VK78 Commando

This article is about the UNSC infantry weapon. For other uses of the term "Commando", see its disambiguation page.

VK78 Commando
Production overview
Manufacturer:	Vakara GesmbH
Specifications
Length:	43.7 inches (111 cm)
Ammunition type:	M259 6.5x48mm
Feed system:	20-round detachable box magazine
Rate of fire:	Fully-automatic
Service history
In service:	Battle for Zeta Halo

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

Overview

Design details

A Marine on patrol, holding a Commando.

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 2x. It is unique 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.

Operational history

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.

Gameplay

Main article: Commando

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.

Variants

• Impact Commando: An improved version of the Commando with a mag increased from 20 to 40 and range is decreased from 2.0x to 1.4x.

Production notes

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

Gallery

Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Concept art

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  Concept art of the VK78 Commando's optic in Halo Infinite.

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  Early concept art for Halo Infinite of a humanoid UNSC "drone" equipped with a VK78 Commando.

Screenshots and renders

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  In-engine render of the VK78 Commando in Halo Infinite.

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  Another render of Commando.

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  VK78 Commando HUD Icon.

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  The VK78 Commando lying on the floor.

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  First-person view of the VK78 Commando in combat during the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

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  First-person view of the VK78 Commando with an empty magazine well in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

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  First-person view of a fresh magazine being inserted into the well of a VK78 in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

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  First-person view of the VK78 Commando's charging handle being cycled in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

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  First-person view of the VK78's optical zoom in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere.

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  A CQB-clad Spartan-IV wielding a VK78 in the A New Generation trailer.

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  A Zvezda-clad Spartan-IV with a VK78.

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  A Mark VII-clad Spartan sprinting with the VK78.

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  A Firefall-clad Spartan holding a VK78.

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  A Jiralhanae Warrior armed with a VK78.

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  A Skimmer armed with a VK78.

List of appearances

• Halo Infinite (First appearance)