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[[File:M240ST.png|400px|thumb|An M240 ST on display, the platform for which the TR-240 ATWP was designed for.]]
[[File:{{#setmainimage:240ST.png}}|400px|thumb|An M240 ST, the platform for which the TR-240 ATWP was designed for.]]
The <b>TR-240 Automated [[Transporter]] Weapons Package</b> is an upgrade kit designed for the M240 ST family of medium machine guns, originally inspired by [[Starfleet]] Security's TR-116 rifle and Lieutenant Chu'lak's serial killing spree, that consists of several devices that when combined, allow an M240 ST to act as an autonomously-targeting microtransporter-assisted smart weapon. M240 STs equipped with the upgrade package are designated <b>TR-240</b> or are colloquially referred to as <b>Smartguns</b>.
The <b>TRX-240A Automated [[Transporter]] Weapons Package</b> is a family of experimental upgrade kits designed for the M240 ST family of medium machine guns, originally inspired by [[Starfleet]] Security's TR-116 rifle and (somewhat morbidly) Lieutenant Chu'lak's serial killing spree, that consists of several devices that when combined, allow an M240 ST to act as an autonomously-targeting microtransporter-assisted smart weapon. M240 STs equipped with the upgrade package are designated <b>TR-240</b> or are colloquially referred to as <b>Smartguns</b>.


==Design==
==Design==
Full TR-240 upgrade kits are comprised of 5 different devices: a rail-mounted exographic target detector, an IFF transponder, an ammunition backpack, a microtransporter muzzle device, and some form of HUD display.  
[[File:240Helmet.png|400px|thumb|The experimental 1K/240 ISH, shown from the front and right sides.]]
===Class 1M/SG Integrated Smartgun Systems Helmet===
Based off of the [[Class 1M Combat Armor]] helmet unit and designed with input from two Spartan supersoldiers, the Class 1M/SG is intended to provide TRX-240A operators (referred hereon to as "Smartgunners") with a highly-protected all-in-one unit for all of the sensory devices employed by the TR-240 kit. Unlike the normal Class 1M helmet, there is no full-face visor screen; instead, there is a large blast-resistant plasticized tritanium-mesh shield that fully encases the front of the helmet, with a small aperture for the exographic sensor.  


===Target Detector===
The helmet itself is relatively lightweight, even with the target detector, IFF transponder, lifesign detector, and exographic sensor all on the front side of the helmet. Moving all of the sensors up to the helmet behind a thick layer of shielding provides several benefits over mounting them on the rails: firstly, they are no longer exposed to the elements. Mud, snow, rain, and other items may obstruct or inhibit operation of devices like the target detector if they get caked along the lenses. The Class 1M/SG helmet subverts this by connecting the devices to the armor's internal environmental control system, and it is also insulated from heat by the coolant layer. Secondly, the need for a large, unwieldy helmet-cuing device is eliminated, as the smartgunner no longer has to manage two variables (HUD/helmet-cuing aperture and weapon orientation) at the same time.  
[[File:TargetDetector.png|thumb|right|The rail-mounted target detector.]]
The multi-function target detector, derived from that of the TR-116's exographic sensor with parts of a medical tricorder attached, is capable of visually penetrating through most types of surfaces, simultaneously feeding sensor data and imaging to the user's HUD while picking out all lifeforms within a 270-degree cone in front of the weapon's muzzle. The sensor features an adjustable range function to reduce HUD clutter during short range engagements, and has an effective range coinciding with that of the M240 ST's at around 1100 meters, although targets are incredibly difficult to discern from outdoor background clutter past 400 meters and indoor clutter past 90 meters. Effectively, the target detector serves as the eyes of the weapon, and feeds data to all but one of the system's components. Due to the multiple mode options and the longer range of the device, it cannot be mounted to the head like that of the TR-116's, and must be mounted on the side rail.


In the event that lifeforms are not recognized by the exographic sensor, the sensor features both a direct line-of-sight thermal imaging secondary mode and a direct line-of-sight motion sensor tertiary mode.
Lacking a proper physical visor, the Class 1M/SG ISSH helmet incorporates technology found in the [[Ocular Head Up Display]] to compensate. Wired to the shield and the zoom-adjustable exographic sensor are an adjustable pair of either Ocular HUD lenses or a single wider low-profile goggle unit. Sensor images are projected onto the lenses themselves or onto the smartgunner's retinas, allowing them full situational awareness with heavy full-face protection. The 360-degree passive sensor from the Ocular HUD is retained, which displays on a HUD segment. Communications are provided by a heavier-duty comms headset with adjustable microphone, and are wired directly into the helmet and to the [[Solas Tempus Communicator|Solas Tempus communicator]] for ease of access.  


