Weapons: 50x330mm Supershot.

            The 50 x 330mm Supershot autocannon is a modern real world weapon that is very likely to be encountered on the worlds of TS. It has recently been proposed as the armament of several heavy infantry fighting vehicles or armoured personnel carriers, competing with the 30/40mm Super Forty. It is also suitable as the main turret armament of missile-armed tanks such as the Wolfhound. It has a similar performance to a 55mm Emag but is lighter and requires less power.

            The stats below are for the Mauser version. Alliant Tech Systems offers a Bushmaster III in the same chambering which is used in Dutch and Danish CV90s. (Bushmaster III Rof 3; EWt 481 lbs; Pow 2.2kW) Both weapons have dual-feed and can fire single-shots as well as fully-automatic. TS-era versions are likely to be lighter, may incorporate burst-fire mechanisms and use programmable-fused and homing ammunition. TS improvements in explosives are likely to improve round performance and HEMP and SEFOP rounds are likely. The 50mm round is probably large enough to accommodate a 1lb/1 hex cyberswarm. Optics and advanced sighting systems may provide an additional bonus to the Acc given in the table.
 

            The following table was adapted from the 3e rules on this page.

Mauser MK50, 50x330mmCTA Supershot.
 

Weapon	Ammo	Damage	Acc	Range	RoF	EWt	WPS	VPS	CPS	Pow	Notes
Mauser MK50	APFSDS	6d x 13(2) pi++	7	5,000/ 20,000	6	1,133	4.4	0.017	$120	8kW
	AHEAD	6d x 7(0.5) plus 5d[4d(2)] cr ex	6	4,000/ 12,000			5.0	0.017			[1]
	HEPF	8d[4d] pi++ cr ex	6	4,000/ 12,000			5.0	0.017			[2]
	APEDS	6d x 7(2) pi++ plus 2d[2d] cr ex	6	5,000/ 18,000			4.5	0.017

[1] AHEAD ammunition is effectively a shrapnel shell (HT 4e p.173) that can be programmed to explode at a range set at the moment of firing. It is primarily intended to engage airborne targets. The original 35mm round contained 152 x 5.85mm diameter 3.3gm  tungsten pellets. The 35mm KETF (Kinetic Energy Time Fused) variant had 341 x 4.65 mm diameter 1.24gm pellets and an anti-UAV version had 840 x 0.64gm projectiles. The 3e Damage stat above therefore seems rather unrealistic for a round of this type. Explosive content would actually be a modest ejection charge. I do not have any information on the contents of the 50mm AHEAD round. It may be the 50mm round is the 35mm AHEAD shell in a sabot. 6d x 7(0.5) pi++ is the KE damage from an intact shell. In 3e rules [4d(2)] is treated as four 1d(2) attacks from the ejected pellets. Using the rules in HT 4e p.166 & 172 based on 6d x 7 damage the pellets of an AHEAD are 3d(2) pi; RoF x 152; Rcl 1 and KETF 2d(2) pi; RoF x 341; Rcl 1. Anti-UAV: 1d+1 (2) pi-; RoF x 840; Rcl 1. The pellets get an armour-piercing modifier for being tungsten and high-velocity.
[2] HEPF (High Explosive Pre-formed Fragment) is a fragmentation round programmed to airburst at a set distance. The desired distance can be programmed into the fuse at the moment of firing. Such rounds can be exploded above a target to negate the effects of vertical cover. They can also be exploded in close proximity to small/fast-moving targets.

Some Thoughs on Snakebots

           The serpent or worm body form is very common in nature. The nematodes alone outnumber other phyla including the arthropods. This webpage describes five types of locomotion used by snakes. Snakes also have various techniques of climbing, burrowing and swimming. Earthworms add the technique of moving peristaltically to the repertoire of this body form. It is therefore not surprising that some robot designers have drawn inspiration from the snakes and worms. The Israeli military already use a snakebot, although this is a simple teleoperated drone. The snakebots of TS will be far more capable.

 

           When it comes to considering TS snakebots a useful piece of advice is to not be too literal. Just because it is inspired by a snake does not mean that it cannot have useful features such as legs. A legged snakebot may have legs its full length, like a millipede or centipede. Alternately it may just have a few legs at each end, rather like a caterpillar. The snakebot may have devices that function like a worm’s setae. Some form of grasping appendage is also likely to be present to serve as manipulators, feelers and sensors. If the snakebot has grippers at each end it may use novel types of locomotion such as brachiating or tumbling like a toy slinky.

