Main Military Weapon of your Country: Pattern VIII (Read OP)

[A Hooloovoo]

Mk III Turtle>>>>>>>Brodie

sorry guys

[Purpelia]

Why are modern helmets so ugly anyway? They look like someone took a helmet and put it in a plastic bag filled with rags and than sprayed paint on top.

Yeah, cause soldiers care if the thing protecting their head from shrapnel got good remarks on the runway or not.

What's your problem?

[Sevvania]

I found this the other day:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kbsp_wz._1938M
I've been searching for an action that would fit my service rifle's current design (since I have the gas tube under the barrel, but I have no operating rod). It says the KBSP wz. 1938M uses a tilt-lock mechanism. What is this, exactly, and what are its benefits and disadvantages?

in tilt locking, the bolt is in two parts; one drops into a slot in the lower, locking it in place, and the other is attached to the piston and lifts the bottom section out of the slot and back to cycle the action. It's what the FAL uses.

Tilting bolts require a heavy, milled receiver, and can develop headspaceing issues with prolonged use. They are, however, slightly easier to manufacture.

Rotating bolts are more accurate, generally, can use a stamped or lightweight receiver, and lock more securely. They are more complex, and harder to manufacture though.

So tilt-locking and tilting bolt are the same thing? Would I be able to have the gas tube below the barrel without an operating rod?

@The helmet discussion: Sevvania uses M1 steel pot.

[Aqizithiuda]

The Lyran primary military weapon is the following:

LY21 Advanced High Lethality Assault Rifle (AHLAR)
(Image)

Weight: 3.6 kg (unloaded), 4.4 kg (loaded)
Length: 710mm
Barrel length: 450mm
Cartridge: 6.3 x 40mm Lyran Caseless (6.3mm LCL)
Action: gas operated, electrically fired rotary breech
Rate of fire: 650rpm (cyclic)
Muzzle velocity: 880 m/s
Effective range: 500 m
Max range: 800 m
Feed system: 60 rd detachable box
Sights: Aperture rear, hooded post front. Picatinny rails allow alternates.

Abstract
The LY21 Advanced High Lethality Assault Rifle (AHLAR) [pronounced – ‘a-LAR’, as in ‘alarm’] is a short-stroke, balanced automatic, electrically-fired, light weight, robust, high capacity weapon chambered in 6.3x40mm Lyran Caseless (6.3 LCL), designed and built by the Protectorate of Lyras.

Background, development and conceptualisation
As more and more weapons, of varying quality, flooded the international markets, many in Lyras chose to take the dearth of poor quality or ambiguous weapons as indication that in-service Lyran weaponry was sufficient. Others took developments overseas as indicative of continued pressure, reasoning, not incorrectly, that developments and upgrades, especially amongst the major powers, were likely to continue, and that Lyran parity in small arms was insufficient, and overmatch, if practical, was preferable. In depth analysis of variant thought in firearms design, and prototype evaluation of a host of exotic and rare small arms was conducted, and a broad inter-Order panel was formulated to examine the practicality of many innovations.
Discussions of many possibilities went on for quite some time, and disputes were often heated. Over the course of the weapon’s development three scientists died in a pair of duels when tempers boiled over. In one of those two instances, when the challenge was issued it was discovered that both challengers were pilots, and had each nominated an aerial duel as their preferred resolution. The duel was conducted in cannon-armed LY909 Sparrowhawks over a 200x200km area, and was decided by a mid-air collision which claimed both lives. As a result of the setbacks incurred by the LY21 project as a result of these three fatalities, an Executive Inquiry was commenced into the impact of legislatively supervised duels within Lyras, and its findings have yet to be released.

Despite this, and other setbacks, progress on the weapon continued to enjoy broad Executive-Command-level support and by mid 2010 (several years into the program) the design was firming up.
While not revolutionary in any sense, the LY21 was certainly unusual, with its amalgamation of a number of modern and innovative small arms developments producing a distinctive weapon, which is intended to function as the mainstay of the Protectorate’s infantry arsenal for some time.

Construction
As is the case with small arms design anywhere, attempts to minimise carried weight and improve handiness and portability are in conflict with measures designed to optimise the weapon’s capacity to generate sustained, accurate and effective fire. Lessons learned from the LY46 ‘Hellhammer’ .50LCL handgun have, where applicable, been transferred to the LY21, foremost amongst them being an unusual blend of light and heavy construction in different areas of the weapon.
The majority of the weapon’s body is made of high-durability, lightweight, impact-resistant fibreglass-reinforced polyamide. This comes in a high-grip matte finish, with a variety of colours or camouflage patterns available.
The working parts and majority of the gas system are tungsten primarily for its very high heat tolerance, which improves the weapon’s performance and sustained accuracy.
The barrel is cold hammer-forged steel, and is chrome lined, with a 1 in 10 rifling twist.
Internal electrics are composed of Indium Gallium Arsenide, selected despite its higher cost over silicon for its extremely high resistance to electromagnetic pulse attack. Circuitry is further protected by kraton insulation, to further improve electromagnetic resilience. Given the very-short lengths of wiring, however, this was never likely to be a problem, in any case.
Sundries are generally composed of synthetics, to keep the weapon’s weight down as far as practical, given the parameters of performance. This is a marked difference from the otherwise conceptually not-dissimilar G11, which made far greater use of metals in its construction, and has a physically far more complex operating system.

