MA5 series: Difference between revisions
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{{Era|UNSC|HCW}} | {{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}} | ||
The '''MA5 series''' is a series of air-cooled, gas-operated assault rifles produced by [[Misriah Armory]] that are used by the [[ | The '''MA5 series''', (collectively '''MA5 Individual Combat Weapon System'''), is a series of air-cooled, gas-operated assault rifles produced by [[Misriah Armory]] that are used by the [[UNSC Defense Force]]. It is part of the larger [[MA Series]].<ref name="Waypoint"/> The MA5 series rifle is the workhorse of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]], the [[UNSC Navy|Navy]], and the [[UNSC Army|Army]] and has been in service for more than fifty years.<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 16''</ref> | ||
== Specification == | == Specification == | ||
=== Design details === | === Design details === | ||
The MA5 series rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated | The MA5 series rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed weapon designed for automatic fire. It has an attached electronics suite that provides information on rounds remaining in magazine, compass heading, as well as several other "housekeeping" functions. The rifle performs well in a variety of environments especially given the perceived delicacy of the attached electronics suite. The MA5 rifle can be outfitted with a number of modifications including sound suppressors, a [[M301 Grenade Launcher|grenade launcher]], an [[underslung shotgun]], or a standard-issue flashlight.<ref name="McLees">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle '''Bungie.net''': ''MA5C Assault Rifle'']</ref> | ||
The MA5 series rifle is a close- to medium-range weapon. It is most effectively used by fully automatic sustained fire at close range, or by using short, controlled bursts at medium range | The MA5 series rifle is a close- to medium-range weapon. It is most effectively used by fully automatic sustained fire at close range, or by using short, controlled bursts at medium range. Because of this, it is most effective at close range. | ||
=== Firing mechanism === | === Firing mechanism === | ||
The MA5 series rifle is a bullpup rifle and is made of [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A alloy]] | The MA5 series rifle is a bullpup rifle and is made of [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A alloy]]. The rifle is gas-operated with a rotating bolt and therefore must be cocked before the first shot can be fired. The charging handle used to chamber the round is situated on the left side of the rifle and moves during operation. Once the first round is fired, the gases from that round and those to follow impinge upon a gas piston, which pushes back the bolt carrier, rotating the bolt inside which unlocks it and extracts the spent brass from the chamber and ejects it. As the bolt carrier group is propelled forward, it chambers another round. This cycle continues until the magazine is empty. Once the magazine is empty, the charging handle must both be pulled back and locked or must be fully cycled after a fresh magazine is inserted to chamber the next round. The magazine itself is located at the butt of the rifle and the magazine release button is located above the magazine well and has an arrow pointing down toward the housing. | ||
The electronics suite is integrated along the top rail guard of the weapon. The MA5 is designed for the toughest of situations, able to be subjected to elements that would otherwise cause a weapon to malfunction, or render a weapon inoperable. | The electronics suite is integrated along the top rail guard of the weapon. The MA5 is designed for the toughest of situations, able to be subjected to elements that would otherwise cause a weapon to malfunction, or render a weapon inoperable. The electronics suite contains an LED ammunition counter that displays the number of rounds remaining in the inserted magazine, as well as displaying a magnetic compass. The suite can also project a targeting reticule on the user's [[HUD|heads-up display]] or [[neural interface]]; if such equipment is not available, pop-up iron sights within the cowling can be used.<ref name="contactharvest">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 136-138''</ref> | ||
=== Ammunition === | === Ammunition === | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
== Known models == | == Known models == | ||
*[[MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA37, the [[UNSC Army]]'s designation of the MA5, was introduced in 2437 and is still favored heavily by the Army despite newer iterations of the series. The MA37 receives a thirty-two round magazine.<ref name="Waypoint"/> | *[[MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA37, the [[UNSC Army]]'s designation of the MA5, was introduced in 2437 and is still favored heavily by the Army despite newer iterations of the series. The MA37 receives a thirty-two round magazine and has a more skeletal cowling than other MA5 variants.<ref name="Waypoint"/> | ||
