Barrel length 16.5in internal suppresser length 2.5in
OA Length 33 1/8in With stock retracted 30 6/16in
Height with sight unit 4 11/16 With magazine 6 13/16
Weight 7 Unloaded 8.8 With full magazine + 1
Sights Mono rail sight tower with Electronic �Red dot� integrated optics set at 1.3x magnification and adjustable to 4.5x
Sight distance 10 1/2in
Variants A1, GRB, C, MG, MGB, LR-CS, L-Tac.
A1
GRB Genider and Breeching kit
C Compact
MG Squad level Machine Gun
MGB Squad level Machine Gun with Belted upper receiver.
LR-CS Long Range, Counter sniper
L Light Tactical rifle
The Cornerian Arms M40A1 Infantry rifle is a projectile based weapon, chambered for 6.8MM CE and powered by a nearly self sustaining blaster cell, with a common ground in the lower receiver parts, it ignites electro-reactive primer compounds within the 6.8MM CE cartridge which in turn propels the bullet down the barrel, and of course operates the gas piston, cycling the rifle�s action, and registering in the fire control computer. The M40A1 was designed for high parts commonality, flexibility, and modularity while still keeping the soldier in mind.
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Projectile based small arms were barred from use in the Lylat system for nearly thirty years before the war, based on �ethics� and �controllability.� Logistically speaking, having rounds which very well could strike sensitive equipment, pressurised hull, and inflict collateral damage on innocent civilians, and their property became obsolete with the invention of reliable partial beam technology (blasters). However, Dr. Andross exploited what many considered the blasters supreme advantage, turning it into a weakness. Blasters of the day, and even modern high powered models lack the ability to penetrate armor. And his shock troops were even outfitted with special shielding that helped replenish their own power cells from the energy spill off of blaster strikes. Ethically speaking, most military blasters, and, all civilian were set on a powered down �stun� setting, which provided any thing from pain application, to full neural interruption, though if used improperly the target may still receive up to second degree, or prolonged nerve damage.
Corneria today has realized the importance once again of projectile weapons, and new infantry rifles are slated for 2216 as supplementary units for Special forces, the M40A1 is projected to be the mainstay of the Allied Lylat armed forces for years to come.
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6.8MM CE (Cornerian Electric) was developed along with the M40, special trials on salvaged VE armor dictated for maximum penetration smaller calibers would be well suited, though smaller calibers lacked potency at range. 6.8MM CE Represents a compromise with near perfect performance, Typically loaded with a 90 grain �boatail� copper jacketed, soft core fragmenting Anti personal bullet, or 90 grain tungsten core Armor Perching bullet. The 6.8MM CE round is usually loaded with �Slab� propellant, though can be loaded with solid pre-mixed propellants for low, incompatible, or no atmosphere conditions, these rounds should NEVER be fired underwater as over pressure will most likely occur. The 6.8MM CE is always primed with an electro reactive element over a standard precision primer for added reliability.
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Blaster cell�s originally developed nearly one hundred years ago, have come along way from novelty items, to items of near necessity in Lylat society, in part thanks to room user friendly, inexpensive super conductors. With internal regulation built into the design Blaster cell�s can be used to power a wide variety of devices, including weapons, personal vehicles, portable equipment, and can be used as occasional back up/supplement/power regulators for structures. It�s estimated that one standard blaster cell can power the average Cornerian hose hold for twelve hours before needing time to recharge.
Blaster cells can be recharged with charging kits which consist of common materials, though manufactures recommend that users send them in for recertification every ten charges, military cells of course are simple enough to be inspected by unit armorers. Blaster cells are of course still dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced, government licenses are required for purchase.
Blaster cells in the M40A1 have such little power drawn from them, they rarely ever need to be replaced, rather the fire computer keep track of hours fielded as leaks and natural degradation may occur.
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Fire Control Computer�s are necessary in blasters and other energy weapons, they typically regulate power pathways, and components themselves, while also offering tactical benefits as well; such as Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System (IHADS), and Battle-net interfaces. Arguably the most vulnerable part of modern weapons systems, most fire control computers are either programmed via a physical connection, or wirelessly linked via secure encryption to a squad leader�s PDA. Upper echelon connections present a security risk, and are typically rejected.
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Pre-occupation, Cornerian military doctrine dictated extensive use of Air and Armored units which of course absorbed a lot of the defense budget leaving little room for the individual soldier, often times issued equipment was nearing the end of it�s service life, lacking important upgrades infantry units suffered the most during budget reallocations, not to mention combat.
With a new emphasis on individual combat, the M40�s basic design, while still utilitarian incorporates what once was considered excessive features such as multi function sighting systems, adjustable trigger pull and stock length, and internal sound suppression.