THE BRAZILIAN SMALL ARMS INDUSTRY:

INDIVIDUAL AND LIGHT SUPPORT WEAPONS OF THE BRAZILIAN MILITARY, Ca. 2303

INTRODUCTION

Long considered innovators in military technology (along with their traditional opponent, Argentina), Brazil has developed a substantial arms industry marketing various products to both the Brazilian military as well as a large number of foreign nations.

NARRATIVE

It was the sort of PR event much favored by the Brazilian mainstream media when covering the Brazilian Army.  Special operations personnel from the Centro de Instrução de Operações Especiais, photogenic in their disregard for conventional uniform regulations went through their paces under the watching cameras, demonstrating building clearing techniques, fast roping from hovering aircraft and armored hovercraft.  Elsewhere, urban snipers demonstrated their trade, shooting playing cards and apples and other targets suitable for such an exhibition.  A few veterans of the fighting in Amazonia had been brought in to speak off the record and off camera to reporters, giving the select few insight into the real war, and bringing them behind the carefully guarded curtain.

One popular station on the tour was a layout of all the weapons carried by a Caçadore Pára-quedista platoon operating in an urban environment, tended by two veteran corporals to field questions.  Three rifle squads worth of gear were laid out in neat rows, brand new MD-70 7mm gauss assault rifles and MD-8 50-01 laser rifles and venerable MD-10 light machineguns.  To the rear, the Weapons Squad’s equipment was heavier, more threatening, MD-93 and MD-1 gauss sniper rifles and MD-8 multipurpose rocket launchers.  The whole outlay was dotted with compact MD-525 5mm machine pistols, backup weapons and close quarters room clearing tools.  The extra impediments of such work – bolt cutters, oversized pry bars, and demolition saws were just an extra bit of window dressing, like the forty high carbon steel bayonets prominently displayed as well.

The reporters tended to linger, with the fascinated sort of dread the uninitiated feel towards such sharp-cornered carbon-fiber and steel killing implements.  The two corporals, part of the public relations team on temporary duty from Amazonia, fielded inane questions all afternoon with well concealed boredom, looking forward to crisp, cold beer and warmer women in the bars and clubs of Ribeiro Preta, outside the Center’s main gate.  Both had been chosen for their tact and photogenic qualities, and they easily fielded each question, no matter how far off base, with a dignity and seriousness the reporters found reassuring. 

Both the army and the media, in their respective ways, regarded the day as a minor success that would fuel clips of the nightly news for the next day or two, and popular documentaries for some time to come.

OVERVIEW

The Brazilian soldier, circa 2303, is well-equipped with a modern arsenal of weapons generally comparable to those fielded by other 2^nd Tier Nations, with a typical nine man squad carrying no fewer than seven 30mm grenade launcher equipped assault or laser rifles, and a pair of binary 7.5mm light machinegun for suppressive base-of-fire applications.  The squad will likely also have access to disposable light guided anti-tank weapons, or the Modelo 8 multipurpose rocket launcher, capable of firing a range of guided and unguided munitions at different targets.  Augmenting this basic arsenal are a range of weapons systems ranging from specialized sniping weapons to close combat shotguns and submachineguns.

The modern Brazilian military is notable as being one of Earth’s major powers that has primarily adopted binary propellant, rather then gauss, weapon systems for its military forces.  Part of this may be an institutional preference – Brazil was, after all, the first nation to field a successful binary propellant service rifle.  Part, however, is also due to the nation’s ongoing conflict with the Inca Republic in Amazonia, which calls for extremely reliable weapons capable of functioning under extreme environmental conditions.  The Brazilian Army has tested a number of gauss designs and not found them to be an improvement over the current service rifle, the MD-3, itself a much perfected version of the 3^rd Rio Plata War vintage MD-1.  At the same time, however, the Brazilian military has not been reluctant to adopt gauss weapons in supporting roles where their particular strengths and weaknesses are preferable to a binary or conventional design.

The other field Brazilian forces are well-known for is laser weaponry, with the rivalry between Argentina and Brazil fueling an intense development of laser weapons.  Brazil was slower to adopt new FDLMS power cells, again because of the requirements of the Amazonian theater of operations.  The military’s new MD-8 laser rifle and MD-20 laser carbine, both incorporating a 7mj FDLMS power cell, are just now entering service, roughly a decade after Argentina introduced the F-19 and Germany fielded the LK-1.

With a very large, modern military, Brazil has developed an extensive indigenous arms industry that has also moved into the export field as well.  A number of Brazilian weapons manufacturers maintain European divisions based in Portugal, as well as North America, African, and Asian divisions, partnerships, and affiliates.  Brazilian weapon systems can be found in various roles on all Earth’s continents and a great many of its extra-solar colony worlds.  With the prospect of a 4^th Rio Plata War dominating political and military thinking in South America, the Brazilian arms industry continues to flourish with substantial government contracts and funding for research and development.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Service Rifles and Carbines

            Ramirez-Abruggo MD-3 Binary Assault Rifle

            Ramirez-Abruggo MD-3M3 Binary Special Operations Rifle

            Ramirez-Abruggo MD-3D Binary Personal Defense Carbine

            Arpãodore MD-50 Binary Special Operations Carbine

            Yamato & Sons MD-70 Gauss Special Operations Rifle

Light and Medium Machineguns

            INMILPARÁ MD-10 7.5mm Binary Light Machinegun

Sniper Rifles and Designated Marksman’s Rifles

            MD-1 Heavy Sniper Rifle

Yamamato & Sons MD-4 Designated Marksman’s Rifle

Yamamato & Sons MD-97 Gauss Sniper Rifle

Laser Rifles

            Gonzalves-Brazilia MD-7 and MD-7M Laser Rifles

            Darlan-Brazil MD-8 Laser Rifle

            LABOATA MD-20 Laser Carbine

 Combat Shotguns

            Arno MD-81 Combat Shotgun

            FACP MD-92 Combat Shotgun

Pistols and Submachineguns

            Arno MD-5 5mm Pistol

Arpãodore MD-7 10mm Pistol

            Arpãodore MD-30 10mm Submachinegun

            Arno MD-525 Machine Pistol

Obsolete Military Firearms

            Ramirez-Abruggo MD-64 Family of Conventional Small Arms

            SARCO “MD-49” 7.5mm Conventional Assault Rifle

            Ramirez-Abruggo MD-70 30mm Grenade Launcher

Support Weapons

            Mattos-Silva Indústria Aeroespacial MD-2 Light Antitank Weapon

Gonzalves-Brazilia MD-8 Multipurpose Rocket Launcher

GBQO MD-16 Plasma Gun Man Portable

ARNO MD-79 Heavy Grenade Launcher

Mattos-Silva Indústria Aeroespacial/Arapaho Military Systems Modelo 11 Misíl Anticarro e Antiaérea “Escorpião” Multi-   Purpose Missile System (MD-11)

Notes

SERVICE RIFLES AND CARBINES

Ramirez-Abruggo Modelo 3 7.5/30mm Fuzil e Lança Granadas Binários (MD-3)

The MD-3 binary assault weapon system is the Brazilian successor to the somewhat lackluster MD-1 (marketed internationally under the grammatically cryptic "BF-1" acronym) and improved derivatives fielded since (the MD-1M and MD-2).  The MD-3 began entering Brazilian service in 2291 after a protracted, and sometimes troubled, developmental process.  The long development time, and extensive experience with the MD-1/BF-1 seems to have paid off, however, and the MD-3 has proven to be an exemplary weapon system in all respects.  