           Less violent applications of snakebots include inspection and maintenance. Most spaceships and large vessels probably have a few snakebots crawling around in the spaces a human cannot fit.

          An interesting idea for snakebots is what I term the “amphisbaena option”. Effectively this means the snakebot has a head at each end. I mentioned this design feature in my post on surveillance worms and it offers a number of advantages. The most obvious is that a snakebot in a narrow tunnel or conduit does not need to turn around if it wishes to retreat. A head at each end also gives it better situational awareness against possible threats.

           Snakebots have many possible applications. Their low profile and varied means of locomotion makes them very useful for infiltration and reconnaissance. Imagine having a spy that can climb up the inside of a drainpipe and then view a secret meeting from the guttering! Snakebots longer than a yard can probably operate door handles. Consider a scenario where a tong member visits a house with a snakebot wrapped around his leg and concealed by his clothing. At a chosen moment the snakebot slides down over his shoe and hides beneath a piece of furniture. That night the snakebot slides along the skirting board, unseen by security cameras. It climbs the stairs and reaches up to open the bedroom door. It then climbs up onto its target’s bed. Even if the snakebot has no built-in weapons it can still wrap itself around its victim’s throat.

           If a snakebot has legs or grippers at each end it can anchor one end to a surface and act like an arm or tentacle. The surface it attaches to may be that of another robot or a battlesuit. Possibly both snakebot and host are controlled by the same intelligence. Effectively this gives a cybershell a number of extra arms which happen to be detachable and capable of functioning away from the body.

 

           In the opening paragraph I mentioned nematodes. Nematodes inhabit a diverse range of environments yet all seem to use the same general design. Does this suggest that vermiform may be a good option for nanobots and microbots. That many nematodes are parasitic suggests that this is a viable option for robots that will operate within the human body.

 

Anapu Security RATS

            The Anapu is a military robot that is also used by some police forces and many security firms. The Anapu can be thought of as being intermediate between types such as the Kuros and the TNM. Kuros are effectively mobile weapon turrets while TNMs are a militarized version of a simple labour model. The Anapu is a combat and guard model well suited to navigating surroundings designed for baseline humans.

            The Anapu is humanoid and 6ft, 4” tall, just short enough to move through aa standard doorway without stooping.

            The feet of the Anapu mount motorized treads. On even terrain Anapu sometimes roll rather than walking. When moving at speed they skate rather than run.

            Weapons are mounted on each forearm. Unlike some humanoid designs of RATS the arms of an Anapu retain their hands. Armament options include 10mm PDWs, Assault Pods (4mm PDW and 4 x 15mm micro-missiles) or police armguns (electrolaser and 4 x 15mm micro-missiles). A military assault rifle can be mounted on each forearm but requires a shortened barrel (-2d to damage) to be fitted so that it does not interfere with the use of the hands. Conceivably an Anapu could hold a rifle in each hand while also firing its forearm weapons. Some models are fitted with “cuff-hands”, manacle-like pincers used to restrain a suspect.

            An Anapu’s primary weapon is mounted in its head, between and below the eyes. (The brain of an Anapu is in its torso.) This is usually a modified 5mm, 5.6mm or 6.6mm assault rifle with a standard-length barrel. Some models mount other weapons such as electrolasers. Two launch tubes for 15mm micro-missiles may be mounted in each cheek. To accommodate such weapon systems the head has an elongated snout. The Anapu looks rather like a tall man wearing a dinosaur head. Cosmetic modifications increase this effect. Mark II and later models took this a step further by giving the head a working jaw mechanism (Mk Is often had this feature retrofitted). Among other things, the jaw of an Anapu can bite through wire, fibre-optic cables, grenade mesh and small branches. Firing the primary weapon is often spectacular, muzzle flash appearing to flame from the head’s nostrils and propellant fumes seep from its “ears”.

            The head and limbs of the Anapu have a greater degree of motion than those of a baseline human. An Anapu attacked from behind may simply swivel its head and arms to fire behind it rather than turn around! If under heavy fire they will squat down and move by their treads alone.

            The Anapu’s size, appearance and fearsome jaws make it an intimidating presence, which suits many of the roles for which it is used.

