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{{Era|Post}}
{{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
{{Weapon infobox
|name=VK78 Commando
|name=VK78 Commando Rifle
|image=[[File:HINF VK78Commando Crop.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:HINF - VK78 Commando Product Logo.png|100px]]
|manufacturer=[[Vakara]]{{Ref/Game|HI|VK78 Commando weapon model}}
[[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=
|series=
|type=
|type=Marksman Rifle{{Ref/Reuse|Support}}
|cost=
|cost=
|variant=
|variant=[[Impact Commando]]
|service=
|service=[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Reuse|hinfgameplay}}
|length=
|length={{Convert|43.7|in|cm|disp=flip|sigfig=3|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|width=
|height=
|height=
|weight=
|weight=
|ammotype=Kal. 6.5mm<ref name="HICGP">''[[Halo Infinite]]'', trailer, [[Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere|Campaign Gameplay Premiere]]</ref>
|ammotype=[[6.5x48mm|M259 6.5x48mm]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=169}}
|feed=20-round detachable box magazine{{Ref/Reuse|HICGP}}
|capacity=
|feed=20-round detachable box magazine{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}{{Ref/Game|Id=hinfgameplay|HI|gameplay}}
|operation=
|operation=
|rate=Fully-automatic{{Ref/Reuse|HICGP}}
|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=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
|range=
|hideb=yes
|hidec=yes
}}
}}
The '''VK78 Commando''' is a weapon manufactured by [[Vakara]], in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|HICGP}}
{{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==
==Overview==
===Specifications===
===Design details===
The VK78 fires 6.5mm rounds on automatic, and is fitted via rail-mounting with a [[recon sight]]-style optic that can magnify up to at least x3. It is distinctive among UNSC 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/Reuse|HICGP}} The design of the weapon emphasizes ergonomics and reliability.<ref name="monster">[https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/08/31/xbox-monster-energy-promotion/ Xbox Wire; Bank Now, Play Later: Halo Infinite Meets Monster Energy Global Partnership]</ref> 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/Reuse|HICGP}}
[[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 .{{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}}  


==Gameplay==
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]].
The VK78 can hold 20 rounds at one time with an observed 60 rounds reserve. The pickup prompt indicates that the VK78 is a "tactical rifle", with "kinetic" and "auto" properties. This indicates that its rate of fire, while cyclically slow, is technically automatic in the same manner as the [[M6D]] in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and [[Halo 5: Guardians]].{{Ref/Reuse|HICGP}}
 
===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}} At the height of the [[Insurrection]], the CMA would stockpile huge quantities of early model VK78s on [[Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|cmavk78}}
 
By [[2560]], a new model of 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===
*'''CMA VK78''': An early model of the VK78 Commando, stockpiled by the CMA on Reach.{{Ref/Game|Id=cmavk78|HI|Weapon customization|CMA VK78 - Description|Quote=The Colonial Military Authority stockpiled vast numbers of early model VK78 rifles on Reach during the height of the insurrection. Many remain there now, waiting to be freed from tombs of glass.}}
*'''[[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 CMAVK78 Crop.png|CMA VK78
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}}
{{:Weapon customization/Model/VK78}}
 
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
[[File:HTV-Onyx-SpartanIIIs.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Mullins-C102]] wielding a Commando.]]
===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}}
===Silver Timeline===
{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
A version of the Commando is used by the soldiers of the UNSC, including the [[SPARTAN-III program/Silver|SPARTAN-IIIs]].{{Ref/Film|Id=Onyx|TV|Episode=[[Onyx (TV Series)|Onyx]]}}
 
==Production notes==
The letters in its designation, VK78, may be a reference to its manufacturer, Vakara.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Normal 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.
File:HR UNSCArmy Concept.jpg|Concept art from ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', featuring a Spartan (the one on the left) armed with LMG that would be the base for the ''CMA VK78'' weapon model in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>
 
===Developmental images===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HINF-VK78Commando.png|In-engine render of the VK78 Commando in ''Halo Infinite.''
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:HInf HUD VK78 Commando.png|VK78 Commando HUD Icon.
File:Infinite Demo VK78 Commando .png|The VK78 Commando lying on the floor.
File:Infinite Demo VK78 Commando .png|The VK78 Commando lying on the floor.
Line 42: Line 89:
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: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 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>
</gallery>
 
===Screenshots and renders===
===Halo Infinite skins===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HINF VK78 Adrenal Skin.png|Adrenal skin.
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 CMAVK78 HUD.png|HUD of the CMA VK78.
File:HINF MarineScout.png|A Marine 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.
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 StreetViperLaunchSite.png|Frontal view of a Spartan sprinting with the VK78.
File:HINF Fleetcom PK 01.jpg|Promotional image of the CMA VK78.
File:HINF CMAVK78 1.png|A Spartan carrying the CMA VK78.
File:HINF CMAVK78 2.png|A Spartan reloading the CMA VK78.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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


==Sources==
==Sources==

Latest revision as of 07:12, September 1, 2024

This article is about the UNSC infantry weapon. For other uses of the term "Commando", see its disambiguation page.
VK78 Commando Rifle
The VK78 Commando's Product Logo.