Typical of modern combat weapons, the MD-3 marries a "smart" area fire weapon, in this case a semi-automatic grenade launcher chambered for standard Brazilian 30x50mm grenades (a version firing conventional 30mm rounds, the MD-3E, is available for the export market), to a lighter caliber weapon for precision fire and close range engagements.  For the latter role, Ramirez-Abruggo has retained the 7.5x11mm multi-purpose round used on earlier Brazilian binary weapons.  While wound ballistics are less impressive than the 9mm APHE ammunition used on designs like the German Sk-19 and American M5, overall ballistic performance is superior, allowing longer range, and the ammunition is considerably lighter.  Thus far Brazilian forces have reported no serious complaints in regards to lethality of the 7.5mm round in various border clashes with Incan forces in Amazonia, though some have noted that Inca-sponsored insurgents and even regular armed forces do not tend to use latest generation body armor.

The MD-3 is equipped with a current generation combat sight with a single channel/multi-spectral display combining visible light, image intensification and thermal imaging into a single unified display with a one to seven power variable magnification and a variable illuminated aim point allowing for close (3 MOA width), medium (1 MOA width) and long (0.5 MOA width) fire at various illumination levels.  A laser rangefinder and ballistic computer are also part of the sight unit, allowing the use of proximity fused smart grenades, as well as target designation for other personnel equipped with Brazilian standard military optics.  The MD-3’s sight is powered by a separate 100 gram battery pack with a 24 hour life span for typical battlefield use (constant use will significantly degrade this lifespan, very limited use can extend it for up to two weeks).

Type: 7.5mm Binary Assault Rifle with integral 30mm Binary Grenade Launcher
Country: Brazil, Portugal, various others
Weight (Empty): 3.4 kg (MD-3E with conventional 30mm grenade launcher is 4.4 kg)
Weight (Loaded, including sight battery unit): 4.7 kg
Propellant Bottle Weight: 0.3 kg
Propellant Bottle Capacity: 360 aimed shots or 100 area fire bursts (each 30mm grenade counts as 2 aimed shots)
Length: 77 cm (Bulk = 2)
Price: Lv 675 (MD-3E is Lv650) (Lv2 for 7.5mm magazine, Lv2 for recharge bottle, grenade magazine prices vary)

7.5mm Binary Rifle
Type: 7.5mm binary assault rifle, Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 7.5x11mm binary, Muzzle Velocity: 900 mps (550 mps area fire), Magazine: 40 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.3 kg, ROF: 3 (area fire 5), Aimed Fire Range:  750 meters, Area Fire Burst: 10 rounds (AFV = 1.5), Area Fire Range: 400 meters, DP Value: 0.7 (area fire 0.4)

30mm Grenade Launcher
Type: 30mm semi-automatic grenade launcher, Action:  Single Shot, Ammunition: 30x50mm grenades, Muzzle Velocity: 245 mps, Magazine: 4 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.6 kg, ROF: 2, Aimed Fire Range:  400 meters, DP Value: Varies, Price: Lv450 (ammunition price varies)

Ramirez-Abruggo Modelo 3M3 7.5/30mm Fuzil e Lança Granadas Binários para Operaciones Especiais (MD-3M3)

The MD-3M3 is a specialized version of the standard MD-3 assault rifle, featuring a variable muzzle velocity capability to reduce bullets to subsonic velocities.  The weapon also includes a built in suppressor on the barrel. 

In practice, the weapon has not proved nearly as successful in its role as comparable gauss weapons systems like the FAM-90S, American M7A1, etc., due to increased weight associated with the integral suppressor and the limited service life of the suppressor.  The Brazilian special operations community has opted to replace the weapon with the MD-70 gauss carbine (cf) as a result of these limitations.  The MD-3M3 is still in limited use with special operations units, and surplus weapons have been handed over to conventional military reconnaissance units in the Brazilian military.

Statistics for the MD-3M3 are identical to the base weapon, except that weight increases to 3.7kg (5.0 kg loaded).  When fired at subsonic velocities (315 mps), statistics are as follows:

ROF: 5, Aimed Fire Range:  150 meters, Area Fire Burst: 10 rounds (AFV = 1.5), Area Fire Range: 90 meters, DP Value: 0.3

Ramirez-Abruggo Modelo 3D 7.5mm Carabina Binária (MD-3D)

The MD-3D is a personal defense carbine version of the MD-3 assault rifle, lacking the 30mm grenade launcher and intended for rear-area troops and others requiring a defensive firearm.  The MD-3D is identical to the 7.5mm portion of the MD-3, with overall weight and cost significantly reduced compared to the MD-3 rifle.

Standard optics are similar to the MD-3 assault rifle, though lacking in the ballistic computer and associated software needed for the fire of proximity fused grenades.

Type: 7.5mm Binary Personal Defense Carbine
Country: Brazil, Portugal, various others
Weight (Empty): 2.0 kg
Weight (Loaded, including sight battery unit): 2.7 kg
Propellant Bottle Weight: 0.3 kg
Propellant Bottle Capacity: 360 aimed shots or 100 area fire bursts
Length: 70 cm (Bulk = 2)
Price: Lv 200 (Lv2 for 7.5mm magazine, Lv2 for recharge bottle)

7.5mm Binary Rifle
Type: 7.5mm binary assault rifle, Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 7.5x11mm multipurpose, Muzzle Velocity: 900 mps (550 mps area fire), Magazine: 40 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.3 kg, ROF: 3 (area fire 5), Aimed Fire Range:  750 meters, Area Fire Burst: 10 rounds (AFV = 1.5), Area Fire Range: 400 meters, DP Value: 0.7 (area fire 0.4)

Arpãodore MD-50 5.5mm Carabina Binária para Operaciones Especiais (MD-50)

In service with certain Brazilian military and police special operations units, the Arpãodore Modelo 50 is a binary assault carbine firing a 5.5x11mm round based on the standard Brazilian military 7.5x11mm round.  The MD-50 is built on a modified version of the Arpãodore Model 30 submachinegun frame, and uses a bullpup format, with a helical magazine mounted behind the “S” pattern style pistol grip, making for a very streamlined weapon well suited for concealed carry underneath heavy clothing or in small cases, etc.  The resulting design is compact, and incorporates a telescoping butt stock to allow adjustment to firer’s preferences, between 60-70cm in overall length.  The weapon lacks an integral 30mm grenade launcher and is primarily utilized in covert capacities.

The MD-50 typically is fitted with a low magnification close combat electro-optical sight; standard Brazilian military optics are x1-4 variable magnification, with combined image intensification and thermal channels for lowlight observation.  Alternate optics are sometimes fitted by military special operations units, and optics in service with Brazilian law enforcement agencies have a range of capabilities.

Type: 5.5mm binary assault carbine, Country:  Brazil, Weight (Empty):  2.8kg, Length:  60cm (70cm with stock fully extended) (Bulk = 1), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 5.5x11mm binary multipurpose, Muzzle Velocity: 1075 mps (700 mps area fire), Magazine: 50 round box magazine, separate catalyst bottle adequate for 400 aimed shots or 100 area fire bursts, Magazine Weight: 0.3 kg, Catalyst Bottle Weight:  0.2kg, ROF: 3 (area fire 5), Aimed Fire Range:  500 meters, Area Fire Burst: 10 rounds (AFV = 1.5), Area Fire Range: 400 meters, DP Value: 0.6 (area fire 0.3)

Fábrica de Yamamoto e Filhos Modelo 70 7mm Carabina Electromagnética e Lança Granadas Binária para Operaciones Especiais (MD-70)

The Brazilian military has, to date, demonstrated a solid preference for binary propellant weapons in the binary versus gauss debate, for a variety of reasons, but there are exceptions to this trend, such as the MD-93 gauss sniper rifle. 

