NationStates Jolt Archive

Iskra!
Punjab, July Parades; Sovietists hand INSAS rifles to Auxiliary delegates

Commonwealth Militia Expert Corps units parading in the Punjabi Soviet State this week have been the first to appear publicly armed with the Indian Soviet Commonwealth's new generation of infantry weapons, according to Soviet Commune sources.

Weilding the new weapons -an assault rifle and a squad automatic weapon apparently related to it- CMEC fighters made a symbolic delivery of ex-service INSAS rifles to Auxiliary Militia men and women from a local Phalanstery, who were on scene bearing AK series weapons handed down in similar fashion in the past.

The Punjabi State Soviet made no initial statement, but this was explained within forty-eight hours by the posting of general Soviet Commune bulletins at Soviet meeting stations and on Indonet of a declaration on the adoption for service of a new generation of infantry weapons to equip the Commonwealth Militia Expert Corps and Commonwealth Marine Division. As is usually the case, nobody expects the Soviet Commune to push the Soviets for extensive export programmes, though it is perfectly likely that some export may happen, and more likely that replaced weapons will be delivered as aid to foreign revolutionary movements.

The two weapons seen in Punjabi hands and thus far officially declared are the RK-100 Assault Rifle and RK-101 Light Machinegun.

RK-100 ASSAULT RIFLE

Presently being phased in to service, the RK-100 is something of a revolution, with twice the first-shot hit probability of its contemporaries, and flexibility, reliability, and accuracy of truly world-beating standard thanks to features explained below. It is still possible to see the Kalashnikov heritage in this weapon, which replaces the somewhat AK-like INSAS in front-line service with the CMEC and the CMD.

The RK-100 uses extensive machining, having a milled receiver rather than a cheaper stamped one. This implies a weight increase, and that, to a degree, has been countered by the use in parts of the rifle of new plastics perfected only recently after decades of experience in heavy fighting under extreme climactic conditions, and by the adoption of a relatively compact bullpup configuration. The solid, high quality construction and proven base mechanism of the rifle make for a supremely reliable and hard-wearing weapon. Fairly radical features do suggest the possibility for marginally reduced reliability, but this would only really be the case were the new rifle an improvisation cramming features into an old frame... in fact the Soviet Commune is fortunate to face no great pressures to rush its weapons into service, feeling secure in a land protected by the epic Commonwealth Guard with its Russian-Soviet weapons: precise dimensions were easily perfected during careful trials and prototype stages, with nothing in the new rifle's dimensions owed to older weapons.

Evolved in part from the AK-47-origin mechanism of the earlier Soviet rifles, the RK-100 uses new elements related to modern Russian developments. It is a gas operated rotating bolt gun, but -since the decision to significantly re-tool first-rate production lines had already been reached- the design incorporates a counter-balancing synchroniser. This means that while the bolt is carrying backwards during operation, a gas-driven piston drives a compensating mass in the opposite direction with this reaching its end point just as the bolt does thus countering the impulse that otherwise contributes to a rifle's travelling off target during automatic fire. With marginally smaller parts -thanks to the calibre change- relative to previous RKs and this new balanced mechanism, functioning parts each travel slightly less distance, which results in a higher rate of fire.

The Commonwealth has finally begun with the RK-100 to replace the 7.62x39mm round-of-convenience, adopting a new 6.2x47mm cartridge with a bullet that sports an interior air pocket. The result is recoil marginally above that of rival 5.56 or 5.45mm rifles -though still below that of previous Beddgelen rifles- but a longer bullet that has a flatter trajectory and which, with greater velocity, increases hit probability and generally improves performance at longer ranges. The bullet's energy -it being bigger than many modern rounds- remains high, and so stopping power is still good at closer ranges, superior, in fact, to modern small-calibre weapons. The air pocket itself of course requires that the bullet be made as long as it is, and its advantage is that it allows this trajectory-improving shape to be achieved without excessive weight gain taxing performance over longer ranges.

The RK-100 is heavily influenced by other assault rifles from both home and abroad, as its creators in the Soviet Commune will admit, and this is partly owing to the relative youth of the modern Soviet state, which has enjoyed only limited opportunites to really forge its own path after such a short and brutal life thus far.

