Light Modular Striker Weapon System

The Light Modular Striker Weapon System (LMSWS, production name RFH-12) was the proprietary main weapon system for the striker units of the Western European Union in the Old World. Developed jointly by Rheinmetall and FN-Heckler, it was a modular system of receiver, stock and barrel that could be configured in the field for a variety of tactical situations. In post Old-World society, LMSWS parts were highly prized for their ruggedness and adaptability

## History

During the tumultous 25th century and the proliferation of MP-type strikers, the WEU military leadership decided to standardise its striker equipment so as to better equip their growing stable of machines. As such, the Modular Striker Weapon project was activated. Out of the three applicants, Rheinmetall's Rh-12 prototype was chosen over FN-Heckler's FH60 and Saab's Hillebard. However, some ideas from FN-Heckler seemed promising, especially the split-receiver design, and FN-Heckler was subcontracted by order to assist with the production of the finalised weapon system.

After its release, the LMSWS was rapidly rolled out to striker units around the WEU. It received praise from soldiers for its ruggedness and ease of maintenance, as well as the speed at which reconfiguration could be performed in the field. However, its high cost discouraged mercenary units from buying them, and a sizeable black market demand sprang up. Many LMSWS shipments found their way into the hands of unscrupulous actors like terrorist cells and the local warlords of lawless Central Asia, greatly strengthening their arsenal.

## Design

The LMSWS was designed to be a modular gun system, with every part interchangeable and intercompatible. In that way, it can be seen as a reduction of the Frame concept to weapon form. The main parts of the LMSWS are the lower receiver, which is standard between all units, the upper receiver, the barrel and the stock. The lower receiver contains the pistol grip and the chain assembly that provide power to the cycling system. The upper receiver and barrel are the main components that are changed out, because they dictate the firing characteristics of the weapon, from calibre to power. Furthermore, the upper receiver-barrel assembly was designed to be compatible with standard striker-size weapon attachments like scopes and flashlights. Generally, the upper receivers came in two types: closed-bolt for most configurations and open-bolt for automatic configurations. The available stocks varied in length, from short auto-carbine stocks to longer, solid marksman ones.

## Configurations

* **"S" Configuration:** Standard medium-ranged configuration that fires 25mm rounds.
* **"C" Configuration:** Close-quarters combat configuration with a shortened barrel and stock.
* **"M" Configuration:** Marksman configuration with a longer stock and barrel that fires 35mm rounds.
* **"A" Configuration:** Automatic configuration with two variants: the AL variant fires 30mm rounds while the AH variant fires 35mm rounds. It is designed to work with the barrels from the M configuration if the native barrels are not available.
* **"V" Configuration:** A configuration that converts the LMSWS into a 35mm vehicle-mounted weapon. It is mounted using a port on the upper receiver, which has a trigger adapter that is remotely activated. It is designed so that striker units can remove it from a vehicle and use it without performance deterioration. Personnel reported that it had similar performance to the AH configuration.