- "While "small area" RPGs and grenades have become common in modern weaponry, Hyperdyne has pushed further into a rapid fire, very condensed explosive, allowing users to blanket an area with powerful anti–personnel explosions with minimal collateral damage."
- ―Profile of the Microburst (from Aliens: Fireteam Elite)
The Microburst was an automatic–firing rocket–propelled grenade launcher manufactured by Hyperdyne Systems and used by the Union of Progressive Peoples. It was later licensed for use by the United States Colonial Marine Corps.
Development
With its contemporary launchers relying either on systems of mounted 'ejection motors' on the projectile or ejecting countermass to the rear, Hyperdyne Systems designed the Microburst to meet a request from the UPP Ministry of Defense for a human-portable rocket launcher that could be used safely in freefall by the Union of Progressive Peoples' Space Operating Forces. The design team devised a harness-stabilized launcher that replaced chemical ejection motors with linear electromagnetic accelerators.[1]
Overview
Though the Microburst's individual warheads were lightweight and possessed less than half the explosive power of its United Americas equivalents, the electromagnetic mechanism allowed fully automatic fire, and the stock magazine could hold sixteen rounds. While relatively ineffective against armor, multiple rockets launched from the Microburst could quickly saturate a wide area with shockwaves and shrapnel. However, phenomena such as solar flares could disrupt the electromagnetic mechanism and cause the Microburst to misfire.[1]
Notable users
Originally manufactured in 2173 for the Union of Progressive Peoples' Space Operating Forces, the weapon was later licensed for use with the United States Colonial Marine Corps.[1]
Behind the scenes
The Microburst appears in Aliens: Fireteam Elite as part of the Season 2 update and can be purchased from Staff Sergeant Han-jae Park for 9600 Requisition Points. It can be used by Demolisher and Lancer classes.
Appearances
Gallery
References
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