HS-4
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HS-4
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| Assault rifle | |||||
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| National Origin | Novenad | ||||
| Production History | |||||
| Produced | |||||
| 2190 - current | |||||
| Designer | NPO | ||||
| Number Built | 130,000 | ||||
| Variants | HS-4 XR Marksman's rifle | ||||
| Service History | |||||
| Used By | Novenad | ||||
| Specifications | |||||
| Mass | 3.2 kg empty | ||||
| Length | 744 mm | ||||
| Barrel Length | 267 mm | ||||
| Cartridge | 7.62x54mm caseless (Flechette) | ||||
| Action | Electric pulse action, closed rotating bolt | ||||
| Rate of Fire | 800-1800 (full auto or burst) rounds/minute | ||||
| Muzzle Velocity | 1100 m/s | ||||
| Effective Firing Range | 50-900 | ||||
| Feed System | KMAG 24-round polymer magazine KMAG 38-round polymer magazine |
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| Sights | KMT-13 Holographic sight KMT-12 Telescopic sight Rail mounts for various PVC optics (later models) |
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The HS-4 is a standard issue assault rifle developed by NPO and used primarily by the Novenadian Armed Forces. The rifle was designed to be as rugged as possible while reducing weight, complexity, and achieving an accuracy at least 50% higher than the previous HS-3, all while being versatile enough to be issued to infantry, navy, and special forces personnel.
Design
Using an ambitious caseless flechette ammunition, the HS-4 managed to achieve all of the design objectives set by the NAF. A significant portion of funding went into developing clean, high efficiency propellant to reduce residue and increase the reliability of the weapon. Prototyping lasted longer than planned, leading to the gun being delivered 4 years late and overbudget. Despite this, the HS-4 has proven to be a capable and versatile design, with several variants including a marksman's rifle featuring enhanced optics, an extended barrel, gyroscopic stabilization, and optional guided ammunition.
Ammunition
The 7.62x54mm caseless flechette ammunition used by the HS-4 weighs approximately 1/4th as much as comparable ammunition, and is capable of piercing heavy body armour at 900 metres. Some attempts were made at serious anti-armour capabilities, but eventually discarded in favour of the more expensive but practical MANPAT systems also in development.