Pegasus IFS

## Overview

The Pegasus IFS is a 105mm Multi-Mortar Indirect Fire System currently in service within many elements of the Iron Horde. Designed by explosive weapons manufacturer Boerelem in Y4148, The weapon is the latest result of the Iron Horde's light infantry support weapon program. The mortar has a staggering range of five kilometers, launching three 105mm mortars simultaneously, creating a killzone 50m in diameter at the point of impact. Iterations of the weapon has been used in numerous campaigns throughout its lifespan, including the Collingian Civil War and the War of Wian's Wrath. When used by a competent mortar team, the Pegasus IFS can vaporize entire squads of PVT infantry, causing the remaining survivors to flee for their lives.

### History

During the late Y3550s, the nascent Iron Federation began examining mortars to act as a light infantry support weapon. The Iron Ordinance Department eventually settled on a 105 mm design from Boerelem, an ordnance engineering firm, and purchased a license to build the weapon. The model was standardized as the Pegasus IFS Mk I. Testing took place in late Y3558, and the first production of units started early in the next year. The weapon was used by the IF throughout the Collingian Civil War by the Iron Horde Combat Engineer Battalion. It saw service again in the counter-insurgency efforts against Wian's Wrath, and by IC Desert Warfare Dunetroopers in the Gulf of Kemet during related operations for the 1st Battle of Bulwark.

In Y4145 after the Iron Coalition's defeat at Bulwark the IOD re-examined the efficacy of many of their weapon systems, one of which was the Pegasus IFS. To improve efficacy, it was suggested that the number of barrels be increased from one to three. Put simply, "more barrels, more firepower". More technically speaking, the IOD was looking to increase the kill-zone radius without having to re-tool their production facilities for a larger mortar/round. The IOD went to their original supplier Boerelem to create the new design. The initial testing of the improved Pegasus did not perform as hoped, with inconsistencies in accuracy within the point of impact being a persistent problem. It was not until Boerelem made significant improvements to the disposable connector launch array did the new design perform as intended.

### Features

#### Programmable Launch Array

The primary mechanism that allows the modern Pegasus IFS to operate is its programmable launch array (PLA). The PLA is the disposable device that connects the bundle of three mortar rounds and allows them to fire simultaneously. As the bundle is fired and the rounds reach a certain altitude, the PLA will break open, allowing the rounds to separate and cover a large area. The device is programmable, allowing the operator to determine at what point the PLA disengages, hence controlling the impact spread of the fired ordinance.

#### Ammunition Types

##### High explosive (HE)

An explosive shell used against infantry and other light area targets. It has a minimum range of 200m when fired without a boosting charge at a 65° angle and a maximum range of 2,000m when fired with four boosting charges at a 45° angle

##### Cinderite Burner Shell

A shell filled with a pressurized Cinderite powder compound that activates on impact. Similar in purpose to old-world phosphorus shells, except with a much higher casualty potential. If personnel are hit by activated Cinderite, the fragments will continue to burn inside the wound. They need to be evacuated to a hospital to have emergency surgery to remove the fragments.

##### Illuminating Cartridge

a pyrotechnic long range flare shell used for night missions that need lighting to aid in observation.

##### Tactical Smoke Shells

A traditional high volume smoke shell that produces a thick, heavy sheet of smoke at point of impact that obscures enemy vision and allows friendlies to advance on enemy positions.