*[[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA5B is commonly used by the [[UNSC Navy]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]. It saw more frequent usage before and during the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | *[[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA5B is commonly used by the [[UNSC Navy]] and [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]. It saw more frequent usage before and during the early years of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. In comparison to the MA5C and MA5D, it is often relegated to use in short-range combat. The MA5B receives a sixty-round magazine.<ref name="Waypoint"/> | ||
*[[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA5C is an improvement upon the MA5B, featuring a heavier barrel with a one-in-seven twist, a stronger spring mechanism, and a sturdier, more ergonomically designed handguard. It receives a thirty-two round magazine; the reduced magazine capacity in relation to the MA5B is part of an effort to prevent wearing of the magazine spring.<ref name="McLees"/> It is used by the Marine Corps and the Navy in short-to-mid range combat.<ref name="Waypoint"/> | *[[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA5C is an improvement upon the MA5B, featuring a heavier barrel with a one-in-seven twist, a stronger spring mechanism, and a sturdier, more ergonomically designed handguard. It receives a thirty-two round magazine; the reduced magazine capacity in relation to the MA5B is part of an effort to prevent wearing of the magazine spring.<ref name="McLees"/> It is used by the Marine Corps and the Navy in short-to-mid range combat.<ref name="Waypoint"/> | ||
*[[MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA5D is the successor of the MA5C, | *[[MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System]] - The MA5D is the successor of the MA5C. In service during the [[Insurrection]],<ref>''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''</ref><ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/Content/assets/en-us/Podcast/343Sparkast_014.mp3 ''343 Sparkast 014]''</ref> the MA5D become the UNSCDF's standard-issue service rifle circa [[2557]]. The MA5D receives a thirty-two round magazine.<ref name="GI 522012">[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/05/02/the-arsenal-of-halo-4.aspx '''Game Informer:''' ''The Arsenal of Halo 4'']</ref> | ||
*[[MA5K Carbine]] - The MA5K is a carbine variant of the MA5 that used almost exclusively by Special Forces units. It receives a thirty-round magazine<ref name="Waypoint"/> and is seemingly modular, capable of being assembled in various configurations.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''' cover art</ref> | *[[MA5K Carbine]] - The MA5K is a carbine variant of the MA5 that used almost exclusively by [[UNSC Special Forces|Special Forces]] units. It receives a thirty-round magazine<ref name="Waypoint"/> and is seemingly quite modular, capable of being assembled in various configurations.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''' cover art</ref> | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
File:MA5C-ICWS-AssaultRifle-transparent.png|The MA5C assault rifle. | File:MA5C-ICWS-AssaultRifle-transparent.png|The MA5C assault rifle. | ||
File:H4-MA5D-AssaultRifle.png|The MA5D assault rifle. | File:H4-MA5D-AssaultRifle.png|The MA5D assault rifle. | ||
File:H4-MA5D-Schematic.jpg|A schematic of | File:H4-MA5D-Schematic.jpg|A schematic of the MA5D. | ||
File:Alternate MA5K.jpg|An MA5K carbine configuration. | File:Alternate MA5K.jpg|An MA5K carbine configuration. | ||
File:Assault Rifle Comparisons.jpg|A comparison between the MA5B, the MA5C, and the MA37. | File:Assault Rifle Comparisons.jpg|A comparison between the MA5B, the MA5C, and the MA37. | ||
File:CE_AR.PNG| | File:CE_AR.PNG|[[John-117]] with an MA5B at the ready. The weapon's ammunition counter and HUD readout are visible. | ||
File:Halo4-MasterChief-John117.png|John-117 wielding | File:Halo4-MasterChief-John117.png|John-117 wielding an MA5D. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Revision as of 07:53, August 31, 2012
The MA5 series, (collectively MA5 Individual Combat Weapon System), is a series of air-cooled, gas-operated assault rifles produced by Misriah Armory that are used by the UNSC Defense Force. It is part of the larger MA Series.[1] The MA5 series rifle is the workhorse of the UNSC Marine Corps, the Navy, and the Army and has been in service for more than fifty years.[2]
Specification
Design details
The MA5 series rifle is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed weapon designed for automatic fire. It has an attached electronics suite that provides information on rounds remaining in magazine, compass heading, as well as several other "housekeeping" functions. The rifle performs well in a variety of environments especially given the perceived delicacy of the attached electronics suite. The MA5 rifle can be outfitted with a number of modifications including sound suppressors, a grenade launcher, an underslung shotgun, or a standard-issue flashlight.[3]
The MA5 series rifle is a close- to medium-range weapon. It is most effectively used by fully automatic sustained fire at close range, or by using short, controlled bursts at medium range. Because of this, it is most effective at close range.