Ammunition
While Lyran experience with caseless ammunition in the LY46 has been of some use in developing the 6.3x40mm rounds that feed the LY21, the notable differences between the platforms has made the 6.3LCL quite different from the .50LCL round in most regards.
While the .50LCL uses a denatured hexogen propellant, the 6.3LCL is a 78% RDX, 12% cellulose acetate (CA), 5.8% triacetin(TA), 4% low-nitrogen content nitrocellulose, 0.2% cardamite mix. The CA is used as an energetic binder, with the TA serving as the CA’s plasticiser to improve the propellant block’s cohesion. 6.3LCL, by virtue of its unique composition, is an extremely low vulnerability ammunition, and does not ignite even at 350C, although starts producing yellow fumes at 220C. In contrast, conventional nitrocellulose propellant ignites at temperatures slightly below 175C. Despite the usage of caseless ammunition, 6.3LCL is actually less likely to cook-off than conventional ammunition.
Further, at 1097J/g, the 6.3LCL’s propellant is marginally superior to conventional ammunition propellant in energy terms.
Care has been taken in production to keep the plasticiser percentage below 6%, as irregular combustion becomes more prominent as TA increases.
Theoretical prediction of the ballistic performance of this formulation indicates it can achieve marginally superior ballistics for propellant loading, relative to existing nitrocellulose compositions.
Combustible cellulose end-caps ensure that the projectile and primer sit properly within the round, and disintegrate during firing.
(Image)
6.3LCL rounds are compliant with the CL6 standard, and are suitable for usage in any weapon with a chamber pressure of 500MPa or better, and an electric ignition. (i.e., CL6 is a broad standard, CL6-40.EC5 is a particular specification it provides, "EC5" standing for electric current ignition, 500 MPa pressure limit, and 6.3LCL is a specific round compliant with it).
6.3LCL comes in two primary variants. The baseline is a hardened steel core, lead-base round optimised for lethality at all ranges and conditions, issued as standard, and similar in terminal effects to the JMC Mk5 that Lyran soldiers are already familiar with.
The second, the 6.3LCLTC is a tungsten-carbide-cored, armour-piercing round, designed for use against armies fielding personnel with high-end body armour as standard.

Operating and feed system and recoil attenuation
The LY21 is, in most respects, a reasonable conventional closed-bolt, balanced-automatic, short-stroke gas-operated assault rifle. The weapon’s caseless nature removes the requirement for ejection of cases during normal operation, which removes the step from the operating cycle.
The cocking handle is located on the left side of the weapon, and serves to load a round into the chamber, and can also be used to eject rounds in the chamber via the ejection port on the right hand side of the weapon.

The LY21’s balanced-automatic system is based on utilisation of the propellant gases to drive not just the piston which drives the bolt rearward towards battery, but also to push a secondary piston and counterweight in the opposite direction, ie towards the muzzle. The mechanics are such that as the bolt reaches the furthest rearward part of its recoiling (thus impacting the rubber pads of the interior of the butt plate), the counterweight also reaches the end point of its forward movement. This 'balanced recoil' action noticeably decreases felt recoil and thus improves controllability and accuracy in fully automatic or rapid-semiautomatic firing.

Borrowing from the LY20, the rubber pads described above are of further relevance if a silencer is fitted, as this padding also significantly reduces the sound produced by the bolt and piston assemblies impacting their respective stops, circumventing the tell-tale 'click-click-click' sound of silenced automatic weapons fire.

The magazine and feed systems of the LY21 has been through a number of refinements. Initial attempts were similar in operation to that of the G11 light support weapon prototypes designed by Heckler and Koch in the late 1980s. Large capacity magazines, with multiple magazine wells, fed an asymmetric, off magazine-axis chamber. The feed path from these variants is shown below.
(Image)

While innovative, the magazine’s complexity added to its weight, increased it (and the weapon’s own) fragility, and detracted from magazine and platform reliability. Subsequent to that, a new design with a more conventionally laid out three-well single-stacked magazine, and a dramatically simplified feed path, was employed. While longer, and thinner, the magazine is considerably simpler in operation, and savings in weight and reliability were considered worth the weapon’s taller profile. The magazine features three single-stacked magazine wells, with the rounds oriented towards the muzzle of the weapon. The bolt feeds first the right well, then, once the right well is empty, the magazine catch at the bottom of the well causes the bolt to rotate as it moves forward, thus feeding from the centre well, and the same occurs to feed from the left once the central well is exhausted. Once the left well is empty, the magazine catch prevents the weapon from locking forward, which makes for a slightly faster reload time by a trained operator.
(Image)
The profile is, however, not as much taller as would otherwise be thought, with the simplified pathing contributing to a smaller chamber and less extensive bolt and action.
LY21 magazines are about 50% longer than a conventional 30rnd 5.56mm STANAG magazine, but only fractionally wider, which allows for easy carriage on chest webbing or similar. The light-weight, high-strength, semi-transparent plastic magazine, with readily delineated notches, also provides for easy assessment of the number of remaining rounds, should the shooter lose count (an easy prospect, given the high-capacity magazines).

