M41 SPNKr: Difference between revisions

The M41 SPNKr and its variants are characterized by its two main components: firstly, a reusable launcher with attached smart-linked fire control module; secondly, a disposable magazine containing two rockets.{{Ref/Reuse|bnetreach}}{{Ref/Reuse|2016hw}} The M41 rocket launcher typically fires [[M19 surface-to-surface missile|M19 102mm high-explosive shaped charge missiles]]. The weapon uses a unique system for loading and firing: rather than using a traditional magazine or single-shot system, it is fed by a pair of detachable barrels, each of which holds a single rocket. When one of the rockets is fired, the other is cycled into place; when both have been fired, the operator removes the twin-barrel unit and inserts another. As such, the M41 is considerably portable,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} allowing the operator to quickly reload while in combat and greatly reduces the weight he carries without throwing the weapon away.

Many M41s and their M19 rockets are equipped with target tracking systems; these systems allow the operator to track a target, which often guarantees that the target will be struck, even if it attempts evasive maneuvers.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} While the M41 rocket launcher is optimized for ground targets, certain models of the M41 features an integrated and enhanced tracking system,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}} developed from tweaks by engineers at Misriah Armory.{{Ref/Reuse|2015hw}} As such, some launchers are capable of tracking both ground-based and airborne targets,{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=Wars|HW|Gameplay}} though others are capable of tracking only aircrafts.{{Ref/Game|Id=HR|HR|Gameplay}} Some M41s lack any form of tracking technology, requiring the operator to "dumb fire" the weapon without targeting assistance.{{Ref/Game|Id=CE|CE|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|Id=ODST|H3ODST|Gameplay}} Furthermore, the M41 accepts a variety of ammunition types, with the most common being the unguided [[M19 surface-to-surface missile|M19 102mm surface-to-surface missile]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Other ammunitions include the [[M21 antipersonnel rocket]],{{Ref/Reuse|HSS3}} [[Wikipedia:Missile guidance|guided missiles]], and [[Wikipedia:Loitering munitions|Hunter-killer loitering munitions]].{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}

Though there have been various shoulder-launched rocket launchers in service with the [[UNSC Armed Forces]] since its creation, only the M41 rocket launcher has the tactical importance to be heavily manufactured.{{Ref/Reuse|2015hw}} The M41 SSR has been in service with the UNSC for decades since [[2481]],{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}} predating even the [[Insurrection]], during which it was used by the UNSC and the Insurrectionists.{{Ref/Reuse|2016hw}} Over time, the M41's role shifted from an anti-vehicular weapon to an all-purpose heavy weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} While it was obsolete before the [[Human-Covenant War]] began, it was not replaced by the [[M57 Pilum]] until the [[Created conflict]] to counter [[Promethean Knight]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|2016hw}} However, even after it was replaced it remained popular in [[War Games]] matches aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5G|Gameplay}}