VK78 Commando
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| VK78 Tactical Rifle | |
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| Production overview | |
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Marksman Rifle[3] |
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| Specifications | |
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Length: |
111 centimeters (43.7 in)[1] |
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| Service history | |
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| “ | The VK78 Commando Rifle is an infantry automatic rifle, with features of both light machine guns and designated marksman rifles. When zoomed, the weapon switches to semi-automatic for more accurate shots.[5] | ” |
The VK78 Tactical Rifle,[1] commonly known as the Commando or Commando Rifle, is a weapon manufactured by Vakara GesmbH, in service with the United Nations Space Command.[1]
Overview[edit]
Design details[edit]
The VK78 fires 6.5x48mm rounds on automatic, and is fitted via rail-mounting with a recon sight-style optic that can magnify up to at least 2×.[1] It is distinctive among human rifles in that it does not share the common bullpup configuration of weapons like the MA40 assault rifle and BR75 battle rifle, in which the magazine is inserted behind the trigger. Instead, the magazine well is located at an angle directly in front of the trigger guard.[6] The design of the weapon emphasizes ergonomics and reliability.[7] The VK78's charging handle is positioned on the left side of its body, just behind a side-mounted ammunition counter. Above the pistol grip is a fire selector dial, with two markings, the former of which is a row of red dots (presumably indicating fully-automatic) and the latter of which is a single white dot (potentially safe or semi-automatic). The weapon features numerous markings, including serial numbers, caliber specifications on the body and bolt carrier, and a small UNSC emblem atop a wedge-like protrusion in front of the top-mounted rail, behind the barrel. The VK78 used in 2560 features a matte black, grey and olive drab finish, with a prominent white strip across the weapon's front end.[6]
The sides of the upper receiver contain a proof mark indicating the weapon's year of manufacture and a certification that the weapon is safe to fire with nitrocellulose-based gunpowder. In the case of the VK78s supplied to UNSC Infinity forces in 2560, the weapons have the proof code FC, which translates to a manufacture year of 2552.
Usage[edit]
VK78s were employed as early as 2495, during which time they were selected by the Colonial Military Authority to replace aging stocks of HMG-38 heavy machine guns in then-current service.[1][2] At the height of the Insurrection, the CMA stockpiled huge quantities of early model VK78s on Reach.[8] Even by the end of Fall of Reach, VK78 remained in service, with the "Reavian Tooth" used by Colonial Administration Authority security forces and militias against the Covenant.[9] The corporation Aves would manufacture their own variant of the VK78, known as the "Horizon Commando".[10]
By 2560, a new model of the Commando was employed by United Nations Space Command personnel during the Battle for Zeta Halo. Some Jiralhanae and Skimmers also used scavenged VK78s during the conflict.[4]
Variants[edit]
- Acquisitive Reach: A variant manufactured and used by the Banished. This variant sports a curved and smooth casing, and has a distinct lack of exposed mechanical components on the standard VK78.
- CMA VK78: An early model of the VK78 Commando, stockpiled by the CMA on Reach.[8] This variant has a more angular design; the ventilated handguard is replaced by segmented panels around the barrel and a ribbed foregrip; the stock appears to be integrated with the upper receiver, but is separated from the grip, which instead connects forward to the extended magazine housing. Additionally, the recon sight-style optic mounted on the rail is replaced by a a large electronic optic with an integrated ammunition counter.
- Horizon Commando: A variant redesigned and manufactured by Aves.[10] This variant removes the ventilated handguard, and instead features a barrel structure that extends far past the weapon's chassis, but exposes the sides of the barrel. The Picatinny rail appears to be removed, but retains a hybrid optic sight. The lower handguard features a prominent lattice pattern that is also on the integrated boxy buttstock. The magazine housing is now fully enclosed.
- Impact Commando: A modified variant of the Commando with an increased magazine from 20 to 40 rounds. The magnification optics decreased from 2× to 1.4×.[11]
- Reavian Tooth: A variant used by CAA security forces and militias during the fall of Reach.[9] This variant has a blocky body; the ventilated handguard is replaced by a solid, angled shroud with small, rectangular vents along the top edge, while the lower handguard is replaced with a thick, rounded, and heavily ribbed foregrip. The exposed magazine housing is replaced by a solid and bulkier grip with horizontal ribs, while the pistol grip is separated from the stock. The rail-mounted optic is also replaced by a blocky rear sight.