 

Katral TN and TNM Android.

            The Katral TN-series are a relatively common mannequin-type android. Facial features are basic, just eyes and a speaker grill. TNs are five feet and four inches tall, a design feature intended to make them less intimidating and also save materials and reduce cost.

            TNs are typically used for tasks that favour a human body form but do not require extensive social interaction with humans. TNs can use tools and devices originally designed for humans so are popular in the older factories and workshops of the Third and Fourth Wave. They are also used in some Fifth Wave factories but in daily life one is most likely to encounter a TN being used for janitorial or cleaning duties.

            A significant variant of the TN-series are the TNM military models. As might be expected, military models are more robust and include a greater number of  back-up or auxiliary systems. Their outer integument is resistant to light weapons such as bullets and fragments. A TNM is larger than a TN, being six feet tall. Typically TNMs are painted in a military colour or pattern. Models working in certain conditions such as aircraft hangers will be painted in high-visibility colour schemes.

            TNMs (aka “tinmen” or “tin soldiers”) are primarily used for the everyday routine tasks around a military installation. If fielded in a combat unit their primary role tends to be carrying stores and reloading artillery or combat RATS. TNMs can be used as combat systems, however. They can use any tool or weapon designed to be used by a human soldier. If required they can wear camouflaged clothing, webbing and body-armour designed for baseline humans. During an emergency at a military installation armed TNMs are often the first units on the scene since instructing them to arm themselves is often quicker than bringing more sophisticated RATS in storage online.

Tirelli Kumo-607 RATS

           “A conventional tank takes a couple of seconds to roll out of cover, fire and then roll back again. You can use that to your advantage. The Kuros, however…They pop out, fire and are gone again before you know it. And they can hide in a lot of places a tank cannot!”

           “The spider was firing down the street. Shaka came out the doorway with a satchel charge, intending to hook it on. He hadn’t known they have eyes in the back of their heads. A leg lashed out and hit him soundly in the chest, lifting him off his feet. The foot stuck there for a moment, then a second kick sent him flying as the claws retracted. The machine never even paused from firing down the street.”
 

           RATS (Robot Armoured Tactical Systems) come in many shapes and sizes. The Tirelli Kumo-607 may be considered to be a typical example of a hexapod model. Its performance and flexibility has led to wide scale usage and a number of copies.

            The Kumo-607 is about the size of a mule or large dog. The body of the Kumo is a small platform on the edge of which six limbs are mounted. The underside of the body is shaped to deflect mine blasts. Each limb ends in a polymer coated “hoof”. Each hoof has retractable claws that can be used for digging, climbing, fighting or as crampons. Each limb is also provided with a retractable waldo that allows the limb to function as an arm and manipulate items such as keypads or door handles. Limbs also have video pickups, allowing the Kumo to look over walls or around corners without exposing itself. A submerged Kumo will use one limb as a periscope.

            The “head” of the Kumo resembles a turret mounted in the centre of the platform. Forward for the Kumo is whatever direction its weapons happen to be pointing. Multiple video pickups give the Kumo all-around vision. The turret has an assortment of mounting points for a variety of weapons. Typically a Kumo mounts a 7.5mm MG or a 10mm Emag. Police models may mount shorter-ranged or less-lethal weapons. The gun armament of the Kumo is supplemented by a number of launch tubes of varying calibres. Typically two large-calibre anti-tank/assault launchers are supplemented by various 30mm or 40mm weapons. Kumos may also carry swarmbots and minibots for reconnaissance, defence and repairs.

            The Kumo has a number of different “gaits”. Typically it moves like a spider, with its legs spread out for maximum stability. If a passage is narrow it moves somewhat like a grasshopper, with some legs forward and some to the rear. It may employ a straight-legged high stance when wading, moving through tall grass or in minefields. Alternately it may also move close to the ground in a “crawl”. A Kumo may use its legs to brace itself between two walls and move upwards or downwards. If a Kumo needs to engage in close combat it will move like a mantis or crab, moving on four legs and striking out with the other two. The retractable claws might be deployed in such actions.

            The six limbs of the Kumo give it a degree of redundancy. It can use two limbs with no degradation of movement. If a third leg is lost it can still move at a reduced rate. Legs of a Kumo are -5 to hit and are often fitted with detachable, easily replaced armoured panels. Damaged legs can easily be replaced by plug-in spares. The Kumo itself can perform this action. In some conflicts it Kumos may carry spare legs with them.

