Weapon: Mag-16
Type: Railgun
Operators: The Magnetic Assembly, The American Union
Manufacturer: The Magnetic Assembly
Introduced: 2316

Length: 140 centimeters
Weight: 25lb

Ammunition: Tungston Rods
Capacity: 5

Originally developed in 2316, the MAG-16 was a product of a hybrid weapon system research project. The end goal of the project was to build a high-reliability hybrid gun system that would use a conventional round that was enhanced by a rail launching system. In order to get there a testbed was needed for railgun systems, which would end up becoming the rail-only MAG-16.

The weapon would be produced in small batches to test manufacturing techniques and to fill some highly specialized requests. By 2320 small numbers of them could be found among specialty units and enthusiasts. Additional batches are occasionally produced, and can usually be procured upon request.

The weapon has a very traditional layout: Stock and charging handle in the rear, angled grip in the middle, rail gun in the front. They are typically equipped with a 5 round magazine that also includes the weapon’s battery pack. There is a mounting rail for an optic on top, as well as a dataport in the stock to physically connect to the shooter if the wireless is disabled. Typically the weapon also has a bipod attached in the front. A basic safety selector is also located right above the handle.

The electronics onboard can be remotely set to use as much or as little of the attached power source’s energy as the user likes. With the typical 5 round magazine all of the power can be dumped into the first round, firing extremely high velocity rounds that are powerful enough to shatter heavy armor at the cost of faster rail breakdown and recoil far in excess of what a human can safely tolerate.

The practicality and usage of the weapon wasn't really considered over the production of the weapon system as a curiosity. The extensive weight of the launch system and the batteries make it somewhat impractical for a standard soldier to use, however it is still highly viable as an emplaced weapon system. It tends to be deployed with units who have time to prepare a position, or that can mount the weapon on a vehicle.

While it isn't as suitable for dealing with heavy armor as various shoulder-launched missiles, it does have some applications as an anti-material system for destroying weapons or light vehicles.

Tungston Rods

The original model produced in 2316.

A test model developed in 2318, the CRAB has three bipods with fully articulated legs, a larger power source, and a side-mounted optic with built in range finder and LIDAR. The fully articulating bipods are strong enough to move the gun about, allowing it to aim itself once placed.