Recoil mitigation was a factor considered early on in the LY21’s design, and lessons learned on both the LY20 and LY46 were considered. The bolt-carrier assembly moves rearwards into heavy duty recoil springs, which absorb an appreciable portion of the contact/impact with the back of the weapon.
Further, use of the patented Pachmayr-designed 'Decelerator' handgrips, approved for the LY46, has been approved also for the LY21. Decelerator grips feature ergonomic finger grooves, carefully machined tactile palm grips, and a patented soft-durable rubber composite. A full-potency muzzle-brake, mostly hidden behind the forward elements of the weapon’s furnishings, deflects propellant gases upward and sideways, counteracting some of the rifle’s rearward motion, and also serving in a capacity as a flash suppressor. This muzzle-brake is internally threaded for use with silencers or sound-suppressors, and is designed to also prevent the propellant gases from kicking up dust in and around the shooter’s location, even from the basic-prone firing position.

Trigger/safety mechanism
Due to the AHLAR’s implementation of low vulnerability caseless ammunition, the LY21 uses an electronic trigger, rather than the conventional firing pin/percussion cap layout, to ignite the propellant and release a round. The electrical ignition grants lock times at approximately 20 microseconds; a considerable improvement on mechanical lock times, in addition to the other benefits. Fewer moving parts, and no mass shift during firing also improves accuracy and decreases component wear. Twin 15-volt lithium ion polymer batteries, located in the lower portion of the butt, allow it to fire approximately 5,000 rounds without replacement or recharge. The battery charge status can be displayed through the multi-function battlesight by activation of the appropriate switch on the sighting system, and a plug can serve as a recharge point, from any standard AC or DC power source, including those featured on most Lyran AFVs. The battery’s are loaded from the rear of the butt, and can be changed in about 20 seconds, should the need arise.

Like all Lyran weapons, the LY21 uses a dual-pressure trigger system. Pulling the trigger to the first pressure (2.1 kg) fires semi-automatically, but pulling the trigger to the second trigger pressure (4.5kg) produces automatic fire. This system, similar to that featured on the Austrian Steyr AUG, enables the operator to employ either semi-automatic or automatic fire without adjusting the weapon in any way, or breaking the firing position. A single-shot lockout stud, located below the trigger, can be pulled out to prevent the trigger being pulled rearward to the second pressure, and thus will prevent accidental employment of automatic fire. The stud can be pushed back into the trigger, thus re-allowing automatic fire, by a split-second movement of the index or middle finger of the master hand.
(Image)
Safety of the AUG, set to ‘fire’.
The LY21 borrows most of the features of its safety system from the earlier LY20. The safety is located immediately above the weapon's pistol grip, and is a simple thumb or index-finger operated push-action trigger-lock safety. In the LY21’s case, this also includes connections to the weapon’s electrical system. When set to ‘safe’, the rifle’s electronic trigger circuit is not complete, making engaging the trigger ineffective. The safety protrudes 1cm from the weapon's right, just above a right hander's index finger, when in safe mode, and displays a white dot to the operator.
When switched to “fire” condition, the safety is taken offline by the index finger pushing it into the weapon. The safety will then protrude 1cm out the opposite (left hand) side of the weapon, and display a red dot to the operator, indicating the weapon's state of readiness visually, as well as to physical inspection. This safety system, identical to that featured on the AUG, was selected for its ability to be engaged or disengaged without the operator taking his hands from the weapon's foregrip or trigger, and yet being able to check the readiness status of the weapon without visual inspection.

Sighting system
As is increasingly common on Lyran small arms, the LY21 features a full-length dorsal picatinny rail for mounting of any number of sighting systems. Anything compatible with the picatinny rail system can be mounted on the weapon.

Accessories
The LY21’s full length dorsal, and mid-length ventral and lateral picatinny rails provide the system with a tremendous versatility. The following illustration shows some of the many possible accessories, but is by no means exhaustive.
Accessories
Note, however, that the weapon is not provided with these accessories, when delivered. Choice of additions to the platform are an end-user prerogative, and the cost of these accessories is not covered by purchase of an LY21.
Export
The LY21 AHLAR is designed to equip sophisticated and well trained fighting forces. Careful production and quality control standards, as well as insurance of the weapon’s robustness under adverse conditions, has left the LY21 as a weapon for the more discerning military and paramilitary forces. Deliveries of the LY21 are made in the ‘clean’ configuration, and come with six complimentary magazines, including ammunition. The weapon sells individually at NS$4,000, and domestic production rights are available at NS $4bn .
Questions or purchases can be made through Lyran Arms.




Usually fitted to it, as an accessory, is this:

LY67 ‘Widowmaker’ 3 round 40mm grenade launcher

(Image)
(Image)


Weight: 1.7 kg (3.3 lb)
Length: 520 mm (20.47 in.)
Barrel length: 400 mm (15.7 in.)
Cartridge: LY1020-series 40x43mm
Action: stacked-projectile, electronically-fired, caseless multishot system
Rate of Fire: 120 rounds per minute (cyclic)
45 rounds per minute (rapid)
Muzzle velocity : 76 m/s
Effective range (point targets): 250 m
Maximum range (with ER ammunition): 700 m
Feed system: tubular integral magazine

Abstract
The LY67 ‘Widowmaker’ is a 3-round, electrically-fired, 40mm grenade launcher, able to be fired either as a stand-alone system, or as an underbarrel grenade launcher attachment.
(Image)
Background
In the early years of the 21st Century, an obscure Australian company came to prominence with its design for electrically firing sequentially stacked munitions. This company, Metal Storm, came to prominence based upon this design for munitions firing, and many individual systems have utilised its research.
It stated, of the 40mm grenade launcher capability:

In May 2011, the Lyran Governmental Trade Department secured a 5% stake in Metal Storm (OOC: No joke. I did…), and took a particular interest in the company’s near-complete 3GL weapon system. The aptly named 3GL is a 40mm, three-shot semi-automatic grenade launcher that fits multiple infantry assault weapons, by means of the Picatinny rail system, and analogs. It was from this base that the Lyran Protectorate’s Research and Development Commission took the design, and have worked to refine it, focusing on the minimisation of weight, enhancement of reliability (from an already very high base), and improving ergonomics.
(Image)
As with the originating concept, the LY67, dubbed ‘Widowmaker’, allows a typical 10 man section to carry thirty 40mm rounds ‘in the breech’, and ready to fire, while also permitting every soldier the ability to maintain their small arms capability.
(Image)
Interest in the ‘Widowmaker’ has already been considerable, and a strong export market, in addition to the standard mammoth production runs inherent to the Protectorate of Lyras, is expected.

Construction
The LY67 differs fractionally in its construction from its MS3GL ancestor, with the 3GL’s plastic and steel replaced by high-durability, lightweight, impact-resistant fibreglass-reinforced polyamide and titanium. The cost of production is appreciably higher, but the savings in weight and consequent benefits in ergonomics have been determined to be well worth the additional cost. Parts of the weapon that are not directly involved in the firing process or exposed to the pressures of it are usually manufactured from synthetics, which assists in maintaining the weapon’s overall low-weight.
Due to the differing explosive composition mix in the propellant of standard Lyran 40mm ammunition, the propellant load is smaller, and the cases fractionally shorter, for an equal propulsion impulse. Due to this, the space occupied by the three loaded rounds within the ‘Widowmaker’ is slightly less than the equivalent volume within the first-flight Metal Storm 3GL. Consequently, the ‘Widowmaker’ is able to be marginally shorter, for no reduction in muzzle velocity, but an appreciable (and appreciated) reduction in weight.
Electrical systems are composed of indium gallium arsenide, specially selected for its extremely high degree of resistance to electronic or electromagnetic interference or attack. This is a point especially relevant for the LY67, given its electronic ignition system being so integral to its operation, and the necessary absence of a mechanical backup. Lyran experience with InGaAs is extensive, and the semiconductor is used in just about everything made in Lyras that is more sophisticated than a spoon, and implementation of it was a matter of course.


Operating and feed system
The primary difference between the LY67 and alternate under-barrel grenade launchers, such as the M203, AG36, or analogues, is in its operating and feed system. All other aspects of the LY67 are very much subordinate to it, and this is what sets the LY67 apart from other UBGLs on the market.
(Image)
The LY67 uses a sequentially stacked, electric ignition system, of the same type pioneered by Australia’s ‘Metal Storm’ corporation. The firing system is utilised under license, and Lyran patronage of the company has pushed it comfortably up into the ASX100 listings. The ammunition is ‘semi-caseless’, along a similar principle to the Russian VOG-series, and Sumerian 20x100mm grenade round. The round is "caseless" not in the conventional sense, but in the sense that the cartridge case is an integral part of the round, is fixed to the round, and stays on it throughout the flight. When the round is fired the propellant in the base of the round burns through five ports in the bottom of the fixed case, pushing on the bolt and chamber of the rifle and moving the whole round down the barrel. Further, the pressure from the expanding gases forces the projectile to engage with the rifling grooves along the inside of the barrel, imparting stabilizing spin. In flight the fixed case actually improves the projectile’s aerodynamics while residual gas emitting from the ports in the case provides small amounts of ongoing thrust, similar to that from a larger weapon’s base-bleed system.
Rounds are loaded by inserting of a tubular clip into the breech of the weapon. The individual rounds are pre-loaded into the clip, and the clip is insulated, and connector points shielded from interference. The clip can be ejected, and another clip loaded, en bloc. This also serves as a considerable time saving measure during combat conditions.
Extended-range rounds can be loaded into a clip as well, although this limits the clip capacity to two rounds.

Safety system
As you’d expect, dealing with explosives requires a certain degree of safety consciousness. There are many parts to the safety system of the LY67, and they are as follows.
The first is a simple push-through safety, similar to that of the LY21. With the safety set to ‘safe’, the trigger is not able to be pulled to the rear. Further, not only can the trigger not be pulled, but the electrical system that controls the ignition sequence passes through the safety. Should it be set to safe, the circuit is not completed, and the weapon may not fire.
Should the weapon be set to fire, it still may not do so unless the trigger is pulled, again by means of circuit completion.
For safety DURING firing a microchip is used in the same manner as the earlier MS3GL. It is located at the barrel muzzle, and detects the passage of each projectile and locks the firing mechanism (of each subsequent shell) until the fired shell has cleared the muzzle.
Further, and lastly, the rounds themselves do not arm until 6m clear of the muzzle, by default, to prevent self-harm. The simple impact, of course, will still have an effect.
The weapon’s safety and readiness state is provided by a backlit display on the rear of the weapon’s battery port. The illumination is activated by a simple toggle switch. The display symbolism is as shown below:
(Image)