            Kumos usually form the foundation of a squad or platoon’s firepower. They often ride on the outside of military vehicles, effectively serving as extra turrets.

            The SCAT-Kumo (SCout/ATtack) is a smaller version of the 607, less than two feet high. It is particularly useful for indoor operations and is favoured by some SWAT units. Armament is typically a carbine and/ or shotgun, supplemented by 15mm to 40mm missiles and grenades. SCATs are often used alongside Kumo-607s, creating a scene similar to a mother spider surrounded by her offspring.

 

           The video below gives some idea of what the Kumo-607 and SCAT-Kumo might look like.

Weapons: Belt Sword

            Today I was watching the Matt Helm movie “The Ambushers”. In one scene Helm runs out of ammunition so unthreads his belt from his trousers. He holds the belt under a convenient stream of water and the belt becomes rigid so he can use it as a weapon.

            It occurred to me that a similar device might be practical in TS. The belt would be made of memory plastic and become rigid under the stimulus of a piezo-electric charge generated by the buckle. Such a belt would be treated in combat as a light club or blunt sword so would do crushing damage. A typical man’s belt would count as a broadsword or bokken so do Sw+1 cr/ Thr +1 cr damage. Depending on the wearer’s girth it might instead be a shortsword or bastard sword. Successful use of this weapon depends on wearing trousers that stay up without a belt!

Blackcollars in TS.

          In Timothy Zahn’s Blackcollar series the Blackcollars are a ninja/ commando unit that use low-tech, non-electronic and non-explosive weapons to avoid detection by their high-tech opponents. Favoured weapons included nunchaku, shurikens and slingshots. Oddly, the weapons used in the books that I read were still made from metal.

            The technology available in Transhuman Space permits the construction of effective non-metallic weapons from such materials as glass, plastics and ceramics. Low-tech, low-detectability weapons might also be supplemented by certain combat orientated bio-implants. The Blackcollars in Zahn’s books had enhanced speed and reflexes.

 

           There will doubtless be situations in TS where low-tech systems may be used to circumvent high-tech defensive systems.

            Items such as nanoburn are technically robotic and electronic but it is debatable as to whether the electric field is strong enough to be detected by security systems, particularly if carried close to a larger electric field such as that of a human/ parahuman/ bioroid/ bioshell body. The dense covalent bonding of monowire and nanofiber effectively make them metallic as far as detectors are concerned. Undetectable garrottes and climbing ropes will need to be made from polymer or natural materials. What can and cannot be used is ultimately up to the GM.

 

            Below is some suggested stats for a slingshot. The American term “slingshot” often causes confusion with a sling, a weapon working on a quite different principle. (One episode of “Lost in Space” claimed the slingshot was the weapon that slew Goliath!) I have therefore used the British English name of “hand catapult” (aka “catapult” or “catty”). Late 20^th century examples have proved to be effective for small game hunting and have been known to break riot police visors. A TS version would probably use a polymer that was less likely to break or perish. Non-metallic ammunition can be assumed to be glass marbles of 0.04lb weight each. Inventive Players will undoubtedly wish to use them to fire arrows, shuriken and various other devices.

            In World War Two some British commando units were issued catapults for throwing stones to distract sentries. TS catapults can be used in the same way but there is a danger that if the sentry is close he may hear or recognize the noise of the “rubber”. Robotic systems are more likely to be fooled.

            Zhan’s blackcollars used sticky clay pellets containing lumps of radioactive plutonium to blind and degrade sensors.

Rubber Hand Catapult (TL6)

Slingshot/ Catapult is a P/E skill, defaulting to Bow-4 or DX-4.
 

Weapon	Damage	Acc	1/2D	Max	Wt.	RoF	Min ST	Rcl	Cost
Catapult	thr+4 pi 1d-1 cr	1 1	STx20 60	STx25 100	1 1	1(4) 1(2)	- 6†	-	$50 $15

Update! Since first writing this I have found there is a slingshot stat in HT4e p.201. I have added these in red in the table above. Skill to use is Bow (Slingshot)(DX-5 or Bow-4). Bulk is -2 and folding models are Holdout -1. A lead or steel pellet costs $0.1 and gives +1 damage and double range. The handle of a catapult can be used as a yawara stick.