Designer's Notes: GURPS Modern Firepower

by Hans-Christian Vortisch

"Anything else?"
"Phased-plasma rifle in the 40-watt range."
"Hey, just what you see, pal."
-- Alamo Gun Clerk and T-800 in Terminator

I have published articles on modern (as well as antique and futuristic) armaments for use with GURPS for some years now -- first in my fanzine, aptly-titled The Armourer, then on GURPSnet, and finally in Pyramid. At the same time, I pestered Dr. Kromm, David Pulver, various authors in playtest, and several errata coordinators with errata lists and assorted essays and comments on obscure stuff they probably could not care less about. Then, in early summer of 2001, David finally had enough and suggested I should write my own book. It sounded like a good idea.

While writing the book, I found that I had not even half enough space for all the items I wanted to cover. Consequently, a small portion of the stuff that did not make it follows in this article. Of course, there might always be a GURPS Modern Firepower 2 for the rest of it . . .

Modern Squad-level Firepower

The following overviews detail the typical combat equipment of a number of military forces in the year 2002, to put some of the armaments described in GURPS Modern Firepower into perspective (and hopefully help with the odd campaign, for example to describe a "normal" opposing forces squad for GURPS Special Ops). Note that the entries below refer to above-average front-line units equipped with the most modern weaponry -- smaller or larger parts of the various nations' military forces usually remain armed with older and less sophisticated weapons. Also, the loadouts are for full-scale combat operations -- squads deployed for guard duty or police operations will be armed differently.

Since many of the small arms adopted in the 1990s will see service well into the 2010s, these lists can also be used to extrapolate into the future. However, major conflicts -- which accelerate the fielding of new weapon designs -- may change this considerably.

The rifle squad (called a section in Great Britain and those forces patterned after her military) is the smallest unit, and has between 5-15 men. Two to four rifle squads (but normally three) and the headquarter's squad make up a platoon, typically bolstered by support weapons which are either part of the HQ squad or a dedicated weapons squad. Usually the squad leader is a mid-ranking (Rank 1) non-commissioned officer such as a sergeant or staff sergeant. Often the squad can be further divided into smaller tactical elements (fire teams), which are led by Rank 0 NCOs such as a corporal. Again, British and Commonwealth units differ: they have a corporal as section leader, and a lance corporal as his second-in-command (both Rank 0 in GURPS).

Body armor and helmets are standard issue, see Chapter 4 in GURPS Modern Firepower. Ammunition and equipment is carried in load-bearing equipment or vests (see Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 95).

Australia

An Australian Army infantry section (9 men) consists of a section leader, machine gunner, SAW gunner, grenadier, and five riflemen. The section leader and the riflemen each have an ADI F88SA1 AUSTEYR assault rifle (licensed Steyr AUG, pp. B209, HT115) with ELCAN 3.4X scope (p. MF13) and seven magazines, two ADI F1 hand grenades (below), knife/bayonet (below), and often also an AN-M8 smoke grenade (pp. B209, HT117, and W98) and ADI L1A2-F1 LAW (licensed M72A2, p. HT122). The machine gunner has an Enfield L7A2 machine gun (licensed FN MAG, p. HT120) with three 100-round belts. The SAW gunner has an ADI F89A1 (licensed FN MINIMI, pp. HT120, TM80) with 1.5X scope and five 100-round belts. Additional ammo for both the machine gun and the SAW will be distributed among the riflemen. The grenadier has a rifle and R/M M203PI grenade launcher (pp. BO112, HT121) with twelve grenades. Often one or more of the riflemen also carry a Colt M79 grenade launcher (pp. BO112, HT121) with twelve grenades for additional firepower.

Platoon-level weapons include the FN-Browning L9A1 High-Power pistol (pp. B208, HT108, and W94), Accuracy International F98 sniper rifle (AW, p. MF24), and FFV L14A1 recoilless rifle (M2 Carl Gustaf, p. HT122).

Canada

A Canadian Army infantry section (8 men) consists of a section leader, two SAW gunners, two grenadiers, and three riflemen. The section leader and the riflemen each have a Diemaco C7A1 assault rifle (licensed Colt M16A2, p. MF17) with C79 ELCAN 3.4X scope (p. MF13) and seven magazines, two SNC C13 hand grenades (licensed M67, p. B209), knife/bayonet (below), and often also an AN-M8 smoke grenade (pp. B209, HT117, and W98) and Raufoss M72A5 LAW (p. HT122). The SAW gunners have a Diemaco C9A1 (licensed FN MINIMI, pp. HT120, TM80) with C79 ELCAN 3.4X scope and three 200-round belts. Additional ammo for the SAWs will be distributed among the riflemen. The grenadiers have a rifle and Diemaco M203A1 grenade launcher (licensed from Colt, p. HT121) with twelve grenades.