===IFF Transponder===
The helmet is completely compatible with pressurized exosuits, although a special carbon nano-fiber mesh balaclava must be worn underneath the helmet to provide a full seal. With two external buttons, the entire visor can be lifted up to allow use of the mark 1 eyeballs, although if the suit is pressurized, the buttons must be held simultaneously for at least 30 seconds to begin depressurizing the suit.  
[[File:IFF.png|thumb|right|The IFF transponder device.]]
The IFF transponder used for the TR-240 kit is a simple device that computes the targeting data fed to it from the exographic sensor before sending out strong radio pulses towards confirmed lifeforms detected by the sensor. These pulses match with the IFF transponder inside each [[Solas Tempus Communicator]], and if a positive tone is received back, usually instantaneously, the target is marked as friendly by the system. Invalid or no pulses back from an individual being pinged enable the microtransporter system to lock onto them, which presents a problem when used in civilian areas or around ST-affiliated personnel without communicators as the transponder does not confirm targets as hostile.


===Microtransporter Unit===
The Class 1M/SG helmet is fully compatible with the TR-240 even without an accompanying armor suit. Power is provided by high-density plasma batteries in the back the helmet, which are fully protected by Class 1M tritanium hard armor, with a special density agent added to serve additionally as a counterweight for the forward-mounted systems. [[Solas Tempus]] R&D expects to be able to ship functional Class 1M/SG helmets to smartgunners within the next month, providing a device that better enhances the TR-240's effectiveness.
[[File:Transporter.png|thumb|right|The microtransporter unit used on Chu'lak's TR-116, having since been modified to fit M240 STs.]]
Attached to the muzzle of TR-240s is a threaded, shielded microtransporter unit, capable of transporting small objects of up to about 20 grams in mass. Taking target orientation, range, and obstacle information from the exographic target detector as well as input from the IFF transponder, the microtransporter system is cued to the user's HUD device and allows them to achieve a [[transporter]] lock onto any non-confirmed friendly lifeforms that they look at. Once a [[transporter]] lock is confirmed, the user's targeting reticule will turn red, which in turn signals the operator that they may begin firing. When a round is fired and finishes traveling down the entire barrel, thus gaining as much velocity as it can, it is dematerialized by the microtransporter and rematerialized about 10 centimeters in front or behind "center mass", where it will continue it's forwards course into the target. The operator can adjust what region of the body they want the bullet to materialize next to, but this requires total disassembly of the device and is not easily done by anyone other than registered [[Solas Tempus]] R&D technicians.  


Similar to the modified TR-116 rifle used by Lieutenant Chu'lak, the microtransporter effectively allows an M240 ST operator to shoot enemies through walls, with the same effectiveness out to the exographic sensor's maximum range of 1,100 meters. Being an instantaneous process, the high-velocity M118 AP-FMJ rounds used in such a manner are just about impossible to dodge.  
===TRX-240A Microtransporter Unit===
The <b>TRX-240A</b>, referred to informally as just the <b>Smartgun</b> kit like it's predecessor, is a modification to the original TR-240 kit that serves to "trim the fat" by simplifying the design and removing unused or otherwise useless features. Key improvements include a radical redesign of the microtransporter unit, going for a proprietary design with a fitted flash suppressor, and the relocation of all external components to the Class 1M/SG helmet.


The [[transporter]] is capable of locking onto up to 8 targets at a time, allowing the operator to engage them in succession. The attachment features an external bar connecting to the 240's safety switch, and if there is no solid lock, the weapon will not fire unless the [[transporter]] is toggled off and the safety is manually disengaged.
Due to the varying effective range, the [[transporter]] has only been designed to project items out to 500 meters, making it a relatively smaller attachment than the original's, which had a range that could transport the bullet across DS9 and then some.  
[[File:AssaultPack.png|thumb|right|An ammunition backpack, shown with a Multicam camouflage covering.]]
An unintended side effect of using the microtransporter system is that the support gunner no longer has to fire while exposing themself to the enemy, and can even fire it directly behind friendly personnel without harming them. The [[transporter]] lock remains on a target until a new target is acquired or it is otherwise dismissed.


