Dragonfly is tough enough to fly through almost any weather condition and operate in brightest day and even in darkest of nights.

The Dragonfly seats two persons and has a maximum load capacity of 9,000 lbs. Twin turbo shaft engines allow it to reach speeds of 220mph and go as far as 510 miles. Primary offensive capabilities involve a multitude of missiles including Sidewinders, 25mm Vulcan chain gun that fires 1200 rounds of ammo, and a laser-guided 160mm cannon pod. All that are supplemented by a pair of X-551 mini-cannons and a M-34 grenade launcher both located at the turret section. The Dragonfly is provided with a high-resolution radar system and a classified electronics system.

Length: 53 ft (16.2 m) (with both rotors turning)

Rotor diameter: 44 ft (13.4 m)

Height: 13 ft 6 in (4.12 m)

Vehicle

Crew: 1 Pass: 1 Cargo: 500 lb Init: -2 Maneuver: +1 Top Speed: 387 (39). Defense: 6 Hard: 12 HP: 41 Size: G PDC: 52 Res: Mil (+3) Face: 11/6 Armament: Forward Firing 25mm Cannon, Forward Firing 7.62mm Mini-Gun, Turreted 7.62mm Mini Gun, Turreted Grenade launcher, 4x AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, 2x AGM-114K Hellfire Missiles. Bonuses: +2 Atk Guns and grenade launcher. Equipment:

-7.62mm Minigun: Damage: 4d10 Damage Type: Ball. Critical: 20. Range Increment:100ft. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: 2,000 (Linked). Size: H. Weight: 50lb. Purchase DC: 24 Restriction: Mil+3. Special: Auto Fire 100 rounds (20x20 Ref 20 for half), Burst 50 rounds (-4 Attack, +4d10)

-25mm Chain gun : Damage: 4d12 Damage Type: Ball. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 240ft. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: 1,200 (Linked). Size: H. Weight: 150lb. Purchase DC: 23 Restriction: Mil+3.

-40mm Automatic grenade launcher: Damage: 4d6 Damage Type: Slash. Critical: N/A. Range Increment: 120 ft. Rate of Fire: A. Magazine: 400 (Linked). Size: H. Weight: 40lb. Purchase DC: 19 Restriction: Mil+3. Special: Auto Fire (40x20 Ref 40 for half), Burst (-4 Attack, +4d6, Burst 20ft, Ref17 for half)

-AIM-9 Sidewinder: Damage: 8d10 Damage Type: Slash. Critical: 20. Range Increment:  12,800ft. Rate of Fire: 1. Magazine: 1 (Int). Size: H. Weight: 210lb. Purchase DC: 24 Restriction: Mil+3. Special: ��IR Target lock (Move action, +4 Atk against Aircraft, Flares negate)  

-AGM-114 Hellfire: Damage: 10d12 Damage Type: Ballistic. Critical: 20. Range Increment: 2,400ft. Rate of Fire: 1. Magazine: 1(Int). Size: H. Weight: 100lb. Purchase DC: 23 Restriction:  Mil+3. Special: Burts Radius 10ft (ref 15 for half), Ignores upto 10 hardness against target struck, +4 Attack against targets with a laser lock.

-Radar: Range 10miles, +4 to electronics based Spot checks

-Laser Designator: Range 5,000ft, +4 Atk with AGM-114 Hellfire (Move action to aquire)

-Long Range Radio: Range 100miles.

-FLIR: Dark vision 8miles

-ECM: +4 Defense vs Guided missiles

Flares: Negate Attack bonus from heat seeking missile locks,  moveaction to deploy flares.