M99A2S3 Stanchion
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| M99A2S3 Special Application Scoped Rifle | |
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| Production overview | |
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Manufacturer: |
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| Specifications | |
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Length: |
208.7 centimeters (82.2 in)[4] |
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Ammunition type: |
APFSDS rounds[3] |
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Capacity: |
7 rounds[3] |
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Optics: |
Smart-link compatable ATLAS HISHOT PRO-X scope[2] |
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The M99A2S3 Special Application Scoped Rifle is a weapon in the M99 Stanchion series of high-powered anti-materiel rifles in the service of the United Nations Space Command.[2]
Overview[edit]
Design details[edit]
The Stanchion is built on a frame similar to that of the SRS99-AM sniper rifle. Unlike the SRS99, however, the Stanchion is a coilgun, and has more in common with Gauss cannons and larger naval guns in terms of operation than a regular firearm. The weapon is powered by an Asychronous Linear Induction Motor (ALIM), capable of accelerating its munitions to several thousand metres per second.[5] Accordingly, the receiver and barrel of the Stanchion are much bulkier than a conventional sniper rifle, with a protective housing visually reminiscent of the ARC-920 railgun. The Stanchion is renowned for overpenetration and collateral damage, making it extremely effective against its targets. The high muzzle velocity of the weapon makes it extremely powerful and accurate at long distances.[5]
Midway down the barrel, the M99A2S3 is located with an inertia buffer designed to help lessen the recoil produced when firing the weapon.[6] The fore of the rifle features a bipod that can be folded back and secured on the weapon. The rifle is compatible with an ATLAS HISHOT PRO-X optic, capable of being smart-linked with an operator's heads-up display.[2][3]
Unlike the standard M99 Stanchion rifle, the M99A2S3 does not appear to require an external generator to power the weapon. As such, this leaves the operator free to move around the battlefield rather than stay anchored to one shooting location. Likewise, the M99A2S3 does not appear to require the use of an external targeting computer.[7]
Ammunition[edit]
The Stanchion fires tungsten penetrator darts, with a muzzle velocity of several thousand metres per second.[5] The darts are stored in a disposable burn-up casing that contains a sabot and the dart itself. The weapon's detachable box magazine is capable of holding 7 rounds before a reload is required.[3]
Development history[edit]
Developed and manufactured by HRN,[1] M99A2S3 Stanchions are also capable of being manufactured aboard the Phoenix-class colony ship's internal factory modules. In 2558, the Smart AI Isabel created a design template for the weapon on the Ark, given the code "ISABEL-2558-01-00023". This design template was later put to manufacture following the arrival of UNSC Spirit of Fire to the installation in 2559, with Stanchions built in manufacturing block 23-CELL-14.[3]
Usage[edit]
During the Second Ark Conflict, the M99A2S3 Stanchion was used by Lance Corporal Devon Sparks of Sunray 1-1, and had achieved at least 17 kills with it. Sparks also customized his weapon with tally marks for every kill, a Dazzle camo pattern, and two charms; a Scorpio charm and an ODST Talisman.[2] During a mission on Arcadia in 2560, August-099 of Omega Team was equipped with an M99A2S3 Stanchion.[8]
In-game information[edit]
Halo Wars 2[edit]
The Stanchion features in Halo Wars 2 as a weapon that can be equipped by UNSC Sniper units. By default, snipers in Halo Wars 2 do not equip Stanchions by default but instead use integrally-suppressed anti-materiel rifles more in line with a conventional bal