Firing mechanism
The MA5 series rifle is a bullpup rifle and is made of Titanium-A alloy. The rifle is gas-operated with a rotating bolt and therefore must be cocked before the first shot can be fired. The charging handle used to chamber the round is situated on the left side of the rifle and moves during operation. Once the first round is fired, the gases from that round and those to follow impinge upon a gas piston, which pushes back the bolt carrier, rotating the bolt inside which unlocks it and extracts the spent brass from the chamber and ejects it. As the bolt carrier group is propelled forward, it chambers another round. This cycle continues until the magazine is empty. Once the magazine is empty, the charging handle must both be pulled back and locked or must be fully cycled after a fresh magazine is inserted to chamber the next round. The magazine itself is located at the butt of the rifle and the magazine release button is located above the magazine well and has an arrow pointing down toward the housing.
The electronics suite is integrated along the top rail guard of the weapon. The MA5 is designed for the toughest of situations, able to be subjected to elements that would otherwise cause a weapon to malfunction, or render a weapon inoperable. The electronics suite contains an LED ammunition counter that displays the number of rounds remaining in the inserted magazine, as well as displaying a magnetic compass. The suite can also project a targeting reticule on the user's heads-up display or neural interface; if such equipment is not available, pop-up iron sights within the cowling can be used.[4]
Ammunition
- Main article: M118 7.62x51mm FMJ-AP
The MA5 series rifle uses the M118 7.62x51mm Full Metal Jacket, Armor Piercing rounds. These rounds are designed to pierce body armor so the rounds are reasonably large, and are surrounded by a molded jacket of either steel or titanium, which enhances its armor-piercing capabilities. More "exotic" ammunition types, like shredder rounds, are available for use, however these modifications are available only by Mission Conditional Requisition (MCR).
Development history
The MA5 entered service with the UNSCDF in 2437 and has remained the primary service rifle ever since.[5][6][1] The MA5 series was preceded in service by the MA3A Individual Combat Weapon System,[7] which itself was preceded by the MA2B and the MA1.[1]
Known models
- MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA37, the UNSC Army's designation of the MA5, was introduced in 2437 and is still favored heavily by the Army despite newer iterations of the series. The MA37 receives a thirty-two round magazine and has a more skeletal cowling than other MA5 variants.[1]
- MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA5B is commonly used by the UNSC Navy and Marine Corps. It saw more frequent usage before and during the early years of the Human-Covenant War. In comparison to the MA5C and MA5D, it is often relegated to use in short-range combat. The MA5B receives a sixty-round magazine.[1]
- MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA5C is an improvement upon the MA5B, featuring a heavier barrel with a one-in-seven twist, a stronger spring mechanism, and a sturdier, more ergonomically designed handguard. It receives a thirty-two round magazine; the reduced magazine capacity in relation to the MA5B is part of an effort to prevent wearing of the magazine spring.[3] It is used by the Marine Corps and the Navy in short-to-mid range combat.[1]
- MA5D Individual Combat Weapon System - The MA5D is the successor of the MA5C. In service during the Insurrection,[8][9] the MA5D become the UNSCDF's standard-issue service rifle circa 2557. The MA5D receives a thirty-two round magazine.[10]
- MA5K Carbine - The MA5K is a carbine variant of the MA5 that used almost exclusively by Special Forces units. It receives a thirty-round magazine[1] and is seemingly quite modular, capable of being assembled in various configurations.[11]
Gallery
The MA37 assault rifle.
The MA5B assault rifle.
- MA5C-ICWS-AssaultRifle-transparent.png
The MA5C assault rifle.
The MA5D assault rifle.
A schematic of the MA5D.
An MA5K carbine configuration.
A comparison between the MA5B, the MA5C, and the MA37.
- CE AR.PNG
John-117 with an MA5B at the ready. The weapon's ammunition counter and HUD readout are visible.
John-117 wielding an MA5D.
List of appearances
Sources
- ^ a b c d e f g Halo Waypoint: Assault Rifle
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 16
- ^ a b Bungie.net: MA5C Assault Rifle
- ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 136-138
- ^ GameInformer: Noble Team Profile #3
- ^ Bungie.net: MA37 ICWS
- ^ Halo: First Strike
- ^ Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
- ^ 343 Sparkast 014
- ^ Game Informer: The Arsenal of Halo 4
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx cover art
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