M622A8 'Springfield' Electro-Chemical Dual Stage Combat Rifle

The M622 electro-chemical rifle is one of a trio of weapon systems (a,b) designed on a common weapon chassis intended for use in atmospheric theaters by the United American Army and the United American Marine Corps, its use would also eventually extend to the American Surface Defense Corps as well. Prototyped in 2622 A.D. by Kaar General Resources and built around the 8×42 'German' caseless electrochemical round.

The rifle is an actively cooled, dual stage weapon, employing a chemically propelled caseless cartridge paired with a electromagnetic rail 'boost'. It employs a digitally controlled electromagnetic feed and a lever delayed, electromagnetically moderated, blowback action with a recoil dampening counterweight system slung under the barrel. The system is 'fed' by a mechanically spun magazine 'cassette' holding a 'quad stack' of caseless cartridges with two double stacks one in front of the other, feed is accomplished by the bolt travel distance being modified as the magazine is spent. The Springfield can employ either a sixty cartridge 'straight' magazine or a one hundred cartridge 'coffin' magazine. Both hold a reservoir of nitrogen for cooling the weapon as well as a 'booster' for the weapon's on board power cell.

• IFF System
  When active the optic can see a patterned infrared signal worn on most UAS equipment and armor systems and can flag them in the optic as 'friendly'.
  
  
• Digital Low Latency Light Intensification
  Digital light amplification done via a very very low latency digital process allowing near parity with conventional light amplification technology of the 21st century.
  
  
• Thermal Overlay
  Lower resolution and lower range (250 meters) than a dedicated thermal optic, it still allows the overlay of 'hot' objects on the optic's output. Either directly overlaying the image or highlighting 'hot' possible hostile objects.

• Smart Link Contact Grip
  A physical contact point located on the pistol grip of the rifle that is broadly compatible with all UAS armor systems, cybernetic implants, and can be tied physically with a hardline physical attachment.
  
  
• Action Cycle Latch
  Located forward and 'up' of the trigger guard, pressing it causes the weapon to electrically cycle the chamber to either load from an empty chamber or clear the weapon. There is a collection area under the action access cover for unfired cartridges.
  
  
• Manual Magazine Catch
  The magazine can be ejected with a signal from the user should they have the proper cybernetic suite to use the weapon's data link, otherwise there is a manual latch just above and back from the magazine well.
  
  
• Action Access Cover
  A hinged machinery cover underneath the cheek pad, it hinges to the left and provides access to the weapon's bolt and action for clearing jams or unloading the weapon.
  
  
• Manual Cycling Lever
  Located underneath the machinery cover on the right side of the weapon, it is a slide lever and one motion will cycle the weapon's loading system once. It is used for opening the bolt manually, unloading the weapon, or clearing a jam.

In Service
2650 A.D.

Production Began
2622 A.D.

Manufacturer
Kaar General Resources of the United American Systems

Weight (Unloaded)
4.25 kg (9.4 lb)

Cartridge / Bore
8x42mm Caseless EC Rifle Cartridge

Action
Dual Stage, Electro-Chemical, Electromagnetically Actuated, Lever Delayed Blowback

Rate of Fire
Semi-automatic, 850 RPM (Auto), 1800 RPM (Burst)

Muzzle Velocity (One Terran Standard Atmosphere)
1,350 Meters per Second (4,429 Feet per Second)
7,725 Foot Pounds (10,473 Joules) of Energy w/ Ball Ammo

Effective Firing Range (One Terran Standard Atmosphere)
1,250 Meters

Feed System
60 Round Motorized Box Cassette Magazine, 100 Round Extended Motorized 'Coffin' Cassette Magazine