From 2080 Space Colonization

FN Herstal/Maglev Technologies RA271 Automatic Railgun

The "boom-tube" is the standard squad-based support weapon of the regular armed forced. It uses railgun technology, which has been much improved since its pioneer days during the United State's Strategic Defense Initiative. This technology passes high current, low voltage electric energy through a pair of highly conductive, parallel metal rails. By placing a projectile between the rails to complete the circuit, the technology harnesses an effect called the Lorentz Force which will propel projectile in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field of the rails. The result is weapon that can accellerate conductive slugs with a very high and consistent force for the entire length of its barrel. Some modern railguns, such as the RA172, are capable of launching such slugs at hypersonic velocities.

The RA271 has an extreme rate of fire, upwards of 1800 rounds per minute. This very high fire rate, coupled with the incredible noise and muzzle flare of plasma that eminates from the end of its rails makes it a singularly feared weapon. Servicemen have dubbed it the boom-tube for a reason- it is "like the symphony of fire in your hands" with its 4 foot long blue arcs, excessive gouts of ionized flame and ear shattering sonic shock-waves.

The complete weapon system, ammunition pack and power source included, weighs in at over 45 kilograms. It's mass and bulk, combined with its light and sound show and hiddeously heavy recoil make it very uncomfortable to fire. Firing this weapon from anything but a braced position is not recommendend.

Ratings

(For preemptive balancing purposes. May not be reflective of weapon performance in game).

RA271 General Purpose Support Weapon.

Accuracy: Poor (5)

Damage: Medium (10)

ROF: Very High (20)

Sup: Very High (20)

Handling: Very Slow (0)

Total: 55

by Sockmonkey and Plaintiff1

[CC Sockmonkey, Plaintiff1]