Gyrocs

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 Weapons (TL9)

Gyrocs are available in several configurations. Typical gyroc weapons include:

Gyroc Carbine, 15mm: This is a popular infantry weapon, especially when loaded with armor-piercing explosive rockets (such as HEMP ammunition).

Gyroc Launch Pistol, 15mm: A semi-automatic magazine-fed rocket pistol.

Gyroc Light Support Weapon, 15mm: An electrically powered machine gun-sized gyroc with a large ammunition cassette and full automatic fire capability. A B cell provides up to 15 minutes continuous fire.

Gyroc Pistol, 15mm: A simple and compact weapon – basically a four-shot revolver. Different rockets can be loaded in each chamber.

Holdout Gyroc, 15mm: Also called the "sleeve gyroc," this is an single-shot rocket launcher. It’s often worn attached above the wrist.

Underbarrel Gyroc, 15mm: An alternative to a grenade launcher, this compact weapon is designed to be clamped onto (or built into) an assault rifle for extra firepower. Use the Bulk, ST, and sighting bonuses of the weapon it is installed in.

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.

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:

[1] May be attached to any weapon of Bulk -3 to -6; use that weapon's Bulk.

Gyroc Ammunition Table

TL	Ammo	WPS	CPS	LC
9	15mm gyroc	0.1	$5	3
9	15mm micromissile	0.1	$50	3