Ammunition
The LY67 uses the LY1020-series ammunition, by default, a line of 40mm grenades optimised for use with 40mm, electrically-fired grenade launchers.. All 40mm projectiles are nearly identical in size to existing 40mm rounds, enabling the utilization of in-service ammunition carriage, without alteration.
Based firmly upon the electrically-fired rounds utilised in the MS3GL, the Lyran rounds are superficially very similar, with a number of slight differences.
There are three primary variants of the LY1020-series ammunition. The first is the LY1020 itself, a High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP) weapon, using the same FOX-7 composition as found in the propellant of the LY1010-series 140mm AFV ammunition. While functionally similar to the load-out that is common to the M433 40x46mm round that is in-service the world over (with 50.8mm of penetration against steel with a direct impact, a 5m kill zone and 15m casualty radius in open ground), the LY1020 is more stable in its propellant, and also in its explosive itself, making it more reliable and consistent in application than the M433. LY1020-rounds are marked with a yellow nose cone.
The second of the LY1020-series is the LY1021 ‘Cerberus’ thermobaric round. Based on the explosive composition used in the LY1002 ‘Hellsbreath’ hand grenade, information was made available from that project to expedite development of the ‘Cerberus’.
In the original technological exploration, many factors were considered, and the design team was given considerable leeway to determine optimum composition, with categories of interest being listed as:
1)Peak pressure
2)Pressure impulse
3)Temperature
4)Fragment velocity
5)Fragment perforations and
6)Heat flux
One explosive fill came out a clear leader, scoring best not only on the blast pressure and blast impulse but also best on fragment velocity and the number of fragment perforations it produced, way outperforming the existing filler in both categories. The explosive composition that generated (at testing on the 4th July, 2004) the highest peak pressure and pressure impulse (23.33psi and 2.23psi/ms respectively) also generated the highest fragment velocity and highest number of fragment perforations (1580m/s and 564). This was up against a peak pressure, pressure impulse, fragment velocity and fragment perforation of 9.91psi, 1.617psi/ms, 1449m/s and 396 respectively for conventional Composition B. While this particular mixture did not feature the highest temperature or highest heat flux, it still performed well in those categories, very comparable to PBXN-109, another baseline composition.
This mixture, YJ-05, designed by Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense, was selected by the Lyran Protectorate for its LY1002 program, on the basis of these results, and also for the US Military's XM1060 40mm rounds. It is in this form that it also enters service in the LY1021 ‘Cerberus’ ammunition.
In usage, the YJ-05 filler drives both the ethylene oxide, and the energetic nanoparticularised-and-floridated aluminium, which is dispersed and rapidly ignites/combusts/detonates. The resultant sustained high pressure wave is phenomenally effective against enemy personnel and structures. The lethality effect results from a thermobaric overpressure blast rather than fragmentation. As a result of the thermobaric reaction, all enemy personnel within the effective radius will suffer lethal effects as opposed to the conventional fragmentation round, which can be halted by such things as heavy clothing or body armour. Body armour will NOT stop the effects of a thermobaric detonation, and the munition consciously seeks to take advantage of this fact. When taken in toto, the thermobaric explosives provide soldiers with a significantly greater probability of killing or incapacitating hostiles within the weapon's effective radius, in most circumstances. LY1021 ‘Cerberus’ rounds are painted with a red nose cone.
The LY1022 is the final variant available at this stage, and is an inert, refillable training round. It fires, and has an identical flight path to the LY1020 and -1021 combat rounds, but has no warhead, and, barring destruction caused upon landing, is re-usable. Nose cones are painted blue.
Extended-range variants are available, but these rounds are appreciably longer than the standard rounds, and a clip may only carry two of them. Further, the recoil generated is noticeably higher, due to the greater amount of propellant. That being said, the 200m gain in range is felt by some to be worth the trade in ammunition capacity and recoil.
It is expected that further rounds will be forthcoming, and preliminary reports indicate development progressing on CS, incendiary and smoke munitions.

Sighting system
Either ladder sights or a quadrant reflex sight can be fitted to the LY67 mount, whether underslung on a primary weapon, or used standalone, and the flight path can also be entered into BALCOTH interface for rapid, precision munitions employment.
When employed as a stand-alone system, any number of sights may be fitted, using the available dorsal, lateral or ventral Picatinny rail interfaces.

Export
Each launcher retails for NS$3,500, and with each purchase comes the right to produce the LY1020 ammunition, as required for the individual weapon in question.
Domestic Production Rights are available for NS3.5bn.
Questions or purchases can be made through Lyran Arms

Submachineguns, hand grenades, knives, etc are not generally covered by this thread, but details on those systems are also available.

My kind of rifle. I highly approve, but just round off the projectiles, (the LSAT gets by well that way) or make them octagonal or something and use 40 round conventional/casket mags. It will be a lot more reliable and lighter, cheaper. A lighter rifle is nice in CQB it means faster reaction times for your soldiers.

Lyras is a member of the ADF, so he's probably taken that into account .

NO!

THIS IS MAIN MILITARY WEAPON OF YOUR COUNTRY: PATTERN VIII (READ OP).

NORTH KOREA IS A SUN HAPPY FUNTIME CAMP COMPARED TO MMW

It now lives on forever in my sig.
For glory.

