A35 Jakkal

## Overview

The A35 Jakkal is the predecessor weapon platform to the A64 Jackhammer GPMG, in use by the Royal Collingian Military throughout much of the Collingian Empire's reign. It was first tested in Y2848, introduced in Y2852, and issued to units in Y2857. It was the first machine gun to utilize the powerful 10mm x 56mm Perforator Round, becoming a deadly force on the battlefield. While the weapon system could output an immense amount of firepower, it suffered from habitual overheating issues, which prevented prolonged use for any length of time. Such persistent issues would eventually be addressed, and result in the current design of the A64 Jackhammer GPMG.

### History

By the end of the Thulian Empire's reign, battle tactics and technology had evolved past low-output small arms and sheer overwhelming manpower. The invention of the Cyclon Circuit heralded an age of precise manufacturing designs at record output, making previously impossible or untenable inventions now a reality. Engineers at the Mckinney Ordinance Factory wasted no time in leveraging this new technology, designing a rifle that cycled itself using Sapius Gas. This weapon System was named the A12 J1S (Jakkal 1 Sapius). The design, while clean and efficient, would require troops to carry not only ammunition slugs, but also cartridges of volatile Sapius Gas, which could pose many dangers on the battlefield if accidentally detonated. Engineers searched for another source of ignition, until they were able to create a relatively inert flake-like amalgam of low- strength Daxite and a mediating substrate, most likely Actonium-1916. This high-velocity propellant was key in creating the pressures needed to drive the operation of their new design.

To compliment the new substance, MOF engineers opted for a novel 10mm X 56mm cartridge capped with a fractally scored tungstenite head, commonly known as a "Perforator" bullet. Until now, a proper propellant and weapon system to launch such a projectile could not be produced with current chemical and manufacturing techniques. Testing of the design started Y2848, with the main focus being the tweaking of the weapon chamber's structural integrity as well as balancing the amount of propellant needed in order to actuate the cycling mechanism.

As testing progressed, engineers ran into never-before-seen overheating issues. Current gun barrels were not designed to withstand the tremendous amount of heat generated by the new propellant and weapon's high rate of fire. To combat this, the barrel's thickness was increased, as well as a Mellidinum alloy cooling baffle attached to its outside. This upgrade managed to keep the barrel cool enough to operate in short, intentional bursts indefinitely, but continuous fire could not be achieved. Fireteams would eventually be equipped with two extra barrels while on deployment in the case of an overheat while in combat.

#### Combat Use

As stated before, the A35 Jakkal saw combat throughout much of the Collingian Empire's reign. The weapon was a favorite of the Plaid Guard, an outfit of elite Collingian soldiers, known for laying down withering amounts of fire to suppress and crush out their enemies. Perhaps the most famous instance of its use was during the Battle of Melnea Cass, where squads of Plaid Guard Heavy Gunners entrenched at Melnea Cass Hydro Dam were able to fend off incessant waves of enraged Fortis Rax zealots long enough for Collingian Regulars to mobilize. This battle legitimized the Jakkal's use as a force multiplier, as one man could now engage entire squads of enemy troops and emerge victorious.

Other notable uses include:

* The Ancisus Rebellion
* Battle of Tarbox Ridge
* Battle of Walgren Forest
* Alsynnia's Massacre