LMK-9
| LMK-9 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Anti material rifle |
| Place of origin | Astronea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003-present |
| Used by | Astronean Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1999-2002 |
| Manufacturer | Talmanrath Precision Systems |
| Unit cost | $4,500 |
| Produced | 2002-present |
| Variants | LMK-10 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 1,130 mm (44 in) |
| Barrel length | 500 mm (20 in) |
| Width | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Cartridge | 12.7x100mm |
| Action | Bolt action |
| Muzzle velocity | 420 m/s (1,400 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 950 m (1,040 yd) |
| Feed system | 5 round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | 12x50 variable telescopic sight |
| References | |
The LMK-9 is a straigt-pull bolt action anti material rifle, capable of defeating any level of personal body armour fielded today and able to punch through multiple materials, including concrete. The LMK-9 is intended to engage a variety of targets, including radar installations, light vehicles (including light armoured vehicles), field fortifications, boats and ammunition dumps.
The standard ammunition combines a penetrator with high-explosive and incendiary effects in a single round. It is used by Special Forces and special units of the Army, such as snipers, weapon squads and demolitions squads. An irreplaceable weapon for counter sniping and operations in urban environments, its ability to hit targets behind cover is widely coveted by marksman across the Armed Forces. Operators have also praised its ergonomics, stating that its adjustable butt stock and cheek rest provide for a very comfortable shooting experience.
The LMK-9 was designed using the same barrel as the TMG-99 heavy machine gun, shortened down and made lighter for carrying purposes. This significantly reduces the cost of the weapon over manufacturing a new barrel from scratch. Its integral bipod allows the user to keep his/her aim steady for the more accurate placement of shots.
Variants
LMK-10 Chiúin
LMK-10 | |
|---|---|
 LMK-10 with integral suppressor |
The LMK-10 is fitted with a one of a kind integral suppressor which quietens and distorts the sound of the each shot and eliminates muzzle flash, making the shooter's location almost impossible to identify. Using special subsonic ammunition, the rifle still maintains its penetration at the cost of some range.
The LMK-10 suppressed anti material rifle is developed for special operations that require silent firing and penetration much superior to that provided by standard sniper rifles. Typical targets are cars, targets in heavy body armor or behind hard cover such as car bodies or concrete. The core of the system is the specially developed 12.7mm (.50 caliber) reduced power ammunition that launches bullets at subsonic muzzle velocities of about 290 meters per second (~950 fps). Case lenght of the ammunition is 54mm, the overall length of the new 12.7mm round is 97mm, significantly less than that of the standard 12.7×100 HMG round (145mm overall).
The standard loading for this round is a precision machined solid bronze projectile with pointed nose, weighting around 59 grams (910 grains) or 76 grams (1170 grains) for the "high penetration" AP round. Accuracy is 1 MOA at 100 meters range with precision bullets, and the maximum effective range is 600 meters. High penetration bullets can defeat Class 5 (Type III / High-Powered Rifle) body armor at 100 meters or 16mm steel plate at 200 meters. The round cases are based on the .338 Magnum cases with a straight (no neck), slightly tapered body.
The LMK-10 is fitted with a large integral suppressor that can be removed for storage, transportation and maintenance. The rifle itself has an integral folding bipod, and adjustable shoulder pad and cheek rest. The top of the receiver is fitted with a scope rail, and the rifle is provided with folding back-up iron sights. The LMK-10 utilizes a manually operated, straight pull bolt action, with rotary locking bolt head. Detachable box magazines hold five rounds.