Another notable exception to this trend is the MD-70 gauss special operations carbine.  As the name suggests, this weapon was developed in response to requirements from the Brazilian special operations community for an assault rifle or assault carbine suitable to their unique requirements.  The MD-3M3 binary assault rifle was adopted in this role in the early 2290s, but has not proved entirely satisfactory, as its suppressed fire mode requires the additional mass of a built in barrel sleeve to deal with the acoustic signature of the binary propellant. 

Brazilian Special Forces experimented with a switch to a gauss weapon of some sort almost as soon as the MD-3M3 was adopted, procuring small numbers of both the French FAM-90S gauss rifle and the American M7A1 gauss carbine.  Neither was found entirely adequate, with the Brazilians, accustomed to the larger bore 7.5mm MD-3, having doubts about the effective lethality of the 4.5mm ESA standard flechette.  The heavy caliber M7A1 was quite lethal, but lacked the range to function as a battlefield rifle except in CQB and other restricted environments. 

The solution to the gap in desired capabilities emerged in the form of a 7mm gauss round developed by Yamato and Sons of Provincia do Brasil from their pre-existing 7mm multipurpose, low-signature sniper round.  This new, 7.45 gram round, was shorter (7x17mm) than the Yamato sniper round, and in lieu of radar signature reducing features it incorporated a tungsten nose cap for penetration and a primarily ferrous metal body designed to fail catastrophically along a number of pre-engineered fault lines once armor is penetrated, breaking the round into the nose cap plus ten pre-formed fragments.  Lethality and armor penetration of the round was within the parameters the Brazilian special operations community was looking for, and the round was adapted for an assault-type gauss rifle Yamato & Sons had been working on separately.

The resulting weapon system the MD-70, combines the 7mm gauss assault rifle with the same 30mm binary grenade launcher that is used on the MD-7M laser rifle.  The first examples of the weapon entered service in 2297.  Typical of weapons designed for the special operations community, the MD-70 incorporates variable muzzle velocity, being able to fire rounds at 1000 mps (with an auxiliary battery unit to support the increased energy requirements), the primary setting of 855mps, or subsonic at 320 mps.  The addition of the 1000 mps setting was intended to allow the weapon to also serve as a designated marksman’s rifle as needed.

The primary downside to the weapon is complexity and cost.  Some have suggested its introduction as a more general weapon for the Brazilian armed forces (the Brazilian Air Force’s infantry arm, for instance, examined the possibility of replacing the MD-3 with the MD-70 but opted against such a plan), but it has not been deemed economically feasible, nor is the weapon seem as especially desirable as a general service rifle. 

The MD-70 uses the same 100 gram grenade launcher binary propellant bottle as the MD-7M laser rifle.  Auxiliary battery packs to allow firing at boosted velocities weigh 200 grams and are adequate for 100 rounds of fire at boosted velocity.

Type: 7mm gauss rifle with integral 30mm binary grenade launcher, Country:  Brazil, Weight (Empty): 4.2 kg, Length: 70 cm (Bulk = 3), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 7x15mm armor piercing, Muzzle Velocity: Selectable for 855mps or 320 mps, with auxiliary power cell may fire at 1000mps, Magazine: 40 round box magazine, with integral power cell, auxiliary power cell may be fitted to fire weapon at 1000 mps velocity (adequate for 100 rounds boosted fire), Magazine Weight: 0.5 kg (auxiliary power cell weighs 0.2kg), ROF: 3 (5 when firing subsonic), Aimed Fire Range:  900 meters (1000 mps velocity), 750 meters (855 mps velocity), 150 meters (320 mps velocity), Area Fire Burst: 5 rounds (AFV = 0.5) at 1000 mps, 10 rounds (AFV = 1.0) at 855 mps, 10 rounds (AFV = 2.0) at 320 mps, Area Fire Range: 600 meters (at 1000 mps), 400 meters (at 855 meters per second), 100 meters (at 320 meters per second), DP Value: 0.7 (at 1000 mps), 0.7 (at 855 mps), 0.3 (at 320 mps), Price: Lv1000 (Lv2 per 40 round magazine)

INDEX

LIGHT AND MEDIUM MACHINEGUNS

Indústria Militar de Pará Modelo 10 7.5mm Metralhadora Binário de Uso General (MD-10)

A binary light machinegun counterpart to the MD-3 assault rifle, the MD-10 Metralhadora Binário de Uso General (General Purpose Binary Machinegun) fires the same 7.5x11mm round as that rifle, though at higher velocities.  The weapon uses a conventional, non-bullpup layout, to allow for easier loading if an assistant gunner is present.  Optics are identical to those fitted to the MD-3 rifle, as these are deemed to be adequate for the engagement ranges the machinegun will be used at.  The weapon includes a reduced-velocity automatic fire setting which fires rounds at 750 meters per second instead of the standard 1100 mps.  This feature was added primarily for when the MD-10 is used in the squad automatic rifle/light machinegun role, where the full velocity proved difficult to control when firing on the move or from a standing position.

Ammunition feed is from below, and the weapon can be fed either by box or helical magazines (holding 100 or 200 rounds in either case).  Weight and performance of either magazine format is identical, the primary variation in the two being dimensions of the weapon and balance.  The helical magazine put the weapon’s center of gravity further forward, making it somewhat front-heavy, but also streamlines the weapon’s profile significantly.  The helical magazines were fielded as an alternative to the original box magazines at the request of units operating in the Amazon theater, where there were frequently complaints of the box magazines snagging on vines and other underbrush, especially in formerly clear cut or farmed areas where dense maquis scrubland (moita or sertão in Brazilian usage) has grown up.

Type: 7.5mm binary assault carbine, Country:  Brazil, Weight (Empty):  2.8kg, Length:  95cm (Bulk = 3), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 7.5x11mm binary multipurpose, Muzzle Velocity: 1100 mps (750 mps area fire at reduced velocity), Magazine: 100 or 200 round box magazines, with separate catalyst bottle adequate for 400 or 800 aimed or area fire rounds, Magazine Weight: 0.75kg (100 round) or 1.50kg (200 round), Catalyst Bottle Weight:  0.2kg (400 round) or 0.4 kg (800 round), ROF: 5, Aimed Fire Range:  1000 meters, Area Fire Burst: 20 rounds (AFV = 2, AFV = 3 at reduced velocity), Area Fire Range: 700 meters (400 meters at reduced velocity), DP Value: 0.9 (reduced velocity 0.6)

INDEX 

SNIPER RIFLES AND DESIGNATED MARKSMANS RIFLES

Arno Modelo 1 10mm Fuzil de Atiradors Pesado (MD-1)

Produced under license in Brazil by Arno, the Modelo 1 is the Brazilian military version of the FTE-10 heavy gauss sniper rifle.  The weapon is generally identical to the basic French weapon, except that it includes a subsonic (320mps) reduced velocity setting for use in close range sniping applications (for which the FTE-10 is certainly not ideal, but Brazilian requirements include a significant interest in urban sniping applications where ranges tend to be more limited and the reduced signature is deemed desirable).