Time for another:
Jesus, Puzikas, Don't You Have a Life?
no.

Now presenting: Body armor!
Lets start with the basics.

Body armor has been around for centuries, but it has not been since the early 1900s* that we start to see what we call modern body armor, AKA "Bullet proof vests". The earliest example I can find of this happens to be in 1916 in terms of "Bullet proof vests", and like most cool things, they come from the Germans, as well as the Americans.

German soldiers wearing body armor (Infanterie-Panzer) link to full image provided below

These early vests were primitive, low level, heavy, and could really only stop lower-powered bullets, fragmentation, and blades. The one outlyer in this is the US made Brewster Body Shield, weighing in at 18kg, it was able to stop a lewis gun bullet at 2,700 feet per second/ We will not focus on this, however. These vests also had to be purchased by a soldier, an often very expensive ordeal (1914 price of a bullet proof fabric vest: $800 USD, or $18068.56 today.) But they were, strangely enough, effective for their purpose. Not to say they did anything to cut casualties (Because most modern body armor cant stop .303 Brit, .30-06, 8mm Lebel, 7x57/7.92x57) but it still was a precursor for the things to come. The great war ended up being not-so-great, and many, many nations following the war were in something of an arms race to make the next great thing. Trench clearing, barb wire blasting, gas attacking, whatever it was, people were developing it. And body armor was no different. In the 20s and 30s, body armor started to be used a bit more, but by gangsters. They could stop rounds from .22lr up to lower end loading (Like used by the FBI) of .45ACP.

Body armor in use, vs. .38 Special, 1923

This lead to the popular use of hotter (What became standard by WWII) loads of .45ACP, as well as the .357 magnum and .38 Super rounds. By the second world war, body armor was still in its infancy. Not quite yet ready to be deployed en-mass, but not quite silent in its hand. The First Flak jackets were issued to US and British airmen. These were designed to stop fragmentation from the german Flak guns, which filled the air with a dreadful cloud of shrapnel. They were not bullet proof by any means, but still notable as body armor. The Soviets actually developed the best example of body armor, the SN-42 (Stalynoi Nagrudnik, Steel breastplate/ Chest plate of Steel).

SN-42 body Armor

It weighed a (relativity) low 3.5kg, as was able to stop the German 9x19 caliber round at engagement distances, making it useful for urban combat. It was also issued to Tankodesantniki, the guys that jump off tanks, and SHISBr (assault engineers). Its weight, however, restricted its use in the open per Soviet doctrine, and it was limited to that. It was abe to stop 7.92x33 at about 200 meters. The Japanese and all their wacky selves also developed body armor samples that saw use, but I wont get into it because it reminds me of a turtle. The British also issued suits in small numbers, an assault suit weighing 1.8kg that would reliably stop fragmentation and 9mm bullets, and a 4.6kg vest for static soldiers that could reliably stop lower powered bullets as well. No word on how well it stopped 7.92x33. I believe the stated issued number was 500,000 1.8kg vests, and 100,000 4.6kg vests. The US later got in on the act by issuing an armor set that proved to be effective in 1945 at the battle of Okinawa, and onto Korea.

In Korea, the US was issuing body armor on a larger scale, known as the M1951. It used fiber-reinforced plastic/aluminium bits, that were woven into a nylon vest. While stated as being able to stop the 7.62x25 Tokerav at muzzle, I laugh at such claims, as 7.62x25 is the rape train of the pistol world. By Vietnam, the US was issuing Flak en-mass and body armor to soldiers in high risk areas, normally about what we consider to be a level II system. This stuff can be gotten surplus second hand for anywhere from $50 to $200.

Modern body armor relies on Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) plates and trauma plates to protect the user from harm. They are often used in conjunction with assault vests. They can be very heavy, bulky, and hinder moment in many cases.

Now, you all wanted me to go over Russian body armor. So I will.

For all purposes, Russian body armor is very similar to Western armor. Is has plate inserts, vests, webbing, so on and so forth. Its just as bulky and it works just as well, or its just as crummy and fits all the same. Primary materials are the same as any Western plate, sometimes with various differences (For example, heavy use of polyethylene in heavy plates, and alumina for lighter). It offers great protection, just the same as anything else. I'm going to focus on a few different sets.

Rather than go in depth on the soviet plates of the 50s, 60s and 70s, Im going to just touch on them.

Developed off of the SN-42 and the like, many were closer to an afterthought than real armor. In the 70s and 80s is when they started to get serious. Afghanistan generated the need for plates to protect against small arms fire at extended ranges (Because mountainous area). An early, pre Afghanistan example would be the 6B1, able to stop fragmentation, and able to stop a PPSH-41 fired 7.62x25 at 50 meters. Only a few were made, and if a threat were to arise, more would be manufactured.

The 6B2 and 3 were both developed before and during the early stages of Afghanistan, both offered good protection, able to stop a shot from a 7.62x39. They did, however, weigh in at 10Kg. The updated versions are rated for 5.45 at close and 7.62 at longer (100 meters) ranges, and weigh in at 7kg. This was the first armor I had experence with. It was solid, but it was also heavy and did little to stop blunt force trauma.
The 6B4 offered better protection but in a heavier package, but was made out of superior materials. It is rated to take harder hits, and multiple hits from smaller caliber rounds.

