AR-21 5.56mm ASSAULT RIFLE

(Version 1.0)

RPG Stats by Harvey Neil Johnston ([email protected])

The AR-21 was developed to replace the number of 5.56mm NATO assault rifles used by the UN Armed Forces. The ammunition in the magazine points upward rather than forward requiring a unique rotating feed mechanism. This design feature allows easing fire while prone, due to the fact that the magazine lies flush with the trigger grip. Found to be superior to other rifle designs in accuracy, weight and durability, the AR-21 proved to be a popular weapon.

RPG STATS

Cartridge: 5.56mm
Damage: 4D6 SDC per round
Rate of fire: Aimed, bursts or wild (automatic)
Effective range: 1200 ft (366 m)
Payload: 50 round magazine or 100 round extended magazine
Weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
Length: 42.9 inches (109 cm)
Modern WP: Automatic rifle
Black market cost: 1500 credits

Year introduced: 2004
Designer: Armelite / Colt
Acquiring military: UN Forces

REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

Original name: Howard AR-21 5.56mm Caseless Machine Rifle
Appearances: Super Dimension Fortress Macross
References used:
      Robotech Reference Guide by Peter Walker, Pieter Thomassen and Robert Morgenstern.
      Robotech RPG by Kevin Siembieda (Palladium Books).

The interpretation of the AR-21 rifle is based upon information given in the Robotech Reference Guide. The original Palladium RPG adaptation of the AR-21 was referred to as the RDF laser rifle (it was misidentified as an energy weapon).