The M556 is a light, burst fire capable fire support system designed for small unit fire support, where a standard mortar would be too cumbersome. With a loaded weight of 5 kilograms, and only 2 feet long, it is a more portable alternative to the M-12 in some situations and more economical as well. The weapon comes with a custom sling allowing comfortable carry of this weapon. The weapon is deployed using a front bipod that can be automatically adjusted, and a four point baseplate that folds up for transport.
The frame of the VLMS is made of standard ceramic composites, and using high strength plastics for most of the construction. The baseplate of the weapon is segmented into four legs that spring out and provide a stable base for firing. Mounted near the muzzle is an automatically adjustable front bipod. Using a micromotor, the bipod can be remotely raised and lowered as needed. This permits both low angle and high angle firing. Control of the VLMS is through a specially mounted keypad that has a reel that dispenses a 30m cord to effect remote firing. The control system is the size of a large calculator, and permits full fire control. Adjustments such as elevation and depression can be made from this. However, for adjusting the weapon to fire in a different direction, the baseplate allows the weapon to be rotated 360º to allow this. However, for best effects, the weapon should be pointed in the best direction possible.
The computer system mounted has the ability to calculate trajectories, and other necessary data. Should the adjustment require any direction change, the display will alert the user to the desired direction necessary. Then the necessary adjustments can be made. The system also monitors ammunition load, barrel temperature, etc. This system can be hooked up both to the Battletac FDDM and the PARGET system if needed. The keypad attaches to the top of the weapon via hooks, and the inbuilt reel houses the control cord. The electronics of the weapon are powered by a lithium battery that provides up to 10 hours of continious use. Additionally, a backup iron sighting attachment that is standard to all mortars may be used instead. This is detachable, and weighs .5 kg. This comes with the M556 when purchased.
The weapon is fed by a nine round clip that fires specialized ammunition comparable to mini-grenades. The major difference is that the rounds are longer, and can reach out to 1,000 meters. The clip is mounted on the side of the weapon, for ease of reloading, such as in a situation where it can be loaded while in the prone position. All rounds are caseless, and it uses an electrical firing system to keep the weight and size down. Additionally, this helps reduce weight allowing more rounds to be carried in a combat environment. Firing modes of the VLMS is only single shot or burst fire. Due to this high rate of fire, especially at burst fire, there is a specialized feed system that carries 30 rounds in a large drum, and has a flexi-feed system to allow positive feed of the weapon.
Type
Conceal
Ammo
Mode
Damage
Weight
Availability
Cost
Street Index
Sniper*
2
9(c)
SS/BF
See below**
5
16/20 days
10,000¥
4
* Use the Sniper Range table as in SRIII.
** Ammunition for this system uses the standard mini-grenade rules, and when figuring cost, add 4 to the availability, 4 to the time, and multiply the grenades cost by 5. Ammunition weight is .15 kg per round, and a full, nine round clip weights 1.5 kilograms (weight figured into weapon weight).
The weapon mounts on the barrel an Improved Gas-Vent IV, the baseplate offers 2 points of recoil compensation, and use heavy weapon recoil rules. The control keypad has a barrier rating of 3 and is fully waterproofed. Deploying and breaking down the weapon requires Four Complex Actions to perform. The weapon has a scatter of 2D6.
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