Onto modern...
6Sh92-3

6Sh92-3 is the variation of the 6Sh92 series of body armor/assault vest. Primarily used by Naval Infantry. Its armor is the 6B11-3, which sucked absolute donkey balls. The level was stated as being a II most commonly, but manufacturers attempted to pass it as a IIIA. It suffered from QC issues. When they were good, they were good. Otherwise, they were closer to a level IIA or I. It lead to quite an issue and the inevitable demise of the company. I really, however, liked the vest. It has spots for up to 8 AK magazines, two hand grenades, two signal flairs, and a bayonet. A day pouch and belt are also available. Its the standard vest of my nations VDV and Naval infantry IC.
The set is very comfortable, but does hinder mobility. Everything is really right where you need it, even though it produces a bit of clutter inside a BMP or BTR.

6B12

Unlike above, the 6B12 is not a total set of webbing, assault vest, armor, ect. It is only the armor.
The 6B12 offers the same story as above, but I am going to make a note of the: There were fewer issues with the 12 as the 11. Its far more effective, able to stop incoming pistol and small rifle fire (Including the 5.45x39 and 5.56x45 at about 80-120 meters). It is virtually NEVER seen as a stand alone.

6B23

6B23 is the most modern version I have any experience with. Its lighter, offers better protection, and is more modular than the previous body armors. Its a level II with the ability to become a "2+3", "2+4"or "2+3+4", offering protection against nearly all small arms fire one would expect. It is, however, a bit bulky, it restricts head moment slightly, and arms can not be brought up vertically over ones head. One cant do a split in one (I cant do a split as is, you get the idea). This is about the same as the 6B12 set. The 6B15 is the version for tankers and vehicle crewmen.

All these come together (With the 6B7/28 helmet and AK-74M or AN-94) to form the standard solders armor kit in Russia, knows as the Barmica.

The future shows that the new "land warrior" system in Russia will over performance much better, being 1/2 as heavy and offering up to 10 times better protection. I have no idea how they hope to do this, but I know its going to be something I follow very closely.

Few questions I may as well answer:

Are these stab/dog proof?
Yes. They can and do protect against blades, and dogs. But honestly, if a Caucasian Shepherd bites you, you are done. They are the rape train of the dog world.

How are they for environmental conditions?
You take the bad with the good. They wont do you any favors in the heat, and they wont keep the cold out in winter. Hydration bladders, when their cold, help. They make an effort to be ventilated at least, but its still a 25 kilo set all loaded up. Or, if your my PK gunner, like 35 kilos.

Do you trust your life to it?
Yep.

Anything else you want covered, I am happy to do so.

link to larger image of German soldiers:
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o64 ... 7e395c.jpg

A very interesting read. I had no idea that those WW2 body armours even existed! Thanks very much for that.

someone lemme know if this is complete bunk;

New ambi ejection system for bullpups: Hooded cheek rest covers the ejection port, with a tube inside. Cartridge is ejected to the side, into the tube. As the bolt returns, a lug on the side pushes the cartridge out the front of the tube. Cartridge is ejected forward and out, just above the trigger hand.

Thinking being that this would make for a simple mid-eject system.

A simpler and more reliable mid eject system would be to eject up into the top and have a hinged piece at the end of the tube that ejects brass one side or the other.

[Paddy O Fernature]

Yeah, cause soldiers care if the thing protecting their head from shrapnel got good remarks on the runway or not.

What's your problem?

Think your reading too deep into this lad.

[Purpelia]

What's your problem?

Think your reading too deep into this lad.

I just don't like your attitude.

[3 State Alliance]

Too much Nazi, not enough SMLE.

Brodie helmet is best helmet.

...I'm a huge fan of the Kettle Helm as well (for no obvious discernible reason).

Also, while looking for suitable Brodie-ness on Google, I stumbled on a picture of this thing.



The plate (and URL) claim it to be some sort of Lewis Gun, but not one I've ever seen before. The mount it sits on, if anything, makes me think aircraft gun, or possibly a naval variant.

Its an airplane mounted version, probably for an observer seat circa WWI, you can tell from the 97 round pan.

[Nua Corda]

in tilt locking, the bolt is in two parts; one drops into a slot in the lower, locking it in place, and the other is attached to the piston and lifts the bottom section out of the slot and back to cycle the action. It's what the FAL uses.

Tilting bolts require a heavy, milled receiver, and can develop headspaceing issues with prolonged use. They are, however, slightly easier to manufacture.

Rotating bolts are more accurate, generally, can use a stamped or lightweight receiver, and lock more securely. They are more complex, and harder to manufacture though.

So tilt-locking and tilting bolt are the same thing? Would I be able to have the gas tube below the barrel without an operating rod?

@The helmet discussion: Sevvania uses M1 steel pot.

I don't think so. Tilting bolt requires the bolt to be lifted up.

someone lemme know if this is complete bunk;

New ambi ejection system for bullpups: Hooded cheek rest covers the ejection port, with a tube inside. Cartridge is ejected to the side, into the tube. As the bolt returns, a lug on the side pushes the cartridge out the front of the tube. Cartridge is ejected forward and out, just above the trigger hand.

Thinking being that this would make for a simple mid-eject system.

A simpler and more reliable mid eject system would be to eject up into the top and have a hinged piece at the end of the tube that ejects brass one side or the other.