There is a cutout at the end of the muzzle as well as a recessed power switch on the side of the [[transporter]], allowing for manual use should the [[transporter]] be jammed in any fashion.
[[File:7.62x33.png|300px|thumb|A 10-round belt of 7.62x33mm caseless rounds with transparent combustible casing, for R&D demonstration purposes.]]
===M240 ST/A/B===
The M240 ST/A/B variants are specialized derivatives of the M240 ST designed specifically for use with smartgun kits. The first variant, the A, is a gas-operated, open-bolt machine gun similar to the original M240 ST, firing it's own [[7.62x33mm Caseless]] rounds. This variant was entirely experimental, and was phased out upon introduction of the B variant, which takes the operating system from the [[PDW-30/C]], beefs it up, and allows for full ammunition commonality with the 30/C platform. Major differences include an internal gas coolant system, which fires in event of a detected ammunition cookoff, and a significant weight reduction from the standard M240 ST - the weapon only weighs 11 pounds unloaded, while ammunition weighs 55% less than standard cased M118 ammunition. The barrel is made from a specialized composite alloy, practically eliminating the need for additional barrels in the field and making up for the larger, microtransporter tipped barrels that assistant gunners had to carry if the original fluted design overheated. Like the PDW-30/C, the M240 ST/B features an ammo counter and HUD-uplinked temperature sensors, as well as an action locking mechanism to prevent cookoffs.


===HUD unit===
===Class 1M Ammunition Backpack===
In order to properly display sensor imaging and readouts, as well as the microtransporter's targeting reticule, the TR-240 requires a HUD-compatible device of some origin. These can range anywhere from security eyepieces to [[Tal Ravis]]' modified goggles to [[Class 1K Advanced Cybernetic Exoskeleton|Class 1K]] and [[Class 1M Combat Armor|1M]] exosuit helmets. Typically, the larger the HUD surface area, the easier it is to use the weapon, as it can be otherwise difficult to discern between sensor readout, imaging, and the lock reticule.
 
===Ammunition Backpack===
While not an integral component of the TR-240 package, all kits come with a 500-round, plasticized tritanium mesh-reinforced ammunition backpack, consisting of a hardened, armored backpack and a long feed chute that attaches to the weapon, allowing for up to 500 rounds to be stored safely and in one continuous disintegrating metal belt. The feed chute has slits cut along it for flexibility, and does not have to be attached to the weapon to function. As such, some gunners take a larger ammo load of 550 rounds, using the first 50 rounds to establish fire superiority and moving to short bursts afterwards once the drooping belt catches up to the feed chute.
While not an integral component of the TR-240 package, all kits come with a 500-round, plasticized tritanium mesh-reinforced ammunition backpack, consisting of a hardened, armored backpack and a long feed chute that attaches to the weapon, allowing for up to 500 rounds to be stored safely and in one continuous disintegrating metal belt. The feed chute has slits cut along it for flexibility, and does not have to be attached to the weapon to function. As such, some gunners take a larger ammo load of 550 rounds, using the first 50 rounds to establish fire superiority and moving to short bursts afterwards once the drooping belt catches up to the feed chute.


==Disadvantages==
===Integrally Suppressed Barrel===
{{Quote|The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain!|Montgomery Scott}}
After noise complaints during prolonged combat on [[Nimbus Station]], plans were drafted to create an integrally suppressed barrel for use with all M240 STs. Taking an existing 7.62x51mm suppressor and elongating it, the suppressor features an added microtransporter unit built into the barrel end, and reduces firing noise by a factor of ~30 dB. These are fully interchangeable with regular barrels, and add an additional 4 pounds onto the weapon's already hefty weight.
[[File:Powercell.png|200px|thumb|right|A typically-sized small device power cell.]]
There are several key disadvantages to the TR-240 system that prevent it from seeing widespread acceptance in [[Solas Tempus]] service.
 
The first of these is weight and bulk, as the target detector, IFF transponder, and microtransporter weigh about 10 pounds combined, thus increasing the weight of the M240 ST to almost 30 pounds unloaded. While the weight of the backpack varies with ammunition load, the entire system is considerably heavier than any other infantry weapon employed by [[Solas Tempus]], bar semi-mobile [[phaser]] cannons and some variants of the [[Mark 1 Railgun]]. On the flip side, the need to aim and provide accurate fire is reduced entirely, assuming the weapon system is functioning, and the operator only really has to be capable of carrying it all.
 
Endurance is perhaps the largest issue, as in addition to the weight bearing down on those going on patrols or extended missions, the target detector, transponder, and transporter each have their own separate power cells, which are small, delicate items that aren't easily exchangable in field conditions. The maximum endurance of the TR-240 system is 8 hours, although operators may begin seeing issues with sensor output as early as 5 hours into an operation.
 
In crowded areas, especially during temporal missions, the TR-240's IFF transponder will identify friendlies, but will mark all those it does not recognize as friendly as unknown, as it cannot confirm foe status. This can lead to issues with collateral damage, especially at longer ranges where targets are harder to discern from background clutter and one another.