Statistics for the MD-1 are identical to the FTE-10, except when fired at subsonic velocities.  When fired at 320mps, the weapon’s aimed fire range is 320 meters, and DPV is 0.7.

Fábrica de Yamamoto e Filhos Modelo 4 7.5mm Fuzil Binário para Operaciones na Montanha (MD-4)

The MD-4 is a specialized weapon designed for use by the Brazilian Marine Corp’s 51^st Mountain Brigade and the Provincia do Brasil army reserve 42^nd Antarctic Brigade.  Both organizations had a need for a sniping weapon suitable for use in extreme arctic conditions where laser weapons are not entirely reliable.  The replacement weapon selected was a binary semi-automatic rifle firing a heavy, match-grade 7.5x19mm round designed primarily for long-range accuracy and armor penetration.  In keeping with Brazilian requirements for sniping and designated marksman’s weapons, the MD-4 includes a variable velocity allowing for subsonic fire in urban and other close-range sniping environments.  Typical of such designs, the MD-4 lacks lethality in its suppressed mode, though shot placement compensates for this in the hands of expert shooters.

Standard optics on the MD-4 consist of a variable magnification (x1-10 power) mutli-spectral/single channel display sight similar to that fitted to the MD-3.  The weapon’s sight includes a laser rangefinder/designator of stronger than usual power, allowing the sight to be used to illuminate and designate targets for aircraft and laser-guided weapons.  The sight requires a 200 gram battery unit, with the same 24 hour life span as the MD-3’s optics.

The weapon has been well received by its intended users, though the lack of an integral 30mm grenade launcher has required some adjustment of tactics compared to how the usual Brazilian MD-3/MD-7 equipped infantry.  The weapon has also been issued on a limited basis to military and civilian law enforcement units based on Paulo, primarily to help deal with aggressive local fauna.

Type: 7.5mm binary semiautomatic rifle, Country:  Brazil, Weight (Empty):  4.0 kg, Length:  90cm (Bulk=2), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 7.5x19mm binary, Muzzle Velocity: 915 mps (315 mps suppressed), Magazine: 30 round box magazine, separate catalyst bottle adequate for 300 aimed or area fire shots, Magazine Weight: 0.3 kg, Catalyst Bottle Weight:  0.3kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range: 1000 meters (150 meter suppressed), Area Fire Burst: 5 rounds (AFV = 0.25, AFV = 0.5 suppressed), Area Fire Range: 500 meters (90 meters suppressed), DP Value: 1.1 (suppressed 0.3)

Fábrica de Yamamoto e Filhos Modelo 93 7mm Fuzil Electromagnético para Atiradores (MD-93)

A fairly conventional, modern semi-automatic gauss sniper rifle jointly developed by Yamamoto and Sons of Provinicia do Brasil and the American Tirania Firearms Corporation, the MD-93 has recently been adopted by the Brazilian military as a dedicated sniping weapon, replacing laser type weapons which have become increasingly susceptible to modern counter-sniper sensing systems.  Standard equipment on the MD-93 includes a telescopic/thermal imaging electro-optical sight, bipod, and provisions for direct link to a helmet heads up display and/or data and image transmission to remote stations as needed.  The MD-93 fires 7mm low-signature multi-purpose rounds consisting of a tungsten-capped ferrous round sheathed in a low-signature polymer coating designed to fail catastrophically and fragment after armor penetration.  The round provides good lethality against personnel though the round is too light for serious anti-materiel applications.  Standard magazines contain forty rounds, feeding from a horizontally top-mounted magazine, which allows the weapon to generate a reasonable volume of fire in emergency close-combat situations.

Type: 7mm gauss rifle, Country:  Brazil, America, Weight (Empty): 4.6 kg, Length: 81 cm (Bulk = 3), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 7x21mm low-signature multi-purpose, Muzzle Velocity: 1200 mps, Magazine: 40 round box magazine, with integral power cell, Magazine Weight: 0.7 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range:  1400 meters, Area Fire Burst: 5 rounds (AFV = 0.5), Area Fire Range: 400 meters, DP Value: 1, Price: Lv600 (Lv2 per magazine)

INDEX

LASER RIFLES

Gonzalves-Brazilia Modelo 7 and Modelo 7M 40-01 Fuzis de Laser

The MD-7 and MD-7M are the official service designations of the "Luce-7" and "Luce-7B" laser rifles (though the "B" version technically refers the export version mounting a 30mm fixed cartridge grenade launcher in lieu of the standard Brazilian binary model).  The basic MD-7 is identical to the Luce-7B described in the Adventurers Guide, except that the weapon's mass is reduced from 3 kg to 1.5 kg.  The MD-7M is fitted with the same 30mm semi-automatic grenade launcher as the MD-3 described above.  It is identical to the Luce-7B except mass is 2.9 kg unloaded.  The grenade launcher requires a small propellant bottle weighing 100 grams that is sufficient to fire 60 grenades.

30mm Grenade Launcher
Type: 30mm semi-automatic binary grenade launcher, Action:  Single Shot, Ammunition: 30x50mm grenades, with separately loaded catalyst bottle, Muzzle Velocity: 245 mps, Magazine: 4 round box magazine, separately loaded catalyst bottle with 60 rounds propellant, Magazine Weight: 0.6 kg, Catalyst Bottle weighs 0.1kg, ROF: 2, Aimed Fire Range:  400 meters, DP Value: Varies, Price: Lv450 (ammunition price varies)

Darlan Brasil Modelo 8 50-01 Fuzil de Laser e Lança Granadas Binária (MD-8)

The successor to the MD-7M in Brazilian service, the MD-8 is a design that improves on the strength of that weapon, including the incorporation of FDLMS power cell technology.  The larger power cell allows an increase in both power output, to a 50-01 format, as well as magazine capacity, using a standard 7mj FDLMS cell (fourteen pulses versus the MD-7M’s twelve).  The most notable aspect of the design is that it is not produced by Golzalves-Brazilia, but by the Brazilian division of the French corporation Darlan Optophysique.

Optics on the MD-8 are similar to those fitted to the MD-3 assault rifle with some modification to optimize performance with the laser weapon.  The MD-8 utilizes the same grenade launcher design as the MD-7M and also uses 100 gram propellant bottles adequate for 60 rounds.

Type: 50-01 Laser Rifle, Country: Brazil, Weight, Empty: 2.8 kg, Weight, Fully Loaded: 4.3 kg, Length: 71cm (Bulk=2), Action:  Single Shot, Pulse Energy: 0.5 megajoules, Muzzle Velocity: C, Magazine: 7mj FDLMS cell (14 pulses), Magazine Weight:  1 kg, ROF: 5, Aimed Fire Range:  1100 meters, DP Value: 1.2, Price:  Lv740 (Lv5 for disposable power cell)

Laboratório para Óptica de Alta Tecnologia Modelo 20 Variable Output Carabina de Laser (MD-20)

In service with the Brazilian Army’s elite Destacamento de Força Espaça 400 zero-gravity special operations unit and other troops operating in low/zero gravity environments, the LABOATA MD-20 laser carbine is a compact, handy weapon designed especially for such settings.  The weapon omits the customary 30mm grenade launcher as the recoil of such weapons is prohibitive in minimal gravity settings.