Features include much of the AK's mechanism and some of the sturdier construction methods, the intermediate cartridge similar in dimension to experimental models from the UK and elsewhere, and an airpocket within the bullet as seen more recently in the Russian 5.45x39mm round but -Sovietists will insist- demonstrated much earlier and less famously by the British using a modified .303". From the Finnish RK-95 imported by governments prior to that of the current 4th Commonwealth this rifle takes its enlarged trigger guard, meant to enable the wearing of thick winter gloves while operating the weapon, something of use in Soviet India's many mountain ranges.

The bayonet bears some similarities to modern British weapons, especially when combined with the sheath. As with bayonets for the L85/SA80 rifles, RK-100's bayonet and sheath combine to provide an effective wire-cutting tool, and the sheath can be used to sharpen the blade and also incorporates a handy bottle-opener. It differs from its British inspiration in being slightly longer (blade around 20cm/8") and of arguably better construction thanks to the nature of Commonwealth socialist industry. It is also mounted with a mind to the heat-related problems that have been seen to afflict the L85's bayonet if left attached during firing.

Another feature apparently inspired by the British assault rifle is its optical sights, comparable to the oft-admired SUSAT and produced after some extensive experimentation under harsh Beddgelen climactic conditions. A clear and simple x4 magnification sight, its use of tritium to provide a glowing pointer furnishes a limited night-fighting ability, but the whole piece can be quickly exchanged for a dedicated battery-powered UV night sight. With these sights (plus basic iron sights), a bullpup arrangement enabling a reasonably long barrel, a balanced bolt and fairly high rate of fire, and an unusually flat trajectory provided by the new bullet, the Indian Soviets have a rifle that is as remarkable for its accuracy as for its before-mentioned reliability. It typically exhibits more than twice the accuracy of conventional competators in general, and notably a radically improved first shot hit probability as well as significantly better accuracy during full-automatic fire.

Another feature is the ability to fire rifle grenades, which have a maximum range of perhaps 400m. There is also the option for a silencer attachment. Magazine capacity is 32 rounds, and modes of fire are semi and fully automatic, with fighters being trained to provide their own burst fire and many auxiliaries encouraged to use the semi-automatic function. Rate of fire is 800rpm.

The RK-100 is 815mm/32" long with a 500mm/19.75" barrel, and its empty weight is around 4kg/8.8lb.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/Chivtv/NS1/RK100.jpg
RK-100 Assault Rifle

RK-101 LIGHT MACHINEGUN

This is essentially a heavy-barrel version of the RK-100 assault rifle designed to provide sustained fire for infantry squads, and many of its components and performance characteristics are interchangable with the smaller weapon. It is fed usually from a small 48 round drum that fits into the magazine housing, though standard magazines are accepted, and larger drums are also produced.

The RK-101 is 972mm/38.25" long with a 660mm/26" barrel, and weighs almost 5kg/11lb empty.

With optical sights, especially the available night sights; the exceptionally long, heavy barrel; forward-mounted bipod; rear hand-grip; balanced automatic mechanism; and intermediate flat-trajectory cartridge, the RK-101 is a deadly accurate weapon likely to cut-down whole squads of enemies daring to attack into the Beddgelen Commonwealth.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/Chivtv/NS1/RK101.jpg
RK-101 Light Machinegun

A note to those who may be confused/ignorant: This is related to Beth Gellert in mainstream NS, not the insular AMW group. Similar weapons are under development in AMW BG, but obviously can not have all the same heritage.

(Hehe, a disproportionate number of views for one of my minor threads, and a record low number of responses. "Rifle... that's a gun! I must look at that! Oh noes! Words! Run!" ;) )

OOC: Interesting. I like it, except for the bullpup configuration. Too awkward. Also, the different ammo type could cause standardization problems.

OOC:The bullpup configuration is far from awkward. Quite the opposite, in fact, as I can say from experiencing in firing one (obviously not this one, as it doesn't exist). As mentioned, the resources and time available and lack of other pressures mean that extensive trials have made certain that things like magazine release, safety and fire selector are all in accessible locations.

The new cartridge is a not slight expense, yes, but the idea that a new rifle should be introduced using a sixty year old round could be as costly on the battlefield, judge the Soviets. All three previous rifles are of 7.62x39mm calibre and are handed down to the Auxiliaries. The new cartridge is used for both AR and LMG, and possibly for a lighter sniper-rifle yet to be developed. It is maintained that if the suggested sort of thinking prevailed, we'd have refused to lay down our crossbows until we'd cut down every tree...

