MA42 Individual Combat Weapon System

The MA42 Individual Combat Weapon System is a 7.62x51mm assault rifle, designed and manufactured by Misriah Arms and Munitions; it serves as the standard service rifle for the UNSCDF's ground-based infantry forces. Initially developed in 2542 for use by UNSC Army Infantrymen, the MA42 has since become ubiquitous among UNSC ground infantry, due to its combat effectiveness and sheer reliability in harsh conditions.

Design Details
The MA42 ICWS, which locks via a rotating bolt and possesses a bullpup configuration, operates via Blowback Shifted Pulse, a method first developed and utilized in the 21st Century by Gennadiy Nikonov, with the Russian AN-94 assault rifle. By having a pulley activate a cartridge feeding device when the bolt carrier is driven back by the gas from the cartridge, the MA42 is effectively able to achieve a much higher rate of fire than would be normally possible in the first two rounds fired. In addition, these two rounds impact at roughly the same location on the target, making the MA42 highly effective at penetrating conventional body armour.

External design features of the MA42 include a muzzle brake, flash suppressor, side-folding stock, and rail mounts for the attachment of electronic and/or optical scopes, grenade launchers, fire control modules, and various other equipment.