VK78 Commando

The VK78 Commando is a weapon manufactured by Vakara GesmbH, in service with the United Nations Space Command.

Design details
The VK78 fires 6.5 mm rounds on automatic, and is fitted via rail-mounting with a recon sight-style optic that can magnify up to at least 2×. 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. The design of the weapon emphasizes ergonomics and reliability. 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.

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 forces in 2560, the weapons have the proof code FI, which translates to a manufacture year of 2558.

Usage
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. By 2560, the Commando was employed by UNSC Armed Forces personnel during the Battle for Zeta Halo. Some Jiralhanae and Skimmers also used scavenged VK78s during the conflict.

Variants

 * 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×.

In-game information
The VK78 Commando is featured in Halo Infinite as an automatic tactical rifle, which deals kinetic damage. It is a precision weapon, meaning it is capable of inflicting headshots on unshielded targets, killing them instantly. Although automatic, it has a relatively slow rate of fire. The weapon has a single zoom level and is most effective at medium to long ranges, faltering in close quarters due to weaker aim assist than other weapons. It has significant recoil when fired consistently, which can make the weapon difficult to control and aim.

Featured in both campaign and multiplayer, the Commando is a common weapon, being found frequently in weapon pads on multiplayer maps, or scattered around campaign levels. Ammo for the weapon is usually plentiful, as a result. It holds 20 rounds in its magazine in total. In multiplayer, it takes 9 rounds to strip the shields of a fully shielded spartan and takes 8 body shots or 1 head shot to kill them.

Production notes
The letters in its designation, VK78, may be a reference to its manufacturer, Vakara.

List of appearances

 * Halo Infinite