Platoon-level weapons include the Inglis-Browning No 2 Mk I* High-Power pistol (licensed from FN, pp. B208, HT108, and W94), FN C6 machine gun (MAG, p. HT120), Turnbull M19 60mm mortar (licensed from the U.S.; use stats of M2, p. HT120), FFV L14A1 recoilless rifle (M2 Carl Gustaf, p. HT122), and Aérospatiale ACCP Eryx ATGM.

China

A Chinese airborne infantry squad (11 men) consists of a squad leader, two team leaders, radio operator, two SAW gunners, two grenadiers, and three riflemen. The squad leader and the riflemen are armed with a NORINCO 95 Shi rifle (p. MF25) with six magazines, two NORINCO 86 Shi hand grenades (below), and a knife/bayonet (an average copy of the M9, below). The team leaders have a 3X scope on their rifle. Two riflemen also carry a NORINCO 89 Shi LAW (below). The radio operator has a NORINCO 95 Shi assault carbine (p. MF25). The SAW gunners have a NORINCO 95 Shi (p. MF25) with three 75-round drum magazines. The grenadiers are armed with a rifle and a NORINCO 95 Shi grenade launcher (copied Colt M203, pp. BO112, HT121) with ten grenades.

Platoon-level weapons include the NORINCO 92 Shi pistol (stats below), NORINCO 79 Shi sniper rifle (copied SVD, Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 100), and NORINCO 80 Shi machine gun (copied PK, p. HT120).

France

A French infantry squad (9 men) consists of a squad leader, a sniper, a SAW gunner, a grenadier, and five riflemen. The squad leader and the riflemen each have a GIAT FA-MAS-5.56-F1 assault rifle (Special Ops, Second Edition, pp. 100-101), seven magazines, two GIAT GR-AP/AV-40-F1 rifle grenades (below), two Luchaire GR-MA-DF-F1 hand grenades (stats below), and a knife/bayonet (below). Two will also carry a Bofors ABL-84-F1 LAW (AT4CS, Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 103). The sniper has a GIAT FR-F2 sniper rifle (stats below) with five magazines. The SAW gunner has a FN MINIMI-Para (compare p. HT120, stats below) with retractable stock and three 200-round belts. Additional ammo for the SAW will be distributed among the riflemen.The grenadier has either a rifle and Titanite LGI-52-F1 52mm mortar (licensed PRB FLY-K, p. HT121) with three shells, or a rifle and R/M M203PI grenade launcher (pp. BO112, HT121) with twelve grenades.

Platoon-level weapons include the GIAT PA-MAS-G1 pistol (licensed Beretta Mod 92G, pp. B208, C63, and HT108) and Aérospatiale ACCP Eryx ATGM.

Germany

A German Fallschirmjäger or Gebirgsjäger squad (10 men) consists of a squad leader, machine gunner, anti-tank specialist, grenadier, and six riflemen. The squad leader and the riflemen each have a H&K G36 assault rifle (pp. MF25-26) with five magazines, two Diehl DM51 hand grenades (p. MF32), 6Kh4 knife/bayonet (below), and often also a Piepenbrock DM25 smoke grenade (use AN-M8, pp. B209, HT117, and W98). The squad leader also has a H&K P2A1 flare pistol (High-Tech, Second Edition, p. 124) with eight flares. One or more riflemen have three Buck HAFLA DM34 incendiary launchers (pp. BO113, HT121). The machine gunner has a Rheinmetall MG3 machine gun (below) with three 120-round belts and a H&K P8 pistol (9×19mm variant of USP, p. HT109) with two magazines. Additional ammo for the machine gun will be distributed among the riflemen. The anti-tank specialist has a rifle and a Dynamit Nobel PZF3 rocket launcher (p. MF33) with one reload. More PZF3s may be allocated as needed. The grenadier has a rifle, and either a H&K AG1A1 grenade launcher (HK69A1 Granatpistole, p. HT121) or H&K AG36 underbarrel grenade launcher (p. MF31) with twelve grenades. From 2004, each squad will have three grenadiers with the AG36.

Platoon-level weapons include the Accuracy International G22 sniper rifle (p. MF24), Diehl sPZB2A1 recoilless rifle (licensed FFV M2 Carl Gustaf, p. HT122, fires only illumination rounds), and Euromissile MILAN 3 ATGM (p. HT122).