That is the sexiest bullpup I've ever seen.

That is the sexiest bullpup I've ever seen.

(That's just because it's an inch or two bigger than most ;) )

Initial reports positive as RK-100-series enters service on a wide scale - Militia pleased to receive RK.95!

OCC: A nice rifle, BG.

IC:

As part of the effort to modify Robotstan's defense forces, which currently rely on L1A1 and Lee-Enfield No.4s as its primary infantry weapons, the MoD has officially sanctioned a purchasing mission to be sent to distant Beth Gellert and inquire into the availability of the Rk-100 rifles for export.

At the same time, Bren IB and Sten Mk. VI weapons are not slated for replacement in the near future...

The Robotstanis are greeted in friendly if slightly cautious terms by a society as happy and advanced as it is crowded and militarised, hemmed-in by and nervous of its Russian neighbour and long-term enemy. The Commonwealth has never made friends in the world, and its diplomatic stance vis-a-vis Robotstan is quite unresolved. The mission will have a tough time getting its job done for all the questions and crowds and offers of drink until the Soviet Commune gets around to electing a delegation to meet the foreigners officially and address their interest in the RK-100.

Eventually, though, they will be treated to an operational observation of the weapons on a Soviet training range in Lapland, and then invited themselves to try firing the weapons first on a basic range and then in fully automatic mode against a pattern of targets at different ranges. They should find that precious little adjustment is needed to tackle targets tens of metres closer or further away as the new round displays its high velocity and flat trajectory. Trained Soviet infantrymen (and women) demonstrate how much more quickly they can engage a series of differently ranged targets and how frequently they score first-round hits compared to other demonstrations with perfectly decent RK.95/76/62 rifles.

Compared to the 7.62x51mm rounds that the Beddgelens assume the Robotstanis to be using, the Igovian 6.2x42mm air-pocket round is sold mainly on the far more reasonable recoil produced, and the rifle on its recoil management characteristics.

There is also a fairly unremarkable demonstration of rifle grenade use, and then some bayonet drills and discussion with troops inclined to favour it over previous models.

Finally, a visit to production facilities is arranged, and work found to be ticking along nicely as machine tools buzz away, worked by well rested individuals on relaxed rotas. Factories in the cities are working around the clock, with great posters dotted about covered in scrawl indicating the work-light scheduels of the workers. It is true that the RK-100 series are not the cheapest rifles in the world to anyone who wants them in a hurry, but as the Soviets plan to introduce them over many years and with the help of Phalanstery-based workshops, there is yet no problem to be addressed.

The Robotstanis, if they were to continue their interest, it is explained, should be able to transfer production to their homeland, or to work with the Commonwealth's designers and factory workers to develop their own version of the weapon. It is hoped that any arrangement might see some token of appreciation given to the rifle's design team in recognition of their work's widened success, and beyond that nominal and informal fee, nothing would be expected but compensation for any work done in the Commonwealth. The Igovians do not hold to patents and licences and such.

In the event, most Sovietists are also confused by the concept of sub-machineguns in modern warfare, save those inclined to see the value of tiny, "personal defence weapons": the RK-100 is only two inches longer than the Sten Mk6, and weighs just 0.3lb more when empty.

The Parliamentarian purchasing mission finds the Igovian commonwealth quite like home, both in terms of climate and society. Robotstanis, the Igovians find, can down more than their fair share of alchohol.

But on the subject of the Rk-100, the purchasing mission finds the rifle quite to their liking. It is a major improvement over the heavy L1A1, notorious for substantial barrel climb in full automatic mode, and the bolt-action Lee-Enfield No.4. They quickly place an order for 150,000 examples.

On the subject of submachine guns like the Sten Mk.6, Sterling L2A3, and Owen, the purchasing mission explains their use as more a holdover of past customs than anything else, but also cites compactness and utility in wooded and urban environments.

With the Robotstani order met in somewhat casual time, a few crates of weapons and munitions transported each month by WIG vehicles, that nation receives no hints to discourage it from copying the presented technology after receiving the initial weapons. Workers aren't worried, since it will mean years of production simply to meet the Soviet Commune's needs, and more to supply munitions.