Most notable about the weapon is a fairly unusual variable power output capability, allowing the weapon to fire 20-01, 30-01, or 40-01 pulses, as needed by the firer.  Range is variable with these settings in atmosphere, but the primary use in orbital settings is to allow for trade offs in armor penetration capability and ammunition supply.  The weapon is also designed such that it can either carry its 7mj FDLMS power cell mounted in the rear of the weapon in the customary bull-pup style configuration, or an adaptor can be mounted in the magazine well allowing the FDLMS cell to be carried on the individual’s combat webbing and attached to the weapon by heavy gauge cabling.  The latter is preferred in microgravity as it reduces the inertia and momentum associated with bringing the weapon to bear.

Standard equipment on the MD-20 is an electro-optical sight optimized for close combat operations and designed to feed display information directly onto the user’s heads up display.  If employed in a terrestrial setting, the weapon can be fitted with alternate optics allowing it to make more effective use of its range potential.

Type: Variable power laser rifle (20-01, 30-01 and 40-01 output settings), Country: Brazil, Weight, Empty (including sight): 2.2 kg, Weight, Fully Loaded (Magazine mounted on weapon): 3.2 kg, Length: 70cm (Bulk=2), Action:  Single Shot, Pulse Energy: 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 megajoules, Muzzle Velocity: C, Magazine: 7mj FDLMS cell (35 20-01 pulses, 30-01 pulses use 1.5 charges, 40-01 pulses use two charges), Magazine Weight:  1 kg, ROF: 5, Aimed Fire Range:  500 meters (20-01 pulse), 800 meters (30-01 pulse), and 1000 meters (40-01 pulse), DP Value: 0.7 (20-01), 0.9 (30-01), 1.1 (40-01), Price:  Lv1100 (Lv5 for disposable power cell)

INDEX

COMBAT SHOTGUNS

Arno Modelo 81 18mm Espingarda military (MD-81)

The MD-81 is a combat shotgun design in use with some Brazilian military and a wide range of Brazilian law enforcement agencies.  It is most familiar to members of the Brazilian public as being a weapon that is synonymous with the Rural Police Forces (Patrulhas da Polícia Militar do Estado) of the Provincia do Brasil and Paulo colonies, where it is used as a brush gun when dealing with local predators (human and otherwise), etc.

The design is unusual in a number of ways, pairing a bull-pup format with a conventional pump-action, and utilizing a pair of tubular magazines mounted above the barrel, each holding five rounds, to allow firers to load and carry two types of ammunition at the same time.  A selector switch on the left side of the receiver allows firers to rapidly switch from one magazine to the other (a placement which is somewhat awkward for left-handed shooters).

Standard equipment on the MD-81 includes close-combat optics with a unified image intensification and thermal imaging display.  Some models add a visible or IR laser aiming systems for increased close range accuracy.  The length of the weapon is somewhat adjustable for shooter preference, with a collapsible stock allowing adjustment of weapon length from 70-77cm.

Type: 18mm Pump Shotgun, Country: Brazil, Weight (Empty): 3 kg, Length: 70 cm (Bulk = 2), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 18x60mm fixed cartridge (various rounds available), Muzzle Velocity: 450 mps, Magazine: two 5 round tubular magazine, Magazine Weight: 10 loose rounds weigh ~ 0.4 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range:  120 meters, Area Fire Burst: 3 rounds (AFV = 0.5), Area Fire Range: 80 meters, DP Value: 0.3 (x10) (standard buckshot, otherwise varies by ammunition type), Price: Lv315 (Lv2 for 100 rounds standard 6mm tungsten buckshot)

FACP Modelo 92 15mm Espingarda de combate (MD-92)

The current combat shotgun design for Brazilian military forces, the Modelo 92 is a recent introduction designed based on urban combat experiences from the 3rd Rio Plata War and more recent combat in the Amazon and Venezuela. Unusual for military designs, the Modelo 92 is a 15mm shotgun, rather than the customary 18mm; though somewhat less powerful, Brazilian military studies indicated that the average Brazilian soldier would be better able to handle the lower recoil of a 15mm design, particularly during automatic fire.

The standard ammunition load for the Modelo 92 is a 6mm tungsten buckshot load, though slugs and various rounds for breaching and similar specialist applications are also available.  The Modelo 92 employs a bull-pup action, feeding from a top-mounted eighteen round helical magazine placed forward of the receiver (consequently, the Modelo 92's ammunition is loaded "backwards" into the magazine).  Magazines are designed to be semi-disposable (suitable for a limited number of reloadings by the firer), and are stored and issued fully loaded; preparing the magazine for use requires the firer to twist a small knob on the front of the magazine seven times to tension the magazine spring -- failure to do so will result in misfeeds.  Fire is selectable for single shot or three round bursts, rather than a fully automatic mode, in recognition of the relatively heavy recoil of the 15mm shotgun round compared to military assault rifles and the like.

Standard optics on the MD-92 consist of a close-combat optical sight (no magnification) with a wide angle field of view and thermal imaging and image intensification channels for reduced visibility.  The weapon is often fitted with an additional laser aiming module to allow rapid target acquisition and the illumination of targets for other personnel equipped with Brazilian night vision gear.  This laser aiming module has proven very effective in the Amazon, where Inca forces are not equipped with modern, 2nd Tier, scales of night vision equipment (and similar tactics and equipment have proven useful against the Kafers in the hands of combatants in the French Arm).  Its use against a modern, well-equipped, military force, such as Argentina, is of more questionable utility.

Type: 15mm Combat Shotgun, Country: Brazil, Weight (Empty): 2.6 kg, Length: 77 cm (Bulk = 2), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 15x50mm fixed cartridge (various rounds available), Muzzle Velocity: 450 mps, Magazine: 18 round helical magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.6 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range:  120 meters, Area Fire Burst: 9 rounds (AFV = 2), Area Fire Range: 80 meters, DP Value: 0.3 (x6) (6mm buckshot load, otherwise varies by ammunition type), Price: Lv325 (Lv350 for military version) (Lv1 for two disposable magazines)

INDEX

PISTOLS AND SUBMACHINEGUNS

Arno Modelo 5 5mm Pistola Compacta (MD-5)

 A small-framed automatic pistol designed for concealed carry, the MD-5 is in limited use with Brazilian military police (primarily for plain clothes investigators) as well as special operations and military intelligence personnel.  Though the pistol leaves much to be desired in terms of stopping power, the compact nature of the design makes it quite useful.  The standard military issue weapon includes an integral visible light laser aiming module and provisions to fit a sound suppressor.  The latter requires the use of subsonic ammunition, which reduces the pistol’s limited lethality further ad requires a very competent user to remain effective.

The MD-5 is also a popular secondary weapon with law enforcement personnel, and is often favored by Brazilian civilians with a need for a concealed weapon.  The relatively high cost of the weapon and its lack of media glamour has made it relatively unpopular with criminal elements, except for the most professional of such, who find some utility in the ability to suppress the MD-5.

