# M56A2 Block II (M56A3) Program

To: Jeff Venters
From: Karen Hjeaken
Subject: M56A2 Block II (M56A3) Program
  Following the introduction of the M56 Smart in Febuary 2054, it has become the standard of Special Security Group fireteams employing the weapon. The weapon system allowed an operative to effectively fight on the move, with enhanced targeting properties facilitated by a thermal acquisition sight (TAS).
  M56 (November 2054)
  The original M56 TAS was often easily faked by ordinary heat sources, resulting in a few unwarranted deaths of operatives. Other reports were frequent jamming with the feed system, and loading the magazine was often difficult. Overall the system was satisfactory enought for use, and various field modifications were introduced.
  M56A1 Development (December 2055)
  Realizing this need, Special Munitions decided to upgrade the IR TAS on the weapon. The microelectronics were improved, replacing the defective lenses with improved ones. The LRU (Line Replacement Unit) was improved as well, as better software was installed. A fuze selector was installed, but was not fully implemented pending problems with the M250 ammunition being developed at the time, to be used on the M56 Smart. However, with problems with ballistics and implementation, the M250 ammunition did not become readily available, and integration was not scheduled until the "A2" variant was introduced, as the round did not generate any real interest. Also added to the M56A1 system was EMP suppression and protection from TREE (Transient Radiation Effects in Electronics) effects as well.
  M56A2 Development (July 2057)
  After testing of the M250 ammunition was satisfactory, the basic M56A1 Gun Assembly was modified in May of 2057 to experiment with the new fuse selector available to the system. After two months of testing, the M250 and necessary components were approved with the M56A1 system and integrated to form the M56A2. Other minor changes, such as improved targeting software for the platform was added. This enhanced the targeting algorithims, allowing a "hole in one" shot grouping. This combined with the excellent stability of the weapon, allows superior armor penetration of the round, when set on "Delay".
  M56A2 Block II (M56A3) Development Program (April 2058)
  With the new introduction of the Battletac system, Special Munitions engineers have developed a package to upgrade the current M56A2 Smart. The weapon will be "smarter", incorporating a Battletac suite with integrated GPS. This is not an extensive modification to the weapon, therefore keeping costs to a minimum, to ensure rapid deployment within the SSG structure. The new system will have a harness mounted (on the back) Battletac and GPS reciever hooked up to the nominal communications system. This is designed to add better C4I capabilities necessary for tactical operations they perform. Integration is slated for June of 2058, allowing the necessary equipment to be developed for manufacture. The combined system will be mounted in a shockproof/weatherproof case made of high impact plastic. Also being introduced is the M345 HVAPFSDS round, allowing additional armor protection, increasing the effectiveness of SSG personnel. The round consists of a tungsten dart encased in a sabot, while still encased in a caseless compound. The compound content is increased, allowing greater forces on the round, while not affecting recoil in any significant way. Unlike the M250 series of ammunition, the M345 will not be able to use the fuze selector in the forward handgrip. The cost of this program is not prohibitively expensive, as the GPS systems will be standard military grade with the appropriate encryption/decryption protocols. Other things being developed is a multi-spectral system, using an LPIR (Low Probability of Intercept Radar) system, modified from a Sentry Gun pulse radar system. A Low-light system will be added, as well as the added software to handle the new data being introduced. To cope with the added weight, most of the Gun Assembly will recieve ultra-light composites, reducing the unloaded weight from 14 kilograms to 13 kilograms, a kilogram difference. With the introduction of the Smartlink III. Introduction of this system is somewhat debated, as the essence cost of the system is being questioned, least until the size of the system is reduced, without any extra means, such as Alpha, Beta, Delta customization measures. This will also reduce the weapon weight somewhat, with the projected loss to be about -.2 kilograms. This is not forseeable until an "A4" version is ready for development, or until the technology is more refined.
  Assistant VP,
  Karen Hjeaken
  Special Munitions.

  ## Game Notes:

  M345 High Velocity Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (HVAPFSDS)
  The M345 HVAPFSDS round is an armor defeating round. Using a tungsten dart in a sabot, while remaining caseless, the round achieves superior penetration. The block used for the round has added fill to it, increasing damage, as well as a small explosive filler has been added to increase lethality. The ammunition is so far usable on the M56 series of weapons, as well as regular assault rifles as well.

  Concealability | Damage | Weight | Availability | Cost | Street Index
  8 | +4 Power / +1 Level* | .85 | ** | 150 | **

  *Use APDS rules
  **Available only to SSG members.
  The M345 is basically an explosive shell with a tungsten penetrator. The ammunition is a "hot load" and does not significantly alter any rules in regards to recoil, etc.