Additionally, the finnicky nature of the microtransporter and sensor array means that properly shielded targets cannot be locked on to, although the transporter can be remodulated to match shield harmonics. Early versions of the microtransporter muzzle attachment, taken as exact copies of the TR-116's, had a tendency to shake themselves apart during sustained automatic fire as they weren't designed to handle the pressure and muzzle blast of a high-powered automatic weapon. While this has been remedied somewhat, the inner barrel liner of the microtransporter must be replaced after 3000 rounds, lest it break and potentially damage the microtransporter unit itself.  
===Class 1M Motor Assistance Arm===
Created from more of an accident than anything else, the Class 1M MAA is a cannibalized tritanium mesh "third arm" exoskeleton device designed to attach to an armor plate at any angle by means of an interference-resistant magnetic clamp. It features three motor assistance unit "joints", and has an overall length of roughly a meter fully extended. It feeds from a high-endurance power cell attached to the magnetic clamp on the armor, and attaches where the carrying handle normally would be.


It is not a stealthy weapon, either, despite the nature of engagements, as while the bullet is transported away, the gasses, blast, and flash remain, making it hard to conceal without a lengthy, heavy sound suppressor. Additionally, as there is no flash suppressor, the operator can be temporarily blinded when firing in dark areas or at nighttime, on top of revealing their position.
When used, it takes more than half of the weight of the weapon off of the operator's arms, allowing them to move it at will without difficulty. Additionally, it helps absorb the recoil impulses, allowing for accurate fire while moving rapidly. The gun-end of the harness features a gyroscopic stabilizer, helping to keep the weapon upright, while a magclamp strip can be attached along the arm closest to the body in order to attach the weapon physically to the operator. However, it is a relatively clunky, power cell-reliant tool, meaning that it's not a replacement for a sling nor is it intended to be a crutch for a less-skilled weapon operator.


The last major concern is effective range, as the sensor can only really see targets at 400 meters (outdoors) and 90 meters (indoors). This is lower than most infantry arms employed by [[Solas Tempus]], with the exception of some personal handguns.
[[Category:Advanced Weaponry]]

Latest revision as of 16:44, 14 February 2018

An M240 ST, the platform for which the TR-240 ATWP was designed for.

The TRX-240A Automated Transporter Weapons Package is a family of experimental upgrade kits designed for the M240 ST family of medium machine guns, originally inspired by Starfleet Security's TR-116 rifle and (somewhat morbidly) Lieutenant Chu'lak's serial killing spree, that consists of several devices that when combined, allow an M240 ST to act as an autonomously-targeting microtransporter-assisted smart weapon. M240 STs equipped with the upgrade package are designated TR-240 or are colloquially referred to as Smartguns.

Design

The experimental 1K/240 ISH, shown from the front and right sides.

Class 1M/SG Integrated Smartgun Systems Helmet

Based off of the Class 1M Combat Armor helmet unit and designed with input from two Spartan supersoldiers, the Class 1M/SG is intended to provide TRX-240A operators (referred hereon to as "Smartgunners") with a highly-protected all-in-one unit for all of the sensory devices employed by the TR-240 kit. Unlike the normal Class 1M helmet, there is no full-face visor screen; instead, there is a large blast-resistant plasticized tritanium-mesh shield that fully encases the front of the helmet, with a small aperture for the exographic sensor.

The helmet itself is relatively lightweight, even with the target detector, IFF transponder, lifesign detector, and exographic sensor all on the front side of the helmet. Moving all of the sensors up to the helmet behind a thick layer of shielding provides several benefits over mounting them on the rails: firstly, they are no longer exposed to the elements. Mud, snow, rain, and other items may obstruct or inhibit operation of devices like the target detector if they get caked along the lenses. The Class 1M/SG helmet subverts this by connecting the devices to the armor's internal environmental control system, and it is also insulated from heat by the coolant layer. Secondly, the need for a large, unwieldy helmet-cuing device is eliminated, as the smartgunner no longer has to manage two variables (HUD/helmet-cuing aperture and weapon orientation) at the same time.

Lacking a proper physical visor, the Class 1M/SG ISSH helmet incorporates technology found in the Ocular Head Up Display to compensate. Wired to the shield and the zoom-adjustable exographic sensor are an adjustable pair of either Ocular HUD lenses or a single wider low-profile goggle unit. Sensor images are projected onto the lenses themselves or onto the smartgunner's retinas, allowing them full situational awareness with heavy full-face protection. The 360-degree passive sensor from the Ocular HUD is retained, which displays on a HUD segment. Communications are provided by a heavier-duty comms headset with adjustable microphone, and are wired directly into the helmet and to the Solas Tempus communicator for ease of access.