Type: 5mm automatic pistol, Country:  Brazil, Weight (Empty): 0.4 kg, Length: 10cm (Bulk = 0), Action:  Single Shot, Ammunition: 5x15mm fixed cartridge ball, Muzzle Velocity: 400 mps (300 mps for subsonic ammunition), Magazine: 10 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.1 kg, ROF: 5, Aimed Fire Range: 25 meters, Area Fire Burst: 3 rounds (AFV = 0.25), Area Fire Range: 15 meters, DP Value: 0.2 (0.1 with subsonic ammunition), Price: Lv 120 (Lv 2 for box of 300 rounds; subsonic ammunition is same price, but may not be legally available to civilians in all locations)

Arpãodore Modelo 7 10mm Pistola Militar (MD-7)

The Arpãodore Modelo 7 is a generally conventional, large caliber semiautomatic pistol on issue with the Brazilian military for military police during the conduct of routine law enforcement duties.  It is also in service with the uniformed divisions of the national and state police forces of the country as well.  The design comes equipped with a factory standard visible light laser-aiming module installed for military and law enforcement service.  The MD-7’s 10mm round performs well against unarmored targets, though its performance against body armor is not entirely adequate.

Type: 10mm automatic pistol, Country:  Brazil, Weight (Empty): 0.6 kg, Length: 20cm (Bulk = 0), Action:  Single Shot, Ammunition: 10x20mm fixed cartridge ball, Muzzle Velocity: 400 mps, Magazine: 16 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.2 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range: 60 meters, Area Fire Burst: 3 rounds (AFV = 0.25), Area Fire Range: 30 meters, DP Value: 0.4, Price: Lv 175 (Lv 2 for 100 rounds)

Arpãodore Modelo 30 10mm Sub-metralhadora (MD-30)

Large pistol caliber submachineguns tend to be rather uncommon in military applications in the 24^th Century, due to the prevalence and quality of body armor.  The Brazilian military, however, uses the MD-30 in limited applications, primarily those where a compact, but automatic, weapon is desirable for peacetime applications.  The more significant users of the weapon are the uniformed Brazilian state police forces (Polícia Militar do Estado), who field the MD-30 in significant numbers.

The basic weapon includes a close-combat reflex sight (no magnification) with good visibility for day or night shooting.  Military examples of the MD-30 are often fitted with the same thermal night sight as the MD-92 combat shotgun.

Type: 10mm submachinegun, Country:  Brazil, Weight (Empty):  2.3kg, Length:  60cm (Bulk = 1), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 10x20mm fixed cartridge ball, Muzzle Velocity: 475 mps, Magazine: 30 and 40 round helical magazines, Magazine Weight: 0.4 kg (30 round), 0.5kg (40 round), ROF: 4, Aimed Fire Range:  120 meters, Area Fire Burst: 10 rounds (AFV = 1.0), Area Fire Range: 70 meters, DP Value: 0.4

Arno Modelo 525 5mm Sub-metralhadora (MD-525)

The standard sidearm of the Brazilian military, the P-525B is a light machine pistol firing a 5x25mm caseless round developed from Arno's popular 5mm target pistol's 5x15mm round.  The P-525B includes an integral skeltonized stock that folds forward over the pistol (providing a forward hand-grip when folded).  Damage is sup-par compared to full-size pistol cartridges, but is adequate to penetrate body armor at close range.  In addition the MD-525 is capable of laying down a heavy volume of fire, a trait considered ideal for a last-ditch personal defense weapon.  Besides the integral folding stock, the MD-525 includes a built in colliminator/image intensifier sight unit, and can be fitted with both a laser aiming module (visible light or infrared, the latter visible through standard military optics), as well as a sound suppressor (though the use of such without subsonic ammunition is of questionable utility).

Type: 5.5mm machinepistol, Country: Brazil and Portugal, Weight (Empty): 1 kg, Length: 20cm (Bulk=0); 38cm (Bulk = 1) (stock extended), Action: Single shot or bursts, Ammunition: 5.5x25mmfixed cartridge armor piercing, Muzzle Velocity: 860 mps, Magazine: 20 round box, Magazine Weight: 0.2 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range: 50m (75m with stock extended), Area Fire Burst: 10 rounds (AFV = 1), Area Fire Range: 20m (40m with stock extended), DP Value: 0.4*, Price: Lv200 (Lv2 for box of 100 rounds)

* Armor Piercing Ammunition.  Double DPV when determining armor penetration, but halve subsequent damage.  If the target has no armor, damage is still halved.  For example, at 20 meters (close range) a 525B penetrates up to AV 1.6 (damage doubled for close range, and doubled again for armor penetration purposes), if this round strikes a standard helmet (AV 1.0), the resulting DPV (0.6) would be halved to 0.3 for damage.  A round striking an unarmored individual at medium range (DPV 0.4) would only do DPV 0.2.  Note that standard ball ammunition is also available for the P-525B, which behaves normally (cost remains Lv2 per 100 rounds).

INDEX

OBSOLETE MILITARY SMALL ARMS

Ramirez-Abruggo Modelo 64 6mm Family of Small Arms

The MD-64 assault rifle and derivatives were the standard small arms for the Brazilian military prior to the adoption of the 7.5mm binary MD-1 in the mid-2270s.  The MD-64 is completely modular, with transition between different versions of the weapon being easily accomplished by unit armorers (the loss of this feature was a major source of dissatisfaction with the more complicated binary MD-1); versions of the MD64 include the standard assault rifle with a 450mm barrel (MD-64F, sometimes referred to as the F-64), a carbine with a 360mm barrel (MD-64C or C-64), and a light support weapon with bipod and a heavier 550mm barrel (MD-64A or A-64). 

(A designated marksman's rifle with bipod and 500mm barrel is also available for the export market, though in Brazilian service this role was filled by laser rifles when the MD-64 family was in service.)

All versions employ a bull-pup format and feed 6x36mm caseless ammunition from a vertical feeding 40 round magazine; a 90 round drum magazine is also in service, intended for the LSW version of the weapon, but usable with all versions.  All versions except for the LSW are selectable for semi-automatic fire or very high rate of fire (1100 rpm) three round bursts; the LSW adds a slower fully automatic rate of fire (750 rounds per minute), while retaining the burst setting.   Standard optics for Portuguese service rifles is a variable power telescopic sight (x1-4 power) with a thermal channel for night observation; it is not unheard of for personnel serving in units still equipped with the MD-64 to purchase more modern optics with integrated single channel displays and laser range-finders.

The MD-64 was mostly replaced by the MD-1 in Brazilian service by the time of the 3rd Rio Plata War, and has since been phased out entirely.  In an updated form (MD-64M), the MD-64 is still in service with the Portuguese military and some other small forces on Earth.  Though old, the weapon and its ammunition is common on the military surplus market (both original versions and the improved "M" models), and, while not up to the standards of the SG-77 and other more recent weapons, the MD-64 remains quite serviceable.  It has a reputation as a firer-friendly weapon with reasonable recoil and very good “out of the box” accuracy (though this may not be true of some surplus weapons, depending on wear and age of the weapon), and limited scale production continues in Texas, with the San Antonio Rifle Company (SARCO) reconditioning surplus Brazilian weapons and building new rifles for the commercial market. 

