G23-M Bliksem GMG

== Overview ==
The G23-M Bliksem is the weapon system the Iron Horde deploys when it wants to destroy something with extreme prejudice. The G23 is a 50mm automatic belt-fed grenade machine gun, capable of launching explosive projectiles up to 400m at 500 rounds per minute with extreme accuracy. The slow, methodical "ka-chunk" sound of its gas blowback operation sends any PVT soldier with an ounce of common sense diving for a trench. The weapon is commonly mounted on armored vehicles such as the Black Anvil MBT or the Wildcat Assault Recon Vehicle. It utilizes the Raserig Round, which can pierce armor up to three inches thick, producing fragments to kill within 10 meters and wound within 30 meters at point of impact. The weapon was designed in Y3560 by engineers at Fujisaka Defense, Inc. under the auspices of the SOMC. To this day it serves as an effective and deadly tool in the Iron Horde's arsenal.
=== History ===
In Y3556 the collapse of the Collingian Empire brought civil war to the western Primus Territory. At the time, the Sons of Marloth Commonwealth (SOMC) controlled the city of Napier and the surrounding land and waterways. In anticipation of the coming conflict, they sought to create a number of weapons to defend their territory. One of their necessities was to protect their naval assets such as docks, ships and dams. They proffered Fujisaka Defense, Inc. to design for them an effective riverine patrol weapon that could deliver overwhelming firepower to defend their holdings in the Presby and Aorean Rivers.
in Y3558 a prototype was made, the T3 Beskadig. The weapon system worked well, however the inconsistency of the ammunition led to occasional jamming or failure to feed. By Y3559 however these issues were rectified and the T3 was pressed into service with the SOMC Navy. It was not long after however that the SOMC was invaded by the neighboring Iron Coalition, before they were fully mobilized. To their dismay they were never able to test the weapon system in the heat of battle. As with many other inventions and weapons in the SOMC's arsenal, the IC took the T3 for their own, giving it the nomenclature G1 Bliksem. After the Coalition's territory stabilized, a Product Improvement Program was initiated in the late Y4020s resulting in the G16 Mod. This improvement thickened the receiver and breech, allowing for the use of more powerful ammunition such as the new (at the time) Raserig Round. 
In the Y4040's and into the the Y4050's the G16 was used in a riot control capacity during the long period of PVT civil unrest and strife, which culminated in the event known as Allimana's Tears. The weapon system was loaded with teargas and beanbag rounds, beating back protestors and agitators in the nation's larger cities. This was also a time of open war in some places, where IC soldiers used the weapon system against remaining cells of Wian's Wrath Purists, conducting counter-terrorism operations in places like the Biryanis Mountain Range. Today the system serves on the IC's many vehicles, boats, aircrafts and with infantry squads as the G23-M Bliksem GMG. The weapon system was most recently used in the 2nd Battle of Saltstraumen to great effect, being mounted on the IC's L12D Minkus Heavy Patrol Boat (HPB). 
=== Features ===
==== Ammunition ====
One of the main features for the G23 is the wide range of different ammunition types that can be used, making it a truly versatile weapon system: 
===== HEDP =====
The primary ammunition used is a common 50mm high-explosive, dual-purpose round (HEDP). This allows the G23 to fire on suspected enemy positions, engage hovering rotary-wing aircraft, take out lightly armored vehicles, and deliver high-volume fire into an engagement area or provide indirect fire from covert locations. 
===== Non-Lethal =====
Objectives calling for non-lethal force can use a number of different ammunition types with the G23. The common round of choice for this application are beanbag rounds, however new developments have shown the use of waterburst rounds to be more effective and have less potential for "incidental lethality".
===== Raserig Rounds =====
Raserig Rounds are chosen when the mission objective calls for maximum lethality. When fired, the Raserig Round engages a propulsion system in its rear, propelling it to hypersonic speeds shortly after leaving the barrel. The tip of the bullet contains a matrix of wind holes that divert air pressure around the projectile, causing a cavitation effect. As the round travels through the air at immense speed, an audible and signature "screaming" sound can be heard. Upon making contact with a target the round detonates, combining with the cavitation bubble and hydrostatic pressure to obliterate its target. 
==== Potential Improvements ====
While the G23 has proved to be an effective weapon system, the Iron Horde is always looking to improve and modernize their equipment to keep a technological edge. Some initiatives include: increased muzzle velocity through a smoother barrel; increased cyclic rate due to an improved vertical cam profile to lessen the force required to charge the weapon; improved reliability with a redesigned round-positioning block to reduce the likelihood of misfires; increased durability and shortened re-assembly time after maintenance from a new cocking cam and lever; and an updates for electronics integration with modern helmet-worn targeting and telemetry systems such as the Halcyon Technologies Integrated Combat Data Display Module .
Pictured: K3B Wildcat Assault Recon Vehicle with Mounted G23-M Bliksem GMG