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Description

Kayman-Hale Armaments X-2 Kinetic Accelerated Sidearm.

Year of Service Entry: 2117

History: A part of Project: Renaissance, the X-2 sidearm was developed alongside the X-1 KAR to be used with the Extended Combat Exoskeleton.

As with the KAR, the KAS went through several alterations before a design was finally chosen. While initially conceived as an energy weapon akin to those of Maktharian design, early evaluations concluded the wider theatre ineffectiveness of such designs, with performance degradation in poor weather or ranged engagements, and excessive operator risk in close-quarters. The results led KHA technicians to revaluate their proposition in the same manner as the X-1, eventually deciding upon a kinetic weapon using electromagnetic propulsion.

Designed as a Gauss weapon, the X-2 fires a larger round than the X-1, using a 3mm pellet of tungsten carbide as opposed to the 2mm round of the X-1. The magazine for the X-2 was originally intended to be similar to the KAR, using a pop-out cartridge. However, a grip-loaded magazine was seen as a better ergonomic alternative as well as providing a far larger ammunition reservoir. With a 15(L)x 3(B)x 5(D)cm magazine, the X-2 can hold a staggering 8000 rounds.

The X-2 has two modes of fire: SEMI and AUTO. In full automatic, the X-2 has an ROF of 1,100 RPM, giving it a distinctive ‘chainsaw’ sound when firing. While higher than the automatic mode of the X-1, the X-2 also has a slower overall velocity (approximating 900m/s) to reduce strain on the weapon internals. This, in conjunction with a cryogenic jacket surrounding the barrel, reduces the need for the weapon to initiate cooling protocols as often. The weapon can therefore fire in longer bursts before the computer locks out the trigger to allow cooling. Trigger lockout can be avoided by shooting in shorter bursts, allowing the weapon to cool intermittently. A magnetic drive in the grip interacts with the pellets to feed rounds into the chamber.

The X-2 is fabricated from high-strength carbotitanium alloys and high-impact, heat-resistant polymers, reinforced with graphene layers and impregnated with carbon nanotubes. Vespomide battery packs provide power for the Gauss system; a separate battery unit powers the built-in LAM. A detachable LED flashlight works off its own internal battery.

The KAS uses rear peep and forward blade ironsights in addition to a holographic projector that functions as a red-dot sight. The selector system is based upon that of several Rothan firearms, using a sliding switch. Unlike other sidearms, the X-2 does not have a slide release catch. Once empty, the slide locks back. Releasing it is a case of drawing the slide back with its dual charging nubs and releasing, which strips the protective sheath topping the magazine.

Description

Kayman-Hale Armaments X-2 Kinetic Accelerated Sidearm.

Year of Service Entry: 2117

History: A part of Project: Renaissance, the X-2 sidearm was developed alongside the X-1 KAR to be used with the Extended Combat Exoskeleton.

As with the KAR, the KAS went through several alterations before a design was finally chosen. While initially conceived as an energy weapon akin to those of Maktharian design, early evaluations concluded the wider theatre ineffectiveness of such designs, with performance degradation in poor weather or ranged engagements, and excessive operator risk in close-quarters. The results led KHA technicians to revaluate their proposition in the same manner as the X-1, eventually deciding upon a kinetic weapon using electromagnetic propulsion.

Designed as a Gauss weapon, the X-2 fires a larger round than the X-1, using a 3mm pellet of tungsten carbide as opposed to the 2mm round of the X-1. The magazine for the X-2 was originally intended to be similar to the KAR, using a pop-out cartridge. However, a grip-loaded magazine was seen as a better ergonomic alternative as well as providing a far larger ammunition reservoir. With a 15(L)x 3(B)x 5(D)cm magazine, the X-2 can hold a staggering 8000 rounds.

The X-2 has two modes of fire: SEMI and AUTO. In full automatic, the X-2 has an ROF of 1,100 RPM, giving it a distinctive ‘chainsaw’ sound when firing. While higher than the automatic mode of the X-1, the X-2 also has a slower overall velocity (approximating 900m/s) to reduce strain on the weapon internals. This, in conjunction with a cryogenic jacket surrounding the barrel, reduces the need for the weapon to initiate cooling protocols as often. The weapon can therefore fire in longer bursts before the computer locks out the trigger to allow cooling. Trigger lockout can be avoided by shooting in shorter bursts, allowing the weapon to cool intermittently. A magnetic drive in the grip interacts with the pellets to feed rounds into the chamber.

The X-2 is fabricated from high-strength carbotitanium alloys and high-impact, heat-resistant polymers, reinforced with graphene layers and impregnated with carbon nanotubes. Vespomide battery packs provide power for the Gauss system; a separate battery unit powers the built-in LAM. A detachable LED flashlight works off its own internal battery.

The KAS uses rear peep and forward blade ironsights in addition to a holographic projector that functions as a red-dot sight. The selector system is based upon that of several Rothan firearms, using a sliding switch. Unlike other sidearms, the X-2 does not have a slide release catch. Once empty, the slide locks back. Releasing it is a case of drawing the slide back with its dual charging nubs and releasing, which strips the protective sheath topping the magazine.