Great Britain

A British para infantry or Royal Marine section (8 men) consists of a section leader, two LMG gunners, two LSW gunners, two grenadiers, and one rifleman. Section leader and rifleman each have an H&K L85A2 Individual Weapon (improved Enfield L85A1, p. HT115) with L9A1 SUSAT 4X scope and four magazines, a SM L109A1 hand grenade (p. MF32), a Buck L84A1 hot smoke grenade (use AN-M8, pp. B209, HT117, and W98), and a knife/bayonet (below). They may also carry a Hunting L1A4 LAW (below). The LMG gunners have a FN L110A1 light machine gun (MINIMI-Para, compare p. HT120, stats below) with retractable stock and three 200-round belts. The LSW gunners have an H&K L86A2 Light Support Weapon (below) with twelve magazines (often half of these are carried by the riflemen for a more equally distributed load). The grenadiers have a rifle with an H&K L117A2 underbarrel grenade launcher (AG36, p. MF31) with twelve grenades.

Platoon-level weapons include the Enfield L7A2 machine gun (licensed FN MAG, p. HT120) and Royal Ordnance L10A1 51mm mortar (p. HT121).

India

An Indian infantry section (11 men) consists of section leader, two SAW gunners, anti-tank specialist, and seven riflemen. The section leader and riflemen are armed with either an Ishapore INSAS AR assault rifle (below) or a ROMARM Mod 80 assault rifle (Romanian AKM variant, pp. B209, HT114-115) with five magazines, two Khadki No. 36M hand grenades (pp. B209, HT117, and W98), and a knife/bayonet (below). The SAW gunners have either a Kanpur INSAS LMG (below) or a Ishapore 1B LMG (license-made BREN in 7.62×51mm, compare pp. HT119, W96, stats below) with five magazines. The anti-tank specialist has a rifle and an Ishapore 1A recoilless rifle (licensed FFV M2 Carl Gustaf, p. HT122) with five rounds. Four more are carried by one of the riflemen.

Platoon-level weapons include the Kanpur 1A pistol (license-made FN-Browning High-Power, pp. B209, HT108, and W94), Ishapore 2A1 machine gun (licensed FN MAG, p. HT120), and Kanpur E1 51mm mortar (pp. HT121, W98).

Iraq

An Iraqi Republican Guard infantry section (10 men) consists of a section leader, two SAW gunners, anti-tank specialist, and six riflemen. The section leader and the riflemen are armed with a Tabuk rifle (copied AKM, pp. B209, HT114-115) with seven magazines, two F-1 hand grenades (p. W98), and a knife/bayonet (below). The SAW gunners have an Al-Quds automatic rifle (copied RPK, pp. HT114-115) with five magazines. The anti-tank specialist has a Tariq pistol (copied Beretta Mod 951 Brigadier, stats below) and an Al-Nassira rocket launcher (copied RPG-7, pp. HT122, MF33) with five rounds. Four more rockets are carried by one of the riflemen.

Platoon-level weapons include the Al-Kadisa sniper rifle (copied SVD, Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 100), PKM machine gun (p. HT121), and Al-Jaleel 60mm mortar (use M2, pp. HT121, W98).

Israel

An Israeli infantry squad (9 men) consists of squad leader, SAW gunner, anti-tank specialist, grenadier, and five riflemen. The squad leader and riflemen each have a Colt CAR-15A1 R653 assault carbine (p. HT115) or IMI Galil AR assault rifle (p. HT115) with Elbit reflex sight (p. MF13) and seven magazines, two IMI M26A2 hand grenades (p. HT117) and a knife/bayonet (below), plus often an IMI No. 5 smoke grenade (use AN-M8, pp. B209, HT117, and W98), and IMI M72A3 LAW (p. HT122). The SAW gunner has an IMI Negev (below) with four 150-round belts. Additional ammo for the SAW will be distributed among the riflemen. The anti-tank specialist has a carbine and a Kovrov RPG-7V rocket launcher (pp. HT122, MF33) with nine rounds, eight more are carried by one of the riflemen. The grenadier has a carbine and a R/M M203PI grenade launcher (pp. BO112, HT121) with eighteen grenades.

Platoon-level weapons include the IMI MAG machine gun (licensed from FN, p. HT120) and IMI 52mm mortar (p. HT121).

The Colt CAR-15A1 R653 and IMI Galil ARM are being replaced by the IMI Tavor 2 assault carbine (below).