The helmet is completely compatible with pressurized exosuits, although a special carbon nano-fiber mesh balaclava must be worn underneath the helmet to provide a full seal. With two external buttons, the entire visor can be lifted up to allow use of the mark 1 eyeballs, although if the suit is pressurized, the buttons must be held simultaneously for at least 30 seconds to begin depressurizing the suit.

The Class 1M/SG helmet is fully compatible with the TR-240 even without an accompanying armor suit. Power is provided by high-density plasma batteries in the back the helmet, which are fully protected by Class 1M tritanium hard armor, with a special density agent added to serve additionally as a counterweight for the forward-mounted systems. Solas Tempus R&D expects to be able to ship functional Class 1M/SG helmets to smartgunners within the next month, providing a device that better enhances the TR-240's effectiveness.

TRX-240A Microtransporter Unit

The TRX-240A, referred to informally as just the Smartgun kit like it's predecessor, is a modification to the original TR-240 kit that serves to "trim the fat" by simplifying the design and removing unused or otherwise useless features. Key improvements include a radical redesign of the microtransporter unit, going for a proprietary design with a fitted flash suppressor, and the relocation of all external components to the Class 1M/SG helmet.

Due to the varying effective range, the transporter has only been designed to project items out to 500 meters, making it a relatively smaller attachment than the original's, which had a range that could transport the bullet across DS9 and then some.

A 10-round belt of 7.62x33mm caseless rounds with transparent combustible casing, for R&D demonstration purposes.

M240 ST/A/B

The M240 ST/A/B variants are specialized derivatives of the M240 ST designed specifically for use with smartgun kits. The first variant, the A, is a gas-operated, open-bolt machine gun similar to the original M240 ST, firing it's own 7.62x33mm Caseless rounds. This variant was entirely experimental, and was phased out upon introduction of the B variant, which takes the operating system from the PDW-30/C, beefs it up, and allows for full ammunition commonality with the 30/C platform. Major differences include an internal gas coolant system, which fires in event of a detected ammunition cookoff, and a significant weight reduction from the standard M240 ST - the weapon only weighs 11 pounds unloaded, while ammunition weighs 55% less than standard cased M118 ammunition. The barrel is made from a specialized composite alloy, practically eliminating the need for additional barrels in the field and making up for the larger, microtransporter tipped barrels that assistant gunners had to carry if the original fluted design overheated. Like the PDW-30/C, the M240 ST/B features an ammo counter and HUD-uplinked temperature sensors, as well as an action locking mechanism to prevent cookoffs.

Class 1M Ammunition Backpack

While not an integral component of the TR-240 package, all kits come with a 500-round, plasticized tritanium mesh-reinforced ammunition backpack, consisting of a hardened, armored backpack and a long feed chute that attaches to the weapon, allowing for up to 500 rounds to be stored safely and in one continuous disintegrating metal belt. The feed chute has slits cut along it for flexibility, and does not have to be attached to the weapon to function. As such, some gunners take a larger ammo load of 550 rounds, using the first 50 rounds to establish fire superiority and moving to short bursts afterwards once the drooping belt catches up to the feed chute.

Integrally Suppressed Barrel

After noise complaints during prolonged combat on Nimbus Station, plans were drafted to create an integrally suppressed barrel for use with all M240 STs. Taking an existing 7.62x51mm suppressor and elongating it, the suppressor features an added microtransporter unit built into the barrel end, and reduces firing noise by a factor of ~30 dB. These are fully interchangeable with regular barrels, and add an additional 4 pounds onto the weapon's already hefty weight.

Class 1M Motor Assistance Arm

Created from more of an accident than anything else, the Class 1M MAA is a cannibalized tritanium mesh "third arm" exoskeleton device designed to attach to an armor plate at any angle by means of an interference-resistant magnetic clamp. It features three motor assistance unit "joints", and has an overall length of roughly a meter fully extended. It feeds from a high-endurance power cell attached to the magnetic clamp on the armor, and attaches where the carrying handle normally would be.

When used, it takes more than half of the weight of the weapon off of the operator's arms, allowing them to move it at will without difficulty. Additionally, it helps absorb the recoil impulses, allowing for accurate fire while moving rapidly. The gun-end of the harness features a gyroscopic stabilizer, helping to keep the weapon upright, while a magclamp strip can be attached along the arm closest to the body in order to attach the weapon physically to the operator. However, it is a relatively clunky, power cell-reliant tool, meaning that it's not a replacement for a sling nor is it intended to be a crutch for a less-skilled weapon operator.

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