Gyrocs
Gyrostabilized rocket launchers fire spin-stabilized rockets the size of bullets. Primitive TL7 rocket pistols such as the Gyrojet were notably inaccurate and slow to accelerate. TL9 developments in rocket fuels and microelectromechanical systems stabilize even unguided rockets, and allow miniaturized homing systems at extra cost. (Not all "gyrocs" actually use gyrostabilization – some have smart skins that steer them in flight via tiny aerodynamic bumps or fins.)
Since they are propelled by a rocket motor, gyrocs have a flat trajectory with a maximum range similar to the 1/2D range. Gyroc launchers are also light compared to conventional guns – almost half a typical gyroc weapon's weight is its ammunition. They're effectively recoilless, and quieter than ordinary guns. The hissing sound the rockets make is hard to localize: a Hearing roll is needed to spot the firer by sound alone.
Gyrocs have a few disadvantages. They're less accurate than conventional bullets. Also, like most rockets, they take some time to accelerate: divide their piercing damage by 3 at one or two yards and by 2 at three to 10 yards. This limits their utility as civilian or police weapons unless using specialized (e.g., explosive) ammunition. Gyroc ammo is also bulky and expensive, which limits the number of shots their magazines can be loaded with. Users often rely on homing ammunition (see Gyroc Micromissiles, below), substituting precision for volume of fire.
Gyroc Launcher Table
GUNS (GYROC) (DX-4, or most other Guns at -4)
| TL | Weapon | Damage | Acc | Range | Weight | RoF | Shots | ST | Bulk | Rcl | Cost | LC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Gyroc Carbine, 15mm | 6d pi++ | 2 | 1,900 | 4/1 | 3 | 10(3) | 7† | -3 | 1 | $500 | 2 | — |
| 9 | Gyroc Launch Pistol, 15mm | 6d pi++ | 1 | 1,900 | 2/0.7 | 3 | 6(3) | 10 | -2 | 1 | $300 | 3 | — |
| 9 | Gyroc LSW, 15mm | 6d pi++ | 2 | 1,900 | 12/3 | 10 | 30(5) | 10† | -4 | 1 | $1,400 | 1 | — |
| 9 | Gyroc Pistol, 15mm | 6d pi++ | 1 | 1,900 | 1/0.4 | 3 | 4(3i) | 9 | -2 | 1 | $200 | 3 | — |
| 9 | Holdout Gyroc, 15mm | 6d pi++ | 0 | 1,900 | 0.25/0.1 | 1 | 1(3i) | 6 | -1 | 1 | $50 | 3 | — |
| 9 | Underbarrel Gyroc, 15mm | 6d pi++ | 2 | 1,900 | 1.5/0.7 | 3 | 6(3) | 6† | – | 1 | $150 | 2 | [1] |
Notes:
Gyroc Ammunition Table
| TL | Ammo | WPS | CPS | LC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 15mm gyroc | 0.1 | $5 | 3 |
| 9 | 15mm micromissile | 0.1 | $50 | 3 |
Gyroc Micromissiles (TL9)
Gyrocs are often equipped with homing projectiles (sometimes called "micromissiles" or "viper gyrocs") – see Homing Projectiles. Micromissiles are quite expensive, so troops may not be issued full magazines of them, receiving a few as "silver bullets" in addition to the regular gyroc ammo load.