STATS
Round: 9x24mm CFC Caseless
Rate of fire: 800 rounds/min
Barrel length: 330 mm
Overall length: 795mm (stock extended)/ 680mm (stock collapsed)
Weight (gun empty): 2.17 kg
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Effective range: 200 m
Fire modes: Safe/Semi/Full Auto
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History
With the Lamonian shift to caseless assault rifles, it was considered to be an unneeded expense to maintain both cased, and caseless weapons. Thus, work began on the weapon that would eventually become the LA-16 Lacero. Lacero is a Latin word, with a meaning of, "to tear to pieces, mangle."
This would be not only the first caseless weapon design performed by LAIX ARMS, but also the first Submachine Gun project. Assistance was sought from Crookfur Arms, resulting in a joint project with LAIX.
Cartridge
The Lacero has been designed from the outset to use the Crookfur Arms 9x24mm CFC caseless ammunition.
In its standard load the 9x24mm round fires a 7.5gram (115 grain) bullet. The round is designed to offer the best compromise between armour penetration and terminal effect. This standard loading is fired at a velocity of approximately 462 m/s for muzzle energy in the 800 joule region.
Action
Taking notes from the Benelli CB M2 SMG, the Lacero's action uses a blowback action with an open bolt.
In order to ensure sufficient obturation the LA-16 has an extended chamber into which the bolt is allowed travel. This entry of the bolt into the chamber provides most of the obturation required and is supplemented by three polymer gaskets that encircle bolt head. As the the gas pressure generated by the igniting propellant reaches its peak these gaskets expand outwards providing a gas tight seal between the bolt head and chamber wall and slowing the bolt’s rearward travel. As soon as the pressure level drops below its peak the gaskets contract allowing the bolt to move at full speed. Naturally these gaskets do suffer a degree of wear over time and must be replaced during scheduled armourer level maintenance.
Despite being a caseless firearm the LA-16 still requires an extraction method to clear gun either after a misfire or to make the weapon safe. To achieve this the bolt face has an extractor hook that engages an inward facing rim on the base of the cartridge. When the bolt is withdrawn the hook pulls the round out and expels it through a port located on the right hand side of weapon(if required a left hand side ejecting variant is available.
Ammunition ignition is by a firing pin that travels through the bolt head to ignite the percussion primer/booster charge on the base of the round. The firing pin mechanism is design to ensure that it cna only strike the primer once the bolt is fully in battery.
The Lacero uses an Uzi style arrangement with the action located just behind the trigger and the magazine being inserted through the pistol grip. This reduces the weight, and slightly improves the manoeuvrability of the weapon.
Feed, Firing, & Safety
The feed only allows for straight box magazines, all double-stacked and available in solid, opaque aluminium 7017 manufacture. The magazines for the Lacero are only available in thirty round capacity. Like on the Ekraysian Sh04 SMG used previously by the Lamonian armed forces, magazine change is done in the following manner: (1) Magazine catch is pressed and magazine drops out. (2) Fresh magazine is inserted. (3) Charging handle is operated. This sequence must be performed in the said manner, there are no variations.
The Lacero is equipped with a 3-position fire mode selector that serves as the manual safety toggle. The “S” position in white denotes weapon safe, “E” in red represents single fire, and “F” (also marked in red) designates continuous fire.
The SEF symbols appear on both sides of the plastic trigger group. The selector lever is actuated with the thumb of the shooting hand and is located on both sides of the trigger group. The safety/selector is rotated into the various firing settings or safety position by depressing the tail end of the lever. Tactile clicks (stops) are present at each position to provide a positive stop and prevent inadvertent rotation. The "safe" setting disables the trigger by blocking the firing mechanism with a solid section of the safety axle located inside the trigger housing. This system is very similar to that used on the MP5, allowing rapid cross-over to the Lacero.
As an option the trigger group module can be replaced by most qualified users with one of a number of alternative modules. These alternative modules include semi or fully automatic only options and for those users who are familiar with Lyran small arms a dual pressure trigger and push through safety module.
Accessories and features
The Lacero has two Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 rails mounted on the upper frame, and under the chin of the weapon. The rails can fit various sights, lights, and other equipment.
As standard the LA-16 is fitted with a telescoping stock with just over 4” of adjustment from the fully closed to the fully open position.
Construction & Barrel
High strength polymers are used to construct the weapon where prudent, with the rest of the weapon being constructed from aluminium. The chrome lined steel barrel is hammer forged and rifling for the barrel is set at 1 in 250mm. The muzzle end of the barrel has standard 20mm threading for the attachment of suppressors and other muzzle devices and a compensator is fitted as standard.
Sighting
The standard iron sights consist of a rotating rear diopter drum and a front post installed in a hooded ring. Like on the MP5, this simple sighting system takes advantage of the natural ability of the eye and brain to easily align concentric circles. Other sighting systems can be attached to the Picatinny rails, if desired.
Export
The Lacero is open for export, but the complexity of the weapon, and it's caseless ammunition, demand that the Lacero be equipped by sophisticated and well trained fighting forces. Permission has been obtained from the respective owners for both usage of the ammunition, as well as any foreign design features. The export cost of the Lacero comes to NS$2,000, and comes with six clips of complimentary ammunition. DPRs are available, for the cost of NS$200m. Orders can be lodged through Lyran Arms.