HINF VK78Commando Crop.png

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Vakara GesmbH[1][2]

Type:

Marksman Rifle[3]

Variants:

Impact Commando

Specifications

Length:

111 centimeters (43.7 in)[1]

Ammunition type:

M259 6.5x48mm[1]

Feed system:

20-round detachable box magazine[1][4]

Rate of fire:

Service history

In service:

Post-Covenant War conflicts[4]

 
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.[5]

The VK78 Commando is a weapon manufactured by Vakara GesmbH, in service with the United Nations Space Command.[1]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

A Marine on Zeta Halo on patrol, holding a VK78 Commando.
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 2×.[1] 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.[6] The design of the weapon emphasizes ergonomics and reliability.[7] 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.[6]

The sides of the upper receiver contain a 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 UNSC Infinity forces in 2560, the weapons have the proof code FC, which translates to a manufacture year of 2552.

Usage[edit]

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.[1][2] At the height of the Insurrection, the CMA would stockpile huge quantities of early model VK78s on Reach.[8]

By 2560, a new model of the Commando was employed by United Nations Space Command personnel during the Battle for Zeta Halo. Some Jiralhanae and Skimmers also used scavenged VK78s during the conflict.[4]

Variants[edit]

  • CMA VK78: An early model of the VK78 Commando, stockpiled by the CMA on Reach.[8]
  • 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×.[9]

In-game information[edit]

Main article: Commando
Precision automatic rifle with heavy recoil. Effective medium to long range.[10][11]

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.[4]

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.[4]

VK78 Commando
vde
Weapon Model Manufacturer Lore Rarity Unlock Requirements
We'll be taking a little bit off the top. (Banished/Legendary)
Acquisitive Reach
Banished We'll be taking a little bit off the top. Legendary Purchase the "Cutthroat Business" bundle from the Shop for 3,200 cR
The Colonial Military Authority stockpiled vast numbers of early model VK78 rifles on Reach during the height of the insurrection. Many remain there now, waiting to be freed from tombs of glass. (Vakara GMBH/Legendary)
CMA VK78
Vakara GMBH The Colonial Military Authority stockpiled vast numbers of early model VK78 rifles on Reach during the height of the insurrection. Many remain there now, waiting to be freed from tombs of glass. Legendary Purchase the premium Fleetcom Operation Pass for 500 cR
Icon of the "Eclipse Phase" Weapon model for the VK78 Commando
Eclipse Phase
Fractures: Firewall The algorithm sought perfection, with imperfect results. Legendary Purchase the "Grimghast" bundle from the Shop for 2,000 cR

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]

Silver Spartan-IIIs
Mullins-C102 wielding a Commando.

Codename: ECLIPSE PHASE[edit]

Main article: Codename: ECLIPSE PHASE

Codename: ECLIPSE PHASE was a prototype based around the VK78 Commando that was tested in a simulation.[12]

Silver Timeline[edit]

Main article: Silver Timeline

A version of the Commando is used by the soldiers of the UNSC, including the SPARTAN-IIIs.[13]

Production notes[edit]

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

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Developmental images[edit]

Screenshots and renders[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 169
  2. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive (Retrieved on Jun 16, 2021) [archive]
  3. ^ a b Halo Support, Halo Infinite Weapon, Equipment, and Vehicle Inventory: "VK78 Commando Rifle. Fire mode switches from semi-automatic to fully automatic when zoomed in." (Retrieved on May 5, 2023) [archive]
  4. ^ a b c d e f Halo Infinite, gameplay
  5. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - VK78 Commando Rifle description: "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."
  6. ^ a b Halo Infinite, In-game weapon model
  7. ^ Xbox Wire, Bank Now, Play Later: Halo Infinite Meets Monster Energy Global Partnership (Retrieved on Aug 31, 2020) [archive]
  8. ^ a b Halo Infinite, CMA VK78 - Description: "The Colonial Military Authority stockpiled vast numbers of early model VK78 rifles on Reach during the height of the insurrection. Many remain there now, waiting to be freed from tombs of glass."
  9. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - Impact Commando description: "High-capacity magazine with reduced accuracy but increased damage."
  10. ^ Halo Infinite, Weapons Bench description
  11. ^ Halo Infinite, Academy - Weapon Drills - VK78 Commando description
  12. ^ Twitter, Halo (@Halo): "“Get ready to meet my little friend!” 💥 Step into the shadows and eclipse the competition with the VK78 Commando. #Halo101" (Retrieved on Oct 19, 2020) [archive]
  13. ^ Halo: The Television Series, episode Onyx