Mexico

A Mexican infantry squad (10 men) consists of squad leader, machine gunner, grenadier, anti-tank specialist, and six riflemen. The squad leader is armed with a DIM MP5A3 submachine gun (licensed from H&K, pp. B209, C64, HT116, and Special Ops, Second Edition, pp. 105-106) with five magazines. The riflemen are armed with a DIM G3A3 assault rifle (licensed from H&K, pp. B209, HT115) with five magazines, two M67 hand grenades (p. B209) and a knife/bayonet (below). Some may also carry a Talley M72A3 LAW (p. HT122). The machine gunner has a DIM HK21A1 machine gun (licensed from H&K, p. HT120) with three 100-round belts and a DIM P7M13S pistol (licensed from H&K, compare p. HT109, stats below) with two magazines. Additional ammo for the machine gun will be distributed among the riflemen. The grenadier has a Mechem MGL-6 grenade launcher (p. HT121) with eighteen grenades and a pistol. The anti-tank specialist has a rifle and an IMI B-300 rocket launcher (below) with three rounds.

Platoon-level weapons include the Watervliet M2 60mm mortar (pp. HT121, W98).

Pakistan

A Pakistani infantry section (11 men) consists of section leader, machine gunner, anti-tank specialist, and eight riflemen. The section leader has a POF MP5A2 submachine gun (licensed from H&K, pp. B209, C64, and Special Ops, Second Edition, pp. 105-106) with five magazines. The riflemen are armed with either a NORINCO Type 56 assault rifle (Chinese AKM variant, pp. B209, HT114-115) with seven magazines or a POF G3A3 assault rifle (licensed from H&K, pp. B209, HT115) with five magazines, two POF HG84P2A1 hand grenades (licensed ARGES HG84, stats below), and a knife/bayonet (below). The machine gunner has a POF MG3P (below) with three 100-round belts and a Walther P1 pistol (a modernized variant of the P38; see p. W94 and "Secret Weapons," stats below) with two magazines. Additional ammo for the machine gun will be distributed among the riflemen. The anti-tank specialist has a rifle and a MTF RPG-7 rocket launcher (licensed from Russia, pp. HT122, MF33) with five rounds. Four more rockets are carried by one of the riflemen.

Platoon-level weapons include the MTF Type 63 60mm mortar (modified copy of the NORINCO 63-1 Shi, itself a copy of the Watervliet M2, pp. HT121, W98).

Russia

A Russian motorized infantry squad (10 men) consists of squad leader, two machine gunners, two SAW gunners, two grenadiers, anti-tank specialist, and two riflemen. The squad leader and riflemen are armed with an Izhmash AK-74 assault rifle (pp. HT114-115, Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 100) with four magazines, two Bazalt RGN-86 hand grenades (p. MF32), and a 6Kh4 knife/bayonet (below). The machine gunners have a Kovrov PKM machine gun (p. HT120) with three 100-round belts. The SAW gunners have a Molot RPK-74 (pp. HT114-115 and Special Ops, Second Edition, p.103) with four magazines. The anti-tank specialist has a rifle and a Kovrov RPG-7V rocket launcher (pp. HT122, MF33) with five rounds. Four more rockets are carried by one of the riflemen. The grenadiers have a rifle and a KBP GP-30 grenade launcher (p. MF31) with ten grenades. Some units also issue LAWs like the Bazalt RPG-27 (p. MF33).

Platoon-level weapons include the Izhmekh PM Makarov pistol (p. C63 and Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 98) and Izhmash SVD sniper rifle (Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 100).

The Izhmash AN-94 rifle (p. MF27), TsNIITochMash Pecheneg machine gun (p. MF30), and Izhmekh PYa pistol (p. MF20) are being introduced.

USA

A U.S. Army airborne or light infantry squad (9 men) consists of a squad leader, two team leaders, two SAW gunners, two grenadiers, and two riflemen. Squad leader, team leaders, and riflemen each have a Colt M4 assault carbine (p. MF26) with seven magazines, AN/PAS-4C IR laser (p. MF13), and M68 collimating sight (p. MF13), two M67 hand grenades (p. B209), and a M9 knife/bayonet (below), plus often an AN-M8 smoke (pp. B209, HT117, and W98) or AN-M18 colored smoke grenade. Two will also have an Alliant M136 LAW (licensed Bofors AT4, Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 103). The SAW gunners have a FN M249A1 (MINIMI, pp. HT120, TM80) with three 200-round belts and AN/PVS-4 night sight (p. MF14). Additional ammo for the SAWs will be distributed among the riflemen. The grenadiers have a carbine and a Colt M203A1 grenade launcher (pp. BO112, HT121) with eighteen grenades.