MD-64FM Assault Rifle
Type: 6mm assault rifle, Country: Brazil, Weight (Empty): 2.6 kg (with optics, 2.2 kg without), Length: 70 cm (Bulk = 2), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 6x36mm caseless, Muzzle Velocity: 950 mps, Magazine: 40 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.3 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range:  550 meters, Area Fire Burst: 9 rounds (AFV = 0.9), Area Fire Range: 350 meters (original MD-64F is 250 meters), DP Value: 0.6, Price: Lv275 (Lv2 for 100 rounds)

MD-64CM Assault Carbine
Type: 6mm assault carbine, Country: Brazil, Weight (Empty): 2.3 kg (with optics, 1.9 kg without), Length: 63 cm (Bulk = 2), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 6x36mm caseless, Muzzle Velocity: 950 mps, Magazine: 40 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.3 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range:  360 meters, Area Fire Burst: 9 rounds (AFV = 0.9), Area Fire Range: 250 meters (original MD-64C is 150 meters), DP Value: 0.6, Price: Lv250 (Lv2 for 100 rounds)

MD-64A Light Support Weapon
Type: 6mm light machinegun, Country: Brazil, Weight (Empty): 3 kg (with optics, 2.6 kg without), Length: 85 cm (Bulk = 3), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 6x36mm caseless, Muzzle Velocity: 950 mps, Magazine: 90 round drum magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.6 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range:  600 meters, Area Fire Burst: 9 rounds (burst setting, AFV = 0.9) or 15 rounds (fully automatic, AFV = 1.5), Area Fire Range: 350 meters (450 meters from bipod), DP Value: 0.6, Price: Lv300 (Lv2 for 100 rounds)

SARCO “MD-49” 7.5mm Assault Rifle

This Texan design is actually based on Ramirez-Abruggo’s Projeto experimental 370, a conversion of the 6mm MD-64 assault rifle to fire the Manchurian 7.5x32mm round (fired in the Argentinean and Mexican CASA-12 assault rifle also).  It was hoped that PE-370 would sell among foreign nations who already had some history of using the 7.5x32mm round, though it failed to attract much international attention.  It was, however, adopted by Brazilian special operations forces of the era as the MD-370 and saw some use in the 3^rd Rio Plata War, becoming semi-synonymous with covert operations during that war. 

The weapon was revived by the San Antonio Rifle Company (SARCO), in Texas, where the 7.5x32mm round has been popular with civilian shooters.  The initial production run proved surprisingly popular (including strong sales to 3^rd Rio Plata War re-enactors in Texas and America, as well as more pragmatic users), and the SARCO design, dubbed the MD-49, has continued in low-level production for the last decade.

The original MD-370 is no longer in service with Brazilian special operations units, but the MD-49 can be found occasionally in Texas, America, and colonial settings, especially Texan colonies.  The MD-49 uses the same magazines as the MD-64, though magazines can only hold 30 rounds of the larger 7.5mm round.

Type: 7.5mm assault rifle, Country: Texas, Weight (Empty): 2.7 kg, Length: 70 cm (Bulk = 2), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 7.5x32mm caseless, Muzzle Velocity: 900 mps, Magazine: 30 round box magazine, Magazine Weight: 0.4 kg, ROF: 3, Aimed Fire Range:  600 meters, Area Fire Burst: 9 rounds (AFV = 0.9), Area Fire Range: 350 meters, DP Value: 0.7, Price: Lv300 (Lv2 for 100 rounds)

Ramirez-Abruggo Modelo 70 Lança Granadas (MD-70)

A squad level support weapon based partially on the MD-64 assault rifle, the MD-70 retains some parts commonality with that weapon (something less than 20%).  The MD-70 is a contemporary of the German GW-12 and similar designs, and featured state of the art optics and fire control when it was introduced, though the integral optics’ capabilities are modest by modern standards.  The MD-70 is capable of firing most modern 30mm grenade rounds, including airburst munitions, though its use of Brazilian binary grenade designs (with the catalyst included in the same magazine as the grenades and propellant) limited its export success.

Type: 30mm semi-automatic grenade launcher, Country: Brazil, Weight (Empty): 3.2 kg (with optics, 2.6 kg without), Length: 80 cm (Bulk = 3), Action:  Single Shot, Ammunition: 30x50mm grenades, Muzzle Velocity: 245 mps, Magazine: 5 round box magazine, including binary propellant mix, Magazine Weight: 0.75 kg, ROF: 2, Aimed Fire Range:  400 meters, DP Value: Varies, Price: Lv450 (ammunition price varies)

 INDEX

SUPPORT WEAPONS

Mattos-Silva Indústria Aeroespacial Modelo 2 Martelo Light Anti-Tank Weapon

The MD-2 Martelo (Hammer) is a disposable, single shot guided rocket issued to infantry units for use against light armored vehicles and for bunker busting.  The weapon is equipped with an inexpensive and simple seeker head for guidance.  Though inadequate for use against hovercraft moving at speed, it is sufficient for use against slower tracked and wheeled vehicles, or in environments where hovercraft maneuverability is restricted.  Typically, the MD-2 is issued in heavy numbers, and a fire team will carry several.

Type: Disposable light anti-tank weapon, Nation: Brazil, Portugal and others, Weight (loaded): 5 kg, Range: 800 meters, Guidance:  Automatic following gunner lock on, Homing Value: 8, Attack Angle: Direct, DP Value: As tamped explosive (EP = 15), Price: Lv700

Gonzalves-Brazilia Modelo 8 Lança Rojão Universal (MD-8)

A squad-level support weapon intended for use by light infantry formations, the MD-8 Lança Rojão Universal (multipurpose rocket launcher) is a light rocket launcher capable of firing a range of anti-armor, anti-personnel, and other rounds at targets at close (800-1000 meter) range.  In Brazilian formations equipped with the MD-8, the weapon fills a role more often filled in European military organizations by a mix of man-portable plasma guns and short-range dedicated ATGM launchers.  The weapon has sold well in foreign markets where its flexibility is beneficial, including a number of colonial defense forces dealing with Kafer remnant forces circa 2303.

The basic weapon consists of the launch tube, usually fitted with a day/night optical sight unit (the latter using a thermal channel) capable of x2, x4, and x10 magnification.  A laser designator built into the sight unit provides ranging data, and an integral data link allows integration of the weapon and its optics into broader unit operations.

Launcher

Type: Multipurpose rocket launcher, Nation: Brazil, Venezuela, others, Weight (empty, with optics): 6 kg, Range: Varies with ordnance, Guidance:  Automatic following gunner lock on, Homing Value: Varies with ordnance, Attack Angle: Varies with ordnance, DP Value: Varies with ordnance, Price: Lv2500

Gonzalves-Brazilian/Quinn Optronics Modelo 16 20MW Fuzil Alto Energia (MD-16)

The MD-16 Fuzil Alto Energia (Model 16 High Energy Gun) is the standard Quinn-Darlan Mk2-A2 PGMP, manufactured by the partnership of Gonzalves-Brazilia and Quinn Optronics for the Brazilian military market (the partnership also produces Quinn’s Restraint Carbine for Brazilian law enforcement agencies).  The MD-16  is generally identical in all respects to the standard Mk2-A2, though optics and digital systems are of Brazilian manufacture and compatible with other Brazilian military systems. 

The MD-16 is not on issue with Brazilian forces to the same extent as comparable weapons in European and Asian military organizations, in part because the Modelo 8 Multipurpose Rocket Launcher is deemed to be a more flexible weapons system in the same squad/platoon level support role.  However, logistics issues have prompted the more widespread use of the MD-16 among Brazilian forces deploying to the French Arm in response to the Kafer invasion.

ARNO Modelo 79 30mm Lança Granadas Pesada (MD-79)

Using the standard Brazilian 30x50mm grenades, the MD-79 is a heavy, tripod or vehicle mounted fully automatic, binary grenade launcher.  Though the design entered service slightly too late for the 3rd Rio Plata War, but it has proven itself quite effective in the numerous border "incidents" with the Inca Republic since then.

