What is the RAM grenade launcher?

[arcador]

I never paid much attention to it until recently.

What is it and why does it weight only 2 Kg? (it is the same in the 1st ed as well). Is this a mistake, or is it really that light?

 

[h1ro]

It's based on the M203 or more recent, M320 under barrel grenade launcher.

There are stand alone versions like this

The big difference is the grenades are rocket assisted, better for direct fire, today's are low velocity rounds and need an indirect fire lob that makes hitting precision targets quite a talent.

I'm told that the underslung versions make the rifle awkward to use well. I guess it's the jack of all trades is master of none and that the M32 is more effective as you can put more rounds down range with it in less time.

 

[phavoc]

It's based on the M203 or more recent, M320 under barrel grenade launcher.

There are stand alone versions like this

The big difference is the grenades are rocket assisted, better for direct fire, today's are low velocity rounds and need an indirect fire lob that makes hitting precision targets quite a talent.

I'm told that the underslung versions make the rifle awkward to use well. I guess it's the jack of all trades is master of none and that the M32 is more effective as you can put more rounds down range with it in less time.

Once you get used to the launcher it's not all that awkward. It does add a few pounds to the weapon. Once you get the lobbing down they are kind of fun to shoot. And the indirect capability gives you capabilities that direct fire doesn't. We had LAW's for direct fire attacks. When combined they worked pretty well (though the LAW was kind of underpowered compared to the AT4.

 

[dragoner]

Once you get used to the launcher it's not all that awkward. It does add a few pounds to the weapon.

Infantry also practice tactical complaining to avoid getting loaded up with more gear

 

[dragoner]

I never paid much attention to it until recently.

What is it and why does it weight only 2 Kg? (it is the same in the 1st ed as well). Is this a mistake, or is it really that light?

It is originally from Classic, Book 4; iirc it was 4 kg, with a 3 round magazine, I sort of imagine it as mini missiles, sort of like from the old scifi movie Runaway.

 

[phavoc]

Once you get used to the launcher it's not all that awkward. It does add a few pounds to the weapon.

Infantry also practice tactical complaining to avoid getting loaded up with more gear

This is why I had an MOS that required me to drive to work and use machinery to load my ammunition. We still complained, but at least we weren't having to walk around doing it. We drove around and complained we didn't have air conditioning.

 

[h1ro]

I don't get how so many people make a comparison with grunts today moaning and groaning thru their service.

I'm sure someone who's served will come along and tell me that's the way it is, I didn't serve, I won't argue.

I can make up what I like about the future tho and that can go either way but I'll keep it neutral for most while I'm thinking of the best gear for the job.

I'd make RAM grenades 20-30mm, guided - either IR or tele, locking onto the image in the rifle's electronic sight. Magazine that holds 5 or more rounds (might be a tube parallel to the barrel), semi automatic and lighter than the 2k quoted with a HEAP or HE warhead.

Ignoring the pump action, another good example is the marine's rifle in Aliens.

 

[Condottiere]

Battledress crackers.

Remember, it's your character carrying that equipment, not you; something is lost in the virtual weight of the experience. It's how you find yourself suddenly encumbered or overloaded.

It's how I find myself carrying too many torches, instead of getting my lackey or batman taking care of it.

Practical experience says have someone carry a dedicated grenade launcher; going by reports from Afghanistan, RPGs are very popular for their demonstrative effect, and they can outrange assault rifles.

Game effect? If the opposition has numbers and/or is well armoured; I tend to think a grenade in close quarters is more controllable.

 

[arcador]

Thank you all for the info!

Still, isn't 2 kg a little to light? Perhaps I am biased by the image from the book, where it looks big.

 

[h1ro]

The M320 is 1.5kg

At TL10 I'd say 2kg is way too heavy. Kinda depends on the weapon you're slinging it under. I can see weapons being made with integral GLs and that could make them lighter and more functional. Kinda depends on how the unit being issued the weapon wants to fight.

I'd also like to echo Condottiere's words, traditionally, your RAM GL is the perfect weapon to defeat combat armour and battle dress. I am not sure if that's 100% true for 2e, I've not been issuing the big guns to players lately.

 

[Condottiere]

Advanced materials could make it lighter, depending on how much pressure it has to handle.

It's technological level eight, perhaps you could reduce it three times twenty percent at level eleven.

I don't believe there is that option to tinker around with the weapons.

 

[dragoner]

I don't believe there is that option to tinker around with the weapons.

Yes, from day one, look at Loren designing a laser pistol in the JTAS.

 

[h1ro]

I don't believe there is that option to tinker around with the weapons.

What?!

That's where the fun starts!