Editing VK78 Commando

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Disambig header|the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] infantry weapon|other uses of the term "Commando"|Commando (disambiguation)|l1=its disambiguation page}}
{{Weapon infobox
|name=VK78 Commando Rifle
|image=[[File:HINF - VK78 Commando Product Logo.png|100px]]
[[File:HINF VK78Commando Crop.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Vakara GesmbH]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CFShowcase|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/showcase-sensitive|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive|D=16|M=6|Y=2021}}
|series=
|type=Marksman Rifle{{Ref/Reuse|Support}}
|cost=
|variant=[[Impact Commando]]
|service=[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}
|length={{Convert|43.7|in|cm|disp=flip|sigfig=3|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|height=
|weight=
|ammotype=[[6.5x48mm|M259 6.5x48mm]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=169}}
|capacity=
|feed=20-round detachable box magazine{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Game|Id=hinfgameplay|HI|gameplay}}
|operation=
|rate=
*Semi-automatic{{Ref/Site|Id=Support|URL=https://support.halowaypoint.com/hc/en-us/articles/6882880281364-Halo-Infinite-Weapon-Equipment-and-Vehicle-Inventory-|Site=Halo Support|Page=Halo Infinite Weapon, Equipment, and Vehicle Inventory|Quote=VK78 Commando Rifle. Fire mode switches from semi-automatic to fully automatic when zoomed in.|D=05|M=05|Y=2023}}
*Fully-automatic{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
}}
{{Article quote|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.{{Ref/Game|Id=forge|HINF|Forge - VK78 Commando Rifle description|Quote=The VK78 Commando 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.}}}}
The '''VK78 Commando''' is a weapon manufactured by [[Vakara GesmbH]], in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

==Overview==
===Design details===
[[File:HINF MarineCommandoPatrol.jpg|left|thumb|A Marine on patrol, holding a Commando.]]
The VK78 fires 6.5&nbsp;mm rounds on automatic, and is fitted via rail-mounting with a [[recon sight]]-style optic that can magnify up to at least 2×.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} 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.{{Ref/Game|Id=hinfmodel|HI|In-game weapon model}} The design of the weapon emphasizes ergonomics and reliability.{{Ref/Site|Id=monster|URL=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/08/31/xbox-monster-energy-promotion/|Site=Xbox Wire|Page=Bank Now, Play Later: Halo Infinite Meets Monster Energy Global Partnership|D=31|M=8|Y=2020}} 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.{{Ref/Game|Id=hinfmodel|HI|In-game weapon model}} 

The sides of the upper receiver contain a [https://internationalsportsman.com/proof-marks-date-codes-and-german-firearms/ 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 {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} forces in 2560, the weapons have the proof code FC, which translates to a manufacture year of [[2552]].

===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 gun]]s in then-current service.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Reuse|CFShowcase}} By [[2560]], the Commando was employed by [[United Nations Space Command]] personnel during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]]. Some [[Jiralhanae]] and [[Skimmer]]s also used scavenged VK78s during the conflict.{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}

===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×.{{Ref/Game|HINF|Forge - Impact Commando description|Quote=High-capacity magazine with reduced accuracy but increased damage.}}
<gallery class=center>
File:HINF VK78Commando Impact Crop.png|Impact Commando
</gallery>

==In-game information==
{{Main|Commando}}
{{Article quote|Precision automatic rifle with heavy recoil. Effective medium to long range.{{Ref/Game|HI|Weapon customization|Weapons Bench description}}{{Ref/Game|HI|Academy - Weapon Drills - VK78 Commando description}}}}
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 [[headshot]]s 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.{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}

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.{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}

==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===Codename: ECLIPSE PHASE===
{{Main|Codename: ECLIPSE PHASE}}
Codename: ECLIPSE PHASE was a prototype based around the VK78 Commando that was tested in a simulation.{{Ref/Twitter|Id=TwitterHaloCommandoEP|Halo|1770506885893931215|Halo|Y=2020|M=10|D=19|Quote=“Get ready to meet my little friend!” 💥 Step into the shadows and eclipse the competition with the VK78 Commando. #Halo101}}

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

==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:HINF CommandoOpticConcept.jpg|Concept art of the VK78 Commando's optic in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Concept DroneArmor.jpg|Early concept art for ''Halo Infinite'' of a humanoid UNSC "drone" equipped with a VK78 Commando.
</gallery>
===Developmental images===
<gallery>
File:HINF-VK78Commando.png|In-engine render of the VK78 Commando in ''Halo Infinite.''
File:HINF VK78Commando Transparent.png|Another render of Commando.
File:HInf HUD VK78 Commando.png|VK78 Commando HUD Icon.
File:Infinite Demo VK78 Commando .png|The VK78 Commando lying on the floor.
File:HINF VK78 First Person GWP.png|First-person view of the VK78 Commando in combat during the ''Halo Infinite'' Campaign Gameplay Premiere.
File:HINF VK78 Mag Swap.png|First-person view of the VK78 Commando with an empty magazine well in the ''Halo Infinite'' Campaign Gameplay Premiere.
File:HINF VK78 Fresh Mag.png|First-person view of a fresh magazine being inserted into the well of a VK78 in the ''Halo Infinite'' Campaign Gameplay Premiere.
File:Infinite Demo VK78 Commando Charging Handle.png|First-person view of the VK78 Commando's charging handle being cycled in the ''Halo Infinite'' Campaign Gameplay Premiere.
File:HINF VK78 Scope .png|thumb|First-person view of the VK78's optical zoom in the ''Halo Infinite'' Campaign Gameplay Premiere.
File:HINF VK78 Decals.png|A study of the decals on the VK78 Commando.
</gallery>
===Screenshots and renders===
<gallery>
File:HINF CQBCommando.png|A [[CQB-class Mjolnir|CQB]]-clad [[Spartan-IV]] wielding a VK78 in the [[A New Generation]] trailer.
File:HINF VK78 HUD.png|HUD of the VK78 Commando.
File:HINF VK78 Zoom.png|HUD of the VK78 Commando at 1.4× magnification.
File:HINF-Zvezda transparent.png|A [[ZVEZDA-class Mjolnir|Zvezda]]-clad Spartan-IV with a VK78.
File:HINF_Multiplayer Reveal 2021-6.png|A [[FIREFALL-class Mjolnir|Firefall]]-clad Spartan holding a VK78.
File:HINF-Deadlock.jpg|Side view of a Spartan sprinting with the VK78 Commando.
File:HINF MarineScout.png|A Marine with the VK78.
File:HINF StreetViperLaunchSite.png|Frontal view of a Spartan sprinting with the VK78.
File:HINF Jiralhanae Warrior Commando.png|A [[Jiralhanae Warrior]] armed with a VK78.
File:HINF SkimmerUltra&VK74 2.png|A Skimmer carrying a VK78.
File:HINF SkimmerUltra&VK74 3.png|A Skimmer firing a VK78.
File:HINF Skimmer Melee Attack.png|A Skimmer using a VK78 for a melee attack.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Onyx (TV Series)|Onyx]]''
**''[[Thermopylae (TV Series)|Thermopylae]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Flashpoint]]''

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{UNSC rifles}}
[[Category:Rifles]]