Platoon-level weapons include the Beretta M9 pistol (Mod 92F, pp. B208, C63, and HT108), FN M240B machine gun (MAG, p. HT120), and Lockheed-Raytheon FGM-148A Javelin ATGM.

A U.S. Marine Corps infantry squad (13 men) consists of a squad leader, three team leaders/grenadiers, three SAW gunners, and six riflemen. Squad leader and riflemen each have a Colt M16A2 assault rifle (p. MF17) with seven magazines, AN/PAS-4C IR laser, and M68 collimating sight, two M67 hand grenades, and a M9 knife/bayonet, plus often an AN-M8 smoke grenade. Three will also have an Alliant M136 LAW. The team leaders/grenadiers have a rifle and a Colt M203 grenade launcher (p. HT121) with eighteen grenades. The SAW gunners have a FN M249A1 with three 200-round belts and AN/PVS-4 night sight. Additional ammo for the SAWs will be distributed among the riflemen.

Platoon-level weapons include the Beretta M9 pistol, as well as usually the FN M240G machine gun (MAG, p. HT120) and McDonnell Douglas MK153 MOD 1 SMAW rocket launcher (see under IMI B-300, below) assigned from the company's weapons platoon.

More Firepower

Rifles

Ishapore INSAS AR, 5.56×45mm NATO, India, 1997 (Holdout -6)
The new Indian Army rifle is based on the Kalashnikov action, but has many external features of the FN FAL and other rifles as well. It has wooden furnishing (the stock being shaped like on the SMLE No. 3 Mk III) and a translucent plastic magazine. Early versions fired only single shots and 3-round limited bursts, but recent production guns will also fire full automatic (RoF 10**). A model with folding stock (Holdout -5) is issued to mechanized and airborne infantry.

There is also a squad automatic version made at Kanpur and known as the INSAS LMG. It has a bipod and larger magazine, but is otherwise similar (see table).

IMI Tavor 2, 5.56×45mm NATO, Israel, 2002 (Holdout -4)
A new bullpup assault carbine with very short barrel, intended to replace all assault rifles and carbines currently in service with Israeli infantry units. The selection of barrel length may be a result of the close ranges the IDF is usually operating under. The weapon has a P-rail (p. MF11) typically fitted with a reflex sight (p. MF13) and uses M16-type magazines. Ejection can be easily changed from right to left.

It is available in a suppressed version with the barrel prepared to accept a sound suppressor (-6 Hearing, AS +21, p. MF16).

By exchanging the barrel and bolt, the Tavor 2 can alternatively fire 9×19mm Parabellum ammo using Uzi magazines; Dam 3d-1, SS 10, Acc 8, 1/2D 160, Max 1,900, Wt 7.4, AWt 1.3, RoF 15*, Shots 32, ST 10, Rcl -1.

The Tavor 2 Designated Marksman's Rifle (DMR) has a longer barrel, folding bipod (+1 Acc if firing prone), and typically mounts a 4X scope; Dam 5d(1.25), SS 12, Acc 11+2, 1/2D 800, Max 3,500, Wt 10.2, Holdout -5.

Machine Guns

Rheinmetall MG3, 7.62×51mm NATO, Germany, 1968 (Holdout -7)
The standard general-purpose machine gun of the German armed forces, this gun is essentially a post-war variant of the MG42 (pp. HT119, W97). It can use both disintegrating and non-disintegrating belts, which are usually packed in plastic drums of 100 rounds (attach to the weapon), small plastic cans of 120 rounds (attach to the weapon), or larger metal cans of 250 rounds. The MG3 features a bipod and folding anti-aircraft sight. Its polygonal rifled barrel is made by H&K. The gun was adopted by Angola, Bangladesh, Germany, Greece (license-made by EBO), Guinea-Bisseau, Iran (license-produced by DIO at Mosalsalsasi Arsenal), Mozambique, Norway, Pakistan (license-made as MG3P by POF), Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Spain (license-produced as MG3S by Santa Bárbara), Togo, Tunisia, and Turkey (license-made by MKE). Older variants are even more widespread. The MG3 shows no signs of age, and will remain in service at least with the Germany military for many years.

