Realistic Equivalents

Realistic equivalents from military and other sources, to add impact to your fanfiction.

Weapons

• Rifle - HK G36 was discussed but it could really be any modern battle rifle - MP5, AK47, M16, CAR15, G3... ( http://remtek.com/arms/hk/mil/g36/g36.htm )

• Pistol - SOCOM use 45ACP, aka HK MK23. Link as above.

• Auto Cannon - The new 25mm XM307 OCSW could rapidly fire AP and HE grenades. No rotary barrel though it does have automatic fire. ( http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/ocsw.htm ) Manville 25mm is an obscure make of 18-shot revolver gun.

• Heavy Cannon - MGL-MK1, revolver 6-shot 40mm grenade launcher, with HE, AP, and In grenades. http://global-military.info/weapons/mgl-mk1.html & http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl14-e.htm (Perhaps upgraded versions could fire high-velocity grenades like the MK19 automatic grenade cannon.) See also Russia's RG-6 (6G30)/

• Rocket Launcher - Predator Antitank Missile has been suggested. The M136 AT-4 is a disposable one-shot. The reloadable 84mm Carl Gustav (MAAWS) launcher is perhaps a closer equivalent. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m3-maws.htm

• Laser weapons - no modern equivalent. General Electric? http://www.cndyorks.gn.apc.org/yspace/articles/battlelaser.htm

Equipment & Explosives

• Medi-Kit - Stimulants and painkillers aside, Chitosan battlefield bandages clot severe bleeding wounds instantly. http://www.hemcon.com/ (Secret ingredients: ground shrimp shells and vinegar. From Slashdot.)

• Electro-flare - no equivalent. Invented because burning flares would set fires. There is a "pen gun flare" pyrotechnic. Perhaps modern LED Flashlights with a weighted case for throwing would fill the niche. http://www.pocketlights.com/inova247.asp or http://www.smarthome.com/903206.html

• Grenade - Standard M67 fragmentation grenade. Note the nearest thing to our timer is "cook-off" time. Electronic fuses are possible and reliable.

• Proximity Grenade - no equivalent. Claymore tripwires and ultrasonic sensors are possible. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/slam.htm "SLAM Mine" appeared in Splinter Cell as the Wall Mine.

• High Explosive - C4 satchel charges.
• Stun Bomb - Advanced version of Pepperballs http://www.pepperball.com/faqs.asp

Vehicles & Armament

• Tank/Cannon - M242 Chain Gun, 25mm, "Bushmaster" (modified for single shot) http://www.sfu.ca/casr/101-m242.htm mounted on "Talon" robot chassis. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/talon.htm

Or something larger, like an electric mini bulldozer. http://www.magnatrac.com/

• Tank/Rocket Launcher - M202 "Flash" Quad Launcher, 66mm. (2 per turret @ 4 shots each) Originally developed to disperse incendiaries but fits M-72 LAW rounds, apparently. http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/flame/M202.html

• Interceptor fighter - USAF Lockheed F-22 Raptor scheduled for release 2004 will replace the F-15. http://www.geocities.com/nicscics/YF22.htm

• Skyranger transport - Anotov AN-72 [Cadmus]( http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/vvs/an72-01.htm ) or Osprey CV-22 have the right size and range.

"Payload considerations have also been a sore point with the CV-22. Planners will have to take into consideration its reduced cabin volume and lift capacity. Not only does it carry fewer troops (18 vs 27), it is also incapable of transporting any of the armored, wheeled vehicles currently used by SOF teams. Procurement of a new vehicle is still pending..." --CV-22 Tiltrotor Osprey compared to Pavelow helicopter in Special Forces deployments, 1 June 1998. Could that new vehicle be HWP-sized?

--JellyfishGreen 11:56, 25 Apr 2005 (BST)