A14-M Centurion HMG

## Overview

The A14-M Centurion HMG is a 14mm heavy machinegun currently in use by the Iron Coalition. It was designed by Arnold DuPlessis of the Swartwolf Engineering Group (SWEG) in Y4045 under the auspices of the Iron Ordinance Department. The weapon system has many uses, but it is most effective against infantry, unarmored or lightly armored vehicles and boats, light fortifications, and low-flying aircraft. The gun has been used extensively as a vehicle weapon and for naval armament by the IC since Y4050. It was heavily used during the war of Wian's Wrath, 1st Battle of Saltstraumen, the 1st Battle of Bulwark, and the 2nd Battle of Saltstraumen. It is the primary heavy machine gun of the IC and is also in use by certain elements of the Velocitan Military. IC forces have used the A14 longer than any other firearm except the B7 Solace, which was designed by John Brownstark. The weapon is extremely deadly in the hands of a skilled operator, and can pin down entire platoons of enemy troops with ease. It is colloquially known as "The Thumper" due to its slow but heavy rate of fire, so intense that those close feel a rattling thump in their chests when rounds go off.

### History

During the turbulent times of the late Y3900's and early Y4000's, machine guns were widely deployed, and weapons larger than rifle caliber were used on both sides of the fight, particularly during the conflict with rebel group Wian's Wrath. The uranite-composite gear and armor that was being fielded both on the ground and in the air necessitated stronger rounds to be defeated. in Y4042 SWEG began their design of a weapon system that would meet the growing demand for a larger and more powerful round. The first 14mm-caliber machine gun underwent trials in the first tetrast of Y4043. It fired at less than 400 rounds per minute, and the muzzle velocity was only 600 m/s. Cartridge improvements were promised. The weapon was heavy, challenging to use, discharged too slowly to be considered anti-personnel duty, and lacked sufficient armor-piercing capability.

Efforts by DuPlessis and SWEG yielded the baffle-cooled 14mm caliber A14-M Centurion machine gun, along with a separate variant for anti-air duties. From Y4043 to Y4045, these weapons were utilized in experimental capacities. They had flimsy barrels, and were prone to over-heating after only moderate use. Service trials highlighted questions regarding the guns' suitability for use in aircraft or as anti-aircraft weapons. For ground vehicles, a uranite-reinforced barrel was under consideration.

While DuPlessis died in Y4051 of Bloedhoes, his work was continued by SWEG where they studied the design problems of the A14 and the needs of the armed services. Their efforts resulted in seven different types of receivers that could be made from a single design using various jackets, barrels and other parts. Right or left side feed capability was added. Another sister project (the A14-P) was also developed that allowed the weapon system to be mounted to a Powered Assault Chassis (PAC), a novel technology at the time.

### Features

#### Fire Control Group

While the A14's design is somewhat antiquated when compared to other weapon system currently deployed, much effort has been made to update and modernize its operation for maximum effectiveness. Modification's have been made to the A14's fire control group to allow for the remote interfacing of vehicle-born control-aim systems and prioritization algorithms. This allows the A14 to assume the role of a quasi-autonomous sentry turret, although a gunner must be present to actually fire and load the weapon.

#### Barrel

There are a number of possible barrel options for the A14 depending on the situation. When mounted to vehicles with an onboard power system, gunners will often opt for a Trexxas Firestorm Barrel. More of a receiver as well as new barrel, this upgrade allows the barrel itself to rapidly spin, imparting gyrostabilization to the fired projectile in addition to the traditional rifle barreling. Many soldiers swear by this upgrade, claiming they can reach out to twice the range of a stock A14.