Enfield L86A1 LSW, 5.56×45mm NATO, Great Britain, 1986 (Holdout -6)
The L86A1 Light Support Weapon is the squad automatic version of the L85A1 Individual Weapon (also known as the SA80, p. HT115). It differs in its longer barrel and integral bipod (+1 Acc if fired prone), but features the same L9A1 SUSAT tritium-illuminated 4X scope (p. MF13) and M16-type magazine well. Like the L85A1, it is accurate and performs reasonably well on the range in England, but abysmally under less ideal conditions. After-action troop reports on its service during the 1991 Gulf War and other operations were very bitter, citing frequent breaks, jams, and other malfunctions.

After more than a decade of denial, the British military had most of the inventory rebuilt by H&K of Germany, who redesigned a number of parts and replaced many others (Malf crit). The resultant L86A2 entered service in late 2001, and is intended to be used until 2015 . . .

IMI Negev, 5.56×45mm NATO, Israel, 1991 (Holdout -7)
The Negev is the Israeli military's squad automatic weapon, resembling the FN MINIMI (pp. HT120, TM80) not only in function, but also in many design details. It features a quick-change barrel, bipod (+1 Acc if fired prone), and folding stock. It can feed from disintegrating belts, Galil-type magazines or, using an adaptor, M16-type magazines. The belts come in soft cloth packs instead of the rattling plastic cans of the MINIMI. Adopted in 1990, the Negev entered production in 1991, but initial production was slow. It fully replaced the IMI MAG machine gun as the squad's automatic weapon in 1997. Interestingly enough, some Israeli special ops units such as the Sayeret Mat'kal seem to prefer the FN MINIMI-Para.

Rifle Grenades

Although grenade launchers are more prolific, there are still rifle grenades in use. Most modern types no longer need special ballistite (blank) cartridges to propel them. They are either a bullet-trap design, launched by firing any service round that is trapped in the tail of the grenade, or a bullet-through design, in which the projectile passes through the hollow grenade. Western designs are fired from the muzzle of any rifle with a 22mm flash-hider, standard on most NATO rifles and many carbines. Below minimum range or if they fail to explode, rifle grenades do 1d crushing damage from a 5.56×45mm rifle or 1d+1 crushing from a 7.62×51mm rifle.

FN TELGREN, 40mm, Belgium, 1986 (Holdout -1)
The Telescoping Grenade (TELGREN) is a small HE bullet-through rifle grenade. It features a tail unit which telescopes into the warhead for minimized stowage and is extended before launch. It is fired from any 22mm flash-hider: from a 5.56×45mm rifle, Max is 330; from a 7.62×51mm rifle, Max is 440. The TELGREN was adopted by the Belgian and Indonesian militaries.

Rafael Simon 150, 100mm, Israel, 1992 (Holdout -3)
This bullet-trap rifle grenade was designed to breach doors and windows, especially in hostage-resuce operations and urban combat. Fitted with a stand-off aluminium rod (Holdout -4), it is fired from any 5.56×45mm rifle with 22mm flash-hider. The rod ensures proper distance of explosion, which destroys doors with minimal collateral damage. The Simon 150 is in service with the Israeli and French militaries and was adopted by the U.S. Army as the M100 Rifle-Launched Entry Munition (RLEM) in 2000.

GIAT GR-AP/AV-40-F1, 40mm, France, 1994 (Holdout -3)
This HEDP grenade is in service with the French military. It has a bullet-trap and can be launched from any 5.56×45mm rifle with a 22mm flash-hider. The shaped-charge penetrates more than 3 inches of armor steel.

Rocket Launchers

IMI B-300, 83mm, Israel, 1983
This is a reloadable rocket launcher originally designed for Israeli special ops units. Prior to firing, the round has to be attached to the rear of the reusable launching unit. The bipod gives +1 Acc when deployed. The primary rocket has a HEAT warhead, which will penetrate more than 17 inches of armor steel. There is also a HEMAT-HE-FT rocket (p. MF10) for attack of foes behind cover; 6d×6(5) + 3d [3d]. Three rounds can be carried in a special backpack, which weighs 34.1 lbs. loaded. The B-300 was adopted by El Salvador, Estonia, and Mexico, and served as the basis of the McDonnell Douglas MK153 MOD 0 SMAW adopted by the U.S. Marines (also see High-Tech, Second Edition, p. 124, and Special Ops, Second Edition, p. 103). The B-300 is no longer in service with Israeli units, having been replaced by the IMI Shipon LAW from the late 1990s.