Two different versions of the MD-79 are in service with Portuguese forces.  The standard MD-79, intended for use by infantry forces and in light vehicle mounts, is designed to fire fifty-round belts which come pre-packed in boxes containing ordnance and both portions of the standard binary propellant mix; the one shortcoming of this system is that belts cannot be effectively linked.  The MD-79B is identical in performance to the MD-79, but is designed for use in turreted mounts and the like on armored vehicles and feeds from seperate propellant and ammunition sources, allowing larger magazines.

Note that MD-79 grenades are identical to those fired by the MD-3 service rifle and the MD-70 grenade launcher; with the latter two weapons simply firing at lower velocities.  Ammunition is based on binary propellant and is not interchangeable with conventional, fixed-cartridge 30mm grenade designs such as those found on the FAM-90, AS-89, etc.

Type: 30mm heavy grenade launcher, Country:  Brazil, Portugal, Weight (Empty): 10 kg (+7 kg for tripod), Length: 70 cm (Bulk = 2), Action:  Single Shot or Bursts, Ammunition: 30x50mm Grenades, Muzzle Velocity: 450 mps, Magazine: 50 round cassette containing belted ammunition, binary propellant, and catalyst, Magazine Weight: 9 kg, ROF: 5, Aimed Fire Range:  1200 meters, Area Fire Burst: 5 rounds (AFV = 0.5), Area Fire Range: 1200 meters, DP Value: Varies by ordnance, Price: Lv 1100 (Lv  for 50 round cassette)

Mattos-Silva Indústria Aeroespacial/Arapaho Military Systems Modelo 11 Misíl Anticarro e Antiaérea “Escorpião” Multi-Purpose Missile System (MD-11)

The MD-11 Escorpião, in service with Brazilian, American, Texan and Portuguese forces is a joint venture developed by the Brazilian and American militaries as a replacement for both light anti-tank guided weapons and light air defense missiles.  The system consists of a launcher unit with a variable magnification day and thermal imager (up to x20) and sophisticated target matching software to assist gunners in target identification and passive IFF tasks; the launcher unit is designed to accommodate both anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles (Misil Escorpião-C and Misil Escorpião-A, respectively, in Brazilian/Portuguese service).

Launcher Unit:
Type: Multi-Purpose Missile Launcher Unit, Nation: America, Brazil, Texas, Portugal and others, Launcher Weight (including batteries): 7 kg, Sensor Range: 6 km (+1) (surface), 10 km (+1) (aerial) (thermal imagine, line of sight), Battery Life: 12 hours continuous use, Battery Weight: 0.25 kg, Launcher Price: Lv3000 (Lv 1 for replacement battery unit) (note: not commercially available).

Misil Escorpião-A Surface to Air Missile:
Type:  Short Range Air Defense Missile, Nations:  America, Texas, Brazil, Portugal and others, Missile Weight: 10 kg, Range: 10,000 meters, Guidance:  Automatic, Homing Value: 23, Attack Angle: Direct, Damage: As tamped explosive (EP = 3), Missile Price: Lv 6000 (not normally commercially available)

Misil Escorpião-C Anti-Tank Guided Weapon
Type:  Anti-vehicle missile, Nations:  America, Texas, Brazil, Portugal and others, Missile Weight: 10 kg, Range: 4,000 meters, Guidance:  Automatic, Homing Value: 14, Attack Angle: Selectable, Damage: As tamped explosive (EP = 30), Missile Price: Lv 3500 (not normally commercially available)

INDEX

NOTES

With a canon “presence” of one surplus military rifle, two laser rifles, and one pistol (as well as three Brazilian small arms manufacturing companies) Brazil is rather well represented in the Adventurer’s Guide, on par with France, Germany, and the like.  Not much else is said about Brazil’s terrestrial military technology base in GDW publications, though the Ground Vehicle Guide does note that Brazil operates the AC-12 hovertank (in the color plate for that vehicle).

I have attempted to generally stay within the context of existing GDW information on Brazil in this article, and depict Brazil as fielding a modern collection of individual and light crew served weapons, perhaps with more of an eye towards ruggedness than some other nations due to the need to operate in the Amazon.  I have assumed that the canon Arno Five-Fifteen is more of a civilian plinking pistol than a military side arm, but have included a machine pistol firing a somewhat beefier version of the same 5mm round in the individual side arm role.  I have introduced a number of new Brazilian firearms companies, based both on Earth as well as on Tirane.  Imported weapons are assumed to be primarily American or French in origin, as well as British, reflecting Brazil’s existing pattern of trade and/or military imports (in the case of France) or its logical allies, in the case of the other two nations.  There is nothing in canon to suggest joint American-Brazilian weapons development, such as the Scorpion multi-role missile launcher, but with the canon alliance between Mexico and Argentina an inability of the Americans and Brazilians to seek close defense ties (even if only of the “enemy of my enemy is my friend” logic) seems fairly non-sensical. 

The standard current service Brazilian military rifle is a lineal descendant of the “BF-1” binary rifle (which I assume is “Binários Fuzil Modelo 1”, and which I have glossed as the MD-1) described in the Adventurer’s Guide, and its capabilities are not especially remarkable alongside other canon and/or well-conceived non-canon weapons.  The design is put together with Bryn Monnery’s 3g3 conversion rules, available at his website.  The grenade launcher’s 400m range is based on these numbers and works well in my personal take on such weapons in 2300 – canon purists should probably increase this to 500 meters as per the canon 30mm grenade launcher, as the Brazilian weapon is of similar capabilities to the conventional weapon.

The subsonic performance of the Brazilian MD-1 gauss sniper rifle (FTE-10) is also based on Bryn Monnery’s Guns, Guns, Guns conversion guidelines.  I assumed that the FTE-10 fires an 18 gram projectile; using Bryn’s conversion system suggests a 31.22 gram projectile, but the 200 gram, 10 round magazine precludes this.  I’ve consequently assumed that the FTE-10 round is an enhanced lethality round similar to the real world Raufoss 12.7mm multipurpose round used in current .50 caliber sniper rifles, boosting lethality to account for the DPV 3 given by GDW.  (Alternately it may be an APHE round, though I personally take the view that difficulties with fusing and electromagnetic propulsion account for the canon omission of gauss APHE small arms ammunition, making any such ammunition very much bleeding edge technology circa 2300/2303.).

In any event, I’ve allowed the FTE-10/MD-1’s subsonic performance to also benefit from this boost in lethality (base DPV is multiplied by 1.32), yielding the DPV 0.7 shown from a base of DPV 0.5.  I’ve set the range at muzzle velocity, 320 mps, though one could, perhaps, finesse more out of the weapon (using Bryn’s rules indicated a range of about 430 meters, based on the assumptions I put into his formula).

The MD-81 combat shotgun is rather directly derived from the NeoStead combat shotgun   The real world weapon can be seen at their website (http://users.iafrica.com/n/nj/njj741t/).  I’ve had the 2300 design kicking around on my computer for sometime, originally described as a French weapon designated the Mle. 81.  The MD-92 shotgun, MD-30 submachinegun, and MD-50 carbine all owe aspects of their underlying designs a bit more indirectly to the American Calico series of submachineguns and carbines, and the Russian PP-19 “Bizon” and PP-90M1 submachineguns.  The MD-30 and MD-50 also draw on, perhaps obviously, the FN P90 in their described ergonomics.

INDEX

27 September 2004

Copyright James Boschma, 2004