Dillard Industrial Logistics Frogspear
Frogspear unloaded (artist's impression by Ardavia)
Frogspear loaded and ready to fire
Length: 682mm stored, 845 mm extended
Caliber: 45mm
Weight (loaded): 8 kg
Unit cost: $5,000
DPR: $100,000,000
Please make all your orders at Allanean Defense Exports!
The Frogspear has been born out of a confluence of several unmet strategic needs of the shipping industry, and a lucky national defense tender. On one hand, the expansion of Allanean trade worldwide and the signing of the Reichsburg Free Trade Agreement by over 200 nations, has significantly increased the reach of Allanean shipping companies geographically – also increasing their exposure to potential attacks by pirates and terrorists. Moreover, many nations who are (unlike Allanea) members of the WA needed to comply with GA Resolution #20, Suppress International Piracy. On the other hand, the Free Kingdom Navy had issued a tender for a new anti-diver weapon, to be used in conjunction with, or as a replacement for, the Kouralian KAE Trident.
The previous anti-diver weapons used in this role, including the Trident, were not in fact recoilless. Firing a 45mm depth charge off the shoulder, they in fact delivered to their user a somewhat painful kick, making it difficult to accurately aim the weapons. This design choice had been made for safety reasons, as the backblast of recoilless armaments could pose potential hazards during shipboard operations.
Dillard Industrial Logistics had decided, however, to enter the tender with a weapons system that was significantly different from the Trident. It was named the Frogspear – being, of course, an anti-frogman gun. Inspired by the iconic M202 Flash rocket flamethrower, it had an imposing appearance.
Moreover it was recoilless – loaded from the rear with four tubular cartridges, each equipped with a backblast absorption system (composed of a water counterweight that is dispersed upon firing). When the operator cocked the launcher, the cartridges extended somewhat backwards, and could then be fired in a group or at once.
The previous anti-diver weapons used in this role, including the Trident, were not in fact recoilless. Firing a 45mm depth charge off the shoulder, they in fact delivered to their user a somewhat painful kick, making it difficult to accurately aim the weapons. This design choice had been made for safety reasons, as the backblast of recoilless armaments could pose potential hazards during shipboard operations.
Dillard Industrial Logistics had decided, however, to enter the tender with a weapons system that was significantly different from the Trident. It was named the Frogspear – being, of course, an anti-frogman gun. Inspired by the iconic M202 Flash rocket flamethrower, it had an imposing appearance.
Moreover it was recoilless – loaded from the rear with four tubular cartridges, each equipped with a backblast absorption system (composed of a water counterweight that is dispersed upon firing). When the operator cocked the launcher, the cartridges extended somewhat backwards, and could then be fired in a group or at once.
Cutaway view of Frogspear and its munitions
After initial testing, it was decided to store the cartridges either with the launcher itself (where it is stored loaded), or separately, in 'speedloaders' similar in conception to revolver speedloaders, enabling four to be loaded at once. Each group of four cartridges, or, if they are shipped individually, each cartridge, arrives in a sealed transparent polyethylene packaging to protect from saltwater damage.
The principal payload of the Frogspear is a 45mm depth charge, painted in bright-red saltwater-proof paint. These serve to stun or kill enemy divers as they attempt to approach the ship. (Signal flares, incendiaries, and other special munitions are available, but the scope with which the device comes is intended for use with the depth charges).
The principal payload of the Frogspear is a 45mm depth charge, painted in bright-red saltwater-proof paint. These serve to stun or kill enemy divers as they attempt to approach the ship. (Signal flares, incendiaries, and other special munitions are available, but the scope with which the device comes is intended for use with the depth charges).
A Frogspear and its projectiles
WARNING: THE BRIGHT PAINT IN WHICH THE PROJECTILES ARE COLORED EXISTS TO PROTECT THE PROJECTILES FROM SALTWATER DAMAGE. IN THE EVENT OF DAMAGE TO THE PAINT DO NOT REPEAT NOT REPAINT THE PROJECTILES YOURSELF. DISCARD THEM OR HAVE THEM INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED AMMUNITION TECHNICIAN. DILLARD INDUSTRIAL LOGISTICS IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY THAT MAY RESULT FROM LOADING DAMAGED, NON-STANDARD, OR MODIFIED PROJECTILES INTO THE LAUNCHER OR FIRING THEM.
Length: 682mm stored, 845 mm extended
Caliber: 45mm
Weight (loaded): 8 kg
Unit cost: $5,000
DPR: $100,000,000
Please make all your orders at Allanean Defense Exports