Hunting L1A4 LAW80, 94mm, Great Britain, 1987
The LAW80 is a disposable anti-tank rocket launcher. For transport the tube is fitted with styrofoam protection caps at both ends (22 lbs.). Before firing, the caps have to be removed and the tube has to be extended to its full length of 5 feet. Readying the weapon requires about 3 seconds. The integral Royal Ordnance spotting rifle is mounted below the rocket tube and fires 9×44mm L3A1 spotter-tracer rounds; Dam 3d, SS 16, Acc 8, 1/2D 550, Max 2,200, RoF 3~, Shots 5, Rcl -1. The tracer bullet has ballistics matched to the rocket and generates a flash upon impact with a hard surface. The semiautomatic plastic (!) rifle has an aluminum barrel and an integral, non-reloadable magazine. It is factory-loaded and ready-to-fire. The spotting rifle is fired until a hit is scored. The rocket can then be immediately triggered, with a +2 bonus to hit. The rocket has a HEAT warhead which will penetrate more than 26 inches of armor steel. The LAW80 has a non-magnifying, fold-out reflex sight (p. MF13), which is tritium-illuminated, adding +3 to reduce darkness penalties. It can also accept the Pilkington Kite 4X second generation image-intensifying night sight (+2 Acc, +2.6 lbs., p. MF14). The weapon is in service with Great Britain, Jordan, and Oman. In British service, it will be soon be replaced by a Swedish design

NORINCO 89 Shi, 80mm, China, 1989
The 89 Shi is a disposable light anti-tank weapon consisting of a fiberglass tube and a rocket with HEAT warhead. It will penetrate more than 18 inches of armor steel. A 2X scope is attached. The 89 Shi is in service with the People's Liberation Army of China.

Appendix

Knife/Bayonets

Almost all military rifles are capable of mounting a bayonet for melee fighting. Most modern bayonets are multi-purpose bowie-bladed knives (p. HT99). Treat as large knife if detached, and as 2-handed spear when afixed (p. B206, with Reach 1). Most weigh around 0.6 lbs. (1 lb. with scabbard) and cost $75 in fine quality. Some rifles fix the bayonet horizontally instead of vertically, to allow the blade to better penetrate the ribs and also allow side-sweeping slashes (use Spear-2, with Dam sw-1 cutting) instead of just stabs (Tip Slash maneuver, see Errata to GURPS Japan, Second Edition).

One of the oldest multi-purpose designs is the bayonet used with the Russian Kalashnikov rifles. The 6Kh4 version (1974) has a 6.2-inch average blade, heavy pommel for use as hammer, and will serve as insulated wirecutter with its sheath attached. It will mount on the Izhmash AK-74, Izhmash AN-94, and H&K G36. $20, 0.55 lbs., 0.9 lbs. with scabbard.

The bayonet furnished with the British Enfield L85A1 rifle (1986) is a 7-inch cheap blade which was designed to be be used as an insulated wirecutter with its sheath attached. The sheath also features a fold-out saw for light woodwork. Like the rifle, it was plagued with problems and universally condemned by the troops. It is difficult to sharpen, owing to soft steel and ill-designed sharpening arrangements, and has a tendency to fall off the rifle. Broken-off blade tips are also common. And finally, the barrel of the rifle tends to bend when pushed too hard . . . $75, 0.65 lbs., 1.2 lbs. with scabbard.

The U.S. military adopted the M9 in 1986. The 7-inch fine blade is matte stainless and has a sawback and bottle-opener. With the plastic scabbard it can be used as an insulated wirecutter. The scabbard has an integrated sharpening stone, screwdriver, and a pouch accepting a small item such as a compass, pistol magazine, or multi-tool.It will mount on the Colt M4 and M16-series, as well as the OICW. The Chinese issue an unlicensed average copy for their NORINCO 95 Shi rifle. $150, 1 lb., 1.7 lbs. with scabbard.

