M739C Squad Automatic Weapon

"The M122, its a fine weapon, but just too long. Now the M81C, that is a fine weapon. Its a carbine essentially, handles like one too!"

- UNSC Special Forces Operatives

The M81C ULMG is the UNSC's standard lightened LMG, giving units a lighter and adaptable light support weapon, when the M122 is too large and heavy. This allows squad based units to produce triple their normal amount of firepower against infantry targets. The weapon features a SB-7 polymer body with heat-resistant metal alloy components, meaning the M81C requires neither mid-battle barrel changes nor maintenance, allowing for rapid, uninterrupted fire for long periods, though due to lack of thermal transfer systems in certain versions and need for air cooling it does have to pause due to the firing mechanism heating up from heat run off and could potentially cook off the belt, though the gun fits a inbuilt guage linking to the operators HUD that allows them to halt before critical temperature is reached. Some versions fit a bipod and has adaptable stocks for various combat duties. In all versions it fits a reciever mounted Misriah Rail. The very most basic version fits a collapsable stock, two forward Misriah Rails, a X-rail but fits no thermal transfer system.

Uses
The primary function is that of a LSW or SAW, providing covering or automatic fire for a unit, giving them adaptable and mobile firebases. The weapon is primarily used amongst ODSTs, airborne and special forces where it small size makes it a premium choice.

Operation
The weapon is an air cooled, gas operated, belt fed, automatic weapon. The M81C uses the same gas operating system as the M122. It is operated using conventional gas action with the gas piston located below the barrel, and the barrel is locked using the traditional rotary bolt. The M81C has an alternative feed system, which allows to use disintegrating nitrocellulose bindings as a primary feed option, or MA6A magazines as a back-up feed option. The belt is feed using the top feed unit, the magazines are inserted through the magazine port, located at the left side of the receiver and angled down. The Flip-up dust cover closes the magazine port when it is not in use, serving also as a belt guide. When magazine is in place, this cover raises up and closes the belt-way to avoid dual feeds and jams. Since the belt feed uses additional power to pull the belt through the gun, the rate of fire with the belt is somewhat slower that it could be using conventional magazine. The drums are loaded manually, with the magazine being feeded by hand into the mechanism.

Variations
Mark 13 Mod: This mod is produced under licence by Misriah a features a bipod and a thermal transfer system but no forward rails and a solid polymer stock. It is more reliable and rugged but heavier and longer.

Mark 15 Mod: This mod, made by UAE Systems, features a bipod, full stock, no thermal transfer system, two forward misriah rails and a X-rail