While most Sovietists still disagree with the Robotstanis over sub-machineguns in the military, there is no great reason to argue the point, and many Guardsmen and women can easily be seen cleaning or shooting their Suomi M/31 sub-machineguns to this day.

(Bump in the absence of... energy enough to write anything new :) )

(Nb.This information may be somewhat confusing in that it is part of a choppy timeline. At the moment I'm RPing a pre-unification Beth Gellert, with the small Igovian Soviet Commonwealth in Europe, and the massive capitalist Kingdom of the Geletians yet to fall and join the Commonwealth. But since I've had BG for ages, a lot of the final information is built up, and I want to post some of it, sometimes, okay? Heh)

Information on new 6.2x47mm cartridge

This cartridge has been a long time coming. It replaces, across the unified nations that constitute the modern Commonwealth, the 7.62x39mm, 7.62x51mm, and 7.62x54mm cartridges.
Used in the RK-100 assault rifle, RK-101 light machinegun, and Stoat sniper's rifle, the cartridge is designed almost as if specialised in each role.

Recoil produced by the new round in these weapons is only marginally above that seen with the small calibre rifles used by many other nations (5.56x45mm M16s, 5.45x39mm AKs, and so on) making them easily controlled in automatic fire when compared with 7.62mm weapons.

Muzzle velocity, however, is more in keeping with the smaller rounds, while the slightly larger bullet carries more weight and greater stopping power at short ranges, like a 7.62mm round, without performance degrading nearly so quickly further out.

There are several bullet weights in regular use. The Beddgelen 6.2mm bullet is an unusually long one, meaning that ordinarily it could be quite heavy, perhaps rather more than 120 grains, making it a formidable stopper with great penetrative energy. However, in common use are bullets weighing less than 100 grains: most being still more than the usual 5.56mm NATO, but now radically different in performance. The weight reduction is achieved without altering the excellent ballistic shape of the round due to the use of an internal air pocket, most famously demonstrated by the Russian 5.45mm round but reputedly tried earlier by the British using a big .303" bullet.

This air pocket concept has been tried by other nations apparently in hopes of causing a fast moving round to deform and change course on impacting a body, causing greater damage rather than passing straight through cleanly. In our case, though, this is not the intention, and the standard Igovian round is still quite sturdy (the slightly bigger, weightier round is not judged to be at such a risk of failing to stop an enemy as would be the smaller calibre Russian bullets). It is here a simple means of maintaining a long bullet with a good ballistic profile, keeping it of a significant bore with stopping power potential, and not making it so weighty as to see performance decline radically with distance.

The choice of weights within the same ballistic envelope helps the Igovian 6.2x47mm cartridge on its way to achieving its aims.

This is a high velocity, low recoil package with stopping power, remarkably flat trajectory out to long ranges, and good armour penetration potential. It works as the fusilier's assault-rifle cartridge for high rate-of-fire close-quarter engagement without leaving him helpless at long range, gives the sniper a vital high velocity while maintaining a flat trajectory to extreme range and carrying the energy to drop a target outright, and allows the light machinegunner to make accurate use of low-recoil automatic fire to surpress distant opponents.

Second mass production Rk-100 proposed

The Rk-100 AR and Rk-101 LMG are proving popular in those units to which they have thus far been issued, but there are a great many troops resentful of the fact that they continue to hold 7.62mm weapons months after the initial introduction of the new guns. The painstaking milled construction of the Rk-100 receiver contributes to an already expensive manufacturing process engaging many workers for a rate of production some are calling unsatisfactory.

As a result, proposals have been drawn up for a second series being basically identical but for the method of construction, optimised for high-rate production. These would make heavy use of stampings, being the AKM to Rk-100's AK-47. However, fears about a degredation of quality have already been addressed in what some criticise as the sort of compromise that should not be made with defence. It is proposed to use stampings in the order of 1.6mm thickness as opposed to the 1mm or so used in many cheap Russian and other AKMs, following the Yugoslav model, which would presumably help the Rk-100s to retain durability and, importantly, reinforce them against unwanted vibration that is a prime cause of stamped AKs' reputation for poor accuracy.

No decisions have yet been made, but Soviets meeting to discuss the matter appear to be receptive, especially where their membership are yet to receive new rifles.

(Ah, what the hell, let's give it a bump before it vanishes forever. Must remind myself where I got up to with arming the Commonwealth.)