Weapon Tables

Pistols use Guns/TL (Pistol)
Name		Malf		Type		Damage		SS		Acc		1/2D		Max		Wt		AWt		RoF		Shots		Cost		ST		Rcl		TL
Beretta Mod 951 Brigadier, 9×19mm		crit		Cr		2d+2		10		3		150		1,850		2.1		0.3		3~		8+1		$600		9		-1		7
Walther P1, 9×19mm		crit		Cr		2d+2		10		3		150		1,850		2.1		0.4		3~		8+1		$900		9		-1		7
H&K P7M13, 9×19mm		ver		Cr		2d+1		10		2		140		1,800		2.5		0.6		3~		13+1		$1,300		9		-1		7
NORINCO 92 Shi, 9×19mm		crit		Cr		2d+2		10		3		150		1,850		2.5		0.6		3~		15+1		$400		9		-1		7
Rifles use Guns/TL (Rifle) for single shots, Guns/TL (Light Auto) for burst-fire
Name		Malf		Type		Damage		SS		Acc		1/2D		Max		Wt		AWt		RoF		Shots		Cost		ST		Rcl		TL
GIAT FR-F2, 7.62×51mm		crit.		Cr		7d		15		13+2		1,200		4,200		12.8		1		1/2		10+1		$700		11B		-2		7
Ishapore INSAS AR, 5.56×45mm		crit		Cr		5d		12		10		500		3,500		9.2		0.75		3**		20+1		$500		9		-1		7
IMI Tavor 2, 5.56×45mm		crit		Cr		4d(1.25)		10		8		400		2,500		7		1		14*		30+1		$1,000		9		-1		7
Machine Guns use Guns/TL (Light Auto) for burst-fire, Guns/TL (Rifle) for single shots
Name		Malf		Type		Damage		SS		Acc		1/2D		Max		Wt		AWt		RoF		Shots		Cost		ST		Rcl		TL
Ishapore 1A LMG, 7.62×51mm		crit		Cr		7d		17		11		1,000		4,200		23.6		2.6		8*		30		$1,000		13B		-1		7
Rheinmetall MG3, 7.62×51mm		crit		Cr		7d		17		8		1,000		4,200		32.7		7.4		20		120		$2,700		13B		-2		7
FN MINIMI-Para, 5.56×45mm		crit		Cr		5d(1.25)		14		8		500		3,200		21.7		7		12		200		$4,000		11B		-1		7
Enfield L86A1 LSW, 5.56×45mm		16		Cr		5d+1(1.25)		12		11+2		800		3,500		14.5		1		13*		30+1		$700		10B		-1		7
IMI Negev, 5.56×45mm		crit		Cr		5d+1(1.25)		15		10		800		3,500		21.8		5.3		12*		150		$5,000		11B		-1		7
Kanpur INSAS LMG, 5.56×45mm		crit		Cr		5d+1		13		10		800		3,500		14.8		1.1		11*		30+1		$600		10B		-1		7
Hand Grenades use Throwing
Name		Malf		Type		Damage		Wt		Fuze		Cost		TL
ARGES HG84		crit		E×p.		3d+2 [3d]		1.1		4 seconds		$25		7
NORINCO 86 Shi		crit		E×p.		2d-1 [3d]		0.6		5 seconds		$5		7
Luchaire GR-MA-DF-F1		crit		E×p.		3d+1 [3d]		0.8		4 seconds		$25		7
ADI F1		crit		E×p.		1d [3d]		0.8		4 seconds		$25		7
Rifles Grenades use Guns/TL (Grenade Launcher)
Name		Malf		Type		Damage		SS		Acc		Min		1/2D		Max		Wt		RoF		Shots		Cost		ST		Rcl		TL
TELGREN, 40mm		crit.		E×p.		2d-1 [2d]		18		5		5		-		440		0.7		1/4		1		$100		10		-1		7
Rafael Simon 150, 100mm		crit.		E×p.		5d+1		18		5		20		-		100		1.2		1/4		1		$1,500		10		-1		7
GIAT GR-AP/AV-40-F1, 40mm		crit.		E×p.		6d(10) + 2d [2d]		18		5		15		150		400		0.9		1/4		1		$100		10		-1		7
Rocket Launchers use Guns/TL (LAW)
Name		Malf		Type		Damage		SS		Acc		Min		1/2D		Max		Wt		Awt		RoF		Shots		Cost		ST		TL
IMI B-300, 83mm		crit		E×p.		6d×6(10)		16		8		11		440		2,000		17.9		10		1/10		1		$5,000		11		7
Hunting L1A4 LAW80, 94mm		crit		E×p.		6d×9(10)		16		8		22		550		2,200		19.8		-		1		1		$1,500		11		7
NORINCO 89 Shi, 80mm		crit		E×p.		6d×6(10)		14		6+1		11		330		2,000		8.1		-		1		1		$500		10		7

Thanks

The author thanks David Pulver and Sean Punch for encouragement, and HANS' Hellions (especially Rupert Boleyn, Sami Hyppiä, andi jones, Matt Jones, Nigel McCarty-Eigenmann, Kenneth Peters, and Paul Vissing) for all sorts of support. Further nods go to the denizens of the TankNet and hkpro forums, and to various individuals from the Delta Green mailing list.

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Article publication date: October 11, 2002

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