I'm trying to avoid a really tall gun. It's for my Futuresoldier program, so there's gonna be a big-ass scope on it already. Plus, it's got a gas tube above the barrel already.

Wouldn't a hing be more complex and prone to failure?

[Paddy O Fernature]

Think your reading too deep into this lad.

I just don't like your attitude.

Attitude?

lol.

Attitude would be me saying something like "Ask me if I care", or "bite me". See the difference? I hope so, as I wish to clear this misunderstanding up.

[Aqizithiuda]

So tilt-locking and tilting bolt are the same thing? Would I be able to have the gas tube below the barrel without an operating rod?

@The helmet discussion: Sevvania uses M1 steel pot.

I don't think so. Tilting bolt requires the bolt to be lifted up.

A simpler and more reliable mid eject system would be to eject up into the top and have a hinged piece at the end of the tube that ejects brass one side or the other.

I'm trying to avoid a really tall gun. It's for my Futuresoldier program, so there's gonna be a big-ass scope on it already. Plus, it's got a gas tube above the barrel already.

Wouldn't a hing be more complex and prone to failure?

That sort of mechanism didn't do much to the height of the PDR .

Not really. It's mechanically simple, and if it does get stuck mid way, it's a lot easier to fix.

[Sevvania]

So tilt-locking and tilting bolt are the same thing? Would I be able to have the gas tube below the barrel without an operating rod?

@The helmet discussion: Sevvania uses M1 steel pot.

I don't think so. Tilting bolt requires the bolt to be lifted up.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... _wz38M.JPG
I'm on my iPod, so I can't really make out any details on the receiver of the rifle at the front-right, but I don't see an operating rod or anything, and the barrel is above the gas tube. *scratches head*

[Paddy O Fernature]

I don't think so. Tilting bolt requires the bolt to be lifted up.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... _wz38M.JPG
I'm on my iPod, so I can't really make out any details on the receiver of the rifle on the right, but I don't see an operating rod or anything, and the barrel is above the gas tube. *scratches head*

....

Thinks I need to upgrade my shuffle.

[Black Hand]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... _wz38M.JPG
I'm on my iPod, so I can't really make out any details on the receiver of the rifle on the right, but I don't see an operating rod or anything, and the barrel is above the gas tube. *scratches head*

....

Thinks I need to upgrade my shuffle.

AH the Ipod shuffle incredibly useful if you are searching for particular songs.

[Paddy O Fernature]

....

Thinks I need to upgrade my shuffle.

AH the Ipod shuffle incredibly useful if you are searching for particular songs.

Agreed.

Now, having said that I will admit that I'm actually a fan of the brodie helmet. Have a couple hanging on my wall in my man cave.

[San-Silvacian]

Why are modern helmets so ugly anyway? They look like someone took a helmet and put it in a plastic bag filled with rags and than sprayed paint on top.

Because it works.

If you want to bitch about looks, go wear the old French helmets and tell me if they take a 9x18mm Ap round to the back of the skull.

looks < performance

[Gawdzendia]

Why are modern helmets so ugly anyway? They look like someone took a helmet and put it in a plastic bag filled with rags and than sprayed paint on top.

Because it works.

If you want to bitch about looks, go wear the old French helmets and tell me if they take a 9x18mm Ap round to the back of the skull.

looks < performance

Or rather, function over form.

Pliz don't beat meh.

[Veceria]

Because it works.

If you want to bitch about looks, go wear the old French helmets and tell me if they take a 9x18mm Ap round to the back of the skull.

looks < performance

Or rather, function over form.

Pliz don't beat meh.

"It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic,
Of all things physical and metaphysical,
Of all things human and all things super-human,
Of all true manifestations of the head,
Of the heart, of the soul,
That the life is recognizable in its expression,
That form ever follows function. This is the law."

[United Republics of Aralon]

By the way; what is this mess Webley thing?

[Gawdzendia]

By the way; what is this mess Webley thing?

This should clear things up...

[Ulfr-Reich]

Guys, picture a suit of power armor (around 10 feet tall, retropunk style), using a 20mm FAL with a snail-drum or back-pack feed for ammo.

[Purpelia]

Why are modern helmets so ugly anyway? They look like someone took a helmet and put it in a plastic bag filled with rags and than sprayed paint on top.

Because it works.

If you want to bitch about looks, go wear the old French helmets and tell me if they take a 9x18mm Ap round to the back of the skull.

looks < performance

But why does it work? What is it about their design that makes them look that way?

[Paddy O Fernature]

Guys, picture a suit of power armor (around 10 feet tall, retropunk style), using a 20mm FAL with a snail-drum or back-pack feed for ammo.

Avatar says hello.

[Aqizithiuda]

Guys, picture a suit of power armor (around 10 feet tall, retropunk style), using a 20mm FAL with a snail-drum or back-pack feed for ammo.

Needs 20mm Martini-Henry's for ultimate glory.

[Bajireyn]

Guys, picture a suit of power armor (around 10 feet tall, retropunk style), using a 20mm FAL with a snail-drum or back-pack feed for ammo.

That reminds me.

I need to make the Tsavonian PA.

[Purpelia]

Guys, picture a suit of power armor (around 10 feet tall, retropunk style), using a 20mm FAL with a snail-drum or back-pack feed for ammo.

Is that 